Education First

• Quality First
• We craft premium solutions based on deep knowledge and trusted relationships
• Learn about our Focus Areas We craft premium solutions based on deep knowledge and trusted relationships

Learn about our Focus Areas

• Results First
• We deliver results: better policies, better implementation, better grantmaking and broader understanding
• Learn about the Ed First Difference We deliver results: better policies, better implementation, better grantmaking and broader understanding

Learn about the Ed First Difference We live in a fast-moving world driven by knowledge, innovation and creativity Our nation’s schools are adapting to these changes—but much remains to be done We need a culture change in public education to transform the way we teach, lead and learn

Education First can help We are a mission-driven strategy and policy organization with unique and deep expertise in education improvement We partner with practitioners, policymakers, funders and advocates to navigate through complexity to create more people-focused, equitable and inclusive initiatives, strategies and organizations

Learn About Our Services

What Clients Are Saying

• “Education First has been a true partner as we launched EdReports
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• While they were invaluable in supporting key areas such as strategy and fundraising, what I most appreciate is their willingness to help with any task that had to be accomplished for us to be successful
• Education First has been flexible, resourceful, thorough, and above all trusted colleagues who view our success as their own
• ” —Eric Hirsch, Executive Director, EdReports
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Learn About Our Focus Areas

We are passionate about supporting all children, particularly Black, Indigenous and other students of color and students living in low-income communities, toward a world of opportunity where they can pursue their passions and experience success

Social, Emotional and Academic Development Talent Strategy & Org Culture

Ila Deshmukh Towery, Partner

Ila leads with an equity lens on a range of issues including equity in measurement and assessment, anti-racist whole child development, college and career readiness and innovative and equitable learning environments A first-generation American and woman of color, Ila is driven by a belief that building a better, more effective and more responsive system for students of color and students

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• Toward A Next-Generation School Accountability System
• Social & Emotional Learning: Looking Back, Aiming Forward
• What’s Next for Innovative Schools?

Explore Thought Leadership at Education First

Check out our latest thinking on timely topics and issues, and relevant resources that can inform your work right away

Innovations in Assessment: Using Equitable Design to Advance Through-Year Assessment

Creating curriculum literate teacher candidates to support student learning

Innovations in Assessment: A Progress Report on Five Ways to Reimagine Assessment for the Field