Young people increasingly need an education that prepares them for our rapidly changing world, enabling them to deeply understand academic content, think critically and solve complex problems, communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and learn how to learn continuously.

This brief and accompanying webinar describes the key civil rights foundations that have been—and continue to be—essential to paving a path toward possibilities for deeper learning for all: those that secure safe communities, adequate school resources, inclusive environments, well-prepared teachers, and access to quality curriculum. It identifies the evidence-based policies and practices that can ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education focused on meaningful learning. The book on which this brief is based, The Civil Rights Road to Deeper Learning, is published by Teachers College Press and can be found online.