Education

Increasing the effectiveness of education

AIR is committed to increasing the effectiveness of education at all levels through rigorous research and evaluation, training, and technical assistance. Our work spans the learning lifespan—from pre-K to postsecondary education, career readiness, and adult education—and focuses on a wide range of topics, including STEM, social and emotional learning, and state and federal education policies.

Our rigorous, state-of-the-art research and evaluation work provides important evidence for education policymakers and practitioners to use when answering crucial questions about program implementation, challenges, and solutions. Through our policy, practice, and systems change work, our experts help clients address educational issues and challenges at the local, state, national, and international levels by applying evidence-based practices in educational and community settings.

Latest Work

Image of college graduates with caps and gowns
18 Feb 2020
Policy Brief

The Lasting Benefits of Early College High Schools

Most jobs today require a postsecondary degree—and most students want to go to college. There are substantial challenges, however, in reaching the goal of college and career readiness for all students, particularly for students from low-income families and students of color. AIR conducted two rigorous impact studies and a cost-benefit study of Early Colleges in recent years.
Image of California map
5 Feb 2020
Q & A

A Learning Community for School District Leaders Promotes Evidence-Based Decision-Making

The California Collaborative on District Reform was designed to improve educational opportunities for all students, with particular emphasis on those who have been historically underserved. Joel Knudson, a senior researcher at AIR and the Collaborative’s deputy project director, answered questions about the Collaborative and its work.
3 Feb 2020
Spotlight

Career and Technical Education: Preparing Students for College and Career Success

Career and technical education (CTE) is a critical strategy for preparing youth and adults for careers and addressing the skills gap—a disparity between the skills job-seekers offer and the skills that employers need. Nationwide, AIR is supporting organizations large and small to strengthen CTE through rigorous research, evaluation, and technical assistance.
Image of RISE logo
29 Jan 2020
Webinar

RISE Webinar Series

The Research on International Studies in Education (RISE) Webinar Series, organized by AIR, showcases research using data from international studies and promotes sharing and discussion about how data-based evidence can be used for improving educational outcomes.
Infographic: Public Charter School Enrollment
23 Jan 2020
Q & A

As Charter Schools Expand, Research and Evidence-Based Practices Are Critical

Across 43 states and the District of Columbia, 7,000 charter schools now enroll more than 3 million students, according to a report co-authored by AIR. Megan Austin highlights how research and evidence-based practices can help charter management organizations and charter school leaders build capacity, develop effective teachers and leaders, and meet the needs of their students.
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