AEFP Live Handbook
@aefplivehandbook.bsky.social
A digital hub for education policy research and informed decision-making.
For-profit colleges play a distinct role in higher education, but research raises questions about student outcomes, debt, and reliance on federal student aid.
In this chapter, Stephanie Cellini examines research on for-profit colleges.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
In this chapter, Stephanie Cellini examines research on for-profit colleges.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
September 16, 2026 at 7:26 PM
For-profit colleges play a distinct role in higher education, but research raises questions about student outcomes, debt, and reliance on federal student aid.
In this chapter, Stephanie Cellini examines research on for-profit colleges.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
In this chapter, Stephanie Cellini examines research on for-profit colleges.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
Good education policy requires attention to values at stake and the trade-offs policy decisions can involve.
Harry Brighouse, Helen Ladd, Susanna Loeb, and Adam Swift examine values that shape education policy, including educational goods.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/miscellaneou...
Harry Brighouse, Helen Ladd, Susanna Loeb, and Adam Swift examine values that shape education policy, including educational goods.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/miscellaneou...
September 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Good education policy requires attention to values at stake and the trade-offs policy decisions can involve.
Harry Brighouse, Helen Ladd, Susanna Loeb, and Adam Swift examine values that shape education policy, including educational goods.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/miscellaneou...
Harry Brighouse, Helen Ladd, Susanna Loeb, and Adam Swift examine values that shape education policy, including educational goods.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/miscellaneou...
ECE programs can support children's development and the parenting skills and well-being of parents and caregivers.
In this chapter, Todd Grindal and Molly Goldberg examine research on ECE-based supports for parents and caregivers.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
In this chapter, Todd Grindal and Molly Goldberg examine research on ECE-based supports for parents and caregivers.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
September 4, 2026 at 7:19 PM
ECE programs can support children's development and the parenting skills and well-being of parents and caregivers.
In this chapter, Todd Grindal and Molly Goldberg examine research on ECE-based supports for parents and caregivers.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
In this chapter, Todd Grindal and Molly Goldberg examine research on ECE-based supports for parents and caregivers.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
School capital investments can improve student outcomes, but spending varies by district.
Paco Martorell and Isaac McFarlin Jr. examine how K–12 capital investments are funded and distributed and how effects vary by project and community.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Paco Martorell and Isaac McFarlin Jr. examine how K–12 capital investments are funded and distributed and how effects vary by project and community.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
August 28, 2026 at 6:45 PM
School capital investments can improve student outcomes, but spending varies by district.
Paco Martorell and Isaac McFarlin Jr. examine how K–12 capital investments are funded and distributed and how effects vary by project and community.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Paco Martorell and Isaac McFarlin Jr. examine how K–12 capital investments are funded and distributed and how effects vary by project and community.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
ECE data are often spread across separate systems, limiting a full picture of how children and families are served.
Jessica Whittaker, Kelsey Clayback & Isabella Rodriguez examine how ECIDS can connect data to improve ECE quality, equity & outcomes.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
Jessica Whittaker, Kelsey Clayback & Isabella Rodriguez examine how ECIDS can connect data to improve ECE quality, equity & outcomes.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
August 21, 2026 at 8:03 PM
ECE data are often spread across separate systems, limiting a full picture of how children and families are served.
Jessica Whittaker, Kelsey Clayback & Isabella Rodriguez examine how ECIDS can connect data to improve ECE quality, equity & outcomes.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
Jessica Whittaker, Kelsey Clayback & Isabella Rodriguez examine how ECIDS can connect data to improve ECE quality, equity & outcomes.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
Online postsecondary education can expand access, but its effects on student outcomes vary.
In this chapter, Joshua Goodman examines research on online postsecondary education and its effects on student learning, degree completion, and access.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
In this chapter, Joshua Goodman examines research on online postsecondary education and its effects on student learning, degree completion, and access.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
August 14, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Online postsecondary education can expand access, but its effects on student outcomes vary.
In this chapter, Joshua Goodman examines research on online postsecondary education and its effects on student learning, degree completion, and access.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
In this chapter, Joshua Goodman examines research on online postsecondary education and its effects on student learning, degree completion, and access.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
Student assessment is used to measure students' understanding of classroom content.
In this chapter, Chris Domaleski and Scott Marion examine different types of student assessment, their implementation, and their implications for equity.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
In this chapter, Chris Domaleski and Scott Marion examine different types of student assessment, their implementation, and their implications for equity.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
August 5, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Student assessment is used to measure students' understanding of classroom content.
In this chapter, Chris Domaleski and Scott Marion examine different types of student assessment, their implementation, and their implications for equity.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
In this chapter, Chris Domaleski and Scott Marion examine different types of student assessment, their implementation, and their implications for equity.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Student loans can help students pay for college, but their effects depend on how and why students borrow.
In a new chapter, Jeffrey T. Denning examines student loans, borrowing, student debt, college prices, and income-driven repayment.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
In a new chapter, Jeffrey T. Denning examines student loans, borrowing, student debt, college prices, and income-driven repayment.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
July 30, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Student loans can help students pay for college, but their effects depend on how and why students borrow.
