Equity
It remains a critical challenge to ensure all children—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, and/or ability—have access to a high-quality education. We are at a pivotal time where communities and schools are navigating issues of equity, poverty, and opportunity gaps against a backdrop of shifting education policy. With access to exceptional data and a multi-disciplinary team of researchers and research partners, we are able to provide unique insight into these important issues.


Learning during COVID-19: Initial research findings and 5 things we can do
In this Teach. Learn. Grow. blog, Beth Tarasawa shares key findings and actionable takeaways from research exploring how school shutdowns impacted student achievement at the start of the 2020–21 academic year.
By: Beth Tarasawa
Topics: COVID-19 & schools, Equity


Fall 2019 to fall 2020 MAP Growth attrition analysis
This study examined patterns of MAP Growth assessment attrition by schools and students from fall 2019 to fall 2020. Demographic differences between students tested in fall 2020 and attriters suggest impacts of COVID-19 on achievement are likely underestimated, highlighting the importance of considering students missing from school or assessment to best support growth and recovery.
By: Angela Johnson, Megan Kuhfeld
Topics: Equity, COVID-19 & schools


Learning during COVID-19: Initial findings on students’ reading and math achievement and growth
How have COVID-19 school closures impacted student academic growth and achievement? New research using fall 2020 MAP Growth assessment data for 4.4 million students provides new insights, key findings, and actionable recommendations.
By: Megan Kuhfeld, Beth Tarasawa, Angela Johnson, Erik Ruzek, Karyn Lewis
Topics: Equity, COVID-19 & schools, Measurement & scaling


Growth patterns and distance learning tips for students who are deaf and hard of hearing webinar
In this webinar, learn what new research shows about the academic growth trajectories of students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), and tips for supporting students who are DHH in distance learning.
By: Stephanie Cawthon, Elizabeth Barker, Johny Daniel, North Cooc, Jessica Meissner
Topics: Equity, Accessibility, Growth modeling


Mind the kinder-gap: New data on children’s math and reading skills as they enter kindergarten
Data on children’s academic preparation at kindergarten entry tell a story of both declining achievement and shrinking gaps.
By: Christine Pitts, Megan Kuhfeld
Topics: Early learning, Equity


Dual language education and academic growth
This study examined math and reading academic achievement and growth in grades 2 to 8 for Hispanic participants and nonparticipants of a Spanish-English dual language program.
By: Angela Johnson
Topics: Equity, English Language Learners, Seasonal learning patterns & summer loss


Dual identification? The effects of English Learner status on special education placement
This study examines the effects of English Learner (EL) status on subsequent Special Education (SPED) placement.
By: Mark Murphy, Angela Johnson
Topics: Equity, English Language Learners