The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the education system, leaving parents and educators searching for solutions as many students struggle to learn without basic necessities such as a safe and distraction-free learning environment, digital devices, internet connectivity and school breakfast and lunch. While the pandemic highlighted inequities within our schools, a growing movement to spotlight systematic racism has elevated the sense of urgency to reform our educational institutions to better focus on the needs of each student.

This divide is not new, but the significance of these events has underscored a national outcry to reshape our teaching and learning systems. These recent events have exacerbated what many have known for years – that our education system needs systemic change.

Policymakers must partner with educators to try new, innovative practices that will respond to evolving educational needs. A presidential election provides a unique opportunity to elevate new ideas for improving the education system.

This is particularly true this election year with voters eager to see America’s schools reopen safely and recover from the disruptions of the pandemic. Over the next four years, the federal government must advance an agenda to ensure America’s education system rebounds stronger than ever.

KnowledgeWorks offers recommendations to help our nation’s elected leaders achieve this goal.