Laura Lopez

Research Associate

Laura Lopez is a research associate at FutureEd. Prior to this role, she spent six years in the private sector, partnering with federal consulting firms to optimize operations and improve program delivery. Most recently, Laura supported the research and evaluation of an unconditional cash transfer pilot with Sasha Bruce Youthwork. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in foreign affairs and is currently pursuing a master’s in public policy at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy.

Work by Laura Lopez

From the Field

Research Notes: Suspension Alternatives Don’t Close Racial Discipline Gaps

Authored byLaura Lopez

Concerns that suspensions disproportionately affect students of color have led many school districts to prioritize other forms of school discipline…

From the Field

Research Notes: Local Teacher Hires Stay Longer, Not Necessarily More Effective, Study Finds

Authored byLaura Lopez

“Grow-Your-Own” (GYO) teacher recruitment programs, such as residency programs and aide-to-teacher pipelines, have increased in recent years, in part on the…

From the Field

Research Notes: As States Challenge Plyler, Study Details its Historic Enrollment Gains

Authored byLaura Lopez

In 1982, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Plyler v. Doe that all school-age children, regardless of immigration status, were entitled to a free public education.

From the Field

Research Notes: Advanced Math Propels Latino Middle Schoolers

Authored byLaura Lopez

Many school districts offer students the opportunity to take advanced courses in middle school. A new study by Carrie Miller and Meredith Phillips at the…