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.

In this episode of Evidence to Lead, we examine findings from the report “Doomed to Fail” by the National Center for Charter School Accountability. Drawing on over two decades of data, the report reveals that more than half of charter schools open for 20 years have closed—often suddenly—due to low enrollment, mismanagement, or financial issues. We explore how these closures affect students and communities, and unpack the report’s recommendations for stabilizing the sector through caps on growth and stricter accountability measures. Whether you support or question the charter movement, this episode brings evidence to the forefront of the debate.

In this follow-up to our math crisis episode, we dig into the What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Improving Mathematical Problem Solving in Grades 4 Through 8. Backed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences, this guide outlines five research-based strategies—like using visual representations and multiple approaches—to help students become confident problem solvers. Whether you're a classroom teacher or school leader, this episode offers actionable insights for turning evidence into practice.

How should schools manage cell phones in an age of constant connectivity? In this episode, we unpack findings from RAND’s 2025 School Cell Phone Policies report, which reveals a striking divide between principals and students. While most principals favor strict “bell‑to‑bell” bans to reduce distractions, cyberbullying, and climate issues, students prefer lighter restrictions that still allow them to stay connected—especially for safety and emergencies. We explore how schools can balance safety, engagement, and trust when shaping age‑appropriate, enforceable phone policies that work for both educators and youth.

Building on our previous episode about America’s math crisis, this episode dives into the What Works Clearinghouse Educator’s Practice Guide on Teaching Strategies for Improving Algebra Knowledge in Middle and High School Students. We explore three evidence-based recommendations—using solved problems to analyze reasoning, teaching students to leverage the structure of algebraic representations, and guiding students to choose among alternative strategies intentionally. With practical examples and clear implementation steps, this episode offers actionable insights for teachers working to strengthen algebra instruction and student success in grades 6–12.