teacher education project topics

Research Topics & Ideas: Education

170+ Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

If you’re just starting out exploring education-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of research topics and ideas , including examples from actual dissertations and theses..

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Education Research Topics

• How to find a research topic (video)
• List of 50+ education-related research topics/ideas
• List of 120+ level-specific research topics 
• Examples of actual dissertation topics in education
• Tips to fast-track your topic ideation (video)
• Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
• Where to get extra help

Education-Related Research Topics & Ideas

Below you’ll find a list of education-related research topics and idea kickstarters. These are fairly broad and flexible to various contexts, so keep in mind that you will need to refine them a little. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

• The impact of school funding on student achievement
• The effects of social and emotional learning on student well-being
• The effects of parental involvement on student behaviour
• The impact of teacher training on student learning
• The impact of classroom design on student learning
• The impact of poverty on education
• The use of student data to inform instruction
• The role of parental involvement in education
• The effects of mindfulness practices in the classroom
• The use of technology in the classroom
• The role of critical thinking in education
• The use of formative and summative assessments in the classroom
• The use of differentiated instruction in the classroom
• The use of gamification in education
• The effects of teacher burnout on student learning
• The impact of school leadership on student achievement
• The effects of teacher diversity on student outcomes
• The role of teacher collaboration in improving student outcomes
• The implementation of blended and online learning
• The effects of teacher accountability on student achievement
• The effects of standardized testing on student learning
• The effects of classroom management on student behaviour
• The effects of school culture on student achievement
• The use of student-centred learning in the classroom
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on student outcomes
• The achievement gap in minority and low-income students
• The use of culturally responsive teaching in the classroom
• The impact of teacher professional development on student learning
• The use of project-based learning in the classroom
• The effects of teacher expectations on student achievement
• The use of adaptive learning technology in the classroom
• The impact of teacher turnover on student learning
• The effects of teacher recruitment and retention on student learning
• The impact of early childhood education on later academic success
• The impact of parental involvement on student engagement
• The use of positive reinforcement in education
• The impact of school climate on student engagement
• The role of STEM education in preparing students for the workforce
• The effects of school choice on student achievement
• The use of technology in the form of online tutoring

Level-Specific Research Topics

Looking for research topics for a specific level of education? We’ve got you covered. Below you can find research topic ideas for primary, secondary and tertiary-level education contexts. Click the relevant level to view the respective list.

Research Topics: Pick An Education Level

Primary education.

• Investigating the effects of peer tutoring on academic achievement in primary school
• Exploring the benefits of mindfulness practices in primary school classrooms
• Examining the effects of different teaching strategies on primary school students’ problem-solving skills
• The use of storytelling as a teaching strategy in primary school literacy instruction
• The role of cultural diversity in promoting tolerance and understanding in primary schools
• The impact of character education programs on moral development in primary school students
• Investigating the use of technology in enhancing primary school mathematics education
• The impact of inclusive curriculum on promoting equity and diversity in primary schools
• The impact of outdoor education programs on environmental awareness in primary school students
• The influence of school climate on student motivation and engagement in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of early literacy interventions on reading comprehension in primary school students
• The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student achievement in primary schools
• Exploring the benefits of inclusive education for students with special needs in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of teacher-student feedback on academic motivation in primary schools
• The role of technology in developing digital literacy skills in primary school students
• Effective strategies for fostering a growth mindset in primary school students
• Investigating the role of parental support in reducing academic stress in primary school children
• The role of arts education in fostering creativity and self-expression in primary school students
• Examining the effects of early childhood education programs on primary school readiness
• Examining the effects of homework on primary school students’ academic performance
• The role of formative assessment in improving learning outcomes in primary school classrooms
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on academic outcomes in primary school
• Investigating the effects of classroom environment on student behavior and learning outcomes in primary schools
• Investigating the role of creativity and imagination in primary school curriculum
• The impact of nutrition and healthy eating programs on academic performance in primary schools
• The impact of social-emotional learning programs on primary school students’ well-being and academic performance
• The role of parental involvement in academic achievement of primary school children
• Examining the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior in primary school
• The role of school leadership in creating a positive school climate Exploring the benefits of bilingual education in primary schools
• The effectiveness of project-based learning in developing critical thinking skills in primary school students
• The role of inquiry-based learning in fostering curiosity and critical thinking in primary school students
• The effects of class size on student engagement and achievement in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of recess and physical activity breaks on attention and learning in primary school
• Exploring the benefits of outdoor play in developing gross motor skills in primary school children
• The effects of educational field trips on knowledge retention in primary school students
• Examining the effects of inclusive classroom practices on students’ attitudes towards diversity in primary schools
• The impact of parental involvement in homework on primary school students’ academic achievement
• Investigating the effectiveness of different assessment methods in primary school classrooms
• The influence of physical activity and exercise on cognitive development in primary school children
• Exploring the benefits of cooperative learning in promoting social skills in primary school students

Secondary Education

• Investigating the effects of school discipline policies on student behavior and academic success in secondary education
• The role of social media in enhancing communication and collaboration among secondary school students
• The impact of school leadership on teacher effectiveness and student outcomes in secondary schools
• Investigating the effects of technology integration on teaching and learning in secondary education
• Exploring the benefits of interdisciplinary instruction in promoting critical thinking skills in secondary schools
• The impact of arts education on creativity and self-expression in secondary school students
• The effectiveness of flipped classrooms in promoting student learning in secondary education
• The role of career guidance programs in preparing secondary school students for future employment
• Investigating the effects of student-centered learning approaches on student autonomy and academic success in secondary schools
• The impact of socio-economic factors on educational attainment in secondary education
• Investigating the impact of project-based learning on student engagement and academic achievement in secondary schools
• Investigating the effects of multicultural education on cultural understanding and tolerance in secondary schools
• The influence of standardized testing on teaching practices and student learning in secondary education
• Investigating the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior and academic engagement in secondary education
• The influence of teacher professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in secondary schools
• The role of extracurricular activities in promoting holistic development and well-roundedness in secondary school students
• Investigating the effects of blended learning models on student engagement and achievement in secondary education
• The role of physical education in promoting physical health and well-being among secondary school students
• Investigating the effects of gender on academic achievement and career aspirations in secondary education
• Exploring the benefits of multicultural literature in promoting cultural awareness and empathy among secondary school students
• The impact of school counseling services on student mental health and well-being in secondary schools
• Exploring the benefits of vocational education and training in preparing secondary school students for the workforce
• The role of digital literacy in preparing secondary school students for the digital age
• The influence of parental involvement on academic success and well-being of secondary school students
• The impact of social-emotional learning programs on secondary school students’ well-being and academic success
• The role of character education in fostering ethical and responsible behavior in secondary school students
• Examining the effects of digital citizenship education on responsible and ethical technology use among secondary school students
• The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student outcomes in secondary schools
• The role of educational technology in promoting personalized learning experiences in secondary schools
• The impact of inclusive education on the social and academic outcomes of students with disabilities in secondary schools
• The influence of parental support on academic motivation and achievement in secondary education
• The role of school climate in promoting positive behavior and well-being among secondary school students
• Examining the effects of peer mentoring programs on academic achievement and social-emotional development in secondary schools
• Examining the effects of teacher-student relationships on student motivation and achievement in secondary schools
• Exploring the benefits of service-learning programs in promoting civic engagement among secondary school students
• The impact of educational policies on educational equity and access in secondary education
• Examining the effects of homework on academic achievement and student well-being in secondary education
• Investigating the effects of different assessment methods on student performance in secondary schools
• Examining the effects of single-sex education on academic performance and gender stereotypes in secondary schools
• The role of mentoring programs in supporting the transition from secondary to post-secondary education

Tertiary Education

• The role of student support services in promoting academic success and well-being in higher education
• The impact of internationalization initiatives on students’ intercultural competence and global perspectives in tertiary education
• Investigating the effects of active learning classrooms and learning spaces on student engagement and learning outcomes in tertiary education
• Exploring the benefits of service-learning experiences in fostering civic engagement and social responsibility in higher education
• The influence of learning communities and collaborative learning environments on student academic and social integration in higher education
• Exploring the benefits of undergraduate research experiences in fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills
• Investigating the effects of academic advising and mentoring on student retention and degree completion in higher education
• The role of student engagement and involvement in co-curricular activities on holistic student development in higher education
• The impact of multicultural education on fostering cultural competence and diversity appreciation in higher education
• The role of internships and work-integrated learning experiences in enhancing students’ employability and career outcomes
• Examining the effects of assessment and feedback practices on student learning and academic achievement in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty-student relationships on student success and well-being in tertiary education
• The impact of college transition programs on students’ academic and social adjustment to higher education
• The impact of online learning platforms on student learning outcomes in higher education
• The impact of financial aid and scholarships on access and persistence in higher education
• The influence of student leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities on personal development and campus engagement
• Exploring the benefits of competency-based education in developing job-specific skills in tertiary students
• Examining the effects of flipped classroom models on student learning and retention in higher education
• Exploring the benefits of online collaboration and virtual team projects in developing teamwork skills in tertiary students
• Investigating the effects of diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus climate and student experiences in tertiary education
• The influence of study abroad programs on intercultural competence and global perspectives of college students
• Investigating the effects of peer mentoring and tutoring programs on student retention and academic performance in tertiary education
• Investigating the effectiveness of active learning strategies in promoting student engagement and achievement in tertiary education
• Investigating the effects of blended learning models and hybrid courses on student learning and satisfaction in higher education
• The role of digital literacy and information literacy skills in supporting student success in the digital age
• Investigating the effects of experiential learning opportunities on career readiness and employability of college students
• The impact of e-portfolios on student reflection, self-assessment, and showcasing of learning in higher education
• The role of technology in enhancing collaborative learning experiences in tertiary classrooms
• The impact of research opportunities on undergraduate student engagement and pursuit of advanced degrees
• Examining the effects of competency-based assessment on measuring student learning and achievement in tertiary education
• Examining the effects of interdisciplinary programs and courses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills in college students
• The role of inclusive education and accessibility in promoting equitable learning experiences for diverse student populations
• The role of career counseling and guidance in supporting students’ career decision-making in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty diversity and representation on student success and inclusive learning environments in higher education

Education-Related Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic in education, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses in the education space to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of education-related research projects to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• From Rural to Urban: Education Conditions of Migrant Children in China (Wang, 2019)
• Energy Renovation While Learning English: A Guidebook for Elementary ESL Teachers (Yang, 2019)
• A Reanalyses of Intercorrelational Matrices of Visual and Verbal Learners’ Abilities, Cognitive Styles, and Learning Preferences (Fox, 2020)
• A study of the elementary math program utilized by a mid-Missouri school district (Barabas, 2020)
• Instructor formative assessment practices in virtual learning environments : a posthumanist sociomaterial perspective (Burcks, 2019)
• Higher education students services: a qualitative study of two mid-size universities’ direct exchange programs (Kinde, 2020)
• Exploring editorial leadership : a qualitative study of scholastic journalism advisers teaching leadership in Missouri secondary schools (Lewis, 2020)
• Selling the virtual university: a multimodal discourse analysis of marketing for online learning (Ludwig, 2020)
• Advocacy and accountability in school counselling: assessing the use of data as related to professional self-efficacy (Matthews, 2020)
• The use of an application screening assessment as a predictor of teaching retention at a midwestern, K-12, public school district (Scarbrough, 2020)
• Core values driving sustained elite performance cultures (Beiner, 2020)
• Educative features of upper elementary Eureka math curriculum (Dwiggins, 2020)
• How female principals nurture adult learning opportunities in successful high schools with challenging student demographics (Woodward, 2020)
• The disproportionality of Black Males in Special Education: A Case Study Analysis of Educator Perceptions in a Southeastern Urban High School (McCrae, 2021)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, in order for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest.  In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

Get 1-On-1 Help

If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic within education, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

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Home » 500+ Educational Research Topics

500+ Educational Research Topics

Education is a fundamental human right that plays a vital role in shaping the future of individuals, communities, and societies. In order to improve the effectiveness of education, it is crucial to engage in rigorous educational research that seeks to understand how people learn, what factors influence their learning outcomes, and how educational systems can be designed to promote equitable access and success for all learners. Educational research topics cover a wide range of issues, from exploring new teaching methods to examining the impact of technology on learning. In this blog post, we will delve into some of the most important and relevant educational research topics, highlighting their significance and potential impact on the field of education.

Educational Research Topics

Educational Research Topics are as follows:

• The effects of personalized learning on student academic achievement
• The impact of teacher expectations on student achievement
• The effectiveness of flipped classroom models on student engagement and learning outcomes
• The impact of classroom design on student behavior and learning
• The relationship between socio-economic status and student academic achievement
• The effectiveness of differentiated instruction on student academic achievement
• The impact of technology on student learning outcomes
• The effectiveness of online learning versus traditional classroom instruction
• The influence of teacher expectations on student achievement
• The role of parental involvement in student success
• The relationship between school culture and student engagement
• The impact of teacher training on student achievement
• The effectiveness of peer tutoring programs
• The relationship between socioeconomic status and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of project-based learning
• The impact of standardized testing on student motivation and achievement
• The role of homework in student learning
• The relationship between teacher-student rapport and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of differentiated instruction
• The relationship between student self-esteem and academic achievement
• The impact of school size on student achievement
• The role of school discipline policies in student behavior and achievement
• The effectiveness of character education programs
• The relationship between school funding and student achievement
• The impact of school start times on student achievement
• The effectiveness of arts education programs
• The relationship between teacher feedback and student learning
• The impact of school climate on student achievement
• The effectiveness of online assessment tools
• The relationship between teacher expectations and student behavior
• The impact of school resources on student achievement
• The effectiveness of teacher collaboration
• The relationship between student motivation and academic achievement
• The impact of class size on student achievement
• The role of student-teacher trust in academic achievement
• The effectiveness of student-led conferences
• The relationship between student self-efficacy and academic achievement
• The impact of school culture on teacher job satisfaction
• The effectiveness of inquiry-based learning
• The relationship between teacher stress and student achievement
• The impact of school safety measures on student achievement
• The effectiveness of flipped classroom instruction
• The relationship between teacher diversity and student achievement
• The impact of technology integration on teacher job satisfaction
• The effectiveness of project-based assessment
• The relationship between school climate and teacher job satisfaction
• The impact of teacher job satisfaction on student achievement
• The effectiveness of service-learning programs
• The relationship between school leadership and teacher job satisfaction
• The impact of parent-teacher communication on student achievement
• The effectiveness of online professional development for teachers
• The relationship between student engagement and teacher job satisfaction
• The impact of peer mentoring programs on student achievement
• The effectiveness of cooperative learning
• The relationship between teacher-student ethnicity match and student achievement
• The impact of school discipline policies on teacher job satisfaction
• The relationship between teacher quality and student academic achievement
• The effectiveness of technology integration in the classroom
• The impact of parent involvement on student academic achievement
• The relationship between teacher leadership and student academic achievement
• The effectiveness of peer tutoring on student academic achievement
• The impact of class size on student academic achievement
• The effectiveness of project-based learning on student academic achievement
• The impact of teacher diversity on student academic achievement
• The relationship between student engagement and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of student-centered learning on academic achievement
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on academic achievement
• The relationship between homework and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of cooperative learning on academic achievement
• The impact of school culture on academic achievement
• The relationship between teacher collaboration and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of online learning on academic achievement
• The impact of standardized testing on student academic achievement
• The relationship between teacher burnout and student academic achievement
• The effectiveness of mindfulness interventions on student academic achievement
• The impact of cultural competency on student academic achievement
• The relationship between teacher job satisfaction and student academic achievement
• The effectiveness of social-emotional learning on academic achievement
• The impact of parent-teacher communication on academic achievement
• The relationship between student-teacher relationships and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of inquiry-based learning on academic achievement
• The impact of learning environment on academic achievement
• The relationship between student attendance and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of feedback on academic achievement
• The impact of teacher expectations on student behavior
• The relationship between teacher training and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of teacher professional development on academic achievement
• The impact of teacher beliefs on student academic achievement
• The relationship between classroom management and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of bilingual education on academic achievement
• The impact of cultural background on academic achievement
• The relationship between teacher turnover and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of tutoring programs on academic achievement
• The impact of teacher salaries on academic achievement
• The relationship between teacher-student racial matching and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of college preparatory programs on academic achievement
• The impact of high-stakes testing on academic achievement
• The relationship between student well-being and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of service learning on academic achievement.
• The effects of technology on student learning outcomes.
• The relationship between parental involvement and student achievement.
• The impact of teacher feedback on student motivation and learning.
• The effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classroom instruction.
• The role of emotional intelligence in academic success.
• The relationship between sleep and academic performance.
• The effectiveness of peer tutoring on student achievement.
• The impact of early childhood education on later academic success.
• The effects of social media on academic performance and well-being.
• The impact of teacher expectations on student achievement.
• The effectiveness of differentiated instruction on student learning outcomes.
• The relationship between teacher burnout and student performance.
• The effectiveness of inclusive education for students with disabilities.
• The impact of teacher training and professional development on student outcomes.
• The effects of school culture and climate on student engagement and achievement.
• The relationship between homework and student achievement.
• The effectiveness of gamification in education.
• The impact of nutrition on student academic performance.
• The effects of gender on academic achievement and attitudes towards learning.
• The effectiveness of project-based learning on student engagement and learning outcomes.
• The relationship between school attendance and academic performance.
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on academic achievement and well-being.
• The effectiveness of cooperative learning on student learning outcomes.
• The effects of parental involvement in homework on student achievement.
• The relationship between student engagement and academic performance.
• The impact of classroom size on student learning outcomes.
• The effectiveness of feedback in online learning environments.
• The effects of poverty on student academic achievement.
• The relationship between student motivation and academic achievement.
• The impact of school leadership on student outcomes.
• The effectiveness of formative assessment on student learning outcomes.
• The effects of school funding on student achievement.
• The relationship between student self-regulation and academic performance.
• The impact of cultural diversity on academic achievement and student attitudes towards learning.
• The effectiveness of technology integration in the classroom.
• The effects of teacher diversity on student achievement and attitudes towards learning.
• The relationship between teacher expectations and student engagement.
• The impact of school policies on student academic performance and behavior.
• The effectiveness of metacognitive strategies on student learning outcomes.
• The effects of parental involvement on student behavior and well-being.
• The relationship between teacher collaboration and student achievement.
• The impact of school transitions on student academic performance and well-being.
• The effectiveness of inquiry-based learning on student engagement and learning outcomes.
• The effects of standardized testing on student motivation and learning.
• The relationship between student self-efficacy and academic performance.
• The impact of cultural competency training on teacher attitudes and student outcomes.
• The effectiveness of blended learning on student achievement and engagement.
• The effects of teacher beliefs and attitudes on student outcomes.
• The relationship between student achievement and post-secondary success.
• The impact of extracurricular activities on student academic performance and well-being.
• The effectiveness of flipped classroom models in higher education
• The relationship between teacher-student rapport and academic performance
• The effects of parental involvement on student achievement
• The effectiveness of differentiated instruction in mixed-ability classrooms
• The impact of teacher collaboration on student learning outcomes
• The effectiveness of project-based learning in K-12 education
• The relationship between classroom climate and student motivation
• The effects of social media use on academic performance
• The impact of inclusive education on students with disabilities
• The effectiveness of online learning in higher education
• The relationship between school size and academic achievement
• The effects of school uniforms on student behavior and academic performance
• The impact of student-centered learning on student achievement
• The effectiveness of cooperative learning in K-12 education
• The relationship between teacher expectations and student achievement
• The effects of school funding on student achievement
• The impact of teacher training on student outcomes
• The effectiveness of peer tutoring in K-12 education
• The effects of class size on student achievement
• The impact of bilingual education on student outcomes
• The effectiveness of gamification in education
• The relationship between standardized testing and student achievement
• The effects of homework on student achievement
• The impact of parental involvement on college retention rates
• The effectiveness of problem-based learning in K-12 education
• The effects of teacher feedback on student learning outcomes
• The impact of school discipline policies on student behavior and academic performance
• The effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction in K-12 education
• The relationship between teacher burnout and student outcomes
• The effects of teacher-student racial/ethnic matching on academic performance
• The impact of extracurricular activities on student achievement
• The effectiveness of blended learning in higher education
• The relationship between school leadership and student achievement
• The effects of parental involvement on student attendance
• The impact of peer influence on student achievement
• The effectiveness of outdoor learning in K-12 education
• The relationship between teacher autonomy and student outcomes
• The effects of teacher diversity on student achievement
• The impact of early childhood education on later academic achievement
• The effectiveness of mindfulness practices in education
• The relationship between teacher evaluation and student achievement
• The effects of student self-assessment on learning outcomes
• The impact of cultural competence on teacher-student relationships and academic performance
• The effectiveness of online discussion forums in higher education
• The relationship between school climate and student mental health
• The effects of student-teacher race/ethnicity matching on academic performance
• The impact of college majors on post-graduation outcomes.
• The impact of technology on student engagement and academic performance
• The effectiveness of project-based learning compared to traditional teaching methods
• The impact of school uniforms on student behavior and academic performance
• The relationship between teacher diversity and student outcomes
• The effectiveness of peer mentoring for at-risk students
• The impact of school funding on student achievement
• The relationship between parent-teacher communication and student success
• The effectiveness of social media for educational purposes
• The impact of inclusive education on academic achievement
• The effectiveness of teacher mentoring programs for new teachers
• The relationship between school funding and student outcomes
• The impact of teacher diversity on student achievement
• The effectiveness of using games in the classroom for learning
• The impact of teacher collaboration on teacher retention
• The effectiveness of using graphic novels in the classroom for literacy development
• The impact of standardized testing on student motivation and performance
• The effectiveness of teacher coaching on teacher practice and student learning
• The relationship between parent-teacher communication and student outcomes
• The impact of peer mentoring on academic achievement
• The effectiveness of teacher professional learning communities on student outcomes
• The relationship between teacher personality and classroom climate
• The impact of arts education on student creativity and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of technology in teaching math
• The relationship between teacher autonomy and teacher motivation
• The impact of student-led conferences on parent involvement and academic performance
• The effectiveness of differentiated instruction for gifted and talented students
• The relationship between school discipline policies and student mental health
• The impact of teacher leadership on school improvement
• The effectiveness of using social media in education
• The relationship between teacher beliefs and teacher effectiveness
• The impact of school size on student outcomes
• The effectiveness of using simulations in the classroom for learning
• The relationship between parent involvement and teacher satisfaction
• The impact of outdoor education on student learning and development
• The effectiveness of using digital portfolios in the classroom for assessment
• The relationship between teacher collaboration and teacher professional growth
• The effectiveness of using multimedia in the classroom for learning
• The relationship between school choice and student achievement
• The impact of teacher empathy on student motivation and engagement
• The effectiveness of using mindfulness practices in the classroom
• The relationship between teacher creativity and student engagement
• The impact of student ownership on academic performance
• The effectiveness of using project-based learning in science education
• The relationship between teacher job satisfaction and teacher retention
• The impact of using drama in the classroom for learning
• The effectiveness of using educational apps in the classroom
• The relationship between teacher feedback and student achievement
• The impact of peer assessment on student learning
• The effectiveness of using simulations in social studies education
• The impact of teacher-parent partnerships on student outcomes
• The effectiveness of using podcasts in the classroom for learning
• The relationship between teacher collaboration and teacher well-being
• The impact of school culture on parent involvement
• The effectiveness of using debate in the classroom for critical thinking skills.
• The impact of teacher-student ratio on academic performance
• The effectiveness of outdoor education on student learning
• The impact of teacher gender on student engagement and achievement
• The relationship between teacher feedback and student self-efficacy
• The effectiveness of blended learning for language education
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on student attendance
• The relationship between teacher diversity and school culture
• The effectiveness of cultural responsiveness in the classroom
• The impact of school choice on student outcomes
• The relationship between classroom design and student engagement
• The effectiveness of differentiated instruction for gifted students
• The impact of student mobility on academic achievement
• The relationship between teacher experience and classroom management
• The effectiveness of technology in teaching mathematics
• The impact of teacher burnout on student performance
• The relationship between teacher job satisfaction and student outcomes
• The effectiveness of arts education on student development
• The impact of standardized testing on student motivation and academic performance
• The relationship between teacher-student trust and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of online learning for adult education
• The impact of school culture on teacher retention
• The relationship between student motivation and academic success
• The effectiveness of game-based learning for science education
• The impact of teacher training on student outcomes in special education
• The relationship between teacher beliefs and classroom management
• The effectiveness of project-based learning for social studies education
• The impact of school leadership on teacher job satisfaction
• The relationship between teacher support and student mental health
• The effectiveness of experiential learning for environmental education
• The impact of teacher collaboration on student outcomes
• The relationship between school climate and student achievement
• The effectiveness of technology in teaching foreign languages
• The impact of teacher evaluation on instructional quality
• The relationship between school diversity and student achievement
• The effectiveness of multicultural education for promoting social justice
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on student self-esteem
• The relationship between teacher turnover and student outcomes
• The effectiveness of inquiry-based learning for mathematics education
• The impact of school discipline policies on student behavior
• The relationship between teacher expectations and student engagement
• The effectiveness of technology in teaching literacy
• The impact of teacher autonomy on classroom innovation
• The relationship between school climate and teacher job satisfaction.
• The relationship between classroom size and student achievement
• The impact of school leadership on student outcomes
• The effectiveness of different types of assessment methods
• The influence of teacher attitudes on student motivation and engagement
• The relationship between parental involvement and student achievement
• The effectiveness of different teaching strategies for diverse learners
• The impact of early childhood education on academic success
• The relationship between teacher training and student outcomes
• The effectiveness of different types of feedback on student learning
• The impact of student-centered learning on academic performance
• The effectiveness of differentiated instruction for diverse learners
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on academic success
• The relationship between school culture and student outcomes
• The effectiveness of flipped classrooms compared to traditional classrooms
• The impact of classroom management on student behavior and academic performance
• The effectiveness of peer tutoring on student learning
• The impact of parental involvement on student behavior and social-emotional development
• The effectiveness of co-teaching for students with disabilities
• The impact of bilingual education on academic achievement
• The relationship between teacher beliefs and student achievement
• The effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classroom instruction
• The impact of school culture on teacher satisfaction and retention
• The relationship between teacher experience and student achievement
• The effectiveness of technology-enhanced learning environments
• The impact of teacher-student race/ethnicity matching on academic performance
• The effectiveness of inquiry-based learning for science education
• The relationship between school discipline policies and student outcomes
• The effectiveness of teacher professional development on student learning
• The impact of teacher preparation programs on teacher effectiveness
• The relationship between classroom climate and student engagement
• The effectiveness of teacher collaboration on student learning
• The impact of social-emotional learning on academic performance
• The relationship between teacher motivation and student achievement
• The effectiveness of technology in teaching English as a second language
• The impact of teacher autonomy on student outcomes
• The relationship between teacher feedback and student motivation
• The effectiveness of self-regulated learning strategies for academic success
• The impact of single-sex education on student achievement
• The relationship between teacher personality and student engagement
• The effectiveness of experiential learning for history education
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on student mental health
• The relationship between school safety and student outcomes
• The effectiveness of mindfulness practices on student behavior and academic performance.
• The impact of technology on classroom learning
• The effectiveness of differentiated instruction in diverse classrooms
• The relationship between teacher burnout and student achievement
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on academic performance
• The effectiveness of teacher professional development on instructional practice
• The effectiveness of online learning during the pandemic
• The impact of teacher burnout on student achievement
• The effectiveness of early childhood education programs
• The impact of parental involvement on student success
• The relationship between teacher expectations and student performance
• The impact of school safety measures on student well-being
• The relationship between school culture and teacher satisfaction
• The effectiveness of using manipulatives in math education
• The impact of homework on student achievement
• The relationship between teacher preparation programs and teacher retention
• The effectiveness of using technology for literacy development
• The impact of social-emotional learning programs on student behavior and academic achievement
• The relationship between school leadership and teacher morale
• The effectiveness of using virtual reality in science education
• The impact of teacher gender on student achievement
• The relationship between parental involvement and student motivation
• The effectiveness of project-based learning in social studies education
• The impact of school climate on student attendance
• The relationship between teacher experience and student outcomes
• The effectiveness of using game-based learning in language arts education
• The relationship between school funding and teacher quality
• The effectiveness of using inquiry-based learning in science education
• The impact of teacher expectations on student motivation
• The relationship between school facilities and student achievement
• The effectiveness of using music in the classroom for learning
• The impact of teacher diversity on student outcomes
• The effectiveness of using graphic organizers in the classroom for writing
• The impact of teacher evaluation systems on teacher performance
• The relationship between school size and student achievement
• The effectiveness of using digital storytelling in the classroom
• The impact of teacher feedback on student learning
• The relationship between teacher professional development and student outcomes
• The effectiveness of using problem-based learning in math education
• The impact of school discipline policies on student outcomes
• The relationship between teacher expectations and student self-esteem
• The effectiveness of using visual aids in the classroom for learning
• The impact of school culture on teacher collaboration
• The relationship between school climate and student behavior
• The effectiveness of using drama in language arts education
• The impact of teacher motivation on student engagement
• The relationship between school culture and student academic identity
• The effectiveness of using mobile devices in the classroom for learning
• The relationship between school climate and teacher retention
• The effectiveness of using games for social-emotional learning
• The impact of teacher-student racial matching on student achievement.
• The relationship between parental involvement and academic achievement
• The impact of inclusive education on social and emotional development
• The effectiveness of blended learning on student outcomes
• The impact of school culture on student behavior and attitudes
• The effectiveness of flipped classroom models on student engagement
• The relationship between teacher autonomy and student motivation
• The impact of bilingual education on cognitive development
• The effectiveness of cooperative learning strategies in the classroom
• The effectiveness of classroom management strategies on student behavior
• The impact of standardized testing on teaching and learning
• The effectiveness of peer tutoring on academic achievement
• The relationship between teacher training and student achievement
• The impact of cultural diversity on classroom dynamics and learning
• The effectiveness of technology in teaching and learning writing
• The relationship between school facilities and student learning
• The impact of teacher collaboration on instructional quality
• The effectiveness of project-based learning in science education
• The relationship between parent involvement and school climate
• The impact of teacher feedback on student learning and motivation
• The effectiveness of assessment tools in measuring student learning
• The relationship between student attitudes and academic achievement
• The impact of college readiness programs on student success
• The effectiveness of using graphic organizers for teaching reading comprehension
• The relationship between teacher leadership and school improvement
• The impact of special education programs on student outcomes
• The effectiveness of using digital tools in teaching and learning history
• The relationship between school culture and student attendance
• The impact of teacher expectations on student self-efficacy
• The effectiveness of using peer assessment in student writing
• The impact of teacher preparation programs on instructional quality
• The impact of teacher-student ratio on student outcomes
• The relationship between student engagement and academic achievement in online learning
• The impact of teacher tenure policies on student outcomes
• The relationship between school safety and student learning
• The effectiveness of using game-based learning in the classroom.
• The impact of COVID-19 on online learning in K-12 education
• The effectiveness of differentiated instruction in a diverse classroom
• The impact of early literacy intervention programs on reading comprehension
• The effectiveness of inquiry-based learning in science education
• The relationship between parent involvement and student academic success
• The impact of teacher feedback on student writing
• The effectiveness of using digital tools for formative assessment
• The relationship between teacher burnout and student engagement
• The relationship between school climate and bullying prevention
• The impact of school discipline policies on student behavior and academic achievement
• The effectiveness of using virtual reality in history education
• The relationship between teacher expectations and student self-efficacy
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on student well-being
• The effectiveness of using games for math learning in elementary school
• The relationship between teacher training and technology integration in the classroom
• The impact of school culture on student mental health
• The effectiveness of using project-based learning in social studies education
• The relationship between teacher autonomy and job satisfaction
• The impact of socio-economic status on access to higher education
• The effectiveness of using technology for language learning
• The relationship between school size and student outcomes
• The impact of school leadership on teacher retention
• The effectiveness of using active learning strategies in college classrooms
• The relationship between teacher collaboration and student achievement
• The impact of school-based mental health services on student well-being
• The effectiveness of using assistive technology for special education students
• The relationship between teacher job satisfaction and student performance
• The impact of school-based health education programs on student health behaviors
• The effectiveness of using simulations in science education
• The effectiveness of using educational games for literacy development
• The relationship between school culture and student academic achievement
• The impact of teacher professional development on student outcomes
• The effectiveness of using experiential learning in business education
• The impact of teacher diversity on student engagement
• The effectiveness of using graphic organizers in the classroom for reading comprehension
• The relationship between school climate and teacher collaboration
• The impact of school-based social-emotional learning programs on student behavior and academic performance
• The effectiveness of using mobile devices for language learning
• The relationship between teacher autonomy and teacher creativity
• The effectiveness of using game-based learning for STEM education
• The relationship between school climate and student motivation
• The effectiveness of using mindfulness practices in the classroom for student well-being.
• The effectiveness of personalized learning strategies
• The effectiveness of mindfulness interventions in reducing stress and anxiety in students
• The impact of teacher communication styles on student engagement
• The relationship between bilingual education and cognitive development
• The effectiveness of using virtual simulations in science education
• The impact of school start times on student performance and well-being
• The effectiveness of using art in language arts education
• The impact of teacher-student race matching on student motivation and achievement
• The relationship between school culture and student mental health
• The effectiveness of inquiry-based learning in social studies education
• The impact of peer mentoring on student success in college
• The relationship between teacher burnout and student behavior
• The effectiveness of using manipulatives in science education
• The effectiveness of using gamification in math education
• The impact of teacher-student gender matching on student attitudes towards STEM subjects
• The relationship between student engagement and academic performance
• The effectiveness of using social media in language learning
• The relationship between school climate and parent involvement
• The effectiveness of using technology in physical education
• The effectiveness of using multimedia in history education
• The impact of teacher motivation on student engagement and achievement
• The relationship between school culture and parent satisfaction
• The impact of teacher feedback on student motivation and self-regulation
• The relationship between school climate and student attitudes towards diversity
• The effectiveness of using blended learning in literacy education
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on college success
• The effectiveness of using digital portfolios for assessment
• The impact of teacher diversity on school culture and climate
• The relationship between school leadership and teacher professional development
• The effectiveness of using inquiry-based learning in art education
• The impact of teacher-student personality matching on academic achievement
• The relationship between school climate and student creativity
• The effectiveness of using coding in math education
• The impact of teacher mentoring on new teacher retention
• The relationship between school culture and student motivation
• The effectiveness of using peer feedback in writing instruction
• The impact of teacher diversity on student attitudes towards diversity
• The relationship between school culture and student resilience
• The effectiveness of using case-based learning in business education
• The impact of teacher-student trust on student engagement and academic achievement.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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NextLesson Blog

