This fact sheet synthesizes research findings and survey results from parents and program providers to illustrate how afterschool programs are accelerating students' academic growth, supporting their well-being, and helping working families. Additionally, the fact sheet highlights the overwhelming support afterschool programs have from voters…

Voices from high achieving Black students allow the conversation to move from a deficit way of thinking to an asset-based perspective leading to greater opportunities for academic success. Through the lens of resilience theory and also through examining protective factors, this qualitative study employs an interpretative approach, enabling…

Microaggressions and thwarted belongingness can negatively affect one's well-being and academic achievement. This study explored the impact of microaggression and belongingness for Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students during graduate-level education. Participants in Cycle 1 consisted of students enrolled in…

This brief draws on a study of teacher working conditions and their relationship to teacher retention and school performance in North Carolina. It is part of a series of studies conducted by the Learning Policy Institute (LPI)--in collaboration with WestEd and the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at North Carolina State University--as…

The TELL Survey utilizes items representative of twenty different factors, or variables, within the domain of campus climate and culture. However, since the district began using the TELL Survey, a thorough examination of these factors and the items within each of these factors has not been conducted. This brief report aims to uncover the factor…

This study sought to understand Black male physicians' perceptions of factors that contributed to their academic success while in medical school and residency. The researcher gathered information by interviewing six Black doctors and collecting their demographic profile data. The study used a qualitative, narrative inquiry design. This research…

Developmentally appropriate homework plays a critical role in the formation of positive learning beliefs and behaviors, including a belief in one's academic ability, a deliberative and effortful approach to mastery, and higher expectations and aspirations for one's future. It can prepare children to confront ever-more-complex tasks, develop…

Foster children have been identified as one of the most high-risk groups for academic failure in schools today. However, a small number of foster youth are beating the odds by achieving academically. How are they able to overcome tremendous barriers and succeed? This phenomenological study reports the findings of former foster youth and their P-12…

This paper reported results from a qualitative analysis of assets and supports disclosed in the narratives of adult basic education students. These students were identified as exemplary by their instructors for academic achievement, hours of program attendance, or community service. Themes were identified using the "Four Pillars"…

The relationship between students' living in poverty and academic underachievement challenges schools across the nation. Poverty is particularly prevalent among children with disabilities. One detrimental condition of poverty that directly affects student development and academic achievement is food insecurity and hunger. With the increasing…

This paper examines thirty major American cities to determine how "choice-friendly" they are today. Selected for their size and geographic diversity, the cities reveal both the best and worst conditions for school choice to take root and grow. "School choice" is defined broadly to incorporate a wide range of public and private…

In order to foster educational resilience in children who face adversity, adults need a clear grasp of which factors are most relevant and motivating for these children. This study asked 50 children (ages eight to 12) who face serious life difficulties to share their perspectives on which factors support academic performance and how those factors…

It is time to rethink charter school authorization. There are approximately 5,000 charter schools in the United States (about 5 percent of schools) and a push from parents and the Department of Education for more. Given that many charters authorized during the initial wave of charter applications have not proven themselves to be any better than…

A qualitative grounded theory approach is utilized to study the academic and career trajectories of twenty African American male collegiate students living in San Bernardino, California. There is limited research that explores the positive educational experiences of young adult African American males. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to…

Several decades of research have suggested a meaningful relationship between time and learning, where the amount of time students spend engaged in learning is strongly associated with their level of achievement. Among schools that have expanded the day and/or year, researchers have found that such a strategy can be quite effective, especially with…