Learning Differences Programme
Unlocking the potential of all learners
Overview
We believe that together we can build a world in which schools unlock the creativity and power of every young person and equip each learner to shape more just and equitable communities. We provide grants to not-for-profit organisations that create learning environments to improve education for students with learning differences, particularly those who are furthest from opportunity.
Where we fund
We support education not-for-profit organisations in the United States as well as a limited number of global networks and initiatives.
Our definition of learning differences
For Oak Foundation, the learning differences population includes students who have specific learning disabilities (such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia) as well as individuals who may have other related neurological processing challenges that can impact learning (such as attention deficits, sensory processing disorders, and executive function challenges). Oak includes both those who have been formally identified for special education and related services as well as those who do not meet diagnostic criteria but who experience challenges between the ways they best learn and the ways classrooms and instruction have typically been designed.
What we fund
Building knowledge and understanding of what works
We support efforts that build knowledge and understanding of what works best for students with learning differences. We support organisations that: conduct research; analyse data to improve learning environments; and share research findings to improve teaching and learning for students with learning differences, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
Transforming knowledge into educator practice
We support initiatives that transform knowledge into educator practice to help students with learning differences thrive. This includes connecting research with the needs of these students, training educators, and engaging young people in developing social, emotional, and cognitive skills, focusing on relationships, youth leadership, and supportive environments. Additionally, we support the development and sharing of tools and resources of evidence-based strategies with stakeholders.
Creating enabling conditions for schools to adopt supportive practices
We support efforts that create the enabling conditions for schools to adopt supportive practices that help students with learning differences. We support organisations that build movements to advance the needs of students with learning differences, develop and adopt broader measures of student success, and elevate the voices of students with learning differences and their families.
Publications
Research to Action: Improving K-3 Literacy Instruction
Oak Foundation partnered with Education First, a national education strategy and policy consulting organisation, to research efforts to improve students’ literacy in the early grades of their schooling, with special attention to supporting students with learning differences.
Discover our partner stories
Would you like to read more stories like this? Please visit our “Stories” page.