The Context

A national education nonprofit focused on a particular academic content area was preparing to launch a new round of K–12 programming. In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, shifts in instructional priorities, technology use, teacher capacity, and student needs had meaningfully reshaped the educational landscape.

Before moving forward, organizational leaders sought a structured landscape analysis to better understand current trends, educator priorities, and barriers that might influence the relevance and uptake of future programming.

Our Approach

In a project of this kind, WEG works with organizational leaders to clarify the central questions guiding program design and to frame the scope of the landscape analysis.

The work may include:

• A synthesis of current research and policy developments relevant to the organization’s focus area

• Review of post-pandemic instructional shifts and curriculum trends

• Surveys and/or interviews with educators to understand current needs, constraints, and areas of demand

• Examination of technology access, implementation barriers, and equity considerations

• Identification of areas where the organization’s strengths align with emerging school priorities

The purpose is not to evaluate an existing initiative, but to generate grounded insight that informs future program development.

What Organizations Gain from This Work

Through this process, leaders develop a clearer understanding of how their content area is currently positioned within schools, what educators are asking for, and what practical constraints shape implementation.

The findings help ensure that new programming is responsive to educator realities, aligned with current instructional priorities, and designed with attention to access and feasibility.

Typical Deliverables

• A comprehensive landscape analysis report integrating research synthesis and educator input

• A concise summary highlighting key themes and implications for program design

• Visual representations of educator perspectives and emerging trends

• A set of considerations to guide future development and strategic planning

Why This Work Matters

Educational priorities evolve, particularly in periods of disruption and recovery. A thoughtful landscape analysis helps organizations design programs that are not only mission-aligned, but informed by current classroom realities and educator experience.