North Carolina's digital learning plan takes data-driven approach

The plan is the result of a combination of state laws and increasing pressure to change the way education is practiced.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 24, 2015

Tech transforms parent-teacher communications

Digital platforms offer new ways to engage parents, but research suggests the use of multiple avenues, including in-person, text, and digital tools.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 24, 2015

As music education fades, districts get creative

Funding cuts have left some districts with scant music instruction, so administrators are getting creative about funding and delivery. 

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 23, 2015

Pushing back high school start times proves difficult

Research has touted the benefit of extra sleep for students, but the politics and economics around changing start times can prove intractable.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 23, 2015

Plan for Los Angeles schools involves 50% charter enrollment

A plan backed by the well-known Broad Foundation would more than triple the district’s charter enrollment.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 23, 2015

Zuckerberg invests $5M in MasteryConnect

The personalized learning startup builds tools for teachers to design personalized learning plans and track students progress.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 23, 2015

Districts take innovative approaches to boosting graduation

More districts are providing early access to college-level courses and real world job experiences and thinking outside the traditional school model.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 23, 2015

Seattle teachers end strike over pay, recess

On Sunday, the city's teacher union signed a new contract with Seattle Public Schools, ending a strike that delayed the start of school.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 22, 2015

How long should students spend on computers?

As blended learning grows in popularity, parents, teachers, and experts differ somewhat on how much time students should spend on computers.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 22, 2015

Connecticut lawmaker splits with teachers on NCLB rewrite

Sen. Chris Murphy has opposed changes that would shift the responsibility for accountability to states and away from the federal government.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 22, 2015

Tech-focused PD must look beyond simple device training

Teacher trainer Tom Daccord says the real challenge isn’t learning how to use devices, it’s knowing how those tools fit into pedagogy.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 22, 2015

Survey: Parents lack understanding of state, federal privacy laws

But they also support some uses of data in instruction, especially concerning academic performance.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 22, 2015

How the College Board changed its standardized testing approach

At the NYT Schools For Tomorrow Conference, David Coleman detailed the company's rules for assessments that provide opportunity.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 22, 2015

Texas math requirements focus on college prep

A 2013 state law requires struggling high school students instruction to develop college-ready math skills.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 21, 2015

School districts turn to tech for safety measures

In response to school shootings, school districts have turned to tech-based safety solutions.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 21, 2015

Teachers push back against fixed ideas about math learning

Some schools are trying to cultivate a growth mindset as an alternative to traditional attitudes toward math.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 21, 2015

3 ways schools can incorporate play into innovative instruction

In an increasingly high-stakes environment, finding time for students to learn soft skills like sharing and problem solving still critical.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 21, 2015

New York inches back on high-stakes testing, teacher evaluations

The state has cut back testing time for state assessments and will be allowing more teacher appeals to evaluations.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 21, 2015

Obama admin lightens teacher evaluation requirements

Over the past year and a half, the administration has offered states increasing flexibility in how they implement teacher evaluation systems under NCLB waivers.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 18, 2015

Board tells West Virginia student with Down Syndrome to leave current school

The local school board voted to move the student from the high school he currently attends to one the board says is better equipped to address his disability.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 18, 2015

Keep E-rate funds for telephone infrastructure, educators say

In a survey, 86% of E-rate applicants, which includes schools, said they were concerned about the FCC’s phase-out of phone funds. 

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 18, 2015

Student movement builds around California ethnic studies

Some students and educators are calling for the class to be a graduation requirement in some districts.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 18, 2015

House Rep. Delaney introduces universal preK legislation

The Maryland Democrat has proposed a law that would fund state-level preschool expansions.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 18, 2015

For districts under anti-discrimination agreements, new research offers promise

Roughly 1,400 school districts are under the watch of the Department of Education for disparities related to race, sex, disability or other attributes.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 17, 2015

NYC to offer computer science for all students

"Every city dollar will be matched by one from the private sector," Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 17, 2015