In a new chapter, Jeffrey T. Denning examines student loans, borrowing, student debt, college prices, and income-driven repayment.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
In a new chapter, Jeffrey T. Denning examines student loans, borrowing, student debt, college prices, and income-driven repayment.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
In addition to incorporating new chapters, the Live Handbook is constantly updated to reflect the latest education research. This year, we've worked with authors to update chapters with new research and evidence.
Explore the chapters and share feedback: livehandbook.org
Explore the chapters and share feedback: livehandbook.org
Evidence-Based Education Policy Research | Live Handbook
Explore evidence-based education policy research at our digital hub. Access data-driven insights to improve learning outcomes and shape effective policies.
livehandbook.org
July 24, 2026 at 4:00 PM
In addition to incorporating new chapters, the Live Handbook is constantly updated to reflect the latest education research. This year, we've worked with authors to update chapters with new research and evidence.
Explore the chapters and share feedback: livehandbook.org
Explore the chapters and share feedback: livehandbook.org
The first three years of life are a critical period for child development—but many families struggle to find affordable, high-quality care.
In a new chapter, Pia Caronongan examines the research on infant and toddler ECE.
Read more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
In a new chapter, Pia Caronongan examines the research on infant and toddler ECE.
Read more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
July 16, 2026 at 6:13 PM
The first three years of life are a critical period for child development—but many families struggle to find affordable, high-quality care.
In a new chapter, Pia Caronongan examines the research on infant and toddler ECE.
Read more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
In a new chapter, Pia Caronongan examines the research on infant and toddler ECE.
Read more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
Early college credit (ECC) courses give high school students access to college-level coursework.
In this chapter, Dylan Conger and Steven Hemelt examine the research on ECC courses, including their benefits, challenges, and equitable access.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
In this chapter, Dylan Conger and Steven Hemelt examine the research on ECC courses, including their benefits, challenges, and equitable access.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
July 10, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Early college credit (ECC) courses give high school students access to college-level coursework.
In this chapter, Dylan Conger and Steven Hemelt examine the research on ECC courses, including their benefits, challenges, and equitable access.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
In this chapter, Dylan Conger and Steven Hemelt examine the research on ECC courses, including their benefits, challenges, and equitable access.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
What is the impact of early childhood education on children's development and well-being?
In this chapter, Jade Jenkins and Anamarie A. Whitaker examine the evidence on the effects of early childhood education.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
In this chapter, Jade Jenkins and Anamarie A. Whitaker examine the evidence on the effects of early childhood education.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
July 2, 2026 at 8:35 PM
What is the impact of early childhood education on children's development and well-being?
In this chapter, Jade Jenkins and Anamarie A. Whitaker examine the evidence on the effects of early childhood education.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
In this chapter, Jade Jenkins and Anamarie A. Whitaker examine the evidence on the effects of early childhood education.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...
AI tools are evolving rapidly, and schools are adopting them faster than researchers can evaluate them. In a new chapter, Cristina Barnard, Lily Fesler, and Susanna Loeb examine what we know about AI's role in K–12 schools and its effects.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
June 26, 2026 at 6:11 PM
AI tools are evolving rapidly, and schools are adopting them faster than researchers can evaluate them. In a new chapter, Cristina Barnard, Lily Fesler, and Susanna Loeb examine what we know about AI's role in K–12 schools and its effects.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Higher education is often viewed as a valuable investment, but returns vary across students and pathways.
In a new chapter, Douglas A. Webber and Celeste K. Carruthers examine the evidence on the returns to four-year higher education.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
In a new chapter, Douglas A. Webber and Celeste K. Carruthers examine the evidence on the returns to four-year higher education.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
June 18, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Higher education is often viewed as a valuable investment, but returns vary across students and pathways.
In a new chapter, Douglas A. Webber and Celeste K. Carruthers examine the evidence on the returns to four-year higher education.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
In a new chapter, Douglas A. Webber and Celeste K. Carruthers examine the evidence on the returns to four-year higher education.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
Ability grouping and tracking practices aim to help schools meet students’ diverse needs and interests. In a new AEFP Live Handbook chapter, Thurston Domina examines the evidence on ability grouping.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
June 10, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Ability grouping and tracking practices aim to help schools meet students’ diverse needs and interests. In a new AEFP Live Handbook chapter, Thurston Domina examines the evidence on ability grouping.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Educational decisions are only as strong as the measures that inform them.
In this chapter, Jonathan Schweig, Susha Roy, and Lauren Covelli examine validity and reliability in educational measurement.
Read more: livehandbook.org/validity-rel...
In this chapter, Jonathan Schweig, Susha Roy, and Lauren Covelli examine validity and reliability in educational measurement.
Read more: livehandbook.org/validity-rel...
June 4, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Educational decisions are only as strong as the measures that inform them.
In this chapter, Jonathan Schweig, Susha Roy, and Lauren Covelli examine validity and reliability in educational measurement.
Read more: livehandbook.org/validity-rel...
In this chapter, Jonathan Schweig, Susha Roy, and Lauren Covelli examine validity and reliability in educational measurement.
Read more: livehandbook.org/validity-rel...