Connect learning to the real world, 100+ project-based learning ideas for every age.

This blog series was authored by our own A.J. Juliani, Head of Learning & Growth.

“Everything begins with an idea.” – Earl Nightingale

When I started on my Project-Based Learning journey, I always wondered what other teachers were already doing with PBL in classrooms around the country and world. I remember joining Ning sites and finding other teachers who were doing PBL, it was like a dream come true to chat and discuss and learn.

With the growth of Twitter, blogging, and conference I was able to meet educators from around the world who have inspired me to go deeper into Project-Based Learning. Their ideas were what got me started documenting projects and step-by-step practices that would enhance any PBL experience.

PBL is growing because it engages and empowers students to learn experientially and share that learning in new and unique ways that go well beyond the classroom. Yet, many teachers are asking: How do we plan and implement PBL? How do we “fit it in” our current curriculum? How do we assess it using our current grading guidelines? How do we manage this type of learning?

These are all real concerns and questions that cannot be dismissed. PBL takes time to plan, implement, manage, and assess. Then it takes time to tweak, improve, and highlight.

If you asked any teacher, administrator, parent, school board member, student, or community member to list their top goals for an academic program, you would see achievement, 21st-century competencies, equity, and motivation all at the top.

Project-based learning is shown to work in all kinds of schools, in all different grade levels, with students of varying backgrounds and abilities.

So, if this is what the research says about PBL, then why do we still have so many schools falling into the test prep trap? Why do some many teachers feel like they cannot make the jump into PBL? Why haven’t we seen a nationwide movement towards PBL as a best and effective practice for all students?

It comes back to HOW to do PBL in the midst of standards and curriculum. I’ve put together a free workshop to show you the 5-step process to do just that.

I’m holding three workshops this week (for K-5, 6-12, and school leaders):

• For Elementary Teachers (K-5 Workshop)
• For Middle School and High School Teachers (6-12 Workshop)
• For School Leaders (Admin and Central Office Workshop)

Ideas to Get You Started

Grades 6-8 ela, grades 6-8 social studies, grades 6-8 science, grades 6-8 math, grades 9-12 ela, grades 9-12 math, grades 9-12 science, grades 9-12 social studies.

It comes back to HOW to do PBL in the midst of standards and curriculum. I’ve put together a free workshop to show you the 5-step process to do just that. You don’t need to start from scratch, instead, you can get a jumpstart on the process.

You can sign-up to be a part of the training right here! If you can’t make the time, please sign-up so you can get the recording.

Are you ready to hit the ground running? Let’s get started!

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110+ Exceptional Education Research Topics Ideas

Topics for education research usually comprise school research topics, research problems in education, qualitative research topics in education, and concept paper topics about education to mention a few.

If you’re looking for research titles about education,  you’re reading the right post! This article contains 110 of the best education research topics that will come in handy when you need to choose one for your research. From sample research topics in education, to research titles examples for high school students about education – we have it all.

Educational Research Topics

Research title examples for college students, quantitative research titles about education, topics related to education for thesis, research titles about school issues, ph.d. research titles in education, elementary education research topics, research title examples about online class, research titles about modular learning, examples of research questions in education, special education research titles.

The best research titles about education must be done through the detailed process of exploring previous works and improving personal knowledge.

Here are some good research topics in education to consider.

What Are Good Research Topics Related to Education?

• The role of Covid-19 in reinvigorating online learning
• The growth of cognitive abilities through leisure experiences
• The merits of group study in education
• Merits and demerits of traditional learning methods
• The impact of homework on traditional and modern education
• Student underdevelopment as a result of larger class volumes
• Advantages of digital textbooks in learning
• The struggle of older generations in computer education
• The standards of learning  in the various academic levels
• Bullying and its effects on educational and mental health
• Exceptional education tutors: Is the need for higher pay justifiable?

The following examples of research titles about education for college students are ideal for a project that will take a long duration to complete. Here are some education topics for research that you can consider for your degree.

• Modern classroom difficulties of students and teachers
• Strategies to reform the learning difficulties within schools
• The rising cost of tuition and its burden on middle-class parents
• The concept of creativity among public schools and how it can be harnessed
• Major difficulties experienced in academic staff training
• Evaluating the learning cultures of college students
• Use of scientific development techniques in student learning
• Research of skill development in high school and college students
• Modern grading methods in underdeveloped institutions
• Dissertations and the difficulties surrounding their completion
• Integration of new gender categories in personalized learning

These research topics about education require a direct quantitative analysis and study of major ideas and arguments. They often contain general statistics and figures to back up regular research. Some of such research topics in education include:

• The relationship between poor education and increased academic fees
• Creating a social link between homeschool and traditional schoolgoers
• The relationship between teacher satisfaction and student performance
• The divide between public and private school performance
• The merits of parental involvement in students’ cognitive growth.
• A study on child welfare and its impact on educational development
• The relationship between academic performance and economic growth
• Urbanization in rural areas and its contribution to institutional growth
• The relationship between students and professors in dissertation writing
• The link between debt accumulation and student loans
• Boarding schools and regular schools: The role these two school types play in cognitive development

Educational-related topics used for a thesis normally require a wide aspect of study and enough educational materials.  Here are some education research topics you can use for write my thesis .

• The difficulties of bilingual education in private universities
• Homework and its impact on learning processes in college education
• Dissertation topic selection: Key aspects and research obligations
• Social media research topics and their educational functions
• A detailed educational review of student learning via virtual reality techniques
• Ethnicities in universities and their participation in group activities
• The modern approach to self-studying for college students
• Developing time management skills in modern education
• Guidelines for teacher development in advanced educational institutions
• The need for religious education in boarding schools
• A measure of cognitive development using digital learning methods

A research title about school issues focuses on activities surrounding the school environment and its effects on students, teachers, parents, and education in general. Below are some sample research titles in education, relating to school issues.

• Learning English in bilingual schools
• A study of teachers’ role as parent figures on school grounds
• Addressing the increased use of illegal substances and their effects in schools
• The benefits of after-class activities for foreign students
• Assessing student and teacher relationships
• A study of the best methods to implement safety rules in school
• Major obstacles in meeting school schedules using boarding students as a case study
• The need for counseling in public and private schools: Which is greater?
• Academic volunteering in understaffed public schools
• Modern techniques for curbing school violence among college students
• The advantages and disadvantages of teacher unions in schools

As you create your proposed list of research topics in education, consider scientific journals for referencing purposes. Here are some Ph.D. research titles for education.

• The modern methods of academic research writing
• The role of colleges in advanced mental care
• The merits and demerits of Ph.D. studies in Europe and Africa
• Interpersonal relationships between students and professors in advanced institutions
• A review of community colleges: merits and demerits
• Assessing racism in academic ethnic minorities
• The psychological changes of students in higher education
• The questionable standards of student loan provisions
• The merits of personalized teaching techniques in colleges
• The wage gap between private and public university teachers
• Teacher responsibilities in private universities versus public universities

The research topics in elementary education in 2023 are very different from the elementary education research topics from five or ten years ago. This creates interesting grounds for different research titles for elementary education.

Here are some elementary education title research ideas.

• Assessing quick computer literacy among elementary school pupils.
• The role of video games in childhood brain development
• Male vs female role models in early education periods
• The advantages of digital textbooks in elementary schools
• The impact of modern curriculums on elementary education
• Lack of proper school grooming is a cause of violence.
• Should elementary school children be taught about LGBTQ?
• A review of the need for sexual education in elementary schools
• The effects of emotional dependence in early childhood learners.
• The need for constant technology supervision of elementary school students
• Advantages of computer-guided education in elementary schools

Here are some research title examples for students taking online classes.

• The academic difficulties experienced by online students.
• A study of decreased attention in online classes
• The upsides and downsides of online education
• The rising fees of online and traditional education in universities
• A detailed study on the necessity of college internships
• The need to provide college scholarships based on environmental achievements
• How online education terminates university fraternities and sororities.
• The role of academic supervisors in career selection
• Why interactive assignments improved learning capabilities during the pandemic
• Merits of education in online learning environments
• Why online lessons are the least effective for some college students

The modular learning approach focuses primarily on learning outcomes. Here are some examples of research titles about modular learning.

• Modular learning and the role of teachers in its execution
• Teaching techniques of religious institutions
• Potential risks of accelerated learning
• Modular learning on students’ future performances
• The general overview of modular learning amongst students
• The modern Advantages and disadvantages of inclusive classes
• Observing student developments in modular learning
• Music therapy for fostering modular learning techniques
• The creation of a personalized curriculum for students.
• Applications of modular learning both in home-schooling?
• The benefits of modular learning towards creating a more holistic educational system

These research title examples about education answer important questions and they can also be argumentative essay topics .

Here are some titles of research about education questions.

• What impacts do learning approaches provide for students?
• How can schools manage their increasing gender differences?
• What fosters the provision of learning needs?
• What are the best educational recruitment methods?
• How can cognitive development improve education?
• How can you assess the moral growth of institutions?
• What are the primary causes of educational differences in geographical locations?
• How can institutions address increasing mental health needs?
• Why is early intervention essential in students with mental health setbacks?
• What are the characteristics of mental health deterioration among students?
• What techniques are acceptable in regulating the violence of students in institutions

Some of the research title examples about education include:

• How do schools create more personalized learning methods?
• Evaluating mental health setbacks during education
• The impact of modern technology on special education
• The cognitive improvements via specialized learning in dyslexic children
• The psychological link between dyslexia and bullying in high school
• Impact of social isolation in special education classes
• The difficulties in providing specialized learning environments
• A study of orphan students with disabilities and their aptitudes for learning
• How special classes improve the self-esteem of disabled students.
• How to use modern teaching techniques in unique learning environments.
• A study of the application of digital games to autistic learning

Final words about education research topics

We have provided some reliable examples of a research topic about education you can use for write my thesis . You can use these research titles in education to cultivate your ideas, create inspiration, or for online research. Remember always to select a topic that you’re naturally passionate about and do diligent research, and reach out to our professional writing services if you need any help.

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250+ Educational Research Topics: Exploring the Path to Educational Excellence

Education is the cornerstone of human development, and its continuous improvement relies on diligent research and exploration. Educational research topics serve as beacons, guiding scholars and practitioners toward innovations that enhance teaching methodologies, student engagement, and overall learning outcomes. These educational research topics delve into the depths of educational systems, dissecting their intricacies to identify effective strategies and interventions. 

From investigating the impact of technology integration on student achievement to exploring the benefits of inclusive education, educational research delves into diverse areas of study. 

In this blog series, we embark on an enlightening journey, shedding light on a myriad of educational research topics. By examining these subjects, we aim to unravel valuable insights that can shape the future of education, fostering an enriching learning experience for all.

How to choose the right educational research topics?

Choosing the right educational research topic requires careful consideration. Here are some steps to help you select a suitable topic:

Identify your interests

Start by reflecting on your own interests within the field of education. What topics or issues capture your attention? Consider areas such as student learning, teaching methods, educational policies, or educational technology.

Conduct a literature review

Read widely in the field of education to familiarize yourself with current research trends and gaps in knowledge. Identify areas where more research is needed or where existing studies have conflicting results.

Consider practical relevance

Think about the practical implications of the research topic. Is it relevant to current educational challenges or issues? Will the findings have the potential to inform and improve educational practice?

Consult with experts

Seek guidance from professors, researchers, or professionals in the field of education. Discuss your potential research topics with them and get their insights and recommendations. They can provide valuable feedback and suggest areas that align with your research goals.

Narrow down the scope

Once you have a general idea, narrow down your topic to make it more focused and manageable. Consider the available resources, time constraints, and the feasibility of conducting research in that specific area.

Define research objectives

Clearly define your research objectives and questions. What specific aspects of the topic do you want to explore? Ensure that your research objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Research feasibility

Consider the availability of data and resources required to conduct research on your chosen topic. Evaluate whether you have access to relevant literature, data sources, or research participants. Additionally, consider ethical considerations and any potential constraints that may impact your research.

Seek feedback

Share your potential research topic with peers or mentors and seek their feedback. They can provide valuable insights, suggest improvements, or offer alternative perspectives.

Remember, selecting a research topic is an iterative process. It’s essential to be flexible and open to adjustments as you gather more information and refine your research objectives.

15+ College educational research topics

• The effectiveness of flipped classrooms in improving student engagement and learning outcomes.
• The impact of online learning on student achievement and retention rates.
• Strategies for promoting critical thinking skills in college classrooms.
• The influence of active learning techniques on student participation and comprehension.
• The role of project-based learning in developing real-world skills among college students.
• Factors influencing student motivation and engagement in higher education.
• The effectiveness of peer tutoring programs in supporting student learning and success.
• The impact of online discussion forums on student interaction and collaboration.
• The role of feedback and assessment in enhancing student learning and performance.
• The relationship between classroom environment and student academic achievement.
• Strategies for promoting effective communication skills among college students.
• The impact of experiential learning opportunities on student career readiness.
• The effectiveness of blended learning approaches in higher education.
• The role of metacognition in promoting deep learning among college students.
• The impact of diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus climate and student experiences.
• Factors influencing student decision-making in choosing majors and career paths.
• The effectiveness of student support services (e.g., counseling, tutoring, mentoring) in promoting student success.
• The relationship between student engagement in co-curricular activities and academic performance.

