News Why Education Research Matters: Policy Professor Thomas Kane on testing new ideas, learning what works, and scaling successful approaches in order to make meaningful change Posted January 22, 2026 By Carolina Ruggero Assessment Education Policy Education Reform Evidence-Based Intervention Professor Thomas Kane, faculty director of the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard University, believes meaningful change in education starts with testing new ideas, learning what works, and scaling successful approaches. His research with CEPR spans K–12 and higher education, from school accountability systems to teacher recruitment and retention but remains grounded in a systematic approach to improvement. News The latest research, perspectives, and highlights from the Harvard Graduate School of Education Explore All Articles Related Articles Askwith Education Forum Askwith Education Forum Centers Pandemic Recovery Success and the Road Ahead A panel of superintendents from across the U.S. joined CEPR leaders to discuss new data and share successes in navigating post-COVID challenges Usable Knowledge To Get Kids Back on Track After COVID: Shoot for the Moon It will take a Herculean effort to make up for learning loss during the pandemic News Despite Progress, Achievement Gaps Persist During Recovery from Pandemic New research finds achievement gaps in math and reading, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, remain and have grown in some states, calls for action before federal relief funds run out