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

Illustration of AIR Expert Ann-Marie Faria
26 May 2020
Q & A

Meet the Expert: Ann-Marie Faria

AIR early childhood development and education expert, Ann-Marie Faria, Ph.D., focuses on quantitative research in early childhood settings, drawing on her experience as a former kindergarten and elementary school teacher. In this Q&A, she discusses her research at AIR, focused on documenting and improving quality in the early childhood mixed delivery system.
Image of hands with the word together written on them
22 May 2020
Brief

Recognizing the Role of Afterschool and Summer Programs and Systems in Reopening and Rebuilding

The need for safety, support, and trusting, reciprocal relationships is especially important as we work to rebuild and return stronger than before COVID-19. This resource describes the role that afterschool and summer programs and systems can play and offers strategies for afterschool and summer programs and school leaders to work together in support of youth, families, and the community.
21 May 2020
Brief

COVID-19 and Whole Child Efforts

Several national organizations have offered frameworks and resources for planning for the reopening school buildings closed due to COVID-19. Policymakers and practitioners will need a shared understanding of the common whole child terms and phrases as they plan and work to mobilize student supports. This resource provides definitions for key terms along with an analysis of the inclusion of these terms in the various reopening guidance documents.
Image of elementary age child doing crafts outdoors
21 May 2020
In the Field

Navigating Summertime Experiences in 2020: Helpful Resources and Support for Program Providers

Summertime provides a unique opportunity for community partners, schools, families, and young people to work together to provide programs and services that promote the social, emotional, and cognitive development of youth. AIR expert Deb Moroney discusses how such programs might be affected by the coronavirus pandemic and offers resources for program providers.
19 May 2020
Infographic

Condition of Education 2020: Home Internet Access Was Higher for Children in the Highest Income Families

In 2018, some 94 percent of 3- to 18-year-olds had home internet access: 88 percent had access through a computer, and 6 percent had access only through a smartphone. The remaining 6 percent had no internet access at home.
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