Public education often feels like a collection of competing priorities and disconnected efforts–rather than a single, coherent system. We help funders and leaders bridge the gaps between visionary policy, available funding and the human reality of the classroom. Together, we can solve mission-critical, long-standing problems–such as weak student supports, scattershot rather than sustainable teacher development and cluttered assessment systems that over-test students without producing instructional value.
With the Maryland State Department of Education, we developed a literacy coaching model and professional learning to equip instructional coaches with science of reading-aligned knowledge, tools and routines. The goal: Train district coaches so they can help teachers skillfully teach foundational skills with high-quality instructional materials.
Our latest research on testing systems in 70 school systems and 20 states is designed to help districts and states create more coherent and streamlined assessment strategies, aimed at reducing the overall testing burden, while ensuring that the remaining assessments provide actionable insights.
This guide outlines a framework for educator preparation programs (EPPs) to integrate high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) into mathematics methods courses. It details three essential competencies for aspiring educators: understanding HQIM’s impact, effectively planning with HQIM and skillfully delivering instruction utilizing HQIM.
Education First brought together 300 leaders from 30 states and 72 organizations from across the K12 system to engage in research-grounded dialogue on how to improve systems of assessment and accountability; culminating in this Roadmap with key priorities for policy and system change.
Education First is a key leader in the Council of Chief State School Officers’ 15-state IMPD Network Network. We coach state leaders in Arkansas, Delaware and Oregon, develop network tools and lead work groups. IMPD states are helping districts select high-quality instructional materials, changing teacher preparation and boosting the number of teachers participating in curriculum-based professional learning. d the number of pre-service and in-service teachers receiving curriculum-based professional learning.
From 2019-2025, Education First managed $15 million in co-invested funds from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Gates Foundation and Walton Family Foundation to innovate state assessment systems and embed school conditions measures in district systems. This portfolio funded 15 states, 3 test vendors, 10 local school systems, 10 non-profits and 15 advocacy organizations to develop new measurement tools, craft new policies and facilitate shared learning.
Education First provides technical assistance and stakeholder research in a multi-year partnership with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to redesign and implement the ILEARN assessment system. Our work centers educator needs, synthesizes engagement findings, strengthens statewide rollout communications and delivers resources such as a school leader toolkit and a family-facing communications plan. We also document lessons for the field; this 2025 report shares Indiana’s through-year assessment model and recommendations for other states.
As a TEA-approved Resilient Schools Support Program provider from 2020-2024, Education First delivered 1:1 coaching to multiple rural, urban and exurban school districts to accelerate COVID recovery, HQIM implementation and professional learning. As a result, in SY22-23, Lubbock ISD raised its accountability rating from F to C after one year and Longview ISD increased ELA HQIM use from near zero to over 50%. In SY24-25, Garland ISD gained 10 points in seventh-grade math performance.
We are a seasoned team of former educators and system leaders who help districts, states and funders build coherent instructional systems grounded in bold academic strategy, evidence-based literacy and mathematics practices, curriculum-based professional learning and meaningful assessments and accountability.
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