American Institutes for Research

A person in orange coveralls and another in a white helmet review a mechanical setup, holding a clipboard. The cover page reads: "AIR News - The Latest News and Information from the American Institutes for Research, Feb 2026." The AIR logo is present at the bottom.

📬 AIR’s February newsletter is out!

This month: skills‑based hiring with states, expert insights on education research, new opportunities for researchers, and upcoming events—including AI in education and the teacher workforce.

Read more: https://icont.ac/51emd

As Altadena rebuilds, a new approach to child care is emerging Child care in Altadena and Pasadena is slowly rebuilding a year after the L.A. fires ravaged the region. Now, local groups are reimagining how to support the area's providers.

After the Eaton Fire, rebuilding child care has required new approaches and sustained coordination. AIR's Nathan Burroughs and Amanda Danks discuss in @latimes.com how research-informed strategies can help stabilize child care providers during recovery.

https://lat.ms/3MQlMaQ

A promotional image for a podcast about special education staffing by AIR. It includes a quote emphasizing the need for effective and accessible systems in special education. Below the quote, there is a profile image of Allison Gilmour, with a title indicating she is a Principal Researcher at AIR. AIR's logo and website are at the bottom.

AIR Principal Researcher Alli Gilmour joins a new episode of S.O.S.: Strategies for Operation Special Education to discuss the causes of special educator staffing shortages—and practical strategies schools can use to recruit and retain staff.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/18JqMRrL4dCets4ol3YzLj

The image is a promotional poster from AIR, targeting education researchers to contribute their input on draft principles for responsible AI use in education research by May 8, 2026. It features a person looking at a laptop, with a background emphasizing collaboration and innovation.

AI is transforming education research—from coding data to generating test items and reports. AIR is developing shared principles to ensure these tools are used ethically and responsibly.

Share your feedback by May 8th: https://bit.ly/4l0ZaBd

The image shows a healthcare worker sitting beside a person, both reviewing a document together. The setting is a light-filled room with a blurred background. Text on the image reads "AIR Health News," detailing topics like proposed ACA marketplace plan changes and reducing dementia risk. The date "Feb 2026" is also displayed. The AIR logo and website are at the bottom.

The latest AIR Health News is out! This issue highlights ACA marketplace proposals, new insights on reducing dementia risk, blood protein and heart disease, recent FDA actions, and key upcoming events.

Stay current on health policy and research: https://icont.ac/51efI

Purple webinar announcement titled "Strengthening State Funding Approaches for Multilingual Learners." Scheduled for March 6, 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET. Includes icon of a clock and a calendar. AIR.org is mentioned.

How can states design effective funding models for multilingual learners? Join AIR’s webinar on March 6 (1–2 p.m. ET) to hear from leading experts.

🔗 Register: https://www.air.org/event/strengthening-state-funding-approaches-multilingual-learners

#EdPolicy #MultilingualLearners #EducationFinance

Roundtable discussion flyer for "What's Next? Education Research and Policy at a Crossroads" at Calder Conference 2026 on Monday, March 2. Speakers: Amber Northern, Cara Jackson, Nat Malkus. Moderator: Dan Goldhaber. Logos of Calder Center and AIR at the bottom.

Don’t miss the 17th Annual @caldercenter.bsky.social Conference on 3/2 in Arlington, featuring research on teacher working conditions, retention, and a forward‑looking panel on the future of education research and policy.

Register: https://caldercenter.org/events/17th-annual-calder-conference

The image is a graphic that features a quote about assessing learning opportunities and civics-related competencies. Below the quote is a photo of Sam Rikoon, labeled as a Senior Researcher. AIR's logo and website, AIR.org, are at the bottom.

There’s growing national momentum around improving civic learning, but assessment hasn’t always kept up. For @nciea.bsky.social, AIR's Sam Rikoon and colleagues explore how better tools can help measure the skills today’s students need.
https://www.nciea.org/blog/assessing-civic-learning/

The image is an event flyer featuring the "Launch of the Peace Pillar Synthesis" hosted by The Global SDG Synthesis Coalition. The event is scheduled for 25 February 2026, from 9:09-10:30 AM EST (3:09-4:30 PM CET). It includes photos of seven participants: Isabelle Mercier from UNDP, Thomas de Hoop from American Institutes for Research, Andi Coombes from American Institutes for Research, Matthew Cogan from UN Department of Peace Operations, Louis Hoffmann from IOM, Anayansi Lopez from the UN Office, and Brian James Williams from the United Nations. The theme is "Preventing violence, saving lives." There is a "Goal 16" symbol with the words "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions."

