Articles
Longer-form pieces on U.S. public school data, education finance, NCES metrics, teacher staffing, student demographics, and the policies shaping American public education.
How Teacher-Student Ratios Are Calculated and Why They Matter
Teacher-student ratio is one of the most cited school metrics — but it's also frequently misunderstood. Here's what federal data actually measures.
Charter Schools by the Numbers: What Federal Data Actually Shows
Charter schools are one of the most debated topics in American education policy. NCES data offers a fact-based view of enrollment, demographics, and distribution.
Title I Schools: What Funding Follows Low-Income Students
Title I is the largest federal education grant program, directing billions annually to high-poverty schools. Here's how the money flows and what it funds.
Chronic Absenteeism in U.S. Public Schools: A Growing Crisis
Chronic absenteeism — missing 10% or more of school days — affects millions of students. Understanding the scale of the problem starts with the data.
Graduation Rate Gaps: Urban vs. Rural School Districts
The narrative that rural schools outperform urban ones on graduation rates is more complicated than it seems. Federal data reveals a nuanced picture.
Special Education Enrollment Has Grown — Here's What the Numbers Show
The share of public school students receiving special education services has risen steadily. Understanding what drives these trends requires looking beyond the headline numbers.
How School Districts Spend Federal Money: An NCES Finance Guide
The School District Finance Survey reveals how districts allocate revenue across instruction, administration, and support. Here's how to read it.
AP Course Access in Rural vs. Urban Districts
Advanced Placement course availability varies dramatically by district type and income level. Federal data reveals the depth of the access gap.