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Workforce & Education Center

About the Center

The Workforce & Education Center at Common Sense Institute is dedicated to addressing the critical issues of workforce development and education in the United States. Our center focuses on researching and advancing policies that enhance educational outcomes, bridge skills gaps, and prepare individuals for the evolving demands of the modern economy.

We believe that a strong, well-educated workforce is the cornerstone of economic prosperity. Through in-depth analysis, innovative solutions, and collaborative partnerships, we work to ensure that every individual has access to quality education and the opportunities necessary to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Our research covers a broad range of topics, including K-12 education, higher education, vocational training, and workforce readiness. By providing policymakers, educators, and industry leaders with actionable insights, the Workforce & Education Center aims to create a thriving economy where both businesses and individuals can reach their full potential.

Research
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Education
ESA Facts and Fictions

What’s Really Going on With Education Savings Accounts in Arizona?

October 08, 2024 Glenn FarleyZachary Milne
Ballot Issues
Better Choices, Better Outcomes: How Charter Schools Elevate Student Performance and Family Options

Colorado charter school students obtained a postsecondary credential at a rate of 41.8% compared to non-charter’s 32.8% for the 2016 cohort.

Education
Do Public Schools Serve All Students? Arizona’s Black, Brown, and Special Needs Students are Being Left Behind by the Traditional Public School System

This research aims to review the history and evolution of our traditional public school system; investigate the concerns and examine the potential disparities that exist with respect to Black, Brown, and sp

Education
Higher Education Launch Pad

DSST Montview High School’s postsecondary credential attainment was three times the Denver Public Schools average.

Education
Growth & Change: Universal Empowerment Scholarship Accounts

FULL REPORT Authors: Glenn Farley Introduction For over a year, Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program has been open to any school-aged Arizona resident under its universal eligibility cate

April 10, 2024 Glenn Farley
Education
Colorado’s Healthy Meals for All Proves Unhealthy for the State Budget

After just one year, the "Healthy School Meals for All" program is expected to reach CSI’s budget deficit projection 5 years early.

April 02, 2024 Steven L. Byers, Ph.D.
Education
Redefining Accountability: Empowerment in Arizona’s ESA Program

FULL REPORT Authors: Glenn Farley and Whitney Marsh Executive Summary The Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program is a state-funded initiative that allows eligible students to receive public f

January 29, 2024 Glenn Farley
Workforce
Where are the Men?

This report explores the national decline in men’s labor force participation and compares Colorado men’s labor trends. While Colorado men participate in the labor force at higher rates than the national ave

January 17, 2024 Tamra RyanCole Anderson
Education
Economic Impacts of K-12 Learning Loss Since 2020

Reduced academic- and career-readiness among the cohort means fewer of students who do graduate will enroll in and ultimately graduate from college.

September 12, 2023 Glenn Farley
Education
Universal ESAs: Where We Are and Where We Are Going

CSI’s analysis indicates that the rapid growth in ESA participation during the first year following universal eligibility can be explained in part by the large base of new private- and home-schooled student

Education
Results-Based Funding & The Public-School Funding Question

Under the introduced budget agreement, the program would be repealed, and its funding reallocated to the base funding formula. It would be allocated to all school districts on a per pupil basis, regardless

May 23, 2023 Glenn Farley
Education
School Facilities & The Accumulation of District Space

As state funding for education has changed over the last 20 years, this report will take a deep dive into school facilities and capital funding.

February 02, 2023 Kamryn BrunnerGlenn Farley
Education
Arizona K-12 Funding & Enrollment Changes

Since the 2019 school year, enrollment across the spectrum of education in Arizona has changed dramatically.

January 11, 2023