August 2026

This fall, AERA will begin introducing plain-language summaries (PLS) in its journals. Written in nontechnical language, these summaries will complement article abstracts and make published research accessible to a broader audience. The initiative will launch in September with Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis (EEPA), with other AERA journals joining later in the year.

How will PLS work? When submitting a manuscript, authors will include a plain-language summary of no more than 300 words. The summary will appear immediately after the abstract and will be included in the journal’s standard peer-review process. Like the abstract, it will be freely available to all readers.

“Education research has its greatest value when people beyond the scholarly community can understand and use it,” said AERA Executive Director Tabbye Chavous. “Plain-language summaries are an important part of AERA’s broader public engagement efforts, helping educators, policymakers, families, journalists, and others connect with the research we publish and its implications for practice, policy, and the public wellbeing.”

When preparing a PLS, authors should avoid jargon and use everyday language to convey the article’s key messages. Any necessary technical terms or abbreviations should be explained when first introduced. Authors should clearly describe the who, what, why, when, where, and how of the research; write in short, clear sentences; use active voice; and ensure that the study’s conclusions and overall message are easy to understand.

The EEPA manuscript guidelines will be updated in September with detailed instructions for authors.