Education

Culturally responsive sustaining education ensures that education is not only accessible but also relevant and meaningful for all students. Abt partners with non-profit organizations, education leaders, education systems, and state and local education agencies to meet the diverse needs of learners, particularly those from underserved communities. We use a strengths-based and equity-centered approach to conduct culturally responsive and rigorous research and evaluation. We collaborate with partners on goals and monitor progress to advance systemic fairness. Additionally, we help build capacity so that partners can implement equitable policies, programs, and practices on their own and ultimately contribute to student achievement and success. 

The first five years are the most dynamic period for children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. Evidence shows that children who experience culturally and linguistically responsive early childhood development education programs are more likely to build a strong foundation for success in school and life. Abt collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and philanthropies to improve access to and affordability and quality of early childhood education programs. We analyze state and local policies, data, and funding to understand early childhood career pathway advancement and compensation. We help our clients expand opportunities equitably to serve children, families, and ultimately, communities. Our work heeds family and practitioner voices, with a focus on removing the systemic barriers of race, language, and culture in early childhood education programs and greater society. 

Abt’s evidence-informed strategies support policymakers and educators to enhance K-12 education programs and student learning outcomes. Our work for educational institutions— from state and local education agencies to public and private schools—includes surveys of state and district coordinators to assess whether block grants provide better and more equitable education for all students. We focus on a wide range of topics, including social and emotional learning, student engagement, literacy, STEM, educator development, and state and federal education policies. We deliver research and technical assistance to leaders so they can implement scalable interventions, and we prioritize academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth to cultivate fair learning environments for all students.

Earning a college degree is a primary pathway for economic success, yet students from historically underserved communities often lack awareness of and access to vital resources for successful college application and enrollment. This gap exacerbates existing inequalities, hindering academic and economic advancement. Abt identifies and disseminates evidence-informed practices that help students enroll and complete their college education or other postsecondary credentials and reduce barriers to success. We design and conduct rigorous evaluations of programs—from high-school coaching to smartphone apps—that help keep students on track.  Our technical assistance and strategic advising increases program impact, paving the way for fair futures and successful careers.