Books
Translating decades of educational research and personal experience into accessible books for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to understand how our education system really works.
Coming Soon!
Working in the Dark
Two Worlds That Don’t Know the Other Exists
For more than three decades, Edstar Analytics has evaluated federally funded education programs across the United States. What we’ve seen has stunned us—and our staff who came from outside education have told us repeatedly: “I never would have believed this if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.”
This book reveals a gap so wide it explains nearly everything that has gone wrong in American education: the chasm between what data could tell us about students and what educators are actually able to see. We share our framework for understanding decision making without data.
To reach more people, we’ve created a podcast series and video summaries of each chapter.
These videos and podcast discussions were generated from the text by NotebookLM to make these ideas accessible to more people:
Featured
Mismatched
How America’s Educational System Fails to Prepare Students for Today’s Workforce
Drawing from her unique journey—from being told she “wasn’t college material” to earning a PhD and founding her own education research company—Janet Johnson exposes the structural failures undermining student potential and workforce development. This book reveals how our educational system still operates on an outdated industrial model that artificially separates “thinkers” from “doers,” steering students based on social class rather than capability.
These videos and podcast discussions were generated from the text by NotebookLM to make these ideas accessible to more people:
Education & Advocacy
Empowered Advocacy
Navigating Education and Opportunity in North Carolina
A concise guide for parents of high schoolers to understand and navigate their children’s educational landscape. This book demystifies test results, explains high school math course options, and arms parents against potential intimidation by complex data-talk from educators. Learn how to advocate effectively for your children’s appropriate math placement and ensure their access to advanced education.
Rethinking Education
A Journey from Historical Practices to Data Empowerment
This insightful book delves into the significant shifts within educational paradigms by examining the evolving role of cultural, technological, and policy changes in shaping schooling. It traces the journey from a fixed to a growth mindset and discusses how data has transformed educational strategies, particularly emphasizing mathematics education and access to rigorous coursework. An essential resource for North Carolina educators navigating the complexities of modern education.
Personal Narrative
Angels, Aliens, and Crazy Mom
Real Reality Is Not So Bad
A reflection on growing up in a dysfunctional family and how the author and her sisters had to hide their situation due to cultural norms and assumptions that kids from troubled homes are less likely to succeed academically. This book challenges educators and school counselors to recognize that children in difficult situations don’t need family support to succeed—they need opportunity. A lot more people have grown up in dysfunctional households than previously realized, and many have learned to navigate toxic environments and become successful in life.
Children’s Books
Ronan and the Growing Stars
Ages 4-6
Follow Ronan, a curious 5-year-old, as he creates his own 6-pointed stars while discovering the joys of art, reading, and numbers. Starting with just one star and one word, Ronan learns about exponential growth as he doubles what he paints and learns each day. When stars and words multiply too fast, Grandma helps him explore the difference between growing fast and growing steadily. Filled with vibrant illustrations and essential kindergarten Dolch sight words, this book encourages creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning.
The Magical Journey of Monarch Butterflies
By Eden Alvarez, Gracelyn Bowers, and Lilah Cox • Guided by Janet Johnson and Jackie Alvarez
An inspiring and educational book written by three 4th graders, introducing elementary school children to the enchanting world of monarch butterflies and their unique relationship with milkweed plants. Blending science with creative storytelling, readers explore the lifecycle, habitat, and conservation of monarch butterflies through well-structured chapters, hands-on activities, and beautifully illustrated diagrams. Enhanced with QR codes for auditory learning, this book encourages children to think like scientists and storytellers.