At NWEA, we understand that data from the assessments we create plays a critical role in supporting student-centered instruction, and in informing the systems, policies, and investments that support equal opportunity for all students to learn. As we partner with states and the districts to create systems that positively impact all students, we apply an equity lens to test design, content development, and integration of accessibility and accommodations.

In relentless pursuit of our mission to help all kids learn, the Policy and Advocacy team at NWEA elevates five key areas in which we seek to influence decision-making: informing the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, driving equity and innovation in assessments, supporting the reimagining of accountability, building and supporting a diverse educator workforce, and expanding opportunities to learn.

How can we support academic growth for students with disabilities (SWD) who may have experienced disproportionate academic impacts from COVID-19? Recent NWEA research may help inform how federal ESSER and IDEA funding can provide early intervention, extended school year support in the summer, and other evidence-based supports that can create sustainable change and further growth for SWD.

How can we support academic growth for English learners (ELs) who may have experienced disproportionate academic impacts from COVID-19? Recent NWEA research may help inform how federal ESSER funding can provide early intervention and extended school year support in the summer and after-school that can create sustainable change and further growth for ELs.

In response to disrupted learning opportunities associated with the pandemic, the Road to Recovery (R2R) research team is researching which recovery interventions are improving student outcomes. Learn more about the goals of this project, what we know so far, and early recommendations for districts.

The latest NWEA analysis on student learning during the COVID-19 pandemic is cause for hope as well as continued urgency. Read highlights from new NWEA research on student achievement in 2021-2022 and recommendations by NWEA Policy and Advocacy that will help students recover from the pandemic.

The NWEA stances on writing lay out a clear vision for the future of writing instruction. This paper addresses what writing is, why it’s important and how the organization can better meet the needs of the writers we serve through our products, services, research and advocacy.