The New Teacher Project (TNTP) conducted research to answer the question " How can so many students be graduating from high school unprepared to meet their goals for college and careers?"  TNTP partnered with 5 diverse school systems, rural  and urban, district and charters to listen to students about their education experiences and observe the instructional practices. 

What TNTP found was that students need access to four main resources: 

• Consistent opportunities to work on grade appropriate assignments.

• Strong instruction where students do most of the thinking in a lesson.

• Deep engagement in what they are learning.

• Teachers who hold high expectations for students and believe they can meet grade level standards.

The Opportunity Makers report by TNTP highlights the critical role educators play in ensuring that all students have access to grade-level, rigorous instruction. The report emphasizes that when teachers are equipped with high-quality instructional materials, effective coaching, and strong instructional practices, they can significantly expand opportunities for student learning. This work is especially important because many students—particularly those from historically underserved communities—are often given assignments that are below grade level, limiting their academic growth. The findings reinforce the importance of implementing strong Tier 1 instruction, using research-based instructional strategies, and supporting teachers through curriculum internalization and coaching. For educators, the report serves as a reminder that the daily instructional decisions made in classrooms directly impact whether students are given the opportunity to engage with meaningful, challenging learning that prepares them for long-term success.