15+ Health educational research topics

• The effectiveness of health education programs in reducing risky behaviors among teenagers.
• The impact of school-based physical activity interventions on children’s health and well-being.
• The role of nutrition education in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents.
• The effectiveness of sex education programs in reducing teen pregnancy rates.
• The impact of mental health education on student well-being and academic performance.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress and improving mental health among students.
• The role of health education in preventing substance abuse among young adults.
• The impact of comprehensive sex education on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sexual health.
• The effectiveness of school-based vaccination programs in improving immunization rates among students.
• The role of physical education in promoting lifelong physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits.
• The impact of school wellness policies on student health outcomes.
• The effectiveness of health literacy interventions in improving health knowledge and behaviors.
• The role of peer education in promoting HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention among young people.
• The impact of nutrition education on reducing childhood obesity rates.
• The effectiveness of school-based bullying prevention programs on student mental health and well-being.
• The role of school nurses in promoting health and providing healthcare services to students.
• The impact of health education on knowledge and behaviors related to hygiene and disease prevention.

15+ Educational research topics on Medicine

• The effectiveness of online medical education in comparison to traditional classroom-based education.
• The impact of simulation-based training on medical students’ clinical skills and confidence.
• Strategies for promoting interprofessional education and collaboration in healthcare settings.
• The role of virtual reality in medical education and its impact on knowledge retention and skill development.
• The use of gamification in medical education to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.
• Investigating the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) in medical schools.
• Assessing the impact of clinical rotations on medical students’ clinical competency and preparedness.
• Exploring the integration of cultural competency training in medical education curricula.
• Investigating the use of e-portfolios for reflective practice and competency assessment in medical education.
• The effectiveness of flipped classroom models in medical education.
• Investigating the impact of longitudinal clerkships on medical students’ professional identity formation.
• Examining the use of standardized patients in medical education and their impact on students’ communication and clinical skills.
• Exploring the role of medical simulation centers in enhancing medical students’ procedural skills and patient safety.
• Investigating the impact of peer teaching and peer-assisted learning in medical education.
• Assessing the effectiveness of team-based learning (TBL) in medical education.
• Investigating the use of virtual patient cases for clinical reasoning and decision-making skills development.
• The role of medical humanities in developing empathy and cultural understanding among medical students.

15+ Educational research topics on Environment

• The effectiveness of environmental education programs in promoting environmental awareness and behavior change among students.
• Investigating the role of schools in fostering environmental literacy and sustainability.
• Assessing the impact of outdoor learning experiences on students’ environmental knowledge and attitudes.
• Exploring the effectiveness of the environmental education curriculum in developing students’ eco-literacy.
• Investigating the relationship between environmental education and pro-environmental behavior in children.
• Examining the impact of environmental education on students’ attitudes towards conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Investigating the role of teachers in promoting environmental education and sustainability practices in schools.
• Assessing the effectiveness of school recycling programs in reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility.
• Investigating the impact of school gardens on students’ understanding of and connection to the environment.
• Exploring the role of environmental education in fostering climate change awareness and action among students.
• Assessing the effectiveness of environmental education interventions in addressing environmental justice issues.
• Investigating the impact of environmental education on students’ understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.
• Exploring the use of technology and digital tools in enhancing environmental education and engagement.
• Assessing the effectiveness of environmental education in promoting sustainable consumption and lifestyle choices.
• Investigating the role of environmental education in mitigating environmental pollution and promoting environmental health.

15+ Educational research topics on Sport and Entertainment

• The impact of physical education on academic performance.
• Strategies for promoting physical activity among children and adolescents.
• The role of sports in character development and life skills acquisition.
• The influence of sports participation on self-esteem and self-confidence.
• The effectiveness of coaching styles in enhancing athlete performance and motivation.
• The impact of sport on social integration and community development.
• The role of sports in promoting gender equality and empowerment.
• The relationship between sports and academic engagement among student-athletes.
• The effects of sports specialization on long-term athletic success and well-being.
• The role of sports in promoting mental health and well-being.
• Strategies for preventing and managing sports-related injuries among athletes.
• The impact of sports marketing and sponsorship on consumer behavior.
• The influence of sports media on public perception and participation in sports.
• The role of entertainment education in promoting health and well-being.
• The effects of celebrity endorsements in the entertainment industry.
• The impact of music and dance education on cognitive development and academic achievement.
• The use of virtual reality and augmented reality in sports training and entertainment experiences.
• The effects of video games on cognitive skills and decision-making abilities in sports.

15+ Educational research topics for college students

• The effectiveness of online learning in higher education.
• The impact of student engagement on academic performance in college.
• Strategies for improving critical thinking skills in college students.
• The role of self-regulated learning in college success.
• The effects of student motivation on academic achievement in college.
• The impact of flipped classrooms on student learning in college.
• The effectiveness of peer tutoring programs in college settings.
• The influence of social media on student well-being and academic performance in college.
• The benefits and challenges of incorporating experiential learning in college curricula.
• The relationship between college student stress levels and academic performance.
• The impact of diverse learning environments on student learning outcomes in college.
• Strategies for promoting effective time management skills among college students.
• The role of metacognitive strategies in improving study habits and academic success in college.
• The effectiveness of active learning strategies in college classrooms.
• The influence of cultural competence in teaching and learning in college settings.
• The effects of collaborative learning on student engagement and academic achievement in college.
• The role of feedback and assessment practices in enhancing student learning in college.
• The impact of study abroad programs on intercultural competency development in college students.

15+ Educational research topics on Media and Communication

• The influence of media literacy education on critical thinking skills of students.
• The role of social media in shaping students’ attitudes and behaviors.
• The impact of media use on academic performance and learning outcomes.
• Effective strategies for teaching media literacy in the classroom.
• The use of digital media in promoting creativity and expression among students.
• The effects of media violence on children and adolescents.
• Media representations of diverse cultures and their effects on students’ perceptions.
• The role of media in shaping students’ political and social awareness.
• The influence of the media on body image and self-esteem among students.
• Media literacy and its relationship to digital citizenship.
• The role of media in promoting cultural understanding and tolerance among students.
• The impact of media on students’ language development and communication skills.
• The use of media in promoting active learning and student engagement.
• The effects of social media on students’ social interactions and relationships.
• The role of media in enhancing students’ information literacy skills.
• Media portrayal of gender roles and its impact on students’ attitudes and beliefs.
• The use of multimedia in improving students’ retention and comprehension of educational content.
• The influence of the media on students’ decision-making processes.

15+ Educational research topics on Technology

• The impact of online learning platforms on student engagement and academic performance.
• The effectiveness of educational apps in enhancing early childhood learning.
• The role of virtual reality in improving students’ understanding of complex concepts.
• Investigating the effectiveness of gamification in motivating students to learn.
• The use of artificial intelligence in personalized learning: benefits and challenges.
• Exploring the impact of mobile devices on student collaboration and information sharing.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of online discussion forums in promoting critical thinking skills.
• The use of educational video content for enhancing student comprehension and retention.
• Investigating the role of social media in supporting collaborative learning environments.
• The impact of coding and programming education on students’ problem-solving abilities.
• Assessing the effectiveness of blended learning models in K-12 classrooms.
• The influence of technology on teacher-student relationships and classroom dynamics.
• Investigating the factors influencing teachers’ adoption of technology in the classroom.
• The use of educational robotics in promoting STEM education and computational thinking skills.
• Examining the effects of digital storytelling on students’ creativity and narrative skills.
• The impact of online assessment tools on student performance and feedback effectiveness.
• Investigating the role of artificial intelligence in adaptive learning and personalized instruction.

15+ Educational research topics on Politics

• The influence of political ideologies on civic education.
• The role of political socialization in shaping young citizens’ political attitudes.
• The impact of political party affiliation on educational policies.
• The effectiveness of civic education programs in promoting political participation among youth.
• The influence of political bias in educational materials and its implications for student learning.
• The role of education in fostering democratic values and citizenship.
• The impact of political discourse in the classroom on student engagement and critical thinking.
• The relationship between political knowledge and voting behavior among college students.
• The representation of political issues and controversies in educational curricula.
• The impact of political activism and student protests on educational institutions.
• The influence of political factors on educational funding and resource allocation.
• The role of education in promoting tolerance and understanding in politically divided societies.
• The impact of political polarization on classroom dynamics and educational outcomes.
• The role of educational institutions in promoting political literacy and informed decision-making.
• The effects of political campaign advertising on students’ political attitudes and behavior.
• The impact of political decentralization on educational governance and policies.
• The role of education in addressing social justice issues and promoting political equality.

15+ Educational research topics on Thesis

• The effectiveness of project-based learning in enhancing student engagement and achievement.
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on student motivation and academic performance.
• The role of parental involvement in students’ academic success.
• The influence of socioeconomic status on educational opportunities and outcomes.
• The effects of inclusive education on students with disabilities.
• The effectiveness of differentiated instruction in meeting the diverse learning needs of students.
• The impact of early childhood education on long-term academic and social development.
• The role of assessment and feedback in promoting student learning and achievement.
• The effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classroom instruction.
• The relationship between school climate and student well-being and academic success.
• The impact of teacher professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes.
• The effectiveness of peer tutoring in enhancing student learning and academic performance.
• The influence of cultural diversity on classroom dynamics and student learning experiences.
• The effects of homework on student achievement and overall well-being.
• The role of educational leadership in school improvement and student success.
• The impact of social-emotional learning programs on students’ social skills and emotional well-being.
• The effectiveness of educational interventions for students with learning disabilities.
• The relationship between teacher beliefs and instructional practices in the classroom.
• The role of school counseling in supporting students’ academic and personal development.
• The effects of school-based nutrition programs on students’ health and academic performance.

15+ Psychology Educational research topics

• The influence of the classroom environment on student motivation and learning.
• The effects of teacher-student relationships on academic achievement and social-emotional development.
• The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on student well-being and academic performance.
• Gender differences in academic achievement and career choices in STEM fields.
• The role of self-efficacy in student learning and academic success.
• The effects of bullying on students’ psychological well-being and academic performance.
• The relationship between parental involvement and student achievement.
• The effectiveness of different teaching strategies in promoting critical thinking skills.
• The impact of peer tutoring on student learning outcomes.
• The role of motivation in academic procrastination among students.
• The effects of classroom diversity on intergroup relations and academic achievement.
• The relationship between learning styles and academic performance.
• The influence of educational technology on cognitive processes and learning outcomes.
• The effects of stress on students’ cognitive functioning and academic performance.
• The role of emotional intelligence in student success and well-being.
• The impact of extracurricular activities on students’ social and emotional development.
• The effectiveness of positive reinforcement techniques in classroom management and student behavior.

15+ Educational research topics on Sociology

• The influence of social class on educational attainment.
• The impact of cultural diversity in the classroom on student learning.
• The role of gender in educational achievement and career choices.
• Examining the effects of racial and ethnic segregation in schools.
• Exploring the relationship between teacher expectations and student performance.
• Investigating the effects of social capital on educational outcomes.
• Analyzing the impact of poverty on educational opportunities.
• Examining the role of social networks in students’ academic success.
• The influence of family background and socioeconomic status on educational outcomes.
• Exploring the effects of tracking and ability grouping in schools.
• Investigating the impact of school discipline policies on marginalized student populations.
• Examining the role of socialization in shaping students’ attitudes and behaviors.
• Analyzing the effects of peer influence on academic performance and engagement.
• Investigating the role of teacher-student relationships in student motivation and achievement.
• Exploring the effects of school climate and culture on student well-being and learning.
• Analyzing the impact of educational policies on educational equity and social justice.
• Investigating the relationship between educational institutions and social inequality.
• Exploring the effects of cultural capital on educational access and success.

15+ Educational research topics on Culture

• The influence of cultural diversity on student achievement in multicultural classrooms.
• The role of cultural sensitivity in teacher-student interactions and its impact on student learning outcomes.
• Exploring the relationship between cultural background and student engagement in the classroom.
• Investigating the effects of culturally responsive teaching practices on academic performance.
• Examining the impact of culturally relevant curriculum on student motivation and self-esteem.
• The role of cultural values in shaping parental involvement in education.
• Exploring the impact of culturally inclusive pedagogy on student attitudes towards diversity.
• Investigating the challenges and benefits of integrating culturally diverse literature in the classroom.
• The influence of cultural identity on student resilience and academic success.
• Examining the impact of cultural competency training on teachers’ ability to meet the needs of culturally diverse students.
• Investigating the role of cultural factors in shaping educational policies and practices.
• The impact of cultural integration programs on social cohesion and intercultural understanding in schools.
• Exploring the relationship between cultural competence of school leaders and the school climate.
• Investigating the influence of cultural stereotypes on teacher expectations and student outcomes.
• The role of cultural capital in educational achievement and attainment.
• Examining the impact of multicultural education on reducing prejudice and discrimination among students.
• Investigating the effects of cultural immersion experiences on students’ understanding of global citizenship.

15+ Leadership  Educational research topics

• The role of transformational leadership in improving student achievement.
• Exploring the relationship between instructional leadership and teacher effectiveness.
• Investigating the impact of distributed leadership on school culture and climate.
• Examining the influence of ethical leadership on organizational trust in educational institutions.
• The role of instructional coaching in supporting teacher leadership and professional development.
• Investigating the leadership practices that promote teacher collaboration and collective efficacy.
• Exploring the impact of principal leadership on teacher job satisfaction and retention.
• Investigating the effectiveness of distributed leadership in facilitating educational change.
• The role of servant leadership in promoting a positive school climate and student well-being.
• Exploring the relationship between instructional leadership and student engagement.
• Investigating the impact of instructional leadership on the implementation of evidence-based practices.
• The role of leadership in fostering parent and community engagement in schools.
• Examining the effectiveness of instructional leadership in promoting educational equity and closing achievement gaps.
• Investigating the leadership practices that facilitate successful school turnaround efforts.
• Exploring the impact of leadership development programs on leadership capacity in educational settings.
• Investigating the relationship between leadership styles and teacher motivation and job satisfaction.
• The role of distributed leadership in promoting instructional improvement and professional learning communities.

15+ Educational research topics for For Middle School

• The effectiveness of project-based learning in middle school classrooms.
• The impact of differentiated instruction on student achievement in mathematics.
• The role of physical activity and its influence on academic performance.
• The benefits of incorporating educational games in middle school curriculum.
• The effects of peer tutoring on student engagement and learning outcomes.
• The relationship between parental involvement and academic success in middle school.
• The impact of social-emotional learning programs on student behavior and well-being.
• The effectiveness of flipped classrooms in middle school science education.
• The influence of arts education on creativity and critical thinking skills.
• The role of mindfulness techniques in improving attention and concentration in middle school students.
• The benefits of incorporating multicultural literature in middle school English language arts.
• The impact of inquiry-based learning on student motivation and scientific inquiry skills.
• The effectiveness of cooperative learning strategies in middle school social studies classrooms.
• The relationship between school climate and student academic performance.
• The impact of technology integration on middle school students’ digital literacy skills.
• The benefits of incorporating financial literacy education in middle school curriculum.
• The role of teacher-student relationships in promoting a positive classroom environment.

15+ Educational research topics for For High School

• The effects of implementing project-based learning on student engagement and academic performance.
• The impact of flipped classrooms on student learning and retention of content.
• The role of teacher-student relationships in promoting academic success and well-being in high school.
• Investigating the effectiveness of different instructional methods (e.g., lecture, group work, online learning) in high school classrooms.
• Examining the influence of parental involvement on high school students’ academic achievement.
• The relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance in high school.
• Exploring the effectiveness of different assessment methods (e.g., tests, projects, portfolios) in measuring high school students’ learning outcomes.
• Investigating the impact of integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) programs in high school curriculum on students’ well-being and academic achievement.
• The effects of incorporating technology in high school classrooms on students’ motivation and learning outcomes.
• Investigating the factors influencing high school students’ career decision-making and exploring effective career guidance approaches.
• Examining the impact of different teaching strategies on high school students’ critical thinking skills.
• Exploring the role of student voice and participation in decision-making processes in high schools.
• Investigating the effects of school climate and culture on high school students’ academic performance and well-being.
• The influence of parental expectations and aspirations on high school students’ educational attainment.
• Examining the impact of personalized learning approaches on high school students’ achievement and motivation.
• Investigating the effects of teacher professional development programs on instructional practices and student outcomes in high schools.
• The relationship between high school students’ self-regulation skills and academic achievement.

Tips to write educational research topics

Here are some tips to help you write effective educational research topics:

Identify a specific research problem: Start by identifying a specific issue or problem within the field of education that you want to investigate. Narrow down your topic to a specific aspect or area that interests you.

Be clear and concise: Formulate your research topic in a clear and concise manner. Avoid using vague or general terms. Make sure your topic is specific enough to guide your research and provide focus.

Consider the significance and relevance: Ensure that your research topic is significant and relevant to the field of education. Think about the potential impact and contribution of your research to the existing knowledge base.

Conduct a literature review: Before finalizing your research topic, conduct a literature review to familiarize yourself with the existing research and identify any gaps or areas for further investigation. This will help you refine your topic and ensure its originality.

Consult with experts: Seek feedback from your professors, advisors, or other experts in the field of education. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for refining your research topic.

Formulate research questions or objectives: Once you have identified your research problem, formulate specific research questions or objectives that you aim to address in your study. These will guide your research and provide a clear focus.

Consider feasibility: Evaluate the feasibility of your research topic in terms of available resources, data availability, and ethical considerations. Make sure your topic is manageable within the given constraints.

Stay flexible: Keep in mind that your research topic may evolve as you delve deeper into the literature and conduct your research. Be open to adjustments and modifications along the way to ensure that your topic remains relevant and aligned with your research goals.

By following these tips, you can develop a strong and focused educational research topic that will serve as the foundation for your study.

In conclusion, educational research topics play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of various aspects of education. These topics provide opportunities to explore innovative teaching methods, evaluate the impact of interventions, and investigate factors that influence student learning and well-being. 

By conducting research in high school settings, we can identify effective instructional strategies, examine the role of technology, and understand the importance of student-teacher relationships. Additionally, research topics in education shed light on the significance of parental involvement, extracurricular activities, and social-emotional learning in promoting student success. 

Through rigorous investigation, educational research topics contribute to evidence-based practices that can enhance educational outcomes and create a positive impact on the lives of high school students.

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• Our Mission

The 10 Most Significant Education Studies of 2021

From reframing our notion of “good” schools to mining the magic of expert teachers, here’s a curated list of must-read research from 2021.

It was a year of unprecedented hardship for teachers and school leaders. We pored through hundreds of studies to see if we could follow the trail of exactly what happened: The research revealed a complex portrait of a grueling year during which persistent issues of burnout and mental and physical health impacted millions of educators. Meanwhile, many of the old debates continued: Does paper beat digital? Is project-based learning as effective as direct instruction? How do you define what a “good” school is?

Other studies grabbed our attention, and in a few cases, made headlines. Researchers from the University of Chicago and Columbia University turned artificial intelligence loose on some 1,130 award-winning children’s books in search of invisible patterns of bias. (Spoiler alert: They found some.) Another study revealed why many parents are reluctant to support social and emotional learning in schools—and provided hints about how educators can flip the script.

1. What Parents Fear About SEL (and How to Change Their Minds)

When researchers at the Fordham Institute asked parents to rank phrases associated with social and emotional learning , nothing seemed to add up. The term “social-emotional learning” was very unpopular; parents wanted to steer their kids clear of it. But when the researchers added a simple clause, forming a new phrase—”social-emotional & academic learning”—the program shot all the way up to No. 2 in the rankings.

What gives?

Parents were picking up subtle cues in the list of SEL-related terms that irked or worried them, the researchers suggest. Phrases like “soft skills” and “growth mindset” felt “nebulous” and devoid of academic content. For some, the language felt suspiciously like “code for liberal indoctrination.”

But the study suggests that parents might need the simplest of reassurances to break through the political noise. Removing the jargon, focusing on productive phrases like “life skills,” and relentlessly connecting SEL to academic progress puts parents at ease—and seems to save social and emotional learning in the process.

2. The Secret Management Techniques of Expert Teachers

In the hands of experienced teachers, classroom management can seem almost invisible: Subtle techniques are quietly at work behind the scenes, with students falling into orderly routines and engaging in rigorous academic tasks almost as if by magic. 

That’s no accident, according to new research . While outbursts are inevitable in school settings, expert teachers seed their classrooms with proactive, relationship-building strategies that often prevent misbehavior before it erupts. They also approach discipline more holistically than their less-experienced counterparts, consistently reframing misbehavior in the broader context of how lessons can be more engaging, or how clearly they communicate expectations.

Focusing on the underlying dynamics of classroom behavior—and not on surface-level disruptions—means that expert teachers often look the other way at all the right times, too. Rather than rise to the bait of a minor breach in etiquette, a common mistake of new teachers, they tend to play the long game, asking questions about the origins of misbehavior, deftly navigating the terrain between discipline and student autonomy, and opting to confront misconduct privately when possible.

3. The Surprising Power of Pretesting

Asking students to take a practice test before they’ve even encountered the material may seem like a waste of time—after all, they’d just be guessing.

But new research concludes that the approach, called pretesting, is actually more effective than other typical study strategies. Surprisingly, pretesting even beat out taking practice tests after learning the material, a proven strategy endorsed by cognitive scientists and educators alike. In the study, students who took a practice test before learning the material outperformed their peers who studied more traditionally by 49 percent on a follow-up test, while outperforming students who took practice tests after studying the material by 27 percent.

The researchers hypothesize that the “generation of errors” was a key to the strategy’s success, spurring student curiosity and priming them to “search for the correct answers” when they finally explored the new material—and adding grist to a 2018 study that found that making educated guesses helped students connect background knowledge to new material.

Learning is more durable when students do the hard work of correcting misconceptions, the research suggests, reminding us yet again that being wrong is an important milestone on the road to being right.

4. Confronting an Old Myth About Immigrant Students

Immigrant students are sometimes portrayed as a costly expense to the education system, but new research is systematically dismantling that myth.

In a 2021 study , researchers analyzed over 1.3 million academic and birth records for students in Florida communities, and concluded that the presence of immigrant students actually has “a positive effect on the academic achievement of U.S.-born students,” raising test scores as the size of the immigrant school population increases. The benefits were especially powerful for low-income students.

While immigrants initially “face challenges in assimilation that may require additional school resources,” the researchers concluded, hard work and resilience may allow them to excel and thus “positively affect exposed U.S.-born students’ attitudes and behavior.” But according to teacher Larry Ferlazzo, the improvements might stem from the fact that having English language learners in classes improves pedagogy , pushing teachers to consider “issues like prior knowledge, scaffolding, and maximizing accessibility.”

5. A Fuller Picture of What a ‘Good’ School Is

It’s time to rethink our definition of what a “good school” is, researchers assert in a study published in late 2020.⁣ That’s because typical measures of school quality like test scores often provide an incomplete and misleading picture, the researchers found.

The study looked at over 150,000 ninth-grade students who attended Chicago public schools and concluded that emphasizing the social and emotional dimensions of learning—relationship-building, a sense of belonging, and resilience, for example—improves high school graduation and college matriculation rates for both high- and low-income students, beating out schools that focus primarily on improving test scores.⁣

“Schools that promote socio-emotional development actually have a really big positive impact on kids,” said lead researcher C. Kirabo Jackson in an interview with Edutopia . “And these impacts are particularly large for vulnerable student populations who don’t tend to do very well in the education system.”

The findings reinforce the importance of a holistic approach to measuring student progress, and are a reminder that schools—and teachers—can influence students in ways that are difficult to measure, and may only materialize well into the future.⁣

6. Teaching Is Learning

One of the best ways to learn a concept is to teach it to someone else. But do you actually have to step into the shoes of a teacher, or does the mere expectation of teaching do the trick?

In a 2021 study , researchers split students into two groups and gave them each a science passage about the Doppler effect—a phenomenon associated with sound and light waves that explains the gradual change in tone and pitch as a car races off into the distance, for example. One group studied the text as preparation for a test; the other was told that they’d be teaching the material to another student.

The researchers never carried out the second half of the activity—students read the passages but never taught the lesson. All of the participants were then tested on their factual recall of the Doppler effect, and their ability to draw deeper conclusions from the reading.

