Boosting students’ academic skills and content knowledge and building the competencies necessary for student success in school and beyond
Schools are responsible for teaching academic content, building conceptual understanding, and developing skills and competencies in their students. While districts strive to increase student achievement in all subject areas, accountability structures require many to focus on reading and math, making it difficult to introduce interdisciplinary initiatives and innovative programs related to science, social studies, foreign languages, and the arts. In addition to achievement in core academics, elementary schools are faced with some students who arrive at school not prepared for success in Kindergarten, while middle and high schools are expected to prepare students for life post-graduation, whether they choose to attend college or enter the workforce. Explore the challenges related to Student Learning -- Math, STEM & Digital Learning, Literacy, College & Career Readiness, and Kindergarten Readiness -- below.
Educators are challenged to address student gaps in mathematical understanding, and districts are constantly looking for effective curricula and instructional strategies to support a range of mathematics learners as well as to encourage families to support math learning at home.
Districts strive to provide STEM learning opportunities for all students — including programs and courses in interdisciplinary science, coding, and computational thinking — which can be particularly challenging in under-resourced districts. It can also be difficult to prioritize the foundational digital skills that students need in order to succeed in higher-level STEM classes, especially as STEM learning competes with basic reading and math for instructional time.
Districts are looking to increase the literacy achievement of their students, with a specific focus on reading proficiency at the PK to third-grade levels. How can teachers best meet the needs of students at different levels of reading and writing?
Districts are striving to set students up for a successful and productive life of learning whether they choose to enroll in college or enter the workforce. How can districts provide effective opportunities that prepare students for higher education or allow them to experience different professions? How can teachers embed career readiness into their curricula?
Early learning opportunities, including Pre-K, can be key for setting students up for success in school. But these programs vary widely in the quality of school preparatory experiences that they provide. How can districts address the gap between those who have access to high-quality early learning and those who don’t? How can districts connect early on with the families and children they will serve starting in Kindergarten?
Challenge Map