Given the evidence of positive effects on students of having at least one teacher who shares their race or ethnicity, state boards of education, other state policymakers, and school leaders need to recognize teachers’ race and ethnicity as markers of teacher quality. Asserting that diversity is a dimension of quality can disrupt practices that privilege one group of students over another and can level the playing field for teachers and students of color, who stand to benefit most from a diverse teaching force.


Teacher Diversity and Student Success





Also In this Issue

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Achieving Racial Justice in PreK-12 Education

By John B. King Jr. and Denise Forte

Progress is possible. Back to normal is not good enough.





Designing for Equity

By Hal Smith

It takes a whole community to lift up policies and practices that support equity and end those that don't.





Teacher Diversity and Student Success

By Constance A. Lindsay

State policymakers should name diversity as a marker of teacher quality.





Equity and English Learners Post-Pandemic

By Julie Sugarman and Melissa Lazarín

State leaders should ramp up supports for EL students and their families.






Racial Justice through Expanded Choice

By Derrell Bradford

Decoupling where students receive education from where they live is key to undoing the system's racist roots.





Supporting Youth with the Most Need

By Hailly T.N. Korman

For many, the pandemic has been just one of a host of barriers to a high-quality education.





Engaging Students through Ethnic Studies

By Woody Exley

California, Connecticut, and Texas broaden their elective offerings.





District of Columbia Embeds Antiracist Lens in Update of Social Studies Standards

By Jessica Sutter and Alexander Jue

State board tees up a revision process and standards characterized by civic engagement and cultural responsiveness.








Featured Items

Credit: iStock i

Supporting Principals in the Science of Reading

State boards of education can deepen the impact of their literacy initiatives by ensuring that principals are equipped to implement schoolwide instructional changes.
Photo Credit: iStock i

Improving Bilingual Education for All Learners

State policymakers can unlock the full benefits of bilingual education by supporting dual language learners from an early age and expanding access for English-only speakers.
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Expanding Access to K-12 High School Work-Based Learning

Several state boards are leveraging graduation requirements, diploma seals, specialized high schools, accountability systems, and aligning with business needs to expand work-based learning opportunities for more students.

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