The upshot? Students who prepared to teach outperformed their counterparts in both duration and depth of learning, scoring 9 percent higher on factual recall a week after the lessons concluded, and 24 percent higher on their ability to make inferences. The research suggests that asking students to prepare to teach something—or encouraging them to think “could I teach this to someone else?”—can significantly alter their learning trajectories.

7. A Disturbing Strain of Bias in Kids’ Books

Some of the most popular and well-regarded children’s books—Caldecott and Newbery honorees among them—persistently depict Black, Asian, and Hispanic characters with lighter skin, according to new research .

Using artificial intelligence, researchers combed through 1,130 children’s books written in the last century, comparing two sets of diverse children’s books—one a collection of popular books that garnered major literary awards, the other favored by identity-based awards. The software analyzed data on skin tone, race, age, and gender.

Among the findings: While more characters with darker skin color begin to appear over time, the most popular books—those most frequently checked out of libraries and lining classroom bookshelves—continue to depict people of color in lighter skin tones. More insidiously, when adult characters are “moral or upstanding,” their skin color tends to appear lighter, the study’s lead author, Anjali Aduki,  told The 74 , with some books converting “Martin Luther King Jr.’s chocolate complexion to a light brown or beige.” Female characters, meanwhile, are often seen but not heard.

Cultural representations are a reflection of our values, the researchers conclude: “Inequality in representation, therefore, constitutes an explicit statement of inequality of value.”

8. The Never-Ending ‘Paper Versus Digital’ War

The argument goes like this: Digital screens turn reading into a cold and impersonal task; they’re good for information foraging, and not much more. “Real” books, meanwhile, have a heft and “tactility”  that make them intimate, enchanting—and irreplaceable.

But researchers have often found weak or equivocal evidence for the superiority of reading on paper. While a recent study concluded that paper books yielded better comprehension than e-books when many of the digital tools had been removed, the effect sizes were small. A 2021 meta-analysis further muddies the water: When digital and paper books are “mostly similar,” kids comprehend the print version more readily—but when enhancements like motion and sound “target the story content,” e-books generally have the edge.

Nostalgia is a force that every new technology must eventually confront. There’s plenty of evidence that writing with pen and paper encodes learning more deeply than typing. But new digital book formats come preloaded with powerful tools that allow readers to annotate, look up words, answer embedded questions, and share their thinking with other readers.

We may not be ready to admit it, but these are precisely the kinds of activities that drive deeper engagement, enhance comprehension, and leave us with a lasting memory of what we’ve read. The future of e-reading, despite the naysayers, remains promising.

9. New Research Makes a Powerful Case for PBL

Many classrooms today still look like they did 100 years ago, when students were preparing for factory jobs. But the world’s moved on: Modern careers demand a more sophisticated set of skills—collaboration, advanced problem-solving, and creativity, for example—and those can be difficult to teach in classrooms that rarely give students the time and space to develop those competencies.

Project-based learning (PBL) would seem like an ideal solution. But critics say PBL places too much responsibility on novice learners, ignoring the evidence about the effectiveness of direct instruction and ultimately undermining subject fluency. Advocates counter that student-centered learning and direct instruction can and should coexist in classrooms.

Now two new large-scale studies —encompassing over 6,000 students in 114 diverse schools across the nation—provide evidence that a well-structured, project-based approach boosts learning for a wide range of students.

In the studies, which were funded by Lucas Education Research, a sister division of Edutopia , elementary and high school students engaged in challenging projects that had them designing water systems for local farms, or creating toys using simple household objects to learn about gravity, friction, and force. Subsequent testing revealed notable learning gains—well above those experienced by students in traditional classrooms—and those gains seemed to raise all boats, persisting across socioeconomic class, race, and reading levels.

10. Tracking a Tumultuous Year for Teachers

The Covid-19 pandemic cast a long shadow over the lives of educators in 2021, according to a year’s worth of research.

The average teacher’s workload suddenly “spiked last spring,” wrote the Center for Reinventing Public Education in its January 2021 report, and then—in defiance of the laws of motion—simply never let up. By the fall, a RAND study recorded an astonishing shift in work habits: 24 percent of teachers reported that they were working 56 hours or more per week, compared to 5 percent pre-pandemic.

The vaccine was the promised land, but when it arrived nothing seemed to change. In an April 2021 survey  conducted four months after the first vaccine was administered in New York City, 92 percent of teachers said their jobs were more stressful than prior to the pandemic, up from 81 percent in an earlier survey.

It wasn’t just the length of the work days; a close look at the research reveals that the school system’s failure to adjust expectations was ruinous. It seemed to start with the obligations of hybrid teaching, which surfaced in Edutopia ’s coverage of overseas school reopenings. In June 2020, well before many U.S. schools reopened, we reported that hybrid teaching was an emerging problem internationally, and warned that if the “model is to work well for any period of time,” schools must “recognize and seek to reduce the workload for teachers.” Almost eight months later, a 2021 RAND study identified hybrid teaching as a primary source of teacher stress in the U.S., easily outpacing factors like the health of a high-risk loved one.

New and ever-increasing demands for tech solutions put teachers on a knife’s edge. In several important 2021 studies, researchers concluded that teachers were being pushed to adopt new technology without the “resources and equipment necessary for its correct didactic use.” Consequently, they were spending more than 20 hours a week adapting lessons for online use, and experiencing an unprecedented erosion of the boundaries between their work and home lives, leading to an unsustainable “always on” mentality. When it seemed like nothing more could be piled on—when all of the lights were blinking red—the federal government restarted standardized testing .

Change will be hard; many of the pathologies that exist in the system now predate the pandemic. But creating strict school policies that separate work from rest, eliminating the adoption of new tech tools without proper supports, distributing surveys regularly to gauge teacher well-being, and above all listening to educators to identify and confront emerging problems might be a good place to start, if the research can be believed.

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Top Education Research Topics and Ideas for Students: Find Inspiration for Your Paper

Updated 11 Mar 2024

Education research plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of teaching and learning. However, for students, finding a compelling research topic can be a daunting task. That's why we're here to help! In this article, we have curated a collection of the latest education research topics and ideas to inspire you. From exploring how to best utilize technology in classrooms, to evaluating how certain teaching methods can improve learning outcomes, there is a wide range of topics that can be investigated. If you're seeking further support, don't hesitate to reach out and say, " Do my research paper !" We are here to simplify the process and help you excel in your academic pursuits. So let's delve into the exciting world of education research together!

List of education research paper topics

Education research paper topics refer to a wide range of subjects that students can explore in the field of education. Here is a list of topics for your inspiration:

• Impact of Online Learning on Student Engagement and Academic Performance
• Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning in Promoting Critical Thinking Skills
• Socioeconomic Status and Access to Quality Education
• Virtual and Augmented Reality in Enhancing the Learning Experience
• Role of Teacher Expectations in Shaping Student Outcomes
• Peer Mentoring Programs in Supporting Student Success
• Classroom Design and Student Learning Outcomes
• Technology-Assisted Language Learning in Second Language Acquisition
• Differentiated Instruction in Meeting Diverse Student Needs
• Cultural Competence in Teacher Effectiveness and Student Achievement
• Teacher-Student Relationships and Student Motivation
• Mindfulness Practices in Promoting Student Well-Being and Academic Achievement
• Teacher Professional Development and Instructional Quality
• Community Partnerships in Improving Educational Opportunities and Outcomes
• Inquiry-Based Learning in Promoting Scientific Literacy
• Experiential Learning Methods
• Parental Involvement and Student Success
• Early Childhood Education Outcomes
• Class Size and Academic Performance
• Motivation and Academic Performance
• School Climate and Academic Performance
• Collaborative Learning Approaches
• Cultural Competence and Academic Achievement
• Early Literacy Instruction and Future Reading Success
• Gender Disparities in Stem Academic Performance

Higher education research paper topics

This subtopic explores the impact of higher education on career prospects, the cost and affordability of college, the effectiveness of online learning, and the benefits of international study programs. Conducting research on these topics can lead to a better understanding of higher education and help achieve positive outcomes.

• Examining the Relationship between Online Learning and Student
• Engagement and Academic Performance in Higher Education
• The Effectiveness of Technology in Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education
• Mental Health Consequences of Student Loan Debt: A Study
• Cultural Backgrounds and Their Influence on Students' Academic Experiences and Outcomes in Higher Education
• Evaluating the Impact of Mindfulness-Based Programs on Reducing Stress and Enhancing Academic Performance in College Students
• Assessing the Role of Faculty Diversity in Improving Student Learning and Success in Higher Education
• Student Engagement and Retention Rates in Higher Education: A Correlation Analysis
• The Preparedness of Competency-Based Education Programs for the Workforce
• The Continuing Impact of COVID-19 on Higher Education and Its Future Prospects
• The Contribution of Student Support Services to Academic Success and Graduation Rates in Higher Education

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Special education research topics

• Assistive Technology for Academic Success
• Inclusive Education Best Practices
• Parent Involvement for Disability Outcomes
• Differentiated Instruction for Disabled Students
• Early Intervention for Young Learners
• Positive Behavior Interventions for Disabilities
• Co-teaching Models for Disabled Students
• Teacher Attitudes Towards Disabilities
• Peer Mentoring for Emotional Development
• Vocational Training for Disabled Employment
• Individualized Education Programs and Outcomes
• Reading Interventions for Learning Disabilities
• Social Skills Training for Disabilities
• Paraeducators’ Support for Disabled Students
• Self-Determination for Independent Living Skills
• Peer Support Groups for Emotional Outcomes
• Assistive Tech for Extracurricular Activities
• Mindfulness Interventions for Self-Regulation
• Collaborative Problem-Solving for Disabilities
• Physical Activity for Emotional Well-Being
• Inclusive Education for Students with special needs

Educational research topics on child development

This topic covers a broad range of research topics, including the effects of nature and nurture on child development, the impact of early childhood experiences on later development, the role of play in learning, and the influence of family and cultural factors on child development.

• Play and Learning in Early Childhood Development
• Mindfulness and Its Role in Promoting Child Development
• Nature Exposure and Children’s Cognitive Development
• Art Education for Child Development
• Family Dynamics Impact on Child Development
• The Effect of Trauma on Child Development
• Bilingualism and Cognitive Development in Children
• Creativity for Early Childhood Development
• Socioeconomic Status and Child Development
• Peer Mentoring for Child Development
• How Motor Skills Affect Children’s Academic Success?
• The Impact of Parent-Child Communication on Child Development
• Attachment and Self-Esteem Development in Children
• The Influence of Childcare Settings on Child Development
• Outdoor Play’s Relationship to Child Development
• Social Media and Adolescent Development
• Importance of Empathy for Child Development
• Culture and Gender Identity Development in Children
• The Importance of Resilience for Child Development
• Role of Executive Functioning in Social Skills Development

Educational research topics for college students

• Effects of Technology on Student Learning Outcomes in Higher Education
• A Comparative Study on Student Engagement and Achievement in Online Versus Traditional Classroom Instruction
• Teacher Feedback and Its Impact on Student Performance
• Parent Involvement and Its Influence on Student Academic Achievement
• Correlational Study on Sleep Habits and Academic Performance Among College Students
• Comparison of Different Study Techniques and Strategies for College Students
• Cultural Diversity in the Classroom and Its Effects on Student Learning
• Investigating the Relationship Between Student Motivation and Academic Performance
• Teaching Methodologies and Student Achievement in Stem Fields
• Impact of Teacher Expectations on Student Academic Achievement
• Comparative Study on Gender and Academic Performance in Different Subject Areas
• Extracurricular Activities and Academic Achievement: Examining the Relationship
• Effects of Peer-To-Peer Learning on Student Academic Performance
• The Impact of College Entrance Exams on Student Academic Performance
• Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Academic Performance Among College Students
• A Comparative Study on the Impact of Active Versus Passive Learning Approaches on Student Academic Performance
• Examining the Impact of Teacher Training on Student Academic Achievement
• The Effects of Teacher Burnout on Student Academic Achievement
• Different Types of Assessments and Their Effects on Student Academic Performance
• The Relationship Between College Students’ Study Habits and Academic Performance

Latest research topics in education

• How Can Technology Be Used to Enhance Student Learning in the Classroom?
• What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Homeschooling as a Form of Education?
• How Does the Use of Social Media Affect Student Engagement and Academic Performance?
• What Is the Impact of Teacher-Student Relationships on Student Motivation and Achievement?
• How Can Cultural Diversity Be Effectively Incorporated Into the Classroom to Promote Learning and Understanding?
• What Are the Best Strategies for Promoting Effective Reading Skills in Students of All Ages?
• How Can Project-Based Learning Be Used to Promote Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills in Students?
• What Are the Most Effective Ways to Promote Student Creativity and Innovation in the Classroom?
• How Does Teacher Feedback and Assessment Impact Student Learning and Academic Success?
• What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Online Learning in Higher Education?
• How Can Differentiated Instruction Be Used to Meet the Needs of Diverse Learners in the Classroom?
• What Is the Impact of Parental Involvement on Student Academic Achievement?
• How Can Schools Promote Positive Mental Health and Well-Being in Students?
• What Is the Role of Experiential Learning in Promoting Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes?
• What Are the Best Strategies for Promoting Effective Writing Skills in Students of All Ages?
• How Can Schools Effectively Address and Prevent Bullying and Cyberbullying?
• What Is the Impact of Student-Teacher Ratio on Student Academic Achievement?
• How Can Schools Promote Effective Collaboration and Teamwork Skills in Students?
• What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Competency-Based Education in Higher Education?
• How Can Schools Effectively Support and Accommodate Students With Disabilities?

Topics for action research in education

Discover how to make a positive difference in the world of education through innovative and effective action research. Learn about topics for action research that are relevant to current educational practices and trends. Get started on making your mark through thoughtful exploration of educational topics for action research!

• The Impact of Project-Based Learning on Student Achievement
• Strategies to Increase Student Engagement Through Technology Integration
• Methods to Improve Reading Comprehension in Elementary School Students
• Addressing Absenteeism Among High School Students
• Effective Strategies for Promoting Collaborative Learning
• Developing Critical Thinking Skills in Middle School Students
• Improving Teacher-Student Relationships to Enhance Student Learning
• Mindfulness Practices to Reduce Student Anxiety
• Examining the Effectiveness of Differentiated Instruction on Student Learning Outcomes
• Investigating the Effects of Physical Activity on Academic Achievement
• Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices to Meet the Needs of Diverse Students
• Investigating the Effects of Class Size on Student Achievement
• Strategies to Improve Parent Involvement in the Education Process to Support Student Success
• Examining the Effects of Music Education on Academic Achievement
• Effective Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners
• Investigating the Effects of School Uniforms on Student Behavior
• Promoting Positive Behavior in the Classroom Through Positive Reinforcement
• Addressing Academic Stress Among High School Students
• Strategies to Address Student Learning Gaps Caused by Pandemic-Related Disruptions
• The Impact of Teacher Professional Development on Student Learning Outcomes

Provocative education research topics

Research into education is groundbreaking, with new discoveries and ideas being created every day. This list of provocative research topics focuses on the most timely and important questions in education today. From educational technology to teaching methods and beyond, these questions are sure to spark intriguing conversations and novel insights.

• How Does the Use of Technology in the Classroom Impact Student Learning Outcomes?
• To What Extent Does Parental Involvement Affect Academic Performance?
• In What Ways Does Teacher Diversity Influence Student Success?
• What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Multilingual Education in the Classroom?
• How Does Social Media Use Affect Student Learning and Academic Achievement?
• What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of Standardized Testing in Measuring Student Learning?
• What Is the Relationship Between Classroom Environment and Academic Achievement?
• How Does Project-Based Learning Develop Critical Thinking Skills in Students?
• What Is the Correlation Between Mental Health and Academic Performance?
• How Effective Is Differentiated Instruction in Promoting Student Engagement?
• What Is the Impact of Professional Development on Teacher Efficacy and Student Learning Outcomes?
• How Does Collaborative Learning Impact Student Academic Achievement?
• What Is the Role of School Culture in Promoting Academic Success?
• How Can Education Promote Equity and Social Justice in the Classroom?
• How Does Online Learning Compare to Traditional Classroom Learning in Developing Student Competencies?
• What Is the Correlation Between Parenting Styles and Student Academic Success?
• How Do Gender and Cultural Differences Impact Learning Styles and Academic Achievement?
• What Is the Relationship Between Extracurricular Activities and Academic Success?
• How Effective Is Personalized Learning in Fostering Student Motivation and Engagement?
• What Is the Long-Term Impact of Early Childhood Education on Academic Achievement and Success?

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How to choose a good topic on education subject

Choosing a good topic on education is essential for engaging your audience and making an impact. To do this successfully, consider the following steps:

• Determine your passions: contemplate the facets of education that captivate and inspire you the most.
• Know your audience: be mindful of the readers or viewers of your work, and consider their interests and preferences.
• Explore contemporary trends and concerns: investigate recent developments, tendencies, technologies, approaches, policies, and research within education that are currently influencing the field.
• Uncover knowledge voids: pinpoint areas within education where research or comprehension is lacking, and choose a subject that addresses these deficiencies while contributing to the broader field.
• Consult with experts: engage with teachers, professors, or other industry professionals to gather insights on potential subjects - they may even provide helpful recommendations or direct you to valuable resources!

Choosing the right research topic is vital for students in the field of education. Staying informed about current trends and developments is key. This article provides a diverse list of top education research paper topics, allowing students to select an intriguing idea that aligns with their interests and goals. To save time and effort, you can choose to pay for papers , guaranteeing expertly crafted research papers while you concentrate on your academic goals.

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13 professional development topics for teachers

Discover professional development topics that embrace teaching methodologies and technology integration, while enabling educators to guide and inspire students.

by Michelle Schweikhardt

Visit our Administrator Hub to find more articles like this.

Keeping up with trending educational topics can feel like trying to keep up with the Joneses. It’s a never-ending race to stay ahead of the curve, where everyone seems to be using the latest and greatest teaching methods.

Just as the Joneses maintain a constant pursuit of excellence, educators passionately pursue the most effective teaching methods for the students they serve.

But amidst the constant influx of new trends, educators need guidance to discern which approaches genuinely hold merit and align with teachers’ unwavering commitment to student success. This is where teacher professional development shines.

Professional development empowers educators to go beyond the hype and base their instructional choices on rigorous research and evaluation. PD ensures the thoughtful integration of emerging trends, minimizing the risk of disjointed learning and maximizing student progress.

An educational shift

Before educators immerse themselves in a catalog of teacher professional development topics, it is helpful to understand the driving forces that have propelled these topics to prominence in the educational landscape.

Education has undergone several significant shifts throughout history, each driven by technological advancements, societal changes, and new understandings of how people learn.

These shifts have significantly impacted teacher professional development topics, demanding a more comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to teacher training. These advancements include:

• Student-centered instruction.
• Active learning strategies.
• Personalized learning approaches.
• Technology integration.
• Emergence of new learning environments.

As theories about student learning continue to evolve, there is a growing consensus that the most effective teaching approach involves a combination of methods . An increasing number of trending professional development topics have the advantage of being cross-disciplinary and applicable to multiple specializations within the field of education.

The following topics for professional development align with these trends, making them particularly relevant and timely for educators who want to empower their students to become lifelong learners and dynamic citizens.

13 professional development topics

1. the gradual-release framework, 2. project-based learning, 4. science of reading, 5. writer’s workshop, 6. reader’s workshop and literacy stations.

7. 21st century skills

8. STEAM/STEM

9. blended learning, 10. digital citizenship, 11. dyslexia.

Effective instruction involves building understanding gradually, piece by piece. The gradual release of responsibility framework , with its I-do , We-do , and You-do phases, provides a structured approach to achieving this.

The I-do phase involves the teacher modeling the skill, followed by the We-do phase , where students collaborate with the teacher to apply the skill. Finally, the You-do phase allows students to practice the skill independently with support from the teacher.

The gradual-release framework promotes a student-centered and active learning environment by providing explicit instruction, encouraging active engagement, and fostering student ownership.

Fun professional development topics can spark creativity and engagement in educators. One topic that provides that kind of spark for teachers—and students—is project-based learning (PBL).

PBL is a dynamic teaching method that engages students in active learning experiences. Project-based learning is a dynamic teaching method that engages students in active learning experiences. PBL immerses students in authentic, meaningful investigations of complex issues. Students are encouraged to think critically, apply their knowledge, and collaborate with others to solve problems and create practical products.

To foster deep engagement, teachers must create a stimulating environment that encourages students to take ownership of their learning. This includes opportunities to choose projects, work independently and in teams, and receive feedback. By creating a classroom culture that values curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, teachers can help students develop 21st-century skills.

3. Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a dynamic process that takes place throughout the learning process. Formative assessment is not just about assigning grades or scores; it’s about gathering evidence of learning and using that information to inform instructional decisions.

Whether during the reading or  writing process , formative assessment can be creatively applied with  shorter, easier-to-grade options , making it lighter work for both the teacher and the student. Assessments can be in the form of a written, physical product—or  consider digital options .

Formative assessment allows educators to pinpoint knowledge gaps, tailor instruction for differentiation, and support students in achieving mastery.

The Science of Reading (SOR) is a hot topic. Capitalizing on the growing interest in SOR, curriculum and professional development companies have capitalized on its prominence by including and promoting specific materials in their teaching resources.

However, the Science of Reading is not a specific program or product. The Science of Reading represents a continuously developing body of research that sheds light on the most effective approaches to teaching children to read.

Based on five components: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, the Science of Reading emphasizes evidence-based practices in teaching children to read, ensuring that instruction is grounded in the most effective methods.

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In the whirlwind of academic demands, teaching writing often gets relegated to the back burner. However, educators universally acknowledge its importance.

Effective writing instruction , like any skill, hinges on purposeful modeling and ample practice opportunities. Teacher professional development focused on implementing a writing-workshop model provides a comprehensive framework for fostering effective writing instruction that ranges from the mini-lesson to the independent work time.

The daily reading block includes three essential facets: whole-class mini-lessons , small groups , and independent literacy tasks . Educators carefully orchestrate the architecture of the reading block to seamlessly integrate the three components and create a cohesive and engaging learning experience for students.

Navigating the complexities of organizing and integrating these components can be like an intricate puzzle. Teacher professional development can target particular components of a reader’s workshop, such as launching literacy stations or guiding small groups .

7. 21st-century skills

In literal terms, 21st-century skills are the skills students need to succeed in this fast-paced and ever-changing workforce. While teachers often equate this to providing students with technology to stay plugged into the digital world, it encompasses a broader spectrum of abilities.

Twenty-first-century skills encompass the essential knowledge, life skills, career skills, habits, and traits crucial for student success in today’s dynamic world, particularly as they transition into higher education, the workforce, and adulthood.

STEAM education represents a comprehensive approach to learning that seamlessly integrates the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into a cohesive curriculum. This holistic approach aims to empower students with the essential 21st-century skills required to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.

Professional development in STEAM education integrates cutting-edge pedagogical approaches, technology tools, and 21st-century skills development, thus fostering a generation of adaptable, innovative, and problem-solving individuals who can thrive in today’s society.

Blended learning is a flexible approach to education that combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning activities. It offers a personalized and engaging learning experience that caters to diverse student needs and learning styles.

Effective implementation of blended learning strategies heavily relies on robust professional development for teachers. PD can equip educators with the skills and knowledge they need to design and deliver blended learning experiences, integrate technology seamlessly, and assess student progress effectively.

Technological advancements widen the reach of blended learning, making education more accessible for everyone, including learners in remote areas or those with limited resources. This helps bridge the digital divide and fosters inclusive education.

Digital citizenship encapsulates more than just navigating the online world safely; it involves nurturing kind and understanding people who can deal with the challenging ethical issues that arise when people interact through technology.

Through professional development, teachers gain the expertise they need to incorporate digital citizenship education into their curricula, fostering a generation of responsible and informed digital citizens.

Dyslexia ranks on the list of professional development training topics for any educator who teaches reading in one form or another. Dyslexia’s prevalence far exceeds that of any other learning disability, impacting at least 80% of all students with identified learning disabilities .

