In this episode of amplified, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson from EdAllies are joined by Meghna Sohoni and Michael Franco of TNTP to unpack the findings from TNTP’s new report, The Opportunity Makers: How a Diverse Group of Public Schools Helps Students Catch Up—And How Far More Can. The conversation takes a deep dive into what’s working in the small but powerful percentage of schools that are helping students accelerate academically, especially those who are behind grade level.

Over the course of the episode, the group explores what sets these “trajectory-changing” schools apart—including a strong sense of student belonging, consistent access to grade-level instruction, and coherent academic programming. They share stories from the field, insights from student and educator interviews, and practical steps schools, systems, and policymakers can take to replicate success.

They also dig into the implications for Minnesota—highlighting local examples, policy debates, and why it's time to stop playing the “classroom lottery.”