His research interests include achievement gaps and inequities, teacher quality, accountability, school finance, and the relationship between education and economic competitiveness. In addition to his academic research, he advises elected officials and other policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels and is frequently cited in the national media, including Education Week, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. His latest book is Value-Added Measures in Education. He has a Ph.D. in economics from Michigan State University.