Rethinking the Learning Environment: Education Reform Now

Education reform now is essential for creating a more inclusive, equitable and effective system. It’s about big vision, breakthrough thinking and smart, strategic tweaks—matching grand goals with continual improvement. It’s about reimagining how we teach and learn to create a more inclusive, equitable, and effective system. (Learn more about the history of the education reform movement to understand how past efforts have shaped today’s initiatives.)

Here’s a look at some major education reform options that ensure schools are safe, inclusive, and effective for everyone.

Tackling Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is a significant issue that education reform now is aiming to address. Defined as a student missing 10% or more of school days in a year, chronic absenteeism is plaguing American schools. Millions of students are chronically absent, and this can seriously affect their academic performance, leading to higher dropout rates and even long-term challenges like lower earnings or trouble with the law.¹

Why are so many students missing school? For some, it’s about economic hardship—maybe they don’t have reliable transportation, or they need to work to help support their families. For others, mental health issues like anxiety or depression make attending school regularly a challenge.

To really address chronic absenteeism, schools need to get to the heart of these issues. This means identifying students who are at risk and offering targeted help, whether it’s through mentoring, counseling, or connecting families with community resources.

Ohio led the nation in addressing chronic absenteeism in 2018 when lawmakers passed a bill called the SAFE (Support Alternatives for Fair Education) Act, which put in place positive interventions for students who were regularly missing school.² After the pandemic, which saw absenteeism rates in Ohio double or triple (a trend consistent around the country), lawmakers proposed a bill to pilot a program that would pay students to attend school. (The idea remains under consideration.)

But it’s not just about fixing problems—it’s also about making school a place where students want to be. Engaging and relevant curricula can make a huge difference. When students see the real-world application of what they’re learning and have a say in their education, they’re more likely to stay engaged and attend regularly.

Creating LGBTQ-Inclusive Schools

The supportive environment that can help reduce chronic absenteeism is also critical for LGBTQ students, who often face unique challenges in finding safe and supportive spaces. Many LGBTQ students face difficulties navigating the complexities of identity, and some have found that their school isn’t a place where they feel safe or accepted.

Despite the progress we’ve made in LGBTQ rights, schools can still be difficult places for these students. Bullying, discrimination, and a lack of representation in the curriculum make it hard for LGBTQ students to thrive.  It’s heartbreaking but true—according to a 2022 survey by the Trevor Project, nearly half of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year.³ Schools need to do more than just be neutral spaces; they need to actively support and affirm LGBTQ students.

But how? Many schools have and enforce anti-bullying policies that specifically protect LGBTQ students. But policies alone won’t cut it. Teachers and staff need ongoing training to better understand LGBTQ students in a shifting socio-political landscape. Creating a more inclusive environment means using the correct pronouns, recognizing when something is off, and knowing how to offer support. More broadly, an inclusive curriculum should reflect diverse identities. And on a practical level, schools should also offer resources like gender-neutral bathrooms and LGBTQ support groups.⁴

Embracing Individualized Learning

Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued is critical, but inclusion goes beyond just safety and acceptance. It’s also about recognizing that each student is unique, with different needs and learning styles. To truly support all students, schools must embrace individualized learning approaches that cater to these diverse needs—ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Traditional education systems often take a one-size-fits-all approach, but this doesn’t work for all. Individualized learning tailors education to fit each student’s needs. It’s about flexibility—letting students learn in the way that suits them best.

Technology plays a big role here. With tools like online learning platforms and adaptive learning software, teachers can customize lessons for each student’s skill level. For example, if a student is having trouble with a math concept, the software can provide extra practice or alternative explanations. On the flip side, if a student is excelling, they can move on to more advanced topics instead of being held back by a standard curriculum.

