The 3 Drivers of Student Growth, with TNTP’s Dr. Tequilla Brownie

| Teach Smarter | Stephanie Dinnen, Peter Siner and Tequilla Brownie

What actually drives student growth, and why do so few schools get it right? In this episode, Dr. Tequilla Brownie breaks down the core conditions that help students catch up and move forward. We talk about expectations, coherence, belonging, and why TNTP’s research continues to reshape how schools think about improvement.

Dr. Brownie also shares clear guidance for leaders who want to focus their teams, avoid ineffective approaches, and build the consistency needed for real gains. We end with a grounded conversation about AI, data, and the decisions schools should be making now.

Listen to the full conversation on Teach Smarter.

A close-up photograph of a young woman with dark, curly hair and glasses, leaning in to assist a young boy with his schoolwork. The woman, likely a teacher or tutor, is smiling and pointing at a paper with a pencil while the boy, who is wearing a dark hoodie, looks intently at the work. Word flashcards are visible on a blue background in the distance.

A teacher leads a one-on-one reading session focused on strategy and engagement.

About TNTP

TNTP is the nation’s leading research, policy, and consulting organization dedicated to transforming America’s public education system so that every young person thrives.

Today, we work side-by-side with educators, system leaders, and communities across the nation to reach ambitious goals for student success.

Yet the possibilities we imagine push far beyond the walls of school and the education field alone. We are catalyzing a movement across sectors to create multiple pathways for young people to achieve academic, economic, and social mobility.

Learn More About TNTP