At any given time, a president’s administration manages numerous policies, programs, and budgets that collectively form their education agenda. Much of this work goes unnoticed by the public due to the sheer volume and complexity of initiatives. This lack of visibility can lead to the misconception that the administration is inactive in addressing students' educational crises. Critics often claim that nothing is being done, proposing solutions they believe are absent, even when those measures are already in place. This explainer aims to clarify President Biden’s 2024 education agenda, highlighting the administration's detailed and strategic plan for the year.
In January 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration unveiled its ambitious Improving Student Achievement Agenda, a comprehensive strategy aimed at boosting academic performance for every child in America. Recognizing the crucial role of education in shaping the future of children and the nation, this agenda employs various tools, including accountability, reporting, grants, and technical assistance. It focuses on three evidence-based strategies: increasing student attendance, providing high-dosage tutoring, and expanding summer learning and extended or after-school learning time.
Education is the cornerstone of a thriving society, equipping children with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the 21st century.
The Biden-Harris Administration's focus on improving student achievement underscores a commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have access to quality education that prepares them for future success.
The agenda builds on the foundations laid by the American Rescue Plan, which provided the most significant one-time investment in education in U.S. history to help schools reopen and recover from the pandemic.
Chronic absenteeism has emerged as a significant challenge after the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2021-2022 school year, the chronic absenteeism rate reached approximately 31%, contributing substantially to declines in student performance. Research by the Council of Economic Advisers indicates that absenteeism can account for up to 27% of declines in math test scores and 45% in reading scores.
To combat this, the Administration emphasizes low-cost informational interventions, such as sending texts to parents about their children’s missed school days, which can reduce absenteeism by up to 17%. Additionally, targeted parent and family engagement strategies, including home visits and adopting early warning intervention systems, can significantly increase student attendance. By addressing the root causes of absenteeism and implementing tailored strategies, schools can ensure that more students attend school regularly, leading to better academic outcomes.
High-dosage tutoring is a powerful tool for accelerating student learning. Well-designed and well-implemented tutoring programs can enable students to gain as much as 1.5 years of achievement in math. Effective tutoring programs should provide at least three 30-minute weekly sessions, occur in small groups, be conducted during the school day, utilize well-trained tutors, and align with an evidence-based, structured curriculum.
School districts nationwide, including Chicago, Baltimore, and Greensboro, have successfully leveraged American Rescue Plan funds to scale high-dosage tutoring programs with promising results. When implemented effectively, these programs boost student learning and reduce teachers' burdens, allowing them to focus on other essential teaching activities.
Extending learning time through high-quality after-school programs, longer school days, and summer learning programs can significantly enhance student achievement. Studies have shown that consistent participation in after-school enrichment programs can add about four months of learning to the academic year. Extending the school day from 6 ½ to 8 hours can improve test scores by 11% to 24% for students in low-income areas. Additionally, summer programs that last at least five weeks and provide three hours of academic instruction per day can add two months of learning in math and one month in reading.
Nearly half of the school districts in the United States have invested ARP funds in expanded summer learning programs, demonstrating the positive impact these initiatives can have on student performance.
To ensure the effective adoption of these strategies, the Administration is taking several actions and making specific commitments:
The agenda includes significant financial investments to support these strategies:
The strategies outlined in the agenda are supported by robust evidence demonstrating their effectiveness in improving student achievement:
The Biden-Harris 2024 education agenda is a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to improving student achievement nationwide. By increasing attendance, providing high-dosage tutoring, and expanding learning time, the Administration aims to address the academic setbacks caused by the pandemic and promote long-term educational success.
With substantial financial investments and a commitment to supporting states and districts in implementing these strategies, the agenda represents a significant step forward in ensuring that all children receive the quality education they deserve.