Research & Evidence
New education studies, trials, datasets, evidence reviews, and their practical implications.
Science study backs phone-free classrooms, especially for struggling students
A large randomized trial in higher education found that enforced in-class phone collection modestly improved academic performance, with the biggest gains among lower-performing students. The result gives educators stronger evidence on classroom restrictions while stopping short of proving every schoolwide ban will work.
Pre-K review says much of the evidence base is weaker than it looks
An August 2026 working paper reviewing 120 reports on state and local pre-K says many studies used comparison groups too weak for strong causal claims. In longer-term achievement results, randomized evaluations were more likely than other designs to point in a negative direction.
Oregon packages K-1 math intervention evidence for schools
A new University of Oregon summary of 112 studies, plus an implementation guide, gives K-1 teams a practical tool for choosing Tier 2 and Tier 3 numeracy support before fall plans lock in.
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Ohio study finds modest reading gains near third-grade retention cutoff
A July 2026 working paper found that students just below Ohio’s Grade 3 reading threshold made larger ELA gains than similar peers just above it, with smaller positive effects lasting through Grade 7. The biggest effects appeared where schools had both accountability pressure and capacity to add targeted supports.
EEF names three early-years programmes as promising after new trials
New EEF evaluations give leaders a clearer autumn shortlist: NELI Preschool showed the strongest everyday-practice language gains, while Talking Time and Emotion Coaching come with more specific evidence caveats.