Imagine trying to understand a foreign language—learning to pronounce the sounds, recognize the letters, and combine them to form words. People engage in phonological processing when they do this.

Phonological processing is the ability to hear, understand, and manipulate the sounds of spoken language. Dyslexia stems from phonological processing deficits.

Despite Dyslexia’s neurological origin and lack of a cure, teachers who pursue evidence-based professional development can empower students to navigate its challenges.

12. English Language Learners (ELL)

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that ELL students are one of the fastest-growing demographics in public education. Despite the surging ELL student population, the number of qualified teachers to instruct them has failed to match this growth.

There is a shortage of qualified educators to meet the needs of this rapidly increasing student population. For this reason, ELL professional development should be a priority for any teacher with English Language Learners in the classroom.

ELL professional development equips teachers with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to effectively teach ELLs, promote their English language acquisition, and foster their overall academic success.

13. Social emotional learning (SEL)

Between the pandemic and other tragedies throughout the country, a growing emphasis on mental health has undoubtedly propelled social and emotional learning (SEL) to the forefront of education. As schools confront the repercussions of these adversities, SEL programs are emerging as a crucial tool for supporting students’ emotional well-being and promoting academic success.

In short, SEL empowers students to develop healthy identities, manage their emotions, achieve preset goals, empathize with others, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions.

SEL is not a fad or a superficial intervention. It provides a research-backed approach that nurtures students’ social and emotional skills, leading to positive behavioral and academic outcomes.

Among professional development topics for teachers, SEL stands out for its diverse spectrum of program options . Amidst the numerous SEL options, a clear understanding of students’ needs becomes the cornerstone for selecting a program that directly targets their specific challenges. This targeted approach guides professional development and optimizes program impact on student success.

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Innovative Project Based Learning Ideas for Every Classroom

Mikel Resaba

Project Based Learning (PBL) is transforming classrooms by immersing students in real-world challenges and fostering a deeper understanding through hands-on experiences. If you’re seeking innovative Project Based Learning Ideas, you’re in the right place.

We aim to fill in gap in traditional education resource and guides, by providing you with practical examples of effective project-based learning initiatives across different education levels.

Keep reading to discover how to bring Project Based Learning to life in your classroom:

Understanding Project-Based Learning (PBL)

What is project based learning.

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an educational approach that goes beyond textbooks and tests. It’s where students actively explore real-world problems and challenges, gaining knowledge and skills through hands-on projects. Project Based Learning is not just a teaching method; it’s a journey into the heart of learning, fostering critical thinking , creativity, and collaborative skills.

Key Principles of Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is built on a set of core principles that distinguish it from traditional educational methods. These principles are the bedrock of creating a dynamic and effective Project Based Learning environment:

• Student-Centered Learning: Project-Based Learning puts students at the heart of the learning process. They take the lead in their projects, making decisions, solving problems, and directing their learning paths. This autonomy builds confidence and a sense of ownership over their work.
• Inquiry and Exploration: At the core of Project Based Learning is the spirit of inquiry. Students are encouraged to ask questions, seek out new information, and explore different perspectives . This approach fosters a deeper understanding and a more meaningful connection with the subject matter.
• Real-World Relevance: Project Based Learning projects are often tied to real-world scenarios, making learning more relevant and engaging for students. By tackling issues that matter in the real world, students see the practical application of their studies and are more motivated to learn.
• Collaboration: Project Based Learning often involves group work, where students collaborate , share ideas, and learn from each other. This collaborative environment helps develop communication and teamwork skills, which are vital in both academic and professional settings.
• Reflection and Revision: An integral part of Project Based Learning is reflecting on what’s been learned and how it’s been learned. Students are encouraged to think critically about their work and make revisions, learning that iteration is a key part of the creative process.
• Presentation and Sharing: Sharing their work with others is a common end-goal in Project Based Learning. This aspect helps students develop presentation skills and also allows for feedback from peers and teachers, which is crucial for learning and improvement.

How PBL Differs from Traditional Education

Why Project-Based Learning Works

Project-Based Learning stands out as a transformative educational approach, aligning perfectly with modern pedagogical needs and theories. Its effectiveness and popularity in educational settings stem from its ability to engage students, develop essential life skills, and cater to diverse learning styles, all while preparing them for real-life challenges. Here’s an integrated look at why project-based learning works so well, also linking it to key educational theories and practices:

• Engagement and Motivation : The hands-on approach of project-based learning makes learning more engaging and enjoyable. This increased interest leads to higher motivation and information retention. It aligns with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) , where emotional engagement is crucial for educational success.
• Develops Critical Skills : Critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication are at the heart of project-based learning, echoing principles from constructivism . These skills are essential for navigating the complexities of the 21st-century world.
• Adapts to Diverse Learning Styles : The adaptability of project-based learning to various learning styles—visual, auditory, kinesthetic—makes it a highly inclusive educational approach. This flexibility reflects principles of cognitive learning theory , which emphasizes catering to individual cognitive processes.
• Encourages Lifelong Learning : By fostering curiosity and a love for learning, project-based learning helps cultivate lifelong learners, an aspect crucial in today’s fast-evolving world. This trait is a cornerstone of inquiry-based learning , which encourages perpetual curiosity and questioning.
• Real-World Application : Project-based learning prepares students for real-life scenarios, linking academic learning to real-world applications. This approach enhances students’ ability to apply classroom learning in external situations, a key aspect of preparing them for future challenges.
• Customizable and Flexible : The ability to tailor project-based learning to any subject matter and age group makes it an effective strategy across educational contexts. Its flexibility allows educators to mold it according to their classroom dynamics and student needs.
• Feedback and Improvement : Project-based learning involves an iterative process where students create, receive feedback, and improve. This reflects real-world problem-solving and continuous improvement processes, essential for student development.

A Closer Look of Project-Based Learning Across Educational Levels

Project-Based Learning (PBL) isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s versatile, catering to a wide range of learners. Understanding the target audience for Project Based Learning ideas is key to tailoring projects that resonate and inspire. Here’s a closer look:

• Kindergarten kids
• Elementary school students
• Middle schoolers
• Educators and teachers
• High school students
• Higher education students

Project-Based Learning in Kindergarten

Project-Based Learning (PBL) in kindergarten is a magical journey of discovery and creativity. At this foundational stage, Project Based Learning is not just about learning facts; it’s about sparking curiosity, fostering creativity, and developing social skills. Here’s how Project Based Learning unfolds in a kindergarten setting:

Embracing Exploration and Discovery

• Sensory-rich Projects: Young children learn best through sensory experiences. Project Based Learning in kindergarten often involves activities that engage the senses – touch, sight, sound, and even taste. Projects like creating a sensory garden or a tactile art piece allow children to explore and learn through direct interaction with materials.
• Story-based Learning: Stories captivate children’s imaginations like nothing else. Integrating storytelling into Project Based Learning can make learning more engaging. For instance, after reading a story about animals, children could engage in a project to create their own animal habitat.

Fostering Creativity and Expression

• Art and Craft Projects: These projects are a staple in kindergarten Project Based Learning. Children could create a mural depicting seasons, craft their own musical instruments, or build models using recyclable materials. Such activities not only unleash creativity but also enhance fine motor skills.
• Role-playing and Dramatization: Children love to pretend and role-play. Projects that involve dramatization, like reenacting a folk tale or creating a mini-theater show, help develop language skills and confidence.

Building Social and Emotional Skills

• Collaborative Projects: Group activities where children work together to achieve a common goal are excellent for teaching teamwork and empathy. Building a classroom treehouse model or a community helpers’ chart are projects that encourage collaboration.
• Emotional Learning Projects: Activities that focus on recognizing and expressing emotions, like creating an ‘emotions chart’ or storytelling sessions where children discuss feelings, are valuable for emotional development.

Integrating Basic Academic Concepts

• Mathematics Through Play: Projects like setting up a pretend shop can teach basic counting and arithmetic in a fun way. Children learn best when they don’t even realize they’re learning!
• Environmental Awareness: Projects that involve observing and interacting with nature, like planting a garden or observing weather changes, introduce science concepts in a tangible and enjoyable manner.

Involving Parents and Community

• Family Collaboration Projects: Involving parents in projects, like creating a family tree or a ‘my neighborhood’ map, not only enhances learning but also strengthens the home-school connection.
• Community Engagement: Projects that connect children with their community, like visiting a local fire station or creating artwork for a community center, help them understand their role in the larger world.

Project-Based Learning in Elementary School

Project-Based Learning (PBL) in elementary school lays the groundwork for a lifetime of curious, engaged learning. It’s here that children first encounter the joys of discovery and the satisfaction of solving problems. Let’s explore how Project Based Learning can be effectively implemented at this crucial stage of education through various collaborative projects .

Environmental Awareness Projects

• Building a Mini Ecosystem : Students create a small-scale ecosystem, learning about biology, sustainability, and environmental science.
• Designing a Sustainable Garden : Pupils plan and cultivate a garden, learning about plant life, sustainable practices, and teamwork.

Historical Exploration Projects

• Creating a Historical Timeline : This project involves researching and illustrating significant historical events, enhancing understanding of history and the concept of time.
• Cultural Exploration Project : Students explore and present different cultures, fostering global awareness and appreciation for diversity.

Scientific Inquiry Projects

• Young Meteorologist Program : Students explore weather patterns, conduct simple experiments, and present their findings on local weather phenomena.
• Simple Machines Playground : A project where students learn about basic physics by designing and building simple machines.

Art and Creativity Projects

• Community Mural Creation : A group project focused on creating a mural that represents the local community or a theme studied in class.
• Storybook Creation : Students write and illustrate their own storybooks, blending creative writing with artistic expression.

Mathematics and Problem-Solving Projects

• Math in Real Life : A project where students apply mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems, like budgeting for a mini event.
• Geometry in Architecture : Pupils use geometric shapes to design simple structures, understanding geometry’s practical applications.

Project-Based Learning in Middle School

Middle school is a pivotal time in students’ educational journeys, making it an ideal stage for implementing Project-Based Learning (PBL). This period is characterized by students’ growing abilities to think abstractly, reason logically, and engage with more complex subject matter. Project Based Learning in middle school harnesses these developmental strides, turning the classroom into a dynamic learning environment.

The Role of Project Based Learning in Middle School Education

• Fostering Independence: Middle school students are at an age where they crave independence. Project Based Learning offers them the chance to take charge of their learning, making choices and solving problems with minimal hand-holding.
• Catering to Varied Interests: At this age, students are exploring their interests. Project Based Learning can be tailored to these diverse interests, making learning more relevant and engaging.
• Building Critical Thinking: Middle schoolers are developing critical thinking skills. Project Based Learning challenges them to analyze, evaluate, and create, pushing their cognitive abilities.

Engaging Middle School Students with Project Based Learning

To engage middle school students effectively, Project Based Learning should be:

• Relevant and Real-World Focused: Projects should tie into real-world problems or students’ interests to keep them engaged and invested.
• Collaborative: Group projects encourage social interaction and teamwork, skills that are crucial during these formative years.
• Varied in Complexity: Projects should vary in complexity to cater to different learning levels and to keep all students challenged and interested.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage students to ask and answer ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions, pushing them to think more deeply about their projects.
• Encourage Problem-Solving: Present students with real problems to solve in their projects, requiring them to think critically and creatively.
• Foster Debate and Discussion: Create opportunities for students to discuss and debate different aspects of their projects, encouraging them to consider various viewpoints and defend their ideas.

Examples of Project-Based Learning Ideas for Middle School

• Simulating Historical Events: Students could recreate a significant historical event, which helps them understand the complexities of history and its impact on the present.
• Designing and Building a Model City: This project incorporates principles of urban planning, environmental science, and engineering, encouraging students to think about sustainability and community planning.
• Investigating Environmental Issues: Students could explore current environmental challenges, conduct research, and propose actionable solutions. This project can also include a community service aspect, like a neighborhood clean-up or awareness campaign.

Assessing Middle School Project-Based Learning Projects

Assessment in Project Based Learning should be as dynamic as the learning process:

• Rubrics: Use detailed rubrics that assess various aspects of the project, from the research and planning stages to the final presentation.
• Peer and Self-Assessment: Encourage students to give and receive feedback. This process helps them develop critical thinking and reflective skills.
• Teacher Evaluation: Teacher assessment should focus not only on the end product but also on the learning process, including how students worked together, solved problems, and overcame challenges.

Project-Based Learning in High School

High school students are on the brink of entering higher education or the workforce. At this pivotal stage, project-based learning (PBL) can be a powerful tool to prepare them for the future.

Civic Engagement Projects

• Local History Documentation : Students research and document the history of their community, culminating in a presentation or a digital archive.
• Public Policy Analysis : Analyze a current policy issue, develop alternative solutions, and present findings to local stakeholders.

STEM Innovation Projects

• Robotics Challenge : Design and build a robot to perform specific tasks, integrating principles of engineering and computer science.
• Sustainable Energy Solutions : Research and propose alternative energy solutions for the school, presenting a feasible plan to the administration.

Creative Arts and Expression Projects

• Theatre Production : Produce and perform a play, allowing students to explore literature, history, and the performing arts.
• Art Installation : Create an art installation that comments on a social issue, combining art with social studies.

Project-Based Learning in Higher Education

In higher education, PBL is an excellent way to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Research and Development Projects

• Undergraduate Research Project : Conduct original research in a chosen field of study, with the goal of presenting findings at a conference or publishing.
• Startup Incubator : Develop a business plan and prototype for a startup idea, potentially collaborating with business and engineering departments.

Community and Global Impact Projects

• Community Service Initiative : Design and implement a service project that addresses a local need, reflecting on the social impact.
• Global Collaboration Project : Collaborate with students from a university abroad to address global challenges, promoting cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

Tips for Effective PBL at the Collegiate Level

• Encourage Scholarly Research : Promote the use of scholarly databases and research methods to deepen academic rigor in projects.
• Collaborate Across Departments : Take advantage of the diverse academic departments to build interdisciplinary projects that mirror professional and research complexities.
• Incorporate Industry Tools : Use industry-standard tools and methodologies to give students hands-on experience with the tools they will encounter in their careers.
• Global Perspective : Encourage projects that require students to engage with global issues or collaborate with international peers, expanding their cultural competence and global awareness.
• Outcome-Oriented Projects : Design projects with tangible outcomes, like published research, implemented programs, or exhibited works, to add to students’ portfolios and resumes.

8 Project-Based Learning Strategies You Cannot Miss!

Implementing Project-Based Learning (PBL) can be a game-changer in education, but it requires a thoughtful approach to ensure success. Here’s how educators can effectively integrate Project Based Learning into their teaching:

• Start with Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with Project Based Learning. Are you focusing on developing specific skills, enhancing knowledge in a subject area, or fostering collaboration? Clear goals help in designing more focused and effective projects.
• Design Engaging Projects: The heart of Project Based Learning is the project itself. Design projects that are challenging yet achievable, relevant to students’ interests and real-world problems. Ensure they align with educational standards and learning objectives.
• Facilitate, Don’t Dictate: Shift from a teacher-led to a student-centered approach. Guide students through the process, but give them autonomy to make decisions and solve problems. This fosters independence and critical thinking.
• Incorporate Technology Wisely: Utilize technology to enhance Project Based Learning. Tools like ClassPoint can be used to create interactive presentations, conduct real-time quizzes, and provide instant feedback, making the learning process more dynamic and engaging.
• Build a Collaborative Environment: Encourage teamwork and collaboration among students. Group projects can help develop communication skills and the ability to work effectively with others.
• Continuously Assess and Reflect: Assessment in Project Based Learning goes beyond traditional tests. Include formative assessments throughout the project, encourage self and peer assessments, and have students reflect on their learning process and outcomes.
• Be Prepared for Challenges: Implementing Project Based Learning can come with challenges like managing diverse learning styles, ensuring equal participation, and aligning projects with curriculum standards. Be proactive in addressing these challenges and be flexible in your approach.
• Seek Feedback and Evolve: After each project, seek feedback from students and colleagues. Use this feedback to refine your approach and evolve your Project Based Learning strategies over time.

Bonus: Getting Started with Project-Based Learning Using ClassPoint

ClassPoint is not just an add-on for PowerPoint; it’s a powerful tool that can transform your approach to Project-Based Learning (PBL). Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can use ClassPoint to bring your PBL ideas to life.

Step-by-Step Implementation:

• Concept Introduction : Use ClassPoint’s Quick Poll or Word Cloud feature to survey students on their initial thoughts about a new topic.
• Project Proposal : Students articulate their project ideas in a short, written format and submit these proposals to the teacher for approval using Short Answer .
• Research and Design : Students conduct research using traditional methods or their devices and compile their findings in PowerPoint. The teacher can also facilitate this step by using ClassPoint’s embedded browser to showcase websites or resources during the presentation for guidance.
• Student Presentation : Students present their completed projects, integrating multimedia elements such as videos and images, alongside live demonstrations to showcase their work effectively.
• Audience Engagement : Encourage students to leverage ClassPoint’s draggable objects , live quizzes or quick polls to interact with other students and allow the audience to vote on their favorite projects or to facilitate a question-and-answer session.
• Assessment & Feedback : Implement real-time polling for a quick knowledge check and collect feedback from classmates, making the session interactive and engaging.

Take the Next Step in Project-Based Learning

You’ve seen the power of project based learning ideas – now it’s time to bring them into your classroom. With ClassPoint’s interactive features, you can elevate these projects from concept to reality.

• Turn your PowerPoint into an interactive learning hub.
• Engage students with real-time quizzes and polls.
• Track progress and celebrate achievements with gamification.

Don’t just read about it – experience the transformation. Try ClassPoint for free and watch your project based learning ideas come to life!

About Mikel Resaba

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TOPICS FOR RESEARCH IN TEACHER EDUCATION

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Education is one of the most important building blocks for a nation, serving as an instrument of economic and social development. Teacher Education is an integral component of the educational system. Teacher Education is a complete professional function that takes place in pre-service education, induction programmed, in service programme, stuff development and continuing education. Goal of teacher education largely depends on national goal of development set for the country. This field has been accorded special emphasis on the face of recent social, economic, political and technological advances, particularly the challenges posed by information and communication technology and the growing rate of knowledge. So, the task of a teacher is a highly respected and specialized, whether it is teaching in kindergarten, elementary school, high school, college or postgraduate courses. The teachers are required in all sectors of education, and in order to be teachers themselves, need to be educated by experts in their desired fields. Teacher Education is a diverse field, covering numerous subjects and various methods of teaching. Teaching in any field is demanding and is a challenging task. Teacher Education is offered at three stages: (1) Preparation of teachers at primary level, (2) Preparation of teachers at secondary level and (3) Preparation of teachers at college level. At primary level teachers undergo their D.Ed. course in District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) or Primary Teachers' Training Institutions (PTTIs). Secondary level teachers undergo their training (B.Ed.) in Colleges of Education (CEs) or Colleges of Teacher Education (CTEs) or Institute of Advanced Studies in Education (IASEs). Teachers at college level especially to work in the B.Ed. colleges, undergo their training (M.Ed.) in postgraduate departments of education.

Pravat Dhal

Bihar is an old state in East India. It is the 13th largest state in terms of geographical size of 94,163 km2 and 3rd largest by population and fastest growing state. The name Bihar is derived from the Sanskrit and Pali word, which means "abode". The region was roughly encompassing with 'Buddhist vihara', the abodes of Buddhist monks in the ancient and medieval periods. Bihar remained an important place of culture and education during the past 1000 years. Government of Bihar discontinued pre-school training of primary teachers in PTECs and B Ed colleges since July 1993, when policy decision was taken that pre-service teacher training qualification is not needed for appointment as teachers in elementary school. This was the dark period of teacher education in Bihar. The Government of Bihar initiated processes for the renewal of teacher education in early 2000. Based on the State reviews in collaboration with UNICEF, and the Common School Commission, the government h...

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50 Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for Teaching STEAM

You got this!

Teachers know that STEAM, that combo platter of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, offers students something no singular subject can alone: a fuller package of innovative awesomeness. But sometimes it’s hard for teachers to come up with ideas for STEAM. So we’ve curated a list of some of our favorite projects, tips, and ideas for teaching STEAM in your classroom. Dive in!

1. No STEAM experience, no problem.

You may have never coded or be a little shy with robots—that’s okay! You don’t need all the answers to make STEAM matter.

2. Team up with your teacher BFF.

There’s strength in numbers! Working together as a team with students and embracing failure can change your teaching game and foster teamwork among your students.

3. Play with pool noodles.

Pool noodles are the best manipulative for teaching STEAM. Here are some of our favorite go-to pool noodle ideas .

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4. Create a bridge between STEAM and real-world issues.

These elementary school students  raised funds for cancer research and services while working on STEAM projects  related to how cancer affects the body.

5. Level the playing field for girls.

There’s much talk about the effort to encourage girls to try coding and engineering. STEAM curriculum helps close the gap by adding creative interests, like these girl-powered STEAM ideas!

6. Inspire them with female scientists, too.

Marie Curie is cool and all, but she’s one of a long list of badass STEAM pioneers! Help your lessons come alive with this list of 16 women who studied everything from butterflies to dinosaurs to nuclear physics.

7. Consider a makerspace.

A makerspace is more than a buzzword—it’s your home base for STEAM curriculum! Your classroom makerspace will let your students tinker, explore, create new things, and so much more.

8. Look for inexpensive inspiration.

The price tags of elaborate 3-D printers, coding robots, circuit sets, and coding systems can make a makerspace seem unattainable. Here’s how to upcycle, find deals, beg, borrow, and shop smart!

9. Hit up the dollar store.

Stretch your STEAM budget with  these great supply hacks for science projects.

10. Add STEAM challenges onto your read alouds.

Struggling readers? Try tapping into STEAM principles to boost engagement. “My kids were reading about Orville and Wilbur Wright, so I had them do a simple engineering challenge,” Toni Z. says. “Who could make the best paper airplane?” After the activity, the students were much more interested in reading about the Wright brothers!

Source: Room 241

11. Grow your classroom library with STEAM books.

No classroom book nook can be complete without a place to fire up curiosity with science reads , books that inspire invention , motivate budding artists , or even inspire a love for math . The power of a STEAM library knows no bounds. Build out a STEAM-themed digital library, too!

12. Discover the magical powers of using magnets in the classroom.

We searched from pole to pole (oh, yeah!) for magnet activities to help organize your classroom, encourage creativity, and teach kids science concepts.

13. Encourage young innovators to build and tinker.

Create DIY sensory boards for your younger learners to inspire STEAM exploring and future innovation! These 16 sensory boards are genius!

14. Make your STEAM lessons really pop.

Students love balloon experiments, whether they’re building a balloon-powered boat or powering a light bulb with static electricity. Stock up at the dollar store and throw a science party with these 20 awesome balloon experiments!

15. Create a STEAM-inspired space with the perfect decor.

Take your science lab or classroom up a notch with these incredible science bulletin boards and classroom decor ideas!

16. Start a Genius Hour for students to enhance your ideas for teaching STEAM.

Genius Hour is all the rage in creativity-driven classrooms. It’s inquiry-based, student-directed learning that encourages research, creativity, and helping students discover STEAM-related passions. Genius Hour is a great way to dive deep into material, and we promise it’s not a free-for-all!

17. Let a famous robot take the wheel.

C-3PO … Optimus Prime … Iron Giant. Check out how amazing robots from pop culture offer teachable moments for your students.

18. Encourage your students to take risks.

STEAM might seem to be all fun and games (it IS a lot of fun), but amazing life lessons exist beneath each experience. Here are just five of the ways it cultivates taking risks.

19. Excite future innovators with online STEAM games.

TryEngineering.org’s mission is to foster the next generation of makers and thought leaders. Jump in through their free gaming options for instant STEAM fun.

20. Don’t forget to bone up on how to make a cyber-safe classroom.

Make sure your students know the golden rule of online citizenship, how to leave a smart digital footprint, and more.

21. Try Scratch for a budget-friendly way to teach coding.

Scratch is a programming language often considered the go-to for students (and teachers) new to the coding universe. It lets students create their own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art. It’s STEAM nirvana.

