Gunfire at Florida HS football game isn't deemed 'school shooting' — so what is?

A narrow definition shapes the conversation and response to an issue that’s left more than a third of parents fearing their kids aren’t safe at school.

By Jessica Campisi • Aug. 22, 2018

Principal: Play is non-negotiable for elementary students' cognitive development

The CDC suggests at least 60 minutes of recess for students, with play helping students develop important social skills and physical abilities.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 21, 2018

Some states measuring student engagement as school success indicator

New research suggests No Child Left Behind ultimately had a negative impact on students' engagement in learning.

By Linda Jacobson • Aug. 20, 2018

From NCLB to ESSA: moving toward student-centered assessments

ESSA has presented states with the opportunity to adapt how they evaluate student progress throughout the year and in traditional end-of-year assessments.

By Jessica Leigh Brown • Aug. 20, 2018

NCLB revision became ESSA — same thing, different day

A Nashville principal who testified before the Senate HELP committee on NCLB revisions says a lack of true change comes at the detriment of students, teachers.

By Susan Stone Kessler, Ed.D. • Aug. 20, 2018

Poll finds most Michigan residents want changes to school funding

The state is among several that have been re-examining funding formulas in recent years.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 17, 2018

Study: High-pressure school mandates eventually stall gains

Stringent accountability like that of NCLB can discourage educators from trying new approaches, but principals should encourage teachers to be a school's chief innovators.  

By Christina Vercelletto • Aug. 15, 2018

Discipline policies that illegally punish and exclude students with disabilities must stop

Officials from the National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools say a recent lawsuit filed against Success Academy should serve as notice for districts and charters alike.

By Paul O’Neill and Stephanie Lancet • Aug. 14, 2018

Outcomes for children of migrant workers have improved

Over a half-century in, the Migrant Education Program has made it possible for more migrant workers' children to break the cycle of poverty by graduating high school, entering college and finding other forms of work.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 14, 2018

California taps paraprofessionals, non-instructional staff as teachers

A nationwide shortage of teachers, particularly in areas like special ed, has some states looking to non-traditional pipelines.

By Christina Vercelletto • Aug. 13, 2018

Report calls for national strategy to help schools prevent suicide, substance abuse

Suicide is now the third leading cause of death of children ages 10 to 14, and more than 1 million middle school and high school age students have a substance abuse disorder.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 13, 2018

Pre-to-3: Application period for Preschool Development Grants opens

As part of the Every Student Succeeds Act, 40 states could receive awards ranging from $500,000 to $10 million to improve services for children, birth to age 5.

By Linda Jacobson • Aug. 10, 2018

Online learning to melt snow days in 5 South Carolina districts

The effort is part of the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee's broader eLearning pilot, with those days counting toward the state's requirement of 180 school days.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 10, 2018

Principals now joining teachers in pursuit of elected office

Issues like the Janus decision, ongoing teacher protests, criminal justice reform and the opioid epidemic have inspired school leaders to take action.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 9, 2018

Interagency collaboration, need for more counselors highlighted at federal school safety session

The third public listening session was held in Wyoming, a state that last year passed legislation allowing "citizen sentinels" in schools.

By Linda Jacobson • Aug. 8, 2018

Report: Hate speech remains persistent concern in public schools

A review of 472 verified incidents that occurred between 2015 and 2017, finding that they primarily targeted black, Latino, Jewish and Muslim students.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 8, 2018

What happens when teacher performance data is made public?

The Los Angeles Times' 2010 publication of ratings based on student test score data for thousands of the city's teachers bred a turnover spike and placement concerns.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 8, 2018

Illinois mandates gifted and talented accommodations

The state now requires districts to identify and appropriately challenge students who are advanced both academically and social-emotionally. 

By Christina Vercelletto • Aug. 7, 2018

How do high-performing countries prepare and support teachers?

The Learning Policy Institute's Linda Darling-Hammond shares lessons with state lawmakers on how to address teaching shortages and raise student achievement.

By Linda Jacobson • Aug. 3, 2018

Insurance is not enough liability protection from active shooters

School districts need to develop safety teams to plan prevention and response, among other things.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 3, 2018

Proposal suggests expanding gifted programs to solve NYC integration concerns

Proponents of a bill from state Sen. Tony Avella say it would restore a reliable pathway to specialized high schools, especially in low-income areas with limited access to gifted programs.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 2, 2018

No clear answer on how families will use 529 accounts

A National Conference of State Legislatures official says it will be another six months before it's known if 529 funds are being used for private K-12 school tuition — a prospect that worries some colleges and lawmakers.

By Linda Jacobson and Jean Dimeo • Aug. 1, 2018

Expect more teacher protests this academic year

Teachers feel forced out of the middle class because of inadequate salaries and benefits, and they could take to the streets again with their concerns.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 1, 2018

District co-ops, bulk purchasing groups on the rise

Research from AASA shows 73% of superintendents still reporting "inadequately funded" districts amid lingering recovery in the wake of the 2008 recession.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 1, 2018

'Strategic leadership' crucial for school improvement, says turnaround expert

California's efforts to improve "expanded learning" programs were also highlighted on the second day of the National Conference of State Legislatures' annual summit.

By Linda Jacobson • Aug. 1, 2018