AERA Open Launches “ReOpened” Articles to Spotlight Debates on Timely Education Issues
AERA Open Launches “ReOpened” Articles to Spotlight Debates on Timely Education Issues
 
Print

October 2025

Incorporating Human Animal Interaction into Academic Stress Management Programs: Effects on Typical and At-Risk College Students' Executive Function

This month, AERA Open launched “AERA ReOpened,” a new article type designed to bring fresh debates and perspectives on previously published research in education. These articles, which are short and invited, feature discussions among leading scholars—including past AERA presidents, journal editors, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers—on topics that are relevant and impactful for education professionals. Full contributions range from 1,500 to 2,000 words, with letters limited to 300 words.

As noted in the journal’s guidelines, the structure for AERA ReOpened articles will begin with an initial comment from a scholar or research team about why the original article still resonates and should be revisited. The next steps are engagement from one or more respondents, followed by a brief rejoinder by the original author or collaborator, when possible, and then final comments.

“We are pleased to see AERA ReOpened launched,” said editors-in-chief Gustavo Fischman and Audrey Amrein-Beardsley. “In addition to invited articles, we welcome nominations from scholars who are interested in this exciting new format.”

Criteria for contributions include:

  • The original piece was published in any AERA journal or book.
  • The original piece addresses topics that generated substantive debate.
  • The original piece balances foundational work with contemporary issues (e.g., recent research, policy changes, and controversies in education).
  • The original piece was one of the most highly cited/downloaded.
  • The submissions offer a balance between critique and constructive discussion.
  • The submissions emphasize the clarity and readability of rigorous arguments and explain the relevance of the original article.

AERA Open is AERA’s peer-reviewed, open-access journal, advancing knowledge in education and learning through rigorous empirical and theoretical study, conducted in a wide range of academic disciplines. It publishes studies across a wide range of contexts, including early childhood, after-school programs, K–12, and postsecondary education.