22. Incorporate mindfulness into teaching STEAM.

Think about it: Google and Apple teach mindfulness to their employees—and they’re onto something. Mindfulness exercises will help you and your students communicate and have clearer minds for problem solving.

23. Study the history of NASA.

The NASA Kids’ Club is NASA’s safe space for K–4 students to learn about NASA and its missions. Its games, printable activities, and picture galleries will inspire classroom writing prompts, experiments, and more.

24. Blend math and poetry with the magic of Shel Silverstein.

These six surprising math activities tackle ELA and math,  and connect to one of our favorite authors. Minimal supplies for massive fun!

25. Put a seasonal twist on teaching STEAM.

We see your volcano experiment and raise you! Pumpkin-canos are a delight at almost any age. Get creative with mini pumpkins for the whole classroom!

Source: Little Bins for Little Hands

26. Treat students to this edible STEAM trick they’ll remember.

Explore polymers and eat them too with this  glow-in-the-dark Jell-O activity. It’s perfect for a STEAM-tastic classroom Halloween party. Check out these edible science projects for anytime !

Source: STEAM Powered Family

27. Share the magic of crystals with a festive favorite, candy canes.

It’s great when art and science come together for giving—hello, tree ornament gifts! Students home in on some chemistry basics and learn how crystals grow. Growing crystals on red pipe cleaners is easier than you might think.

Source: Little Bins, Little Hands

28. Explore the world of winter science experiments.

This list— from the science of snowflakes to the requisite snow volcano experiment —is great for kids of all ages. No snow or ice where you live? Many can be done indoors, using a freezer instead.

29. Light up their Valentine’s Day with a lovely project.

Nothing says you HEART someone like making copper-tape valentines for a class gift exchange or for the special staff in the building. Show your appreciation with STEAM!

SOURCE: Left Brain, Craft Brain

30. Fly into spring with STEAM.

This adorable 3-D monarch butterfly design helps students learn butterfly anatomy, while the artful build of it helps reinforce what they’re learning.

Source: Schooling Active Monkeys

31. Try teaching STEAM with these DIY parachutes.

Coffee filters make fantastic parachutes. Get your students thinking, engineering, and building as they try to create a parachute that works.

Source: JDaniel4’sMom

32. Cure spring fever.

Spring fever rearing its head in your classroom? These engaging hands-on STEAM activities will reengage them.

33. Send students off to summer break with a pocket full of STEAM.

Parents (and students!) will thank you for steering them toward a bit of STEAM fun for summer. These 21 activities will keep them engaged all summer long.

Source: Make and Takes

34. Ask for STEAM donations and let the magic happen.

Remind parents you’re always in need of supplies to stock your STEAM bins, cart, or makerspace. With additional supplies, kids will go wild with their imagination.

35. Tough crowd? Have a few STEAM-themed jokes ready.

What do you call an acid with an attitude? A-mean-oh acid. Thank you, we’re here all night (with cheesy science jokes , and equally cheddar math jokes , too).

36. Help students fund their STEAM college dreams!

Research shows that women and members of other marginalized groups make up a small percentage of the STEAM workforce. These scholarships are some of our favorite ones available to high school students.

37. Slime. It’s still a thing, and students will love it.

These classroom slime lessons will help you achieve your STEAM project goals.

38. Create STEAM-dreamy fidgets as a class.

Use beads and a popsicle stick to create a quick fidget. Fun to make; genius put to use!

39. Make fun and games the focus with Code.org.

Will you fix a robot’s brain? Find the buried treasure or maybe design a Google logo? These Hour of Code activities for every grade are available year-round.

40. Watch kid-approved design videos for STEAM aspiration.

PBSKids Design Squad is a great place to start. Find answers to burning design questions on stability and design differences, why stuff works, plus how to build catapults, stability bikes, recycled boats, and more. There’s a random video lever button for fun too!

41. Make teaching STEAM inclusive.

Alex Byland, a special education teacher, says to keep STEAM guidelines open-ended. His students met rubric guidelines by doing a variety of activities, including creating a music video, a business-like Powerpoint speech, a poster presentation, a skit, and an advertisement. Check out his 5 best practices for connecting STEAM with special education.

42. Connect the dots for students from classroom to career.

Invite a guest speaker who works in a STEAM field to the classroom via Google Hangouts or Skype (or IRL) to inspire and engage! The STEAM speaker can discuss projects, judge a fair, or just share the path they took to get into a STEAM career.

43. Remind students that there’s no “I” in team—or in STEAM!

“I have four tables and four science containers. Each container has a ton of LEGOs, rubber bands, popsicle sticks, Play-Doh, string, empty bottles, the list goes on. Once a month [students’] bins are on their table, and once everyone is settled, I announce what they are building as a team and how much time they have. Example: Your table is building a catapult, and you have 20 minutes. Your catapult must work and send the cotton ball a minimum distance. My class loves those days!” —Rachel B.M.

44. And teamwork always makes the STEAM work.

“We have an African proverb we love to say to our students and each other all the time: ‘Alone I go faster. Together we go farther.’ This is a big thing in our classroom. Yes, you can go fast, but you want to go farther. That’s what we want to do. Together we can solve problems.”  —Carine B.

45. Help younger learners see themselves as scientists.

“I love making sure that my littles know that they truly can be anything they choose. Students drew themselves, and then we glued our drawings in the front of a science journal in which we have documented our experiments and observations about the things we’ve studied so far, like life cycles, and light, and shadows. Then we shared the journals with parents at conferences, and it was incredible to hear how much each student had learned and remembered from those lessons!” —Jan C.

46. Explore TedEd’s STEM/STEAM videos with your students.

Find answers to pressing kid-focused design, engineering, and technology questions—is the five-second rule legit?— on Ted’s platform for students and teachers.

47. Get unplugged for computer-based STEAM lessons.

CS Unplugged is just that—computer science without the computer. Play physical movement games that relate to computer science, like binary-number activities (the basis of all coding language), sorting efficiency, how computers and robots work through writing programming (who gets to be the robot first?!), and more.

48. Show students that with failure comes power and fun.

“It’s pretty powerful when you can be in charge,” Teri says. “It’s a challenge. ‘Oh no! This didn’t work! So now what do we do?’ The failure doesn’t sound or feel like failure. It feels like a puzzle or playing a game. And we all know they love gaming!”  —Teri G.

49. Try glitter.

Glitter is applicable to so many STEAM ideas, and it’s that instant kid-approved boost you may need. You can make glitter shapes for structures. Perform an experiment with glitter slime. You can toss glitter in that make-your-own lava lamp and write scientific theories in glittery markers. Clean up aside, #TeamSTEAMGlitter

50. Delight in STEAM’s spectacular rises and dramatic falls.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Listen to Mary Poppins. When STEAM passion and grit take over your classroom, life lessons abound. Your students will be so caught up in the magic, they won’t even know how they’re about to make the world a better place.

What are your tips and tricks for teaching STEAM? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, our favorite dollar store hacks for the classroom.

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Center for American Progress

Project 2025’s Elimination of Title I Funding Would Hurt Students and Decimate Teaching Positions in Local Schools

Project 2025 would decimate more than 180,000 teacher positions and negatively affect the academic outcomes of 2.8 million vulnerable students across the country.

Advancing Racial Equity and Justice, Building an Economy for All, Education, Education, K-12, Educational Resource Equity, Every Student Succeeds Act, Investment and Funding Equity for Public Education, Racial Equity and Justice +5 More

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Part of a Series

Project 2025: Exposing the Far-Right Assault on America

This article is part of a series from the Center for American Progress exposing how the sweeping Project 2025 policy agenda would harm all Americans. This new authoritarian playbook, published by the Heritage Foundation, would destroy the 250-year-old system of checks and balances upon which U.S. democracy has relied and give far-right politicians, judges, and corporations more control over Americans’ lives.

Since its establishment, the U.S. Department of Education has led the nation’s efforts to improve and advance elementary and secondary education. When Congress passed the Department of Education Organization Act in 1979 to establish the agency, it defined one of its core functions, in part, as follows: “to strengthen the Federal commitment to ensuring access to equal educational opportunity for every individual.”

Now, the far-right authoritarian playbook known as Project 2025 puts that mission at risk. It proposes dismantling the key role of the federal government to increase access and close the educational opportunity gap, especially in communities with lower property values, since a large portion of the country’s K-12 system is funded with local property taxes. In doing so, the playbook creates intentional harm on today’s children and generations to come. One of Project 2025’s most extreme plans includes abolishing the U.S. Department of Education—the only federal agency that is mandated to ensure equal opportunity and accountability and to fund states and school districts for elementary and secondary education.

Sign up for the Spotlight Project 2025 newsletter The newsletter exposes the far-right assault on America

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The policy proposals of Project 2025 undermine public education, a fundamental pillar of our democracy. Specifically, they recommend that the next far-right administration redirect taxpayer dollars intended for K-12 public education to fund private and religious schools for the wealthy; roll back Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex; eradicate Head Start ; block student debt cancellation programs and increase monthly payments for student loan borrowers ; censor anti-racist curricula that teach tolerance in schools; and eliminate school nutrition programs, particularly for children experiencing food insecurity during the summer when they lack access to school meals.

Moreover, Project 2025 proposes disinvestments in programs that support states in meeting the academic needs of the nation’s most vulnerable students, including students with disabilities served by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and low-income students at Title I-eligible schools.

Title I supports low-income students and nearly 2 in 3 public schools

Title I, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) obligates supplemental federal funding to states to ensure that all children, regardless of their income status, receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. Title I was created in response to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 was signed into law by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. In enacting Title I, Congress recognized that students in high-poverty schools have greater educational needs—which continues to be a reality—and states lacked the resources to close this divide; therefore, federal aid was required to provide the academic services and opportunity necessary for these students.

Since its inception, Title I has been a critical program to address chronic funding and opportunity gaps between students experiencing high poverty and their more affluent peers.

More than half of the nation’s public schools serve a high concentration of low-income students, with 63 percent of traditional public schools and 62 percent of public charter schools in the 2021-22 school year identifying as Title I-eligible. Since its inception, Title I has been a critical program to address chronic funding and opportunity gaps between students experiencing high poverty and their more affluent peers. Despite its impact, Title I has experienced significantly low levels of funding over the years.

Title I supports the teacher workforce

Title I funding is critical to hiring and retaining well-prepared teachers in schools. During the 2023-24 school year, every state in the country reported a teacher shortage in one or more subject area. But high-poverty schools are at a double disadvantage when it comes to teacher shortages: Recent research shows that turnover rates are higher at high-poverty schools (29 percent) than at schools with lower concentrations of poverty (19 percent). Indeed, teachers are leaving high-poverty schools at alarmingly high rates due to poor working conditions and unmanageable workloads.

During the 2023-2024 school year, every state in the country reported a teacher shortage in one or more subject areas.

Title I provides necessary resources for districts to support and incentivize teachers in hard-to-staff schools that serve a higher percentage of low-income students and students of color. In order to close the achievement gap between high-poverty and wealthier schools, districts need more federal aid through Title I and other programs to support early-career teachers and retain outstanding teachers who make up the “ Irreplaceables ,” due to their high performance and success.

Project 2025 would worsen current teacher shortages by eliminating nearly 6 percent of the workforce

Project 2025 would decimate more than 180,000 teacher positions and negatively affect the academic outcomes of 2.8 million vulnerable students across the country. The loss of 180,000 teacher positions represents 5.64 percent of the teacher workforce nationally, which is roughly 3.2 million public school teachers . Table 1 illustrates the loss of teacher positions and affected students in each state as a result of phasing out Title I funding. At least 5 percent of teacher positions in 32 of the 50 states would be lost if federal Title I aid were eliminated. In some states, such as Alabama, Arizona, Mississippi, Nevada, and Florida, nearly 10 percent teacher jobs would be lost. Louisiana would experience the greatest impact, with more than 12 percent of teaching positions eliminated.

Project 2025’s proposal to phase out Title I reverses national efforts to retain teachers , including legislation to increase teacher pay—a contributing factor to retention. Today, the average teacher salary in the majority of states is below the minimum living wage, and teachers are being paid 5 percent less than what they were a decade ago when adjusted for inflation.

Title I funding directly benefits teachers and students in suburban, rural, and urban schools across the country. Districts use this funding to provide direct student support services and to hire and retain teachers. Project 2025’s proposal to eliminate Title I funding would lead to the loss of teacher positions, high teacher-to-student ratios, and a lack of school-based programs and quality instruction. This would be devastating to local schools, students, families, and communities.

Teaching is the only profession that prepares workers of every industry. Teachers, and the students they serve, must receive adequate support in preparation to entering the workforce, supporting the social and emotional development of future generations, and being informed citizens our democracy can rely on.

Methodology

The analysis in Table 1 used official fiscal year 2023 spending data from the U.S. Department of Education to demonstrate individual state and national funding implications if the federal “Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies” were to be eliminated, which Project 2025’s Mandate for Leadership proposes happen over 10 years.

To calculate the funding-cut equivalent of teacher jobs as a result of this proposal, the authors divided the most recent average teacher salary from the 2021-22 school year, according to state figures from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), by the percentage of total compensation that goes toward wages and salaries associated with primary, secondary, and special education school teachers, according to U.S. Department of Labor data , to get the total employer cost for employing public K-12 school teachers. The authors then divided the total Title I dollar amount that each state receives from the U.S. Department of Education by the above sum. To calculate the percentage of the teacher workforce represented by that figure, the authors divided the funding-cut equivalent of teacher jobs for each state by the total number of public K-12 teachers in the state as of 2022, which is the latest available data from NCES .

In regard to the figure indicating the potential teacher positions at risk, the authors acknowledge that there are programs that make up the total funding amount that states receive for elementary and secondary education that may not go directly toward teacher compensation; however, if that funding were altogether cut and the services it funded remained, other state and local revenue would need to fill the hole, leaving the equivalent funding cut equal to roughly 182,000 teacher positions.

Finally, to calculate the number of students affected by this proposal, the analysis multiplied the most recent data for state-by-state pupil-to-teacher ratios from the NCES by the number of teachers affected.

The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. A full list of supporters is available here . American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.

Weadé James

Senior Director, K-12 Education Policy

Will Ragland

Vice President of Research, Advocacy and Outreach

K-12 Education Policy

The K-12 Education Policy team is committed to developing policies for a new education agenda rooted in principles of opportunity for all and equity in access.

Explore The Series

The far right’s new authoritarian playbook could usher in a sweeping array of dangerous policies.

Project 2025 Would Increase Gun Violence, Reversing Historic Declines

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on K-12 Education Policy

AI's role in enhancing education

ASU experts explain how artificial intelligence can help teachers — but training and access is key

AI-generated images by Alex Davis/ASU

Editor's note: This feature article is part of our “AI is everywhere ... now what?” special project exploring the potential (and potential pitfalls) of artificial intelligence in our lives. Explore more topics and takes on the project page .

Professors at Arizona State University have been exploring the use of artificial intelligence for years, but when ChatGPT hit the scene in November 2022, even the early adopters had to pause.

“I was like, ‘What did we just do, and why did we do it?’" said Janel White-Taylor , a clinical professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at ASU. 

“And then I started playing with it, and I thought, ‘This is amazing,’ 

“And I remember the moment that I went from that fear to the excitement that this can really change the way we do the business of learning and school. And if we can embrace it properly, we can help a lot of students learn in the way that they want to learn.”

Mary Lou Fulton faculty are optimistic about AI easing the burden on overworked K–12 teachers by helping with lesson planning, grading and even special education. At the same time, they also are wary of potential challenges, such as disparity in access between wealthy and poor schools, and inherent biases in AI systems.

Teaching AI to students is not a matter of “if” but “when,” White-Taylor believes.

“It’s that initial fear of ‘What will this do to our society?’ But at the same time, if we don't teach students, what does that do for them?” she said.

“I think almost every job in the future is going to have some AI built into it. So the more they know how to leverage it, the better.”

A collaborative effort

The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College started collaborating on the use of AI many years ago and has created a college-wide network of resources and support.

Punya Mishra , a professor and until recently the associate dean for scholarship and innovation, has worked in the field of education technology for more than 30 years. Years ago, he realized that AI would become huge and so became a driver of the college-wide Learning Futures Collaborative .

“The idea was that if this is a genuinely transformative technology, we need to bring everyone along,” he said.

“What was impressive to me is that our faculty approached it not as ‘students will cheat,’ but that their goal is to teach students how to use it correctly.”

Nearly 20 years ago, Mishra developed a framework called TPACK for how teachers learn to use technology in the classroom, and he recently wrote a new paper updating the concept. Applying the framework to generative AI, teachers must understand how it is different from other technologies and how to integrate it into their teaching. The change will be similar to the introduction of cheap calculators but with the added complexity of AI’s constant evolution.

And classrooms don’t operate in a vacuum. Mishra gives social media as an example. Fifteen years ago, teachers might have considered how to use platforms such as YouTube in the classroom but would never have imagined the societal changes wrought by social media that affect their students daily.

Mishra’s research has uncovered evidence of racial bias in AI. In one study, he and his colleagues presented two identical student writing samples to AI tools, with the only difference being the type of music the student listened to — rap versus classical. The AI rated the essay mentioning classical music higher and provided more sophisticated feedback. 

“A human might even miss that. That’s not to say we shouldn’t use this, but let’s be aware,” Mishra said.

Harnessing 'super users'

AI is not yet widely used in K–12 classrooms, according to research done by Robin Lake , a professor of practice and the director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education at ASU. The center collaborated with the RAND Corporation last fall on a report about AI in the classroom, surveying more than 1,000 K–12 teachers and 231 districts. They found:

More educator resources

Leveraging OpenAI’s API platform, ASU Online has developed a collection of resources tailored for educators. These tools are crafted to streamline the creation of course materials, eliminating the necessity for in-depth expertise in prompt crafting or programming.

Learn more about the tools — including a question generator, a script voiceover and a rubric creator — at teachonline.asu.edu/asu-online-ai-tools.

• As of fall 2023, 18% of K–12 teachers surveyed used AI for teaching, and an additional 15% tried AI at least once.
• Social studies was the most popular subject AI was used for, and sixth through 12th grades the most common age group.
• Teachers with less than 10 years of experience were more likely to use AI than teachers with more experience.
• Teachers in suburban schools were more likely to use AI than those in urban or rural schools.

Of the 18% of teachers who reported using AI tools, these were the most common ways they used them: supporting students with learning differences; generating quizzes and assessments; adjusting content to an appropriate grade level; and generating lesson plans and assignments such as worksheets.

“Our interviews revealed that district leaders are quite optimistic about AI — in particular about how AI could help teachers save time,” Lake said.

“But they're worried about their ability to help teachers get up to speed,” she said, citing recovery from the pandemic and loss of funding from enrollment declines.

One finding is that suburban and more advantaged districts are already ahead in training teachers in AI.

“If there are benefits from these AI tools, we don't want them to accrue to the most advantaged schools,” she said.

Lake thinks that AI “super users” — the teachers who are early and eager adopters — can be an asset to their schools by sharing their knowledge. 

“But we have to figure out how to compensate them and how to systematize that. And as a researcher, we need evidence building,” said Lake, whose center also is tracking state regulation of AI in education and building a database of early adopter districts.

Lake sees an interesting dynamic between the disruption wrought by the pandemic and the emergence of AI.

“One, there is a real sense of urgency around, ‘We need to find creative solutions because this is a lot harder than we thought.’ And resources are constrained and staffing continues to be a challenge. Teachers are burnt out, so what can we do to help them?” she said.

“And on the other side, I think a lot of people did not have a good experience with online learning during the pandemic. And a lot of people are very concerned about students' use of social media and cellphone usage.

“And so we're hearing that teachers are putting AI in a tech bundle that they don't trust.”

Centering Black girls

Tara Nkrumah , an assistant professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, is getting ahead of potential inequity in AI. For three years, she has been collaborating with colleagues in Pittsburgh on a robotics program for Black girls ages 9 to 14. Last year, she received a National Science Foundation grant to expand the program into AI.

The goal is to have the girls be creators, not just consumers, of a product that would represent their voice and open a career pathway. The process would become a framework for creating equitable outcomes within AI for girls of color, Nkrumah said.

“It’s showing them that the content is more than just being able to succeed on exams or that they have expertise in terms of recall, but actually seeing the relevancy of AI in their everyday life and in ways they can use to speak to inequities and using AI as a tool to disrupt it,” she said.

Nkrumah is working on the professional development part of the project — training the facilitators who will work with the girls. A pilot study will begin this summer.

Her area of expertise is culturally relevant pedagogy, an educational framework to get kids engaged and empower them to create actions that promote equity.

Culturally relevant pedagogy shows that learning is more than succeeding on exams, she said.

“It’s about acknowledging the culture that the students bring to the space and validating that culture. And it's all about showing how academic success should not be standardized and that it should be understood in the ways in which each individual demonstrates their interests and their talents and their needs,” she said.

AI to amplify your voice

White-Taylor has helped to develop the AI Playground , a guide that curates AI resources across 11 categories that includes tips and tutorials.

She spends a lot of time, informally and formally, guiding classroom teachers in the use of AI, often by sharing how she uses it. She recently designed a course using several AI tools.

“We did some fun things, like videos with images created in Midjourney, an AI graphics tool.

“We wrote the initial script, we put it in ChatGPT, and said, ‘OK, make this sound more fun. Take out all the big words.’ And then we used voice generators to add the voiceover and then we put all that together. 

“It’s really looking at ways for teachers to simplify.”

For example, AI could help teachers create writing rubrics.

“Not saying, ‘AI go in and create my rubric’ and then you're done. No, it gives you a nice rough draft to work from,” White-Taylor said.

AI also can help students who are hesitant writers.

“They struggle with that blank page,” she said.

“Being able to go into a tool and say, ‘I have to create an assignment on X, Y and Z. Where should I start?’ is a lot better than someone doing random Google searches.”

White-Taylor said it’s important to understand that AI tools will amplify your voice.

“You have to make sure that your voice is involved and that you're consciously and cautiously watching what's happening. Because it's not smart. You are,” she said.

AI is everywhere ... now what?

Artificial intelligence isn't just handy for creating images like the above — it has implications in an increasingly broad range of fields, from health to education to saving the planet.

Explore the ways in which ASU faculty are thinking about and using AI in their work:

• Enhancing education: ASU experts explain how artificial intelligence can help teachers — but training and access is key.
• A more sustainable future: Artificial intelligence is helping researchers find solutions to urgent worldwide issues .
• Advancing health care: AI has the potential to accelerate diagnoses and enable earlier and possibly life-saving treatment.
• The ethical costs: Issues around privacy, bias, surveillance and even extinction are raised with advancements in AI.
• Expert Q&As: Read smart minds' thoughts on everything from food security to the power grid to the legal system on our special project page .

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The Hechinger Report

Covering Innovation & Inequality in Education

How could Project 2025 change education?

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• Proof Points

The proposals in the 2025 Presidential Transition Project — known as Project 2025 and designed for Donald Trump — would reshape the American education system, early education through college, from start to finish. 

The conservative Heritage Foundation is the primary force behind the sprawling blueprint, which is separate from the much less detailed Republican National Committee 2024 platform , though they share some common themes.

Kevin Roberts, the president of Heritage and its lobbying arm, Heritage Action, said in an interview with USA TODAY that Project 2025 should be seen “like a menu from the Cheesecake Factory.” No one president could take on all these changes, he said. “It’s a manual for conservative policy thought.”

What young conservatives have to say about higher education

The fast-changing political landscape makes it difficult to say which of these proposals might be taken up by Trump if he wins reelection. He has claimed to know nothing about it, though many of his allies were involved in drafting it . The exit of President Joe Biden from the presidential race may have an impact on Project 2025 that is still unknown. Finally, many of the broadest proposals in the document, such as changes to Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, would require congressional action, not just an order from the White House.

However, it remains a useful document for outlining the priorities of those who would likely play a part in a new Trump administration. The Hechinger Report created this reference guide that digs into the Project 2025 wishlist for education.

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Early childhood.