What does the evidence show about preventing violence? The Global SDG Synthesis Coalition’s new #PeacePillar synthesis explores what works, why, and where gaps remain at a 2/25 launch event:
https://www.sdgsynthesiscoalition.org/events/preventing-violence-saving-lives-launch-peace-pillar-synthesis

The image is a promotional graphic for the EF+Math Program, introducing the EF+Math Resource Library. It highlights five years of research and development as an open-access hub for equity-centered math learning. It mentions 175+ resources and publications, reaching over 20,000 students and having 700+ community members. The aerdf logo is present. The website efmathprogram.org is noted for exploring the Resource Library.

AERDF has launched the new EF+Math Resource Library, a resource hub to strengthen math outcomes. From 2020–2025, AIR studied products that build executive function skills and produced new evidence on how EF skills support math success.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4aRd6dz

Four children are seated at a table in a cafeteria, eating lunch. There are food trays, cartons of milk, and drinking straws visible.

Environmental conditions—from air quality to community resilience—can shape student achievement. New AIR research highlights key factors affecting outcomes in North Carolina. https://www.air.org/resource/brief/environmental-influences-student-achievement-north-carolina

It’s #CTEMonth! Looking to deepen your CTE research skills? The 2026 CTE Summer Research Institute offers hands-on training to help practitioners and researchers design and conduct high-quality CTE studies. Apply: https://cteresearchnetwork.org/2026-summer-training-institute-conducting-research-cte

What New Research Reveals About Grouping English Learners Together New research cautions districts from defaulting to grouping all English learners together.

New research in @edweek.org highlights risks of automatically grouping English learners. AIR’s Rebecca Bergey says it’s a good moment for leaders to rethink how placement decisions get made. https://bit.ly/4kEyiqI

AIR is heading to #SIGCSE #TS2026! Experts will share insights on AI in K–12 classrooms, #ComputerScience pathways in underserved communities, and more—advancing responsible, human‑centered AI.

https://bit.ly/3MxJMiO

A promotional graphic from AIR (American Institutes for Research) for their out-of-school-time programs. It includes a quote discussing the importance of understanding resources needed for delivering evidence-based practices. The quote is attributed to Jill Richter, a Senior Researcher at AIR. A circular photo of Jill Richter is shown in the bottom right corner. The AIR logo appears at the bottom.

How are out‑of‑school‑time programs evolving?

A new @wallacefoundation.bsky.social blog—featuring insights from AIR experts—highlights shifts in quality, staffing, and demand.

Learn more: https://wallacefoundation.org/resource/article/evolution-out-school-time

An individual wearing an orange hard hat and safety goggles is working on electrical panels with various wires and components. They are using tools and wearing gray gloves inside an industrial setting.

AIR and @natlgovsassoc.bsky.social have launched a new pilot to help states define the skills needed for high-demand public sector jobs and strengthen skills-based practices statewide.
https://www.air.org/news/press-release/american-institutes-research-and-national-governors-association-launch-pilot

A healthcare professional in a medical setting smiles while speaking to a person off-camera. The image is part of an "AIR Health News" bulletin, mentioning changes to the ACA, community engagement, and updates to the DSM. The date "Feb 2026" is displayed.

In this edition of AIR Health News:

📉 ACA enrollment dips 5% for 2026
🤝 CMS releases vendor list to help implement new Medicaid requirements
🧠 APA announces major DSM redesign

Read more: https://icont.ac/51dFc

A group of people in lab coats and safety goggles work together around a table covered with electronic equipment and tools. One person is seated, using a multimeter on a circuit board, while the others observe and discuss. The room is well lit, suggesting an educational or research setting.

Research shows CTE participation boosts academic achievement, increases high school completion, and supports smoother transitions into college and the workforce. REL Midwest (operated by AIR) is helping states expand these evidence‑based pathways.

Read the blog: https://bit.ly/4qRgJG4 #CTEMonth

Children and an adult engaging with educational tablets at a classroom table. The image is part of a publication titled "AIR News" for January 2026 by the American Institutes for Research.