But individualized learning isn’t just about technology. It’s also about shifting the role of teachers. Instead of just delivering information, teachers become facilitators who help students set goals, track progress, and stay motivated. This approach is more collaborative, giving students a greater sense of ownership over their learning. For example, in the flipped classroom model, teachers record initial instruction in videos that students watch at home, which then leaves class time for in-person practice and on-level instruction.⁵

Personalized learning is particularly beneficial for students with disabilities or learning differences. By offering flexible and personalized instruction, schools can ensure that these students have the support they need to succeed. This might involve using assistive technology, offering alternative assessments, or employing teaching strategies that match the student’s learning style.⁶

Supporting and Empowering Our Teachers

Teachers are the backbone of the education system. They’re the ones who inspire students, foster creativity, and shape future generations. Yet teachers often don’t get the support they need. Low pay, limited resources, and a lack of professional development opportunities can make teaching a challenging job. When teachers struggle, it’s the students who suffer.⁷

If we’re serious about reforming education now, we need to start by supporting our teachers. This means making sure they’re paid fairly. Teaching should be a career that attracts and retains top talent, and competitive salaries are a big part of that.

Beyond pay, teachers need ongoing professional development to keep up with the latest educational practices and technologies. It’s also important to give teachers more control over their classrooms. Right now, many teachers feel constrained by bureaucratic rules and the pressure to teach to the test. When teachers have the freedom to be creative and adapt to their students’ needs, the classroom becomes a more dynamic and effective place for learning.

(It’s important to note that the institution of education is very complex. This support of teachers relies on more than just school boards or state guidelines. Check out our article on key players in education reform for more about who drives meaningful change in schools.)

Looking Ahead: The Future of Education Reform

Tackling chronic absenteeism, focusing on LGBTQ inclusion, and embracing individualized learning makes schools safer, more engaging, and better suited to meet the needs of all students.

But to make these changes a reality, everyone needs to be on board. This means policymakers, educators, and communities need to work together to implement reforms that address the root causes of inequality and disengagement in our schools. It also means investing in the resources needed to make these changes happen, from training teachers to updating curricula and providing the necessary support for students and families.

By taking bold steps and thinking creatively, we can transform our schools into places where every student feels valued, supported, and ready to reach their full potential.

If you’re new to the concept, learn more about what education reform is to understand its core principles and why it’s so vital today. For a deeper dive, explore our comprehensive guide on the history, significance and key features of the movement.

Reforming education for our students takes all of us, and we want to hear from you! What are some other ways we can make education more supportive and inclusive to set our students up for success? Is there a district or teacher that’s doing something incredible we should know about? Share your thoughts on education reform here or email us at info@ed-rev.org.

References

1. Campaign, H. S. (2024, May 14). The Impact of School Mental Health Services on Reducing Chronic Absenteeism. Mental Health America. https://www.mhanational.org/blog/impact-school-mental-health-services-reducing-chronic-absenteeism ↩︎
2. Tebben, S. (2024, January 18). To Combat Chronic Absenteeism, Bipartisan Ohio Lawmakers Propose Paying Kids to go to School. Ohio Capital Journal. https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2024/01/18/to-combat-chronic-absenteeism-bipartisan-ohio-lawmakers-propose-paying-kids-to-go-to-school/ ↩︎
3. Trevor Project Crisis Services. The Trevor Project. (2024, August 15). https://www.thetrevorproject.org/crisis-services/ ↩︎
4. Burga, S. (2024, August 21). Anti-LGBTQ+ policies are increasing, impacting Queer Youth. Time. https://time.com/7012940/anti-lgbtq-policies-impacting-queer-youth/ ↩︎
5. Fuller, B., Cellini, S. R., Christine Apiot Okudi, A. R.-V., & Ghimire, S. (2024, August 20). Flipped Learning: Innovative Teaching Explained. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/flipped-learning-what-is-it-and-when-is-it-effective/ ↩︎
6. Pendharkar, E. (2023, August 17). What is an IEP? Individualized Education Programs, explained. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/what-is-an-iep-individualized-education-programs-explained/2023/07 ↩︎
7. Peterson, S. S. (n.d.). Letting Teachers Choose What They Want to Learn Supports Teacher Morale — and Yields Better Teaching. MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/other/letting-teachers-choose-what-they-want-to-learn-supports-teacher-morale-and-yields-better-teaching/ar-AA1pjbrm?ocid=BingNewsVerp ↩︎