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Read about WestEd's work with schools, districts, and state and federal governments to improve education for all learners. In addition, keep up-to-date with our latest research, resources, projects, professional development opportunities, and more.

back to school

Spotlight on Back to School: Four Resources to Support Education Equity This New School Year

As students return to schools during the pandemic, educators work to accelerate learning, deepen student understanding, and address long-standing inequities that negatively impact student outcomes, especially for underserved students. These four resources aim to help educators address education equity issues in four ways — fair funding allocation, dedication to self-care, honoring student voice, and investment in restorative practices.

COVID-19EquityHealth & safetyJusticeResearch and evaluationResourceSchool climateschool safetySchools and districtsSelf-caresocial emotional learningWebinar

Matthew Gaertner and Sylvie Hale

WestEd Mourns the Deaths of Beloved Colleagues

Losing a respected and beloved colleague is always hard. Losing two such individuals within days of each other is unnerving and heart-wrenching. Remembering Sylvie Hale and Matt Gaertner.

California State Special Education Funding System Study, Part 2: Findings, Implication, and Considerations for Improving Special Education Funding in California

Study of California's Special Education Funding System Uncovers Opportunities to Realign Funding to Better Meet the Needs of Students with Disabilities

WestEd's second report of a two-part study provides considerations for changes to the state's special education funding policy that are focused on creating a more equitable, effective funding system.

Equityschool financeSchool fundingSchools and districtsSpecial educationstudents with disabilities

Spotlight on High-Quality Early Care and Education for the Whole Child

Check out six resources designed to help early childhood professionals promote healthy development and equitable learning for the whole child.

Early childhoodearly childhood developmentEnglish learnersEquityFamily engagementHealth & safetyLiteracyPolicyProfessional developmentReadingResearch and evaluationResourceTeachers and leadersWebinar

Picture of Jacob Moore

WestEd Appoints Jacob Moore as New Board of Directors Chair

WestEd is pleased to announce Jacob Moore is the newly elected chair of WestEd’s Board of Directors. Currently the Associate Vice-President of Tribal Relations at Arizona State University (ASU), Moore is a former president and member of the Arizona State Board of Education. He begins his one-year term as Board Chair on July 22, 2021.

Teacher with students

Spotlight: Equitable Conditions and Learning Environments Support the Success of the Whole Child, Family, and Community

With safe, supportive, and equitable conditions, all learners can thrive. Two new resources contribute to a growing body of work that highlights the importance of addressing racial inequities in every aspect of education.

anti-racistContinuous ImprovementEquityEvaluationFloridaGeorgiaHealth & safetyLeadershipNew YorkNYPolicyResearch and evaluationResourceSchool climateschool safetySchools and districts

PITC Curriculum Launch Graphic

WestEd Announces Eagerly Anticipated New Curriculum from the Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC)

Now available, the newly released PITC Curriculum further enriches learning for infants and toddlers with a planning process based on reflection, observation, and documentation of play and learning that respects each child’s developing abilities, individual strengths and needs, family culture(s), and language(s).

Early childhoodearly childhood developmentFamily engagementProgram forResource

Reading Apprenticeship SEED Grant Professional Learning is Underway for 2021-22

As part of the SEED Grant, 700 teachers will engage in three days of learning this summer, followed by additional inquiry into disciplinary literacy via monthly online networks throughout the school year facilitated by Reading Apprenticeship experts.

EquityLiteracyProfessional developmentSchools and districts

Photo of Jose Blackorby

Announcing New WestEd Research Director, Learner Variability and Impact: Jose Blackorby

Blackorby will lead innovative studies designed to promote better learning conditions and outcomes for students with disabilities, initially prioritizing equitable learning acceleration for children and youth nationwide.

Special educationTeachers and leaders

middle to high schoolers communicating with each other in classroom

Accelerated Learning and Equitable Outcomes for English Learners

Learn about professional learning opportunities and resources to accelerate learning and improve outcomes for English Learners.

College & careerEnglish language learnersEnglish learnersEquityEventFloridaGeorgiaLiteracyNYProfessional developmentResearch and evaluationResourceSchools and districtssocial emotional learningSpecial educationstudents with disabilitiesTeachers and leaders