Getting down to facts: Education policy at scale

How does research change how schools work at scale? And how do you turn data into decisions that actually improve classrooms?On this episode of School’s In, Stanford Graduate School of Education Professor Susanna Loeb discusses Getting Down to Facts III, a major California report that uses research to evaluate the state’s education system. Through large-scale studies and collaboration with policymakers, educators, and communities, the project aims to identify what’s working and where systems are falling short. She covers several topics, including:(03:29) What Getting Down to Facts III is and how it works(07:04) How large-scale education research is conducted(11:54) Key findings and maintaining objectivity(21:17) Addressing new challenges, including AI(23:16) Takeaways for educators, parents, and policymakersSusanna Loeb is a professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education and a leading expert in education policy. Loeb started the National Student Support Accelerator which translates research about the role of high impact tutoring in improving student success. She has led major research initiatives such as the Getting Down to Facts project aimed at expanding educational opportunity, addressing achievement gaps, and reforming the way schools are funded in California. Her work focuses on how policy, governance, and data can be used to improve education systems at scale. Learn more on her faculty profile.School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.