The goal of a Comprehensive K-3 Reading Policy is to ensure all students read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade. A comprehensive policy ensures early identification of struggling readers and establishes intensive reading intervention for K-3 students who need more support to become successful readers. The policy focuses on demonstrated…

This document contains a model policy for state departments of education to create a Closing the Digital Divide in Education Act. The purpose of such an Act is to: (1) Raise awareness of federal and state broadband subsidy programs to ensure eligible residents, particularly those in households with K-12 students, are aware of the ability to…

This document contains a model policy for state departments of education to create a K-8 Math Act or policy. The intent of such Legislature is that each student is prepared for success in Algebra.

This document contains a model policy for state departments of education to create a K-8 Math Act or policy. The intent of such Legislature is that each student is prepared for success in Algebra I starting with 60 minutes of daily math instruction to build math proficiency in grades Kindergarten through 8 using effective, standards aligned…

With the infusion of $45 billion in federal funds through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Act and Digital Equity Act over the next five years, states are entering a time of opportunity for closing the digital divide for families. However, there is also an urgent need to strengthen their broadband workforce. Without a prepared…

Aligning educator preparation programs (EPPs) to the science of reading (SOR) is intended to ensure that elementary education, early childhood, special education educators licensed in a state as well as candidates seeking an instructional leader license have been provided with preparation that delivers a strong foundation in evidence-based…

To bridge the digital divide and fully leverage digital resources, this toolkit identifies four key policy areas for state leaders to focus on: (1) Access and infrastructure policies and best practices ensure states identify students' needs, effectively leverage funds and develop sustainable models for connectivity and device access; (2) As…

A Comprehensive early literacy policy establishes support and intensive reading interventions for K-3 students to ensure they read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade. The policy also requires 3rd grade students to demonstrate sufficient reading skills for promotion to 4th grade. For students severely below grade level and who do not qualify…

The Learn Everywhere Act provides greater flexibility for students to earn credits towards high school graduation requirements through approved learning experiences outside of the classroom. This document contains model policy for the establishment of a Learn Everywhere Act.

With school campuses shuttered due to COVID-19, the rate and level of quality of student instruction varies across the nation, states, regions and even from neighborhood to neighborhood. As the 2019-20 school year comes to a close, state leaders are considering important questions: (1) When and how should schools reopen (after it's safe from a…

The massive challenges created by 2020's global pandemic--and a renewed resolve to address educational equity--have sounded an urgent call to act on behalf of students and their future. For more than a decade, ExcelinEd has been at the forefront of a movement to transform education across America. This playbook describes ExcelinEd's broad range of…

Once dubbed Vocational Education, Career and Technical Education (CTE) celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2017. The federal Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act signed in 1917 marked the first nationwide investment in career training at the secondary level. That initial investment has continued through the Vocational Education Act,…

Focused on educational quality, innovation and opportunity--both within and outside of the traditional system--ExcelinEd advances a broad range of student-centered policy solutions that are successfully: (1) increasing student learning; (2) Readying graduates for college and career; and (3) Advancing equity. This year's annual report highlights…

Given that work-based learning (WBL) can -- and should be -- a key driver of student career readiness in these efforts, it is essential that all states have a robust work-based learning continuum of experiences and exposure that spans K-16. WBL is an essential element of career and technical education (CTE), and ExcelinEd's CTE Playbook series…

A full year of progress in advancing education reform across America is documented in each of the Foundation for Excellence in Education's Annual Reports. This report presents the broad range of initiatives that the Foundation for Excellence in Education is working on--policies that personalize the learning experience for students, that challenge…