Education Week

Education Week
Title	Education Week
Category	Periodical
Frequency	Weekly
Publisher	Editorial Projects in Education
Firstdate	1981
Country	United States
Language	English

Education Week is an American weekly periodical focused on reporting about primary and secondary K–12 matters, policy, and practice. Founded in 1981, it serves readers across the United States and internationally with reporting, analysis, and commentary related to schools, systems, and professional practice. The publication is produced by a nonprofit organization and operates across print, web, and multimedia platforms to reach educators, administrators, policymakers, and stakeholders.

History

The publication was launched in 1981 by Editorial Projects in Education as a response to perceived gaps in coverage of K–12 topics in mainstream outlets. Early editorial development coincided with policy debates involving the Department of Education (United States), the passage of federal measures such as the No Child Left Behind Act, and statewide reforms in places like California and Texas. Over the decades, reporting tracked debates involving figures and institutions such as Alice Parker, the National Education Association, the United States Congress, and state boards like the Texas State Board of Education. Coverage intersected with major events including the aftermath of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, chronicling debates about standards and accountability, and following movements tied to leaders from organizations like the American Federation of Teachers and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation education initiatives.

Editorial Content and Coverage

The publication provides beat reporting, investigative journalism, and feature analysis on topics ranging from curricular standards to school finance controversies. Staff writers and contributing columnists have examined controversies involving the implementation of standards such as the Common Core State Standards Initiative, litigation involving districts and unions like the Chicago Teachers Union, and policy shifts under administrations including those of Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Coverage frequently references research institutions such as the RAND Corporation, think tanks like the Brookings Institution, advocacy groups including Teach For America, and university-based centers such as the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Editorial pages spotlight voices from superintendents in districts like Los Angeles Unified School District, school boards in cities including New York City, and principals participating in networks such as the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Audience and Circulation

The readership includes classroom teachers, principals, district superintendents, state education chiefs, members of associations like the National School Boards Association, and policymakers at legislative bodies such as state legislatures and the United States Congress. Institutional subscribers have included universities such as Teachers College, Columbia University and education agencies like state departments in Florida and Ohio. Circulation patterns evolved alongside partnerships with organizations such as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and conferences including the ASCD Annual Conference. International readership connects to ministries and institutions in countries such as Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Awards and Initiatives

The organization behind the publication has sponsored reporting awards, fellowships, and research initiatives in partnership with philanthropic organizations such as the Spencer Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Initiatives have recognized investigative projects that examine issues involving school funding litigation, special education disputes under statutes like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and teacher workforce research linked to programs such as Teach For America. The periodical and its parent nonprofit have administered fellowship programs aligned with institutions like the Pew Charitable Trusts and collaborated with journalism organizations including the Society of Professional Journalists.

Digital Presence and Multimedia

Digital expansion brought a robust website, searchable archives, and multimedia offerings including podcasts, webinars, and video features. Online reporting leverages data tools and interactive graphics produced in collaboration with data groups like ProPublica and academic centers such as the University of Michigan’s research labs. Multimedia projects have featured interviews with leaders from organizations like the U.S. Department of Education and panels at conferences including the SXSW EDU festival. Social media outreach connects with professional networks on platforms operated by companies such as Twitter (X), Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Ownership and Organization

The periodical is produced by the nonprofit Editorial Projects in Education organization, governed by a board that has included leaders from foundations such as the Graham Family Foundation and executives with backgrounds at institutions including The Chronicle of Higher Education and The New York Times Company. Organizational partnerships and funding streams have involved collaborations with foundations like the Ford Foundation and the Lumina Foundation, while editorial independence is maintained through institutional policies and ethics practices common among legacy publications such as ProPublica and Nieman Foundation.

Category:American periodicals