The latest AIR newsletter is out! 🎉

From North Carolina to Zambia, this edition bridges local and global insights:
🌍 Environmental factors shaping student outcomes
🌍 AI strategies for schools
🌍 Learning losses and recovery in Africa

Read more: https://icont.ac/51djV

Three people smiling at a conference, standing in front of a presentation screen titled "LIFTOFFS Year 1 Pilot Findings" by AIR.

How can #AI help students learn in ways that maximize their potential? AIR experts attended #EdCon26 with partners from the Cooperative Educational Service Agency #4’s Liftoffs Learning to explore what AI-supported learning looks like in Wisconsin classrooms. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4boq7fy

A group of women dressed in vibrant Indian attire, seated and joyfully raising their fists in the air.

What can evidence tell us about women’s savings groups? Join a 1/29 @gatesfoundation.bsky.social learning session with AIR's Thomas de Hoop and Garima Siwach on new evidence from India and Nigeria, with perspectives from Kenya on what’s working across contexts. RSVP: https://cvent.me/dmlMQD

Three students, one holding a pencil and a notebook, engaging in a lively discussion in a classroom setting.

Dual enrollment programs continue to grow nationwide, helping more students earn college credit and explore career pathways.

Read our spotlight to explore key insights, promising practices, and policy considerations to ensure these opportunities reach all learners.
https://bit.ly/3LL8jRi

Educator assisting two children using tablets in a classroom setting.

AI is changing the way students learn and educators work—and AIR is helping schools make sense of it. Check out our research, guidance and projects on #AIinEducation. 👇
🔗 https://www.air.org/our-work/education/education-technology-artificial-intelligence

#EdTech #ArtificialIntelligence #AIEducation

Quote about the future of special education funding, stating it will be decided not by a single federal appropriation but by how states balance their budgets, from Tammy Kolbe for AIR.org, with her portrait below the text.

Special education funding isn’t just a federal issue. In a recent guest column with Barrett & Greene Inc., AIR's Tammy Kolbe explores the impact states have on funding #SpecialEd and challenges they face: https://www.greenebarrett.com/guest-column/special-education-funding-where-the-real-risk-lies

Jan 13, 1pm ET: AIR’s & @caldercenter.bsky.social Dan Goldhaber (@cedr.bsky.social) joins U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for updated insights on federal K–12 policy and why accountability matters.

Background report: https://bit.ly/3LEiW8i

Livestream: https://bit.ly/4qdNeOe

A professional group engaged in a discussion at a table with the logo "AIR.ORG" displayed.

AIR works with foundations to design strategies, build evidence, and help grantees strengthen and grow their programs. Together, we’re turning insights into meaningful change. 🌟

Learn more: www.air.org/foundations

AIR’s Deborah Moroney discussed a @nationalacademies.org report she chaired showing the value of out-of-school time programs for youth development. Read more via the @wallacefoundation.bsky.social: https://wallacefoundation.org/resource/article/time-has-come-youth-development

Inside One State's Bold Plan to Keep Special Education Teachers Pennsylvania's training and mentoring program works to retain teachers serving students with disabilities.

@sparccenter.bsky.social research shows why #SpecialEd teachers leave: lack of support. PA’s Attract‑Prepare‑Retain initiative is fixing that with targeted mentoring and training (and early results from @caldercenter.bsky.social). More w/ AIR's Allison Gilmour in @edweek.org: https://bit.ly/3MYcQAa

Happy New Year 2026 greeting from AIR with large white and gold numbers on a sparkling blue background.

New year, same mission: generate evidence, apply solutions, and improve lives. Here’s to 2026! 🎆
#HappyNewYear

Infographic titled 'Medicaid Work Requirements Outreach' by AIR, illustrating three strategies for increasing awareness about the Medicaid work requirement mandate starting January 1, 2027. The methods are divided into three segments: Diverse Methods of Outreach (including texts, calls, emails, social media, and targeted mailings), Artificial Intelligence (featuring chatbots and surge call centers), and Strategic Partnerships (highlighting collaborations with state and community agencies).

Medicaid work requirements are coming in 2027. What can states learn from the challenges of Medicaid Unwinding? AIR experts weigh in: https://www.air.org/resource/blog-post/unwinding-work-requirements-what-states-can-learn-prepare-next-big-medicaid