Child care for military families

Project 2025 calls for expanding child care for military families, who have access to programs that are often upheld as premier examples of high-quality care in America. – Jackie Mader Head Start and child care  

Project 2025 calls for eliminating the Office of Head Start, which would lead to the closure of Head Start child care programs that serve about 833,000 low-income children each year. Most Head Start children are served in center-based programs, which have an outsized role in rural areas and prioritize enrolling a certain percentage of young children with disabilities who often struggle to find child care elsewhere. Head Start also provides a critical funding and resource stream to other private child care programs that meet Head Start standards, including home-based programs. – J. M. Home-based child care

A conservative administration should also prioritize funding for home-based child care rather than “universal day care” in programs outside the home, Project 2025 says. That funding would include money for parents to stay home with a child or to pay for “familial, in-home” care, proposals that could be appealing to some early childhood advocates who have long called for more resources for informal care and stay-at-home parents . – J. M.

On-site child care

If out-of-home child care is necessary, Congress should offer incentives for on-site child care, Project 2025 says, because it “puts the least stress on the parent-child bond.” Early childhood advocates have been wary of such proposals because they tie child care access to a specific job . It also calls on Congress to clarify within the Fair Labor Standards Act that an employer’s expenses for providing such care are not part of the employee’s pay. – J. M.

K-12 education

Data collection  

The National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the “Nation’s Report Card,” should release student performance data based on “family structure” — in addition to existing categories such as race and socioeconomic status — Project 2025 argues. Family structure, the document says, is “one of the most important — if not the most important — factor influencing student educational achievement and attainment.” The document goes on to endorse “natural family structure” of a heterosexual, two-parent household, “because all children have a right to be raised by the men and women who conceived them.” — Sarah Butrymowicz 

LGBTQ students  

Project 2025 advocates a rollback of regulations that protect people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. It calls for agencies to “focus their enforcement of sex discrimination laws on the biological binary meaning of ‘sex.’” 

The plan also calls on Congress and state lawmakers to require schools to refer to students by the names on their birth certificates and the pronouns associated with their biological sex, unless they have written permission from parents to refer to them otherwise.

The plan also equates transgender issues with child abuse and pornography, and proposes that school libraries with books deemed offensive be punished. — Ariel Gilreath

Privatization  

In place of a federal Education Department, the blueprint calls for widespread public education funding that goes directly to families, as part of its overarching goal of “advancing education freedom.”

The document specifically highlights the education savings account program in Arizona, the first state to open school vouchers up to all families. Programs like Arizona’s have few, if any, restrictions on who can access the funding. Project 2025 also calls for education savings accounts for schools under federal jurisdiction, such as those run by the Department of Defense or the Bureau of Indian Education. 

In addition, Project 2025 calls on Congress to look into creating a federal scholarship tax credit to “incentivize donors to contribute” to nonprofit groups that grant scholarships for private school tuition or education materials. — Ariel Gilreath and Neal Morton School meals  

The federal school meals program should be scaled back to ensure that only children from low-income families are receiving the benefit, the document says. Policy changes under the Obama administration have made it easier for entire schools or districts to provide free meals to students without families needing to submit individual eligibility paperwork. — Christina A. Samuels

Special education 

Project 2025 says that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provides $14.2 billion in federal money for the education of school-aged children with disabilities, should be mostly converted to “no-strings” block grants to individual states. Lawmakers should also consider making a portion of the federal money payable directly to parents of children with disabilities, it says, so they can use it for tutoring, therapies or other educational materials. This would be similar to education savings accounts in place in Arizona and Florida . 

The blueprint also calls for rescinding a policy called “ Equity in IDEA .” Under that policy, districts are required to evaluate if schools are disproportionately enrolling Black, Native American and other ethnic minority students in special education. Districts must also track how these students are disciplined, and if they are more likely than other students in special education to be placed in classrooms separate from their general education peers. Current rules, which Project 2025 would eliminate, require that districts that have significant disparities in this area must use 15 percent of their federal funding to address those problems. — C.A.S.

Teaching about race 

Project 2025 elevates concerns among members of the political right that educating students about race and racism risks promoting bias against white people. The document discusses the legal concept of critical race theory, and argues that when it is used in teacher training and school activities such as “mandatory affinity groups,” it disrupts “the values that hold communities together such as equality under the law and colorblindness.” 

The document calls for legislation requiring schools to adopt proposals “that say no individual should receive punishment or benefits based on the color of their skin,” among other recommendations. It also calls for a federal Parents’ Bill of Rights that would give families a “fair hearing in court” if they believed the federal government had enforced policies undermining their right to raise their children. — Caroline Preston

This program, funded at a little over $18 billion for fiscal 2024, is the largest federal program for K-12 schools and is designed to help children from low-income families. The conservative blueprint would encourage lawmakers to make the program a block grant to states, with few restrictions on how it can be used — and, over 10 years, to phase it out entirely. Additionally, it says, lawmakers should allow parents in Title I schools to use part of that funding for educational savings accounts that could be spent on private tutoring or other services. — C.A.S.

Higher education

Affirmative action and diversity, equity and inclusion  

The document calls for prosecuting “all state and local governments, institutions of higher education, corporations, and any other private employers” that maintain affirmative action or DEI policies. That position matches the views expressed by Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, about the use of race in college admissions and beyond. — Liz Willen  

In higher education, the proposal argues that college graduation and earnings data need a “risk adjustment” that factors in the types of students served by a particular institution. While selective colleges tend to post the highest graduation rates and student earnings, they also tend to enroll the least-“risky” students. A risk adjustment methodology could benefit community colleges, which often have low graduation rates but enroll many nontraditional students who face obstacles to earning a degree. It would also likely benefit for-profit colleges, which similarly tend to accept most applicants. Historically, for-profit schools have received scrutiny under Democratic administrations for poor outcomes and for allegedly misleading students about the value of the education they provide. Republican administrations typically have supported less regulation of for-profit institutions. — S.B. 

Parent PLUS loans and Pell grants  

The blueprint calls for the elimination of the Parent PLUS loan program, arguing that it is redundant “because there are many privately provided alternatives available.” Originally created for relatively affluent families, the PLUS loan program has become a crucial way for lower- and middle-income families to pay for college. In recent years, it has sparked criticism due to rising default rates and fewer protections than are afforded to other student loan borrowers.  

At present, interest rates for private loans are significantly lower than Parent PLUS rates, but they come with fewer protections, and it is more difficult to get approved for a private-bank loan. Project 2025 would also get rid of PLUS loans for graduate students.

If the federal PLUS programs were eliminated, it could stem one portion of the rising tide of families’ education debt, but it would also make the path to paying for college more difficult for some families. 

Project 2025 does not call for a change to the Pell grant program, which provides federal funding for students from low-income families to attend college. Some advocates have called for doubling the annual maximum allotment, which is $7,395 for the 2024-25 school year, far below the cost to attend many colleges. — Meredith Kolodner and Olivia Sanchez

Student loan forgiveness  

Project 2025 would end the prospect of student loan forgiveness, which has already been largely blocked by federal courts; the Biden administration, in a sort of game of Whac-a-Mole, has proposed still more forgiveness programs that are being fought by Republican state attorneys general and others. Project 2025 would also dramatically restrict what’s known as “borrower defense to repayment,” which forgives loans borrowed to pay for colleges that closed or have been found to use illegal or deceptive marketing. Largely restricting the Education Department to collecting statistics, Project 2025 would shift responsibility for student loans to the Treasury Department. — Jon Marcus

This story about Project 2025  was produced by  The Hechinger Report , a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for our  higher education newsletter . 

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• The Education Gradebook

Florida schools wary of substitute teacher shortage

• Jeffrey S. Solochek Times staff

The big story: Many schools across the Tampa Bay region and state have had fewer problems finding teachers this year than in the recent past.

About 400 hires attended Pasco County’s new teacher orientation on Monday.

But even in districts that have been filling their classrooms more easily, vacancies remain. And finding substitute teachers appears to be a growing concern.

“When I started 15 years ago, I had a hard time getting jobs at the schools I wanted. Now, it’s the opposite. There just aren’t enough of us to fill those positions,” Karen Potter, a Bay area substitute, told Fox 13. Read more here .

Absenteeism: Duval County school district officials are seeking ways to attract students back to classes after 34% missed 20 or more days last year, WJXT reports.

Budgets: Florida State University trustees approved a $219 million state budget request for 2025-26, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.

Code of conduct: Flagler County students will have more footwear choices in their updated dress code, but face more restrictions on when they may use cellphones, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.

Elections: An Alachua County school board member seeking reelection removed nine endorsements from her website after the named officials said they didn’t endorse her , the Gainesville Sun reports. • LGTBQ+ activists have launched a get out the vote effort to help Democrats win control of the nonpartisan Broward County school board, Florida Politics reports. • A University of North Florida poll shows little support for a proposal to make school board elections partisan again, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

Project 2025: The controversial proposal to remake U.S. government includes several ideas that mirror Florida’s education agenda , the Tallahassee Democrat reports.

Teacher discipline: Months before his arrest for inappropriate sexual contact with students, a Palm Beach County middle school teacher was investigated for other questionable interactions with students, the Palm Beach Post reports.

Unions: A federal judge ruled against most aspects of a challenge to Florida’s 2023 law placing added restrictions on public sector unions, including for teachers, News Service of Florida reports. Judge Mark Walker allowed the case to continue regarding questions over paycheck deductions for dues collection.

Voucher costs: A Flagler County school board member questioned why the district’s budget proposal did not include information about $10 million being passed through to voucher recipients , Flagler Live reports. • The Sarasota County school district’s budget projects an enrollment decline as more students accept taxpayer funded vouchers, the Herald-Tribune reports.

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Jeffrey S. Solochek is an education reporter covering K-12 education policy and schools. Reach him at [email protected].

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Project 2025’s Plan to Eliminate Public Schools Has Already Started

P roject 2025, the policy agenda for Former President Trump’s potential first year back in the White House published by the far right conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, has been making waves recently. Some of the many destructive proposals within the agenda include the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education —along with federal education funding and any civil rights protections—and the diversion of public money to private school voucher programs instead.

Make no mistake: The goal is to end public education. But dismantling our public schools isn’t just the plan if Trump is reelected—it is already happening.

We are on the brink of a new wave of public school closures , another step in the decades-long project to divest and dismantle the institution of public school. Disguised as “school choice,” federal, state, local, and private actors have prioritized paying for  private and charter schools, hoarding educational resources for the haves and depleting resources for the have-nots.

The policies that Project 2025 plans to prioritize—government payments to families sending their children to private school and creation of new charter schools that are run like businesses—have expanded in the last few years, starving public school districts that serve all students of already insufficient resources. In the 2023-24 school year, at least 70 school districts, including in San Antonio, Texas , Jackson, Mississippi , and Wichita, Kansas , announced permanent closures of public schools, impacting millions of students. These districts are resorting to the harmful, discriminatory, and ineffective so-called ‘solution’ of closing schools in Black and Latine communities, stripping those communities of their local public schools.

Read More: Everything Biden and Trump Have Said About the Controversial Project 2025

Here’s how it works: Concerned about shrinking enrollments and budget crises, district leaders conclude that they must close schools, often without any evidence or analysis that it would save money—and, indeed, it hasn’t been shown to save money unless coupled with mass layoffs. They hire consultants who come up with “utilization” rates and then recommend closing schools with the lowest rates to “rightsize” the district—their euphemism for their misguided belief that school facility usage should be guided by arbitrary numbers instead of meeting communities where they are.

The problem is that “utilization”—a school’s enrollment over its supposed capacity—is stacked against schools that have experienced historic underfunding and disinvestment in facilities repairs, curricula, extracurricular opportunities, and staff. These same schools disproportionately serve Black and Latine students, English Learner students, students with disabilities, and students living in poverty.

Closing schools is demonstrably harmful—and has real-life impact. Research on the mass urban school closures from 2012 to 2014 overwhelmingly found that academic outcomes suffered , particularly for low-performing students. A May 2024 study from Brown University linked the experience of a school closure to “decreases in post-secondary education attainment, employment, and earnings at ages 25–27.” Additionally, closures force families to travel farther to get to schools that are not in their communities, making it harder to form relationships with staff, join extracurriculars, or get involved in parent organizations.

These communities are also often the first to lose access to the benefits of neighborhood public schools, which act as essential gathering places for social services and community resources like adult education, polling locations, a place to hold community meetings, and access to democratic community control through school board elections.

There are more equitable and educationally sound approaches than the lazy, unjust, self-sabotaging—and all too common—approach of spending money on consultants to tell districts what they have already decided to do: close the schools they value least, relying on metrics that target symptoms of their systemic neglect, and playing into the conservative agenda to make public schools obsolete.

Districts have better options to address budget woes. They can start a community-driven process to reshape the budget, wherein multiple stakeholders—rather than a selected few—play an active role in setting district budget priorities. Districts can also employ community-led assessments of how they use buildings, allowing school communities, particularly those historically marginalized, to request the resources, support, and spaces they need.

At the very least, districts should integrate equity requirements into school closure proposals, for instance, by incorporating community-based equity audits into decision-making. States can also follow California’s lead by requiring and robustly enforcing equity safeguards for any decisions to close schools.

Young people and their communities deserve better than districts repeatedly making the same mistakes. District leaders must stop listening to expensive consultants and closing much-loved and needed schools, and instead, must listen to the communities they serve and focus on solutions that put students first. Local, state and federal governments must fully and equitably fund public schools—schools obligated to take and educate everyone—and stop diverting money to a system of charter and private schools where students and families are forced to compete for a limited pool of high quality resources for a select few.

Project 2025 is not an inevitability—it is a call to action for anyone who cares about public education in this country. Our public school system requires more resources to create better school environments for everyone. We need investment in our public schools—not closures.

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• National Politics

What is Project 2025? 5 ways its ideas are similar to Florida laws

It's not an official Republican plan, but Project 2025 . a detailed roadmap for a Republican presidential transition from conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation , is getting more and more attention from voters.

Interest in what it suggests for the future of the country has been growing rapidly on social media and in online searches. The Project 2025 website says it “dismantles the unaccountable Deep State, taking power away from Leftist elites and giving it back to the American people and duly-elected President.”

Critics say it is a deeply  racist endeavor  that is aimed at  dismantling  many protections and aid programs for Americans of color and establishing a permanent far-right conservative government with few checks and balances.

Democratic leaders, including Vice President Kamala Harris , the presumptive Democratic candidate for president, have been sounding the alarm about the changes the project proposes for the federal government. Harris has made a point of linking it to her opponent, former President and current GOP candidate Donald Trump, at every opportunity.

Vice President Kamala Harris slams Project 2025, calling it "a plan to return America to a dark past" under another Trump term. "Can you believe they put that thing in writing? 900 pages in writing!" https://t.co/J5yu64EUfP pic.twitter.com/R2zZDW89yd — CBS News (@CBSNews) July 25, 2024

"Can you believe they put that thing in writing?" she asked the crowd at a campaign rally in Milwaukee last Tuesday.

Floridians may note that several of the Project 2025 plans mirror recent Florida laws under Gov. Ron DeSantis.

What is Project 2025?

Project 2025 is a multi-pronged Presidential Transition Project meant to assist a Republican president in the early days of his or her new presidency to consolidate power and dramatically overhaul the federal government. According to the Project 2025 website , the plan details a governing agenda to "rescue the country from the grip of the radical Left."

It consists of four pillars: a policy agenda, a LinkedIn-style personnel database for use in replacing tens of thousands of civil employees deemed not loyal enough, a Presidential Administration Academy and a playbook for the first 180 days of the next (Republican) administration. The policy agenda is the part that has gotten the most attention.

Project 2025 was created by right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation with help from over 100 conservative groups . President Joe Biden and other Democrats have said the plan " will destroy America ."

The actual details are in a 922-page PDF titled "2025 Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise."

What are the Project 2025 plans?

Project 2025's major recommendations include:

• Reclassifying up to 50,000 key federal workers to political appointees, allowing a new president to purge the federal government of checks to his or her power and install conservative loyalists
• Abolishing the Department of Education , increasing support for school choice and eliminating the  Head Start  program, which helps preschool children from low-income families prepare for school
• Dismantling the Department of Homeland Security and combining it with units in other agencies
• Increasing enforcement of immigration laws and kicking off mass deportations
• Banning pornography, imprisoning its creators and distributors, and registering teachers and librarians who distribute offensive material (which is also defined as including "transgender ideology") as sex offenders
• Rolling back most of Biden's climate policies, dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency's renewable energy programs, and favoring the fossil fuel industry
• Reversing federal protections for abortion and reinstating the Comstock Act to limit mail-order abortion pills and contraception
• Ending the government's current income-driven student loan forgiveness programs
• Ending the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and reducing Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security

Five Project 2025 plans that DeSantis has already done in Florida

DeSantis and some of his specific policies are mentioned by name in the document multiple times, and many of the recurrent themes are ones that DeSantis has championed in Florida.

1. Protecting Parental Rights, removing gender issues and 'critical race theory'

The Project praises Florida under DeSantis for the state's Parents Rights in Education Act (nicknamed the "Don't Say Gay" bill by critics). It calls for a federal Parents' Bill of Rights to provide parents with ultimate authority over their children's educational curriculums, classroom discussion of "critical race or gender theory" and use of differently gendered names without parental permission, among other things.

2. Education savings accounts, vouchers

Under this policy, portions of a child's federal education spending would be put into a private spending account that could be used for personal tutors, books, private school tuition, transportation and more.

Since 2019, when DeSantis expanded access to school vouchers and added education savings accounts , the program was paid for by rerouting state money for public schooling to private schools, according to Laura Pappano for The Hechinger Report , and may lead to the closure of dozens of public schools around the state. Again, Florida is listed several times as a national model.

3. Ending Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) programs

Project 2025 demands the removal of all DEI programs in federally funded educational institutions and federal labor policy, and the closing of all DEI offices in the federal government.

DEI, a term used to describe programs and policies that encourage representation and participation of diverse groups of people of all genders, races and ethnicities, abilities and disabilities, religions, cultures, ages, and sexual orientations, has become the latest talking point in the anti-"woke" culture war for conservative politicians and commentators, and a particular target for DeSantis.

The  "Stop WOKE Act"  in 2022 limited discussion of race, gender and other topics in state university classrooms, but it also banned diversity practices and training that could make employees feel "personal responsibility" for actions committed in the past by someone of the "same race, color, sex or national origin." That part of the Act was permanently struck down by a federal judge last Friday.

After the liberal arts college  New College of Florida  in Sarasota underwent a hostile takeover with an eye toward turning it into a conservative higher education experiment, the new board members appointed by DeSantis quickly abolished the school’s DEI office .

In 2023, DeSantis signed legislation to ban state or federal funding  for any  state university programs  that “advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, or promote or engage in political or social activism.”

4. Eliminating unions

The Project calls for three executive orders strengthening government agencies against labor bargaining previously issued by President Trump and repealed by Biden to be reinstated. However, it also says that "Congress should also consider whether public-sector unions are appropriate in the first place," suggesting that "unions were not compatible with constitutional government."

Last year DeSantis signed a bill adding strict new regulations on public sector unions such as those representing health care workers and teachers which he claimed were "paycheck protection" for workers who don't want to pay union dues but critics said were meant to undermine public employee labor protections.

Notably, public sector unions which usually endorse, contribute and work in the campaigns of Florida Republicans — correctional officers, law enforcement, firefighters and other first responders — were exempt from the new requirements . 

5. Removing climate change as a priority

"The Biden Administration’s climate fanaticism will need a whole-of-government unwinding," the Project says, calling for "the woke agenda" to be "reversed and scrubbed from all policy manuals, guidance documents, and agendas, and scientific excellence" and "end the focus on climate change and green subsidies."

As part of this, Project 2025 calls for breaking up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as its different agencies together "form a colossal operation that has become one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry and, as such, is harmful to future U.S. prosperity."

Under the plan, the National Weather Service, which currently provides free forecasts and a wealth of wealth data to everyone, would become a fully commercial service supplying data only to its private company partners. The National Hurricane Center would be left alone as it provides important public safety information, but the project would order its data to be presented neutrally so as not to "support any one side in the climate debate."

DeSantis has not suggested changes to NOAA, but he did sign into law a measure erasing all mentions of climate change from all state statutes and banning offshore wind-energy generation in Florida to "restore sanity in our approach to energy." 

Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried said her home state has been divided by much of DeSantis' policy-making. 

“We have been the lab rats for the Heritage Foundation here in the state of Florida, so we understand the threat that is coming with Project 2025,” Fried said. 

Is Project 2025 an official Republican policy?

Trump's campaign has its own, much less detailed plan for policy and transition called Agenda47 . Some of the policies overlap with Project 2025 but Project 2025 is not an official plan from the Republican Party.

But Project 2025 is still likely to be highly influential in a new Trump presidency. The Heritage Foundation brags that during his first term, Trump embraced "nearly two-thirds of Heritage’s proposals within just one year in office."

Does Trump support Project 2025?

Trump has sought to distance himself from it , saying he was unaware who was behind it and didn't agree with some of it.

“I have no idea who is behind it,” Trump wrote in a  Truth Social post  July 5. “I disagree with some of the things they’re saying, and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal."

However, while the hefty conservative wishlist of Project 2025 is not an official Republican plan, at least 31 of the project's 38 creators were connected with the Trump administration . Trump's new running mate, JD Vance, wrote the forward for a new book called "Dawn's Early Light: Taking Back Washington to Save America" from the president of The Heritage Foundation. Kevin Roberts.

Roberts, the self-proclaimed "head" of Project 2025, said in an interview on  Steve Bannon’s  “War Room” podcast, “We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be.”

Vice President @KamalaHarris knows she must earn our generation’s votes, and that is exactly what she will do. pic.twitter.com/4zY2pLS62O — Voters of Tomorrow (@VotersTomorrow) July 27, 2024

Harris linked Trump to the project again in a video for the Gen-Z-led Voters of Tomorrow. "Donald Trump has an extreme and divisive agenda for a second term," she said. "It's called Project 2025."

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Hawaii’s Latest Effort To Recruit Teachers: Put Prospective Educators In Classrooms Sooner

A new apprenticeship program would provide financial support for future educators and remove some of the barriers to obtaining a teacher's license.

A new apprenticeship program would provide financial support for future educators and remove some of the barriers to obtaining a teacher’s license.

State leaders are looking to address Hawaii’s ongoing teacher shortage through a new apprenticeship program that would allow prospective educators to earn their teacher credentials while also working full time in schools.

Hawaii recently received nearly $5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to help develop and launch the initiative.

Apprenticeships in Hawaii aren’t new, with community colleges and employers offering over 100 programs to aspiring technicians, nursing assistants, cooks and most recently, preschool teachers. In the coming years, prospective elementary and high school educators could join these ranks by gaining extensive classroom experience while completing the coursework needed for a teacher’s license.

Some details of the apprenticeship have yet to be determined, but state educational leaders are looking to employ apprentices as full-time educational assistants in Department of Education schools. Participants may also receive financial aid for classes they need to earn a teacher’s license. 

Approximately 20 states have active teacher apprenticeship programs. When done well, advocates say, apprenticeships can improve teacher recruitment and retention because of their financial incentives and opportunities for continued mentorship and hands-on experience. 

“It’s taking down those barriers,” Felicia Villalobos said about the financial and professional support apprentices can receive through the program. Villalobos is executive director of the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, a state agency that oversees teacher licenses and is leading the creation of the new apprenticeship.

Teacher vacancies in Hawaii have declined in recent years, according to the DOE . In September 2023, nearly 300 teacher positions were unfilled, compared to 721 in the previous year. But the state still has a high need for qualified, licensed teachers, particularly in areas like special education, Hawaiian language immersion and career and technical education. 

Most recently, the state has brought in teachers from the Philippines to fill open positions, although most are unable to stay in Hawaii for more than five years at a time. 

Stephen Schatz, executive director of Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education , said he’s hopeful the apprenticeship program can recruit more local teachers. Educational assistants who already work in schools could be prime candidates if they want to take another step in their careers, he added. 

