ESG’s blog is a place to share what we have learned from our projects, our education and leadership experiences, and perspectives on how to improve student success. Expect insightful commentary from the ESG team that highlights promising practices from states and communities, and is designed to make connections and spur deeper conversation. Breaking down barriers and siloes within the nation’s K-12, postsecondary and workforce systems begins with getting everyone talking.
Monday, November 8, 2021
Over the last year and a half, higher education institutions have been challenged in unforeseen ways – a global pandemic, revenue loss, and enrollment declines. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, postsecondary education and state leaders have a tremendous opportunity to reimagine...
Thursday, October 14, 2021
As the United States recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing talent shortages and reskilling needs is more urgent than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 8.4 million Americans are still out of work as of August 2021. ...
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
The pandemic has caused dramatic shifts in K-12 education, higher education, and the labor market and diverted many students’ postsecondary plans. Students are entering their third year of pandemic-impacted schooling, and they need advising on how to navigate these changing...
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
We know that doors to opportunity are not opened solely by students’ academic experiences or success. Social capital—benefits and opportunities derived from networks and connections—matters tremendously for success in postsecondary education and training and beyond. To understand more about the...
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
As employers ramp up hiring, higher education institutions have a unique opportunity to help drive the economic recovery by scaling programs that prepare students for good jobs. This is particularly important for displaced workers looking to upskill. With significant new...
Monday, June 7, 2021
A significant portion of our work at Education Strategy Group (ESG) is focused on the improvement and modernization of career pathways as drivers of economic mobility. But what about career pathways within the field of education itself? In the effort...
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Last summer, ESG published From Tails to Heads: Building Momentum for Postsecondary Success and introduced the concept of “Momentum Metrics” — eight of the most predictive indicators of postsecondary preparation, retention, and success. We believe that these metrics will help...
Thursday, May 27, 2021
With significant new investments from the American Rescue Plan, education leaders at districts, states, and postsecondary institutions have the opportunity to not only combat the effects of the pandemic, but to take aggressive and innovative action to close longstanding equity...
Monday, May 17, 2021
Who says postsecondary credentials are valuable? How do we know? A response to the recent Postsecondary Value Commission Report
Thursday, April 1, 2021
We know that postsecondary credentials matter more today than ever before. While bachelor’s degrees remain important, there are over 30 million good jobs nationwide that are held by those with an associate degree, long-term postsecondary certificate, journeyman’s license, or industry-recognized...
Friday, March 26, 2021
The American Rescue Plan — the latest Federal stimulus package passed in response to the coronavirus pandemic — offers tremendous financial resources to both K-12 and higher education for use in combatting the effects of the pandemic on student learning...
Monday, March 22, 2021
With severe enrollment declines that disproportionately affect learners of color and the threat of a “lost COVID-19 cohort,” colleges and communities are looking for innovative solutions to their enrollment woes. Most are turning inward to distinguish themselves, but rather than...