The K-12 Dive Awards for 2021

With community engagement, steadfast leadership and focus on students' social-emotional needs, these are the leaders shaping K-12 today.

Nov. 22, 2021

Parents want larger role protecting student privacy as concerns grow

Experts said transparency is the first step districts should take when engaging with parents and students on school data privacy.

By Anna Merod • Nov. 17, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Cybersecurity in K-12 Education

From the growing and persistent threat of ransomware attacks to concerns about vendors’ practices, schools have become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks amid digital transitions.

By K-12 Dive staff

GAO to Ed Dept: Update 2010 cyber risk plan, consider additional guidance

A new report calls for decisiveness in guidance on current cyber risks, identifying education as one of the nation's "critical infrastructure" subsectors.

By Roger Riddell • Nov. 15, 2021

Report: More high schools offer computer science courses, but enrollment disparities persist

States that prioritize computer science in their policies see a greater percentage of schools offering the courses and then gaps start to close.

By Anna Merod • Nov. 11, 2021

4 ways prioritizing digital literacy improves in-person learning

An educational integration specialist writes educators must embrace new ed tech tools to fully reap innovations and efficiencies in post-pandemic learning.

By Sylvia R. Quigley • Nov. 2, 2021

E-rate recipients want expanded coverage for off-school sites, cybersecurity

The 11th annual E-rate survey from Funds For Learning finds further validation for efforts to close the homework gap worsened by COVID-19.

By Anna Merod • Oct. 28, 2021

School leaders: Proactive approach key to addressing 'devious licks,' other social media challenges

Administrators recommend turning to restorative practices and student involvement to address harmful online trends.

By Anna Merod • Oct. 27, 2021

Don't let education windfall be a flash in the pan

A former South Dakota education secretary details the need for data collection and monitoring for schools' pandemic responses and future challenges.

By Melody Schopp • Oct. 26, 2021

The new normal in EdTech: Redefining support for today's leaders

Support teachers and students with simpler EdTech products and services that drive equity for all.

Oct. 25, 2021

4 realizations that will help schools close learning gaps

Smarthinking online tutors provide a pathway for a brighter future. For over 25 years, our network of expert tutors has helped learners reach their full potential.  

Oct. 25, 2021

Energy performance contract helps K-12 district recover from earthquake, pandemic and deferred maintenance

North Carolina school district overcomes ongoing challenges with innovative funding and stimulus.

Oct. 18, 2021

Ransomware in education: Schools hit hard

Learn about the prevalence of ransomware in education, and what schools need to do to strengthen their defenses.

By Dan Schiappa, Chief Product Officer, Sophos • Oct. 18, 2021

Texas district erects Wi-