Working with Teachers to Develop Fair and Reliable Measures of Effective Teaching

Higher ed is facing real challenges—from shifting demographics to rising skepticism about value—but signs of progress are emerging. Institutions are rethinking who they serve and how, with flexible pathways, better alignment to careers, expanded FAFSA access, and dual enrollment driving gains in enrollment, persistence, and completion.

In this article, Allan Golston shares the story of Jason, a student in Newark, New Jersey, whose confidence and love for math were unlocked through the support of a caring teacher and the use of Khan Academy with Khanmigo, an AI-powered tutor. Jason’s transformation illustrates how thoughtful innovation when paired with strong teaching and supportive systems, can help more students succeed and shows why the Gates Foundation is investing in tech-enabled tools to improve math outcomes nationwide.

Too many students, particularly those from Black, Latino, and low-income backgrounds, face fragmented pathways on their journey from high school to career. The focus now is on identifying the barriers that stand in their way and gathering insights from the field to shape solutions that make every learner’s path clearer, more connected, and better supported.