Explainers
Go deeper on the latest education issues with these explainers from Education Week
Education Issues, Explained
Browse research-based background explainers on the most important education issues.
English Learners
Explainer
Does Speaking Two Languages Hurt Students? Experts Say No
Experts share insights on what research says about the effect of learning more than one language at once.
Education Funding
Explainer
Trump’s Push to Slash Federal K-12 School Funds, Explained
A rundown of the biggest threats to federal funds for schools, what's allowed and what's not, and how Congress might intervene—or not.
Teaching Profession
Explainer
Teacher Pay, Explained: Salary, Benefits, and Pensions
Learn how teachers are compensated, and the role that states and districts play in setting pay.
Federal
Explainer
Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Education: Background and Achievements
Background and highlights of Linda McMahon's tenure as the 13th U.S. Secretary of Education.
Federal
Explainer
How Many Students May Be Affected by Trump's Immigration Policies?
Schools don't track student's immigration status due to federal law that grants undocumented students the right to a free, public education.
Mathematics
Explainer
Why So Many Students Struggle With Math Anxiety—and How to Help
Math anxiety holds students back from reaching their potential. Experts share insights on the problem and strategies to combat it.
Law & Courts
Explainer
Undocumented Students Have the Right to a Free Education. This Is Why
A landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling protected undocumented students' access to free public education. Some lawmakers seek to overturn it.
Recruitment & Retention
Explainer
4 Things to Know About the Messy Landscape of Grow-Your-Own Teacher Prep
From residencies and apprenticeships to disparate grow-your-own programs, locally focused teacher preparation is in flux.
Federal
Explainer
The U.S. Department of Education, Explained
There's a lot of talk—again—about eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. Here's what it does and how it works.
Special Education
Explainer
Talking to Students About Their Learning Differences: A Guide for Teachers
Teachers who talk to kids about why learning is difficult equips students to understand themselves and become their own advocates.
School Choice & Charters
Explainer
How States Use Tax Credits to Fund Private School Choice: An Explainer
Twenty-one states have programs that give tax credits for donations to organizations that grant private-school scholarships.
Education Funding
Explainer
How One Grant Can Help Schools Recover From Shootings
Schools can leverage a little-known emergency grant to recover from violence or a natural disaster. Here’s how.
Assessment
Explainer
What Is Standards-Based Grading, and How Does It Work?
Schools can retool to make instruction more personalized and student-centered. But grading is a common sticking point.
Policy & Politics
Explainer
Education Debates You'll Likely Hear About in the Election, Explained
Brush up on key education policy issues that could show up in national, state, and local races.