Sara Wolforth

Principal Researcher,

American Institutes for Research

Sara Wolforth is a policy principal at AIR with expertise in state education policy. Most recently, Wolforth served as the co-director of the State Support Network, a four-year contract from the U.S. Department of Education to support states and districts in advancing school improvement efforts. Previously, Wolforth oversaw the Midwest Comprehensive Center and led needs sensing, outreach, and dissemination efforts for the Regional Educational Laboratory of the Midwest (REL Midwest). Wolforth contributed to several publications including a book chapter on funding strategies for making schools more safe, equitable, and engaging and a practical guide for developing principal evaluation systems. In her research, policy, and technical assistance work, Wolforth benefits from her experience as an educator, having taught in Chicago at the upper elementary and high school levels. Prior to entering the field of education, Wolforth was a practicing attorney.

Contributing topics

Educational governance & policy

Educator workforce & effectiveness

Supporting students’ social-emotional, mental & physical health

Understanding, measuring & improving student outcomes

Contributing initiatives

COVID-19 Recovery

Publications by Sara Wolforth

February 2021

Learning Hubs

In-Person Learning for the Whole Child

Communities in California and around the country are implementing learning hubs to provide in-person education supports to students who are distance learning. In this brief, we explore a prevalent learning hub model and raise considerations for…

February 2021

Expanded Learning Partnerships

A Foundation for Rebuilding to Support the Whole Child

Strong partnerships between schools and expanded learning programs lay the foundation for building stronger, more equitable support systems for children and their families. Building on prior investments in the expanded learning system, California’s…