“The exciting part is, you never have to stop working and earning a living,” Schatz said. “You can upskill and make it to becoming a full-time teacher.” 

More Planning Underway

Typically, teacher education programs require students to complete an unpaid semester of student teaching, said Nathan Murata, dean of the University of Hawaii Manoa’s College of Education. During this time, students work alongside experienced educators to teach classes and develop lesson plans, but the limited classroom time may not offer enough preparation for some.   

HTSB and its partners are still determining the specifics of the apprenticeship, but Murata imagines it would run for roughly two years to provide students more time to develop their teaching skills while still completing necessary coursework. 

Prospective educators enter the licensing process at different stages, Villalobos said. Some may seek an undergraduate degree in education immediately after high school, while others may have classroom experience as an emergency hire but lack a teacher license. Ultimately, Villalobos said she would like to develop apprenticeship pathways that could provide multiple opportunities for licensing, regardless of people’s initial level of experience or education.

Teachers in Hawaii must hold a bachelor’s degree to obtain a license.

Villalobos would also like to see the apprenticeship help cover the costs of classes and training associated with a teacher’s license. The Department of Labor recently announced its largest investment in apprenticeships yet, and Villalobos hopes to use more federal funding to cover tuition fees and books for students moving forward.  

Hawaii has three years to spend the $5 million federal grant it received earlier this month, which helps states develop and expand their apprenticeships. But the program will also require more buy-in from state lawmakers.

Earlier this year, Rep. Amy Perruso introduced a bill that would have appropriated state funds to support the teacher apprenticeship program. 

The bill died in the Senate, but Perruso estimated the program would have required almost $300,000 in its first year to fund administrative positions as well as stipends for teachers willing to mentor apprentices. Ideally, she added, federal funding would cover apprentices’ pay. 

“There’s no way to get around it except for investing in our teachers,” Perruso said. 

Slowly Building Capacity

Apprenticeships have seen some early success in growing teacher pathways in Hawaii. 

This spring, Honolulu Community College and Keiki O Ka Aina, which runs learning centers for children up to age 5 across the state, introduced an apprenticeship for early educators. Through the three-year program, students work as classroom aides at Keiki O Ka Aina while also earning their associate’s degree and early educator credentials through UH’s community colleges.

Hawaii has faced a long-time shortage of preschool teachers to address families’ high demand for early learning programs. 

Students are currently able to receive tuition stipends through the Executive Office on Early Learning, but Keiki O Ka Aina would help to cover the costs of college classes if state aid weren’t available, said Melodie Vega, the program’s chief early education officer.  

In turn, apprentices who complete the three-year program are expected to work for two additional years as certified teachers at Keiki O Ka Aina. 

“We just want to grow the field,” Vega said. 

So far, the apprenticeship has enrolled four students and will add two more participants in the fall. But the program is seeing growing interest from county leaders, and other early learning programs may follow Keiki O Ka Aina’s lead, said Caroline Soga, an associate professor at Honolulu Community College. 

“I think we’re internationally building it at a pace that we want to make sure is successful,” Soga said, adding that it took approximately two years to develop the apprenticeship and receive approval from the Department of Labor.  

Since the apprenticeship for K-12 educators is still in its planning stages, there’s no set date for when it will begin enrolling students. Depending on support from state lawmakers, Murata said he’s hopeful the program could start accepting a few students as early as next fall. 

Moving forward, it’s important to invest in training for mentor teachers as well as apprentices, said David Donaldson, founder and managing partner of the National Center for Grow Your Own , which helps states develop their educator workforce. Not all teachers have experience serving as mentors or are prepared to oversee an apprentice’s training for years at a time, Donaldson added. 

“Just because you’re a good teacher, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a good mentor,” he said. 

Hawaii also needs to make long-term commitments to robust teacher training, Murata said. National leaders are making historic investments in apprenticeships right now, he added, but it’s up to the state to maintain its program once federal funding runs dry. 

“It’s a game changer to me,” Murata said.

Civil Beat’s education reporting is supported by a grant from Chamberlin Family Philanthropy.

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About the Author

Megan Tagami is a reporter covering education for Civil Beat. You can reach her by email at [email protected]

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• Open access
• Published: 29 July 2024

A retrospective descriptive review of community-engaged research projects addressing rural health priorities

• Bushra Farah Nasir 1 , 2 ,
• Bruce Chater 1 ,
• Matthew McGrail 3 &
• Srinivas Kondalsamy-Chennakesavan 2  

BMC Medical Education volume  24 , Article number:  805 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

Metrics details

Most rural populations experience significant health disadvantage. Community-engaged research can facilitate research activities towards addressing health issues of priority to local communities. Connecting scholars with community based frontline practices that are addressing local health and medical needs helps establish a robust pipeline for research that can inform gaps in health provision. Rural Health Projects (RHPs) are conducted as part of the Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Queensland. This study aims to describe the geographic coverage of RHPs, the health topic areas covered and the different types of RHP research activities conducted. It also provides meaningful insight of the health priorities for local rural communities in Queensland, Australia.

This study conducted a retrospective review of RHPs conducted between 2011 and 2021 in rural and remote Australian communities. Descriptive analyses were used to describe RHP locations by their geographical classification and disease/research categorisation using the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems – 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes and the Human Research Classification System (HRCS) categories.

There were a total of 2806 eligible RHPs conducted between 2011 and 2021, predominantly in Queensland ( n  = 2728, 97·2%). These were mostly conducted in small rural towns (under 5,000 population, n  = 1044, 37·2%) or other rural towns up to 15,000 population ( n  = 842, 30·0%). Projects mostly addressed individual care needs ( n  = 1233, 43·9%) according to HRCS categories, or were related to factors influencing health status and contact with health services ( n  = 1012, 36·1%) according to ICD-10 classification.

Conclusions

Conducting community focused RHPs demonstrates a valuable method to address community-specific rural health priorities by engaging medical students in research projects while simultaneously enhancing their research skills.

Peer Review reports

People living in rural regions experience a greater burden of health disparities and disadvantages across most health and wellbeing domains [ 1 , 2 ]. Despite clear inequities existing between rural and urban populations, there have been limited research-based strategies focused on addressing community-level health and medical priorities [ 3 ]. To achieve a better understanding of health issues impacting rural communities, innovative research to identify the health issues directly impacting people living in rural areas can result in community-focused strategies to address these challenges.

In Australia, immense inequities in research funding targeting rural health strongly diminish the capacity for rural health research supported by an integrated academic infrastructure [ 4 ]. A large portion of the research being conducted in rural communities depends upon busy clinician researchers, who work within the local health and medical workforce [ 5 ]. Improving sustainability of rural focused researchers and clinician academics thus requires a focused approach to providing critical skills development and community-centred research opportunities that are integrated within the medical curriculum. Rural and remote research involves high levels of community engagement, rural-based immersion opportunities and positive learning experiences that result in ‘socially accountable’ research activities [ 5 ]. A tailored, community-engaged approach also significantly impacts future rural practice intent [ 6 , 7 ], which is a critical government agenda that aims to sustain a rural workforce that is committed to work in underserved rural communities. For anyone intending to practice in a rural or remote location, the importance of developing research and analytical skills is more significant, given the complex nature of rural environments [ 6 ].

Preparing medical students for a rural career in evidence-based medicine requires sufficient research training and experiences to develop both their ability to appraise clinical evidence and their analytical skills required in medical practice [ 8 ]. A recent review of Australian medical students confirmed that the inclusion of scholarly activities to support the development of basic research skills and critical evaluation is not universally embedded within medical degree programs [ 9 , 10 ]. Similarly, a study exploring attitudes and participation in research activities by medical students in Australia found that only 45% of the 704 survey respondents had participated in a research project [ 11 ]. To instil scholarly research skills development, the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia incorporates various units that are aimed to develop research skills as part of their medical training. In year three of the four-year MD program, all domestic students undertake a Rural and Remote Medicine (RRM) placement under the Mayne Academy of Rural and Remote Medicine clinical unit. Alongside clinical teaching and training, a Rural Health Project (RHP) forms part of the RRM placement during which students complete a small research project with an emphasis on identifying and addressing local community priorities.

The RHPs are developed through a local iterative process that balances the needs of the rural communities, the advice of the locally based supervisors, and student skills and interests, using the community-engaged research conceptual framework principles [ 12 ]. RHPs are conducted within rural hospitals, general/family practice, or a combination of both, as well as some projects being undertaken within the community but outside of a clinical setting. An example is that of a former mining engineer doing medicine arranged an underground gold mine rescue scenario that was filmed as part of the RHP. The video was used for training purposes, providing an output beneficial to the local community. As a result, students hone their research skills and involve themselves in multidisciplinary practice and participatory research in the context and culture of a rural community.

The RHP is integrated with the flow of phase one pre-clinical programs and fits in with other RRM assessments and practical experiences. They are designed to be carried out within a Quality Improvement framework that aims to develop an understanding of rural health service delivery, while learning to work collaboratively in gaining an understanding of health status and issues of priority for local rural communities in which the students are placed. The RHP pedagogical approach is underpinned by a sociocultural theory [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Students work under interactive guidance and supervision regarding the cognitive and experiential aspects of their activities, with intensive immersion in the tasks being carried out, relying on self-motivation, initiative and problem-solving. During the RHPs, students learn how to critically analyse a clinical topic, engage with community members and clinicians, and collaborate as required. Students are also responsible for planning and conduct of the project and producing practical resources or an end-product that is then presented in a written academic report. The key elements of the RHPs are to harness the opportunity of placement at a rural site by identifying a health service need or locally relevant knowledge gap to be addressed in consultation and engagement with the community.

More than 270 RHPs are conducted every year within UQ as part of the RRM unit spread over 50 smaller rural and remote communities. The overarching goal for each student’s RHP is to develop a long-term, solution-orientated plan of benefit to the local community.

This study aimed to describe the geographic coverage of RHPs, the health topic areas covered and the different types of RHP research activities conducted. It also provides meaningful insight of the health priorities for local rural communities in Queensland, Australia.

This study is a retrospective analysis of all RHPs conducted by medical students as part of their RRM unit, during Year 3 of their medical training at UQ. Specific data available for each RHP were the project title, the year it was conducted, and the location, each of which was collected as part of standard administrative procedures by the RHP coordinators. No identifying information about the students were collected, thus no other linkage was possible such as to student characteristics. Each RHP is conducted by one medical student.

Location information was coded by the researchers (BN, SKC, MM) using the Modified Monash Model [ 16 ] categories. Using descriptive information from the RHP title, researchers also coded the RHPs using the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems – 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes and the Human Research Classification System (HRCS) categories. The primary researchers involved in data setup (SKC and BN) conducted the categorisation and coding of the data, followed by a researcher (MM) reviewing and confirming accurate categorisation and coding. A descriptive analysis of the RHPs was conducted to explore ICD-10 codes and HRCS categories according to rural, remote, and regional locations using the Modified Monash Model (MMM) [ 16 ] Classification system.

A total of 2974 projects were reviewed in this study. After coding and removing projects with missing key information, and projects that were conducted outside of Australia, a total of 2806 RHPs remained.

The distribution of RHPs within each state based on regional location is described in Table  1 . A majority of RHPs were conducted in Queensland ( n  = 2728, 97·2%). Due to the small number of RHPs within Victoria, New South Wales, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, these states were combined into a single category (other). According to the MMM categories, most RHPs were conducted in small rural towns (MMM-5, n  = 1044, 37·2%), or medium rural towns (MMM-4, n  = 842, 30·0%). Additionally, nearly 17% of RHPs were conducted in Australia’s remote areas (MMM-6 and MMM-7, n  = 468). A small number of projects ( n  = 195, 7·0%) were conducted in areas not targeted under the RRM program (MMM-1 and MMM-2). These RHP locations were used by students mainly because of administration related factors, including students not being able to travel to a suitable location during COVID-19 related restrictions.

The frequency of the RHPs according to HRCS categories, and the ICD-10 codes are illustrated in Tables  2 and 3 respectively. Analysis was limited to each HRCS category or ICD-10 code having at least 20 RHPs. The most frequent MMM category within each HRCS category and ICD-10 code illustrate the regional distribution within each research topic area. According to the HRCS categories, RHPs most frequently addressed Individual care needs ( n  = 1233, 43·9%) and were conducted in MMM-5 locations ( n  = 487, 37·1%). Similarly, according to the ICD-10 codes, RHPs most frequently explored Factors influencing health status and contact with health services ( n  = 1012, 36·1%) and were conducted in MMM-5 locations ( n  = 347, 34·2%).

Examples of RHPs conducted in HRCS Research Activity codes and ICD-10 codes (Table  4 ) highlight some of the key health research topics that the RHPs have addressed.

This study demonstrates the approach of immersive rural health research projects, conducted as part of medical curriculum in Australia. They describe how research activities conducted within rural communities can help address rural health priorities specific to each community, while also providing a practical approach for medical students to become involved in community-engaged research projects. The review also highlights the diverse nature of RHP topics that are community-identified issues relevant to the local communities. Communities undertake a collaborative process with the supervisor and student, to identify areas of focus that meets their needs. The resulting research activities conducted as part of the RHPs provide practical resources for immediate translation or direct evidence to support future interventions targeting improved rural health outcomes. A similar but smaller scale research initiative in Australia highlights that as part of a graduate medical program conducted during a 12-month GP placement in a rural, regional, or remote community in New South Wales, an increased understanding of local health issues in regional, rural and remote communities, and increased engagement with and acceptance of medical students in these communities was seen [ 17 ].

Unsurprisingly given that they are part of the UQ curriculum, most RHPs were conducted within Queensland. These were most commonly situated within small and medium sized rural towns and/or inner-regional locations, focused on Individual care needs. The HRCS category addressing Individual care needs explores several aspects of patients and service user care needs including quality of life, management of symptoms, disease management, prevention, and health service needs [ 18 ]. These issues correlate with multiple reports that continue to highlight the ongoing issue of access to primary health care services and higher levels of disease that impacts health outcomes within rural locations [ 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Similarly, according to the ICD-10 codes, RHPs most commonly explored factors influencing health status and contact with health services. Additionally, factors influencing primary health care access and the service needs of rural and remote communities is an ongoing concern [ 20 ]. The category of mental, behavioural, and neurodevelopment disorders was the second highest coded research project, highlighting its importance to these communities. A 2019 report by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners corresponds with this finding, as it reported psychological issues as the most commonly managed health issue by General Practitioners (65%) [ 20 ].

Literature acknowledges challenges surrounding research activity during medical education. Time constraints ( n  = 460; 65·3%) and uncertainty surrounding how to find research opportunities ( n  = 449; 63·8%) are common barriers to research [ 11 ]. Other studies also highlight the lack of time (77·4%), and lack of formal research activity within the curriculum (76%), as well as lack of mentorship (70·1%) [ 22 ]. Solutions include protected research time, financial and other academic support that would help facilitate and improve participation in research projects [ 23 ]. By providing an integrated research project that is assessed and embedded within the medical curriculum of the MD degree, this study highlights how these challenges can potentially be mitigated. The importance of providing medical students the opportunity to learn and conduct research during their medical education is essential to prepare future rural clinician researchers [ 10 ].

A significant strength of this study is the diversity and volume of rural health projects conducted. Additionally, a greater understanding of the health priorities were identified for rural communities. The strength of this study also highlights the number of successfully completed RHPs, whereby students gained valuable advantage to understand the process of gathering and synthesising data and developing important outcomes or resources relevant to their rural placement communities. There are however several limitations to this study. Although the ICD-10 and HRCS coding systems can categorise medical health related research activity, they are limited in their design to adequately classify rural health research projects relating to geographical factors. This limitation may restrict the generalisability of findings from this study. Another limitation is that this study relied on administrative data, which did not include other valuable information such as student characteristics or placement contexts within each of the locations. Additionally, the outcomes of each RHP were also not available. The categorisation process was also based on the understanding of the researchers, however, to overcome this bias, a systematic approach to categorisation was used, whereby all researchers checked and verified consensus on the categorisation of each RHP.

The integration of research projects focused on both understanding rural health disadvantages and suitable interventions as part of a medical students training and learning experience is an innovative method to address rural health challenges, while encouraging medical students to enhance their research skills. Students address topics of local priority through their RHPs, increase their involvement with the rural communities and other health professionals and develop an increased understanding of local health issues in rural and remote communities. Furthermore, advancing opportunities to undertake integrated rural health research activities within a medical student’s degree can progress a student’s scholarship, encouraging future academic endeavours. Such community-engaged, locally based rural health projects also allow us to better understand the unique factors associated with health and health care within rural communities, as well as the underlying factors explaining rural versus urban differences. These research focused activities ultimately not only benefit the local communities in which such projects are conducted, but also provide an educational model that achieves academic outcomes benefitting the medical student.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge Dr John Ridler (Academic Coordinator , Mayne Academy of Rural and Remote Medicine) and Dr Lynette Hodgson (Academic Coordinator Rural Health Projects , Mayne Academy of Rural and Remote Medicine) for their continued involvement and contributions to this study.

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BN was responsible for conception, analysis, drafting and revising the manuscript. BC was responsible for conception, critical review of the manuscript, and revising the manuscript. MM was responsible for critical review of the manuscript and revising the manuscript. SKC was responsible for conception, critical review of the manuscript, and revising the manuscript. All authors have approved the submitted manuscript and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

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Correspondence to Bushra Farah Nasir .

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The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee approved this research study (2022/HE000394). Data were available for RHPs conducted between 2011 and 2021. The study used retrospective administrative data; no participants were involved in this study directly and therefore a waiver of consent was granted.

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Nasir, B.F., Chater, B., McGrail, M. et al. A retrospective descriptive review of community-engaged research projects addressing rural health priorities. BMC Med Educ 24 , 805 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05791-7

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• National Politics

Here's how Florida's education system is serving as Republican's new blueprint

More of former President Donald Trump’s education platform was unveiled during the Republican National Convention last week, and many are drawing parallels to how Gov. Ron DeSantis has shaped Florida’s public school system in recent years.

DeSantis and the Florida Legislature passed several controversial laws that defunded diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, banned instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation and demanded that state universities consider the Classic Learning Test (CLT) , largely used by Christian and charter schools, as an SAT/ACT alternative, among other initiatives to ban books and certify new, controversial Black history standards.

In May, U.S. News & World Report sent a ripple of shock across the United States when it crowned the Sunshine State as No. 1 in the nation for education . The ranking, however, seemed largely based on Florida's scores in higher education.

New Florida education laws: DeSantis signed a number of new school laws. Here's what you should know before August

“In higher education, Florida – which is No. 9 in the overall Best States rankings – posted the second-highest rates of timely graduation among students at public institutions pursuing two- and four-year degrees, respectively,” the publication stated. “Students attending its public, four-year institutions also faced the lowest average amount in the country for in-state tuition and fees.”

Pre-K through high school, students excelled in college readiness, ranking No. 5. The state was ranked No. 12 for preschool enrollment, ranked No. 19 for high school graduation rate, and No. 21 and No. 32 for eighth-grade reading and math scores, respectively.

Republicans now hope to adopt some of Florida’s ideas on education to win over voters in November. Namely, the party wants to implement universal school choice, help boost parental rights in classrooms and promote what they call “patriotic” standards for civics education.

Here’s what that looks like in Florida.

Parental Rights in Education law, aka the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law, limits discussion on sexual orientation, gender identity

Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law was one of the first to come under fire from critics, who soon began referring to it as the “Don’t Say Gay” law.

It prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida classrooms. The bill originally only targeted kindergarten through third grade and limited similar discussions in higher grades to what is “age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”

The bill was expanded last year to include grades K-12, but a settlement curbed some ideas critics disagreed with. According to NPR , the settlement clarifies how sexual orientation and gender identities can be talked about in public schools. The vague language of the original law left many fearing they would be unable to talk about their identities without facing possible repercussions.

The settlement now makes clear that students and teachers can discuss sexual orientation and gender identity, so long as it isn’t included as part of instruction.

‘Stop Woke Act’ prohibits teaching CRT in K-12 schools

Florida's "Stop WOKE Act" targets critical race theory (CRT) in schools and workplaces by codifying the Florida Department of Education's prohibition on teaching CRT in K-12 schools, barring schools and universities from hiring "woke" CRT consultants and preventing corporations from forcing employees to take mandatory CRT training.

In March, a three-judge panel of the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's decision to block part of the law, preventing it from being implemented in workplaces. The law is currently being enforced in schools.

Critical race theory is a loosely organized framework of legal analysis based on the idea that race is a social construct used to oppress and exploit people of color, according to  Britannica .

It teaches that law in the U.S. maintains systems that create inequalities between white people and people of color. People who subscribe to the idea work toward restructuring these institutions to eliminate all race-based hierarchies.

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In May 2023, DeSantis signed legislation that banned state funding for DEI programs at Florida’s public universities. The law bars Florida state universities from spending state or federal funds to promote, support or maintain any programs that “advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, or promote or engage in political or social activism.”

How gender and race are taught on Florida campuses is restricted under the law. It requires university officials to review any lessons “based on theories that systemic racism, sexism and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political and economic inequities.”

DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion. Studies by McKinsey & Company, a business focused on accelerating sustainable and inclusive growth, show that there are “clear correlations” between diversity and business performance.

Adopting the Classic Learning Test as SAT/ACT alternative

DeSantis signed a bill into law in May 2023 that authorized Florida school districts to administer the Classic Learning Test (CLT), a new and controversial standardized test, alongside the SAT and ACT. Now, the  Florida Department of Education will consider adding the CLT as an acceptable exam for university admissions.

The CLT is a new “classical and Christian” alternative to the SAT and ACT standardized tests that were created in 2015 by Maryland educator Jeremy Tate, who believes American education has become “utilitarian” and that “high-stakes” testing is partially to blame.

More than  200 colleges and universities accept CLT scores , but that list mostly consists of private universities.

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Expanding School choice programs

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Contributors : John Kennedy and Nirvi Shah , USA TODAY NETWORK

Map: Michigan joins list of states that offer tuition-free community college

Michigan will provide tuition-free community college to its recent high school graduates. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an education budget plan earlier this week. The administration says the state will be able to cover tuition costs for associate degrees and skilled certificates beginning in the Fall.

“In Michigan, we want every single person to be able to get onto the path that is best for them,” Whitmer said, the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY network , reported.

The Whitmer administration estimated that its free community college program will save money for over 18,000 students, up to $4,800 per student each year.

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The following states have tuition-free community college programs:

These states cover the cost of community college tuition

More than 30 states offer a version of tuition-free community college. Students who are starting out in higher education, looking to to earn certificates or wanting to pursue a skilled trade have the opportunity to do so without going into debt.

Outside of Michigan, Colorado, Minnesota, and New Hampshire are the latest states to implement free college, according to BestColleges . Michigan, Minnesota and New Hampshire's programs will begin this fall. Colorado's program will take effect in 2025.

Graphics explain: How are college costs adding up these days and how much has tuition risen?

Free community college programs are often called "promise programs." While the programs significantly reduce costs, they often do not cover other expenses like room and board, transportation and book fees..

Eligibility for these programs differ by state. Often, those who qualify must graduate from an in-state high school and enroll full time. Other qualifications may include academic performance or financial need, Bankrate reported.

Michigan state officials say funding for its Michigan Achievement Scholarship would allow every recent high school graduate to receive an associate degree or skilled certificate at a community college for free. Unlike other states, Michigan says most students qualify for its community college guarantee program.

Students struggle to cover tuition costs

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College costs have risen exponentially over the past several decades, outpacing both inflation and wages, experts say.

Since 1998, the  cost of a college education has grown by 188% , a rate faster than practically all goods and services and inflation-adjusted  hourly wages , according to Research.com. During the same time period, wages increased 26%.

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What are the outcomes of states that cover community colleges?

The average cost of an undergraduate degree ranges from  $25,707 to more than $218,000 , according to the Education Data Initiative. The price varies and depends on whether a student lives on campus and the type of institution they're attending.

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Research from the Federal Trade Commission found that offering free community college increased enrollment by 26% and degree completions by 20%.

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Contributing: Medora Lee, USA TODAY