The Yale Insights series on education reform
A wide-ranging body of research shows that schools and the larger educational system can be dramatically improved by well-designed policy interventions. Such interventions are often based on standards-based reforms, with standardized tests used to measure student learning and to hold schools accountable for their performance. Moreover, policies that promote equity in educational opportunities and outcomes can level the playing field for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and lead to greater social mobility.
However, achieving the goals of these policies requires an immense effort. First, there needs to be political alignment so that student learning is the sole focus of reform efforts—a challenge given the myriad interests that influence different actors’ behavior: Politicians might seek special benefits for specific groups, bureaucrats might protect their positions or power base, and teachers might be focused on job security. Often, these competing interests cause educational policymakers to pursue solutions that don’t advance student learning.
The second requirement is to create the conditions for student learning in schools, which involves creating new ways of supporting and rewarding teachers. This includes recruiting top talent, enhancing teacher preparation programs, supporting the rethinking of compensation and advancement models, promoting educator collaboration, and re-engaging communities in their schools. It also involves addressing the underlying causes of poor student outcomes. This may mean reducing disciplinary action, reducing excessive use of police officers in schools, and eliminating zero-tolerance policies that promote a hostile school environment.
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