Superintendents play a critical role in shaping school systems, but their work — and pathways into leadership — vary dramatically across contexts.
In her chapter, @drrachelswhite.bsky.social reviews what research says about superintendents.
Read more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
In her chapter, @drrachelswhite.bsky.social reviews what research says about superintendents.
Read more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
May 29, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Superintendents play a critical role in shaping school systems, but their work — and pathways into leadership — vary dramatically across contexts.
In her chapter, @drrachelswhite.bsky.social reviews what research says about superintendents.
Read more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
In her chapter, @drrachelswhite.bsky.social reviews what research says about superintendents.
Read more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Social and emotional learning (SEL) helps students develop the skills needed to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions.
In a new chapter, Sophie P. Barnes, Michael McCarthy, and Christina Cipriano examine SEL.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/social-and-e...
In a new chapter, Sophie P. Barnes, Michael McCarthy, and Christina Cipriano examine SEL.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/social-and-e...
May 21, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Social and emotional learning (SEL) helps students develop the skills needed to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions.
In a new chapter, Sophie P. Barnes, Michael McCarthy, and Christina Cipriano examine SEL.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/social-and-e...
In a new chapter, Sophie P. Barnes, Michael McCarthy, and Christina Cipriano examine SEL.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/social-and-e...
Portfolio Management Models (PMMs) shift districts from directly operating schools to overseeing autonomous providers.
In this chapter, Katrina E. Bulkley explores how PMM reforms shape student outcomes and public education systems.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
In this chapter, Katrina E. Bulkley explores how PMM reforms shape student outcomes and public education systems.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
May 15, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Portfolio Management Models (PMMs) shift districts from directly operating schools to overseeing autonomous providers.
In this chapter, Katrina E. Bulkley explores how PMM reforms shape student outcomes and public education systems.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
In this chapter, Katrina E. Bulkley explores how PMM reforms shape student outcomes and public education systems.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Students enter classrooms with different levels of prior knowledge and learning pace. Tutoring can address unfinished learning. In a new chapter, Susanna Loeb and Carly D. Robinson examine what makes tutoring effective and how to implement it.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
May 7, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Students enter classrooms with different levels of prior knowledge and learning pace. Tutoring can address unfinished learning. In a new chapter, Susanna Loeb and Carly D. Robinson examine what makes tutoring effective and how to implement it.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Curriculum policy isn’t just about what students learn—it also shapes how states, districts, and schools select and use materials to guide teaching.
David Steiner explores curriculum policy and how it shapes student learning and teaching. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
David Steiner explores curriculum policy and how it shapes student learning and teaching. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
April 30, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Curriculum policy isn’t just about what students learn—it also shapes how states, districts, and schools select and use materials to guide teaching.
David Steiner explores curriculum policy and how it shapes student learning and teaching. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
David Steiner explores curriculum policy and how it shapes student learning and teaching. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
The Live Handbook is continually evolving. Thanks to contributions from our authors, new chapters covering topics like international students in higher education and test-based grade retention in K–12 are now live.
Learn more: livehandbook.org
Learn more: livehandbook.org
Evidence-Based Education Policy Research | Live Handbook
Explore evidence-based education policy research at our digital hub. Access data-driven insights to improve learning outcomes and shape effective policies.
livehandbook.org
April 23, 2026 at 1:49 PM
The Live Handbook is continually evolving. Thanks to contributions from our authors, new chapters covering topics like international students in higher education and test-based grade retention in K–12 are now live.
Learn more: livehandbook.org
Learn more: livehandbook.org
Teachers’ unions shape school district policy, spending, teacher pay, and turnover—but what does the research say about their impact on student outcomes?
Bradley D. Marianno explores the evidence.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Bradley D. Marianno explores the evidence.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
April 17, 2026 at 9:58 PM
Teachers’ unions shape school district policy, spending, teacher pay, and turnover—but what does the research say about their impact on student outcomes?
Bradley D. Marianno explores the evidence.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
Bradley D. Marianno explores the evidence.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...
SECs are the skills and mindsets students need to succeed in school and beyond. But how do we measure them?
In a new chapter, James "Jim" Soland and Laura S. Hamilton explore SECs and their role in research, evaluation and school improvement.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/using-social...
In a new chapter, James "Jim" Soland and Laura S. Hamilton explore SECs and their role in research, evaluation and school improvement.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/using-social...
April 9, 2026 at 8:15 PM
SECs are the skills and mindsets students need to succeed in school and beyond. But how do we measure them?
In a new chapter, James "Jim" Soland and Laura S. Hamilton explore SECs and their role in research, evaluation and school improvement.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/using-social...
In a new chapter, James "Jim" Soland and Laura S. Hamilton explore SECs and their role in research, evaluation and school improvement.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/using-social...
International students have a long history in the United States, and today, around 1 million are enrolled in higher ed institutions across the country. In a new chapter, Kevin Shih examines international student enrollment in higher ed.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
April 2, 2026 at 6:58 PM
International students have a long history in the United States, and today, around 1 million are enrolled in higher ed institutions across the country. In a new chapter, Kevin Shih examines international student enrollment in higher ed.
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...
Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...