The dynamics of K12 education in St. Louis City

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and SKIP DesignED worked with school leaders and families to interrogate why the system of public schools in St. Louis does not meet the expectations of City students and their families. We asked, “What can be done to reverse trends and achieve improved educational outcomes in St. Louis?”

We found that a vicious cycle of enrollment decline exists as families seek alternative school options, leading to fewer dollars for schools to meet the needs of students, increasing teacher turnover due to burnout, and lowering community investment and overall confidence in the public education system. You can test the model and possible policy solutions here.