Across the United States, book bans in public schools have surged to record levels — with more than 22,000 instances tracked since 2021, according to PEN America. This episode of Evidence to Lead examines what’s driving this wave of censorship, which states are leading the trend, and how these decisions affect students, teachers, and school communities. We explore the data behind book removals and discuss the growing phenomenon of “soft censorship,” where fear of vague policies leads to quiet self-censorship in classrooms and libraries. Through a review of national reports and educator perspectives, we unpack how schools can balance community values, academic freedom, and students’ rights to read.

As generative AI tools make their way into classrooms, teachers and school leaders are navigating both new opportunities and emerging challenges. In this episode, we unpack findings from RAND’s Using Artificial Intelligence Tools in K–12 Classrooms report, which draws on national surveys and interviews to reveal how educators are adopting—and perceiving—AI in real time. Learn how AI is being used to customize instruction, streamline lesson planning, and support student learning—and why disparities in access to training could widen existing educational inequities. We also explore educators’ top concerns, from data privacy to the broader implications of AI in society.

In this follow-up to our episode “Accelerating Learning: The High-Impact Tutoring Formula,” we dive deeper into how schools and tutoring providers can turn research into practice. Drawing from the Toolkit for Tutoring Programs, this episode explores what it takes to design and sustain effective, high-impact tutoring initiatives. We unpack the seven essential components of successful programs—from establishing a clear vision and healthy organizational culture to recruiting, training, and coaching tutors for instructional excellence. You’ll also learn how to align curriculum, use data for continuous improvement, and integrate tutoring seamlessly into the school day while maintaining strong safety and privacy standards. If you’re looking to move from evidence to implementation, this episode gives you the practical blueprint for tutoring that truly transforms learning.