Understood.org partners with Equal Opportunity Schools to unlock advanced learning opportunities for more students

At Understood, we’re working to create a world where students with learning and thinking differences are understood and supported. That’s why we partnered with Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS), a nonprofit that helps schools enroll more students in advanced classes.

Together, we worked to improve the EOS student survey. This tool helps schools find students who are ready for advanced courses like AP, IB, and dual enrollment — but who may not always get noticed. Our goal was to make the survey more accessible for students with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other learning and thinking differences.

EOS works with over 250 schools across the country to expand access to advanced courses for students of color and those from low-income families. Each year, EOS surveys nearly 300,000 students. These surveys ask students about their interests, goals, and support systems. The answers help schools identify students who are ready for harder classes — even if their test scores or grades don’t show it yet.

In the 2023–24 school year, something stood out:

Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) were more likely to say they had trouble completing the survey. That meant students with learning and thinking differences were less likely to be fully seen — or invited to take advanced classes.

The survey wasn’t working for everyone, so Understood teamed up with EOS to fix it.

We worked closely with EOS to talk with students who learn and think differently. In interviews, they shared what made the survey hard — like confusing questions or a layout that was difficult to follow.

With our feedback, EOS redesigned the survey. Some of the changes:

• Using simpler language so it’s easier to read

• Improving the layout to make it more accessible

• Reducing the mental effort it takes to complete

After the redesign, the next round of survey data showed big improvements. Students with IEPs no longer had more trouble completing the survey than other students. They found it easier to understand the questions and stay focused. Everyone had a more equitable experience.

The EOS survey is more than just a questionnaire. It helps schools identify ambitious students who are ready for advanced classes but who are being overlooked. And it guides educators on how to support these students. 

But students who struggle to complete the survey may be left out. That was happening with students who learn and think differently.

“Students with learning and thinking differences are capable of succeeding in advanced courses,” says Jessica Paulson, chief product and strategy officer at EOS. “Inclusive tools help us truly see them — and invite them in.”

Because of the changes, the survey now provides:

• Fairer access: More students who learn differently can be recognized and supported.

• Better data: Educators get clearer, more complete insight into each student.

• More opportunities: Schools are better able to offer advanced classes to all students who are ready.

This project shows that real equity takes effort. Tools and systems must be designed for all types of learners — not just some.

Inclusive surveys and other tools benefit everyone. When groups like Understood and EOS work together, we can create real change.

EOS will keep helping districts offer more students a path to advanced coursework. And Understood remains committed to making sure students who learn and think differently are seen, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive.

To learn more about Equal Opportunity Schools, visit eoschools.org.

To explore Understood’s work, visit understood.org.