NCTQ: Many states don't consider teacher effectiveness in layoffs, dismissals

Fewer than half of states require school districts to use teacher effectiveness data in these decisions, the report says.

By Linda Jacobson • Nov. 1, 2018

One California county epitomizes positive impact of home visiting amid national trend

To reduce child maltreatment rates, Santa Cruz's First 5 organization has worked to spread evidence-based intervention programs — with effective results.

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 30, 2018

Analysis: Voucher program favors students from wealthier, higher-performing schools

Voters in Arizona are set to decide if the controversial program will be expanded to make all public school students eligible.

By Lucy Hood • Oct. 29, 2018

How can principals bring more attention, resources to student mental health?

About 32% of adolescents have an anxiety disorder, and 12% of students ages 12 to 17 experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year.

By Amelia Harper • Oct. 29, 2018

Despite Trump's efforts, schools still have support options for trans students

As the administration seeks to define "transgender" out of existence, a social worker details how schools can continue offering protections and validating students in this community. 

By Jessica Campisi • Oct. 26, 2018

One more state may abandon elected schools chiefs

A measure on the South Carolina's ballot will let voters decide whether the role should be appointed by the governor, which would leave just a dozen states still electing the position.

By Amelia Harper • Oct. 26, 2018

As choice options expand, report urges quality schools for all students

Choice can create unintended consequences, such as lengthy commutes and more segregation, research from the Learning Policy Institute shows.

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 25, 2018

11 principals to receive Ed Dept leadership awards

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said this year's recipients of the Terrel H. Bell Awards for Outstanding School Leadership exemplified vision and effort that enabled a diverse pool of students to succeed.

By Amelia Harper • Oct. 24, 2018

Early-childhood advocates see cannabis challenges rise as tobacco sales fall

As more states consider legalizing marijuana, California's First 5 agencies are on the forefront of educating the public about cannabis use impacts on pregnant women and in homes with young children.

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 23, 2018

Students draft measure calling for gun control, school mental health resources

Students from across the country met in Washington, D.C., to draft the bill that pushes for universal background checks and increasing the minimum gun purchasing age to 21, among other policies.

By Jessica Campisi • Oct. 23, 2018

Parents' concerns still fuel opt-out movement

A professor at Columbia University's Teachers College says the push against standardized testing is a sign that parents want a greater role in education policy.

By Amelia Harper • Oct. 22, 2018

Teacher degrees increasingly viewed as pathway to stronger pre-K programs

As more locales require bachelor's degrees for early-childhood educators, Massachusetts is offering more affordable ways to ensure the state has skilled preschool teachers.

By Amelia Harper • Oct. 19, 2018

AFT, advocacy groups sue Ed Dept for records on decision to arm teachers using federal funds

The organizations say the department hasn't released the information in a timely manner, violating the law.

By Jessica Campisi • Oct. 18, 2018

Years after Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans Schools, a district leader shapes the ed system's turnaround

Recovery School District CEO Kunjan Narechania says in the city, it's a privilege to educate students — schools that don't meet accountability standards potentially face closing.

By Jessica Campisi • Oct. 15, 2018

Pre-to-3: What can countries with high-performing early-childhood systems teach the US?

In a new book, a leading researcher details lessons learned from an examination of policies and programs for young children in countries including Australia, Finland and Singapore. 

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 12, 2018

Competency-based education may not be a new concept

Longtime educator Peter Greene says the framework highly resembles outcome-based education, a model from the '90s that was unsuccessful.

By Jessica Campisi • Oct. 10, 2018

How filmmaker Rob Reiner put early childhood in the limelight

Recruiting Hollywood A-listers for help, Reiner paved the way for passage of a tobacco tax to fund programs for California's youngest children — and helped to spread a national movement.

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 9, 2018

Betsy DeVos outlines ESSA flexibilities in 'Dear Parent' letter

While the U.S. Department of Education has approved all 50 states' plans to comply with the law, parents may have a voice in local implementation.

By Jessica Campisi • Oct. 8, 2018

DOJ awards more than $70M in grant funding for school safety

The Justice Department will also invest $1 million toward research on the factors that lead to mass shootings.

By Jessica Campisi • Oct. 4, 2018

Report: Graduation challenges persist in just 10% of high schools nationwide

The research finds these schools are largely in high-poverty districts, with half serving a 90% minority population and about 75% being majority minority.

By Roger Riddell • Oct. 4, 2018

California law expands mental health support for preschoolers

The legislation is part of a national push to address the underlying causes of behavior issues in the youngest students.

By Christina Vercelletto • Oct. 4, 2018

Report: 96% of public schools have adequate internet for digital learning

More than 44 million students now have high-speed internet in their classrooms, a significant boost from just 4 million students in 2013.

By Jessica Campisi • Oct. 3, 2018

Study: Absenteeism interventions most effective with students who miss the most school

Black and American Indian students, and those classified as "other," were much more likely to fall into the highest tier of absenteeism and miss at least 20% of the school year.

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 28, 2018

Are schools prepared to help students speaking up about sexual assault?

Despite the rise of #MeToo, some groups worry that the combination of recent public controversies and a lack of school resources will silence students.

By Jessica Campisi • Sept. 28, 2018

Report: 44 states have implemented at least one K-12 computer science policy

The research from Code.org and the Computer Science Teachers Association shows disparities in access persist, however, with just 35% of high schools across 24 states offering the subject.

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 27, 2018