U.S. schools face a decade-long slump in student test scores, with reading down in 83 percent of districts since 2015. Experts evaluated 37 ideas for improving academic achievement, rating effectiveness and cost on a scale of 1 to 7. The most effective ideas were small group tutoring for struggling students and the science of reading—a systematic, phonics-based approach.

Other highly effective but costly strategies included high-quality preschool and paying effective teachers more to work in high-poverty schools. For best value, experts highlighted school accountability systems (like A-F ratings with support for improvement) and mandating research-backed, high-quality curricula. Expanding access to advanced classes, such as eighth-grade algebra or AP courses, was also seen as cost-effective.

All ideas came with a key caveat: success depends on proper implementation. Experts stressed that no single solution works alone, and execution quality is critical. The findings aim to guide policymakers toward evidence-based, scalable improvements in student outcomes.