About Us

We're focused on empowering families and prioritizing success in the classroom - for every child.

Our Purpose

We believe every child deserves to receive the life-changing power of a great education, and too many sadly do not. The truth is academic performance has largely stagnated or regressed in recent years. Despite record public investments in public schools and education being the largest expenditure of state governments, majorities of students in many places cannot read or do math on grade level. Too few graduate from high school, and even among those who do, many are not adequately prepared for college, the workforce, and life. Families are right to expect more progress in learning, taxpayers are justified in expecting a greater return on their investment, and our children deserve far better. Life is significantly more challenging and fewer opportunities are available to those who fall behind – and are allowed to stay there – on their education journey.

Furthermore, America’s identity and future depend on an opportunity-producing education system. Our country’s long-term economic growth, social stability, and even fiscal health depend, in large part, on a continually more productive and innovative society. Education is the key to achieving upward mobility and one of the most effective tools in disrupting intergenerational poverty. Keeping the American Dream alive – ensuring America is a place where people want to be to find an increasingly better life for themselves and their families – is significantly dependent on the U.S. regaining a global leadership position in education.

Promising new approaches to education abound – ones that empower families, support dynamic leaders, and lift students. But, implementing these policies and driving new change requires a bench of skillful changemakers who are up to the task. ERA is training policy leaders and implementers to work on education policy in America – to learn how the system operates, explore how they might improve it, and prepare to enact well-designed, student-centered reforms that work.

On education, there’s a better path for the greatest good, and we’re equipping leaders to chart the way.

Choice

No single system or structure can or should be responsible for educating all of America’s children; families should have access to – and be empowered to choose – among various high-quality education options.

Preparation

Education should prepare children for (a) success in college, (b) the pursuit of a rewarding career, and (c) to be responsible and engaged citizens.

Outcomes

Are students learning? It’s the most important question to ask of an education system and the standard to which every part of the system should be held accountable.

Innovation

New approaches to teaching and learning should be encouraged, and schools must continually prepare students to meet the unfolding challenges and succeed in the careers of the future.

Equipping Policy Professionals

“A masterclass on the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in an education policy career” — Spring 2024 ERA Fellowship Graduate

Education Reformers Academy offers short-term intensive fellowships for policy-interested professionals who want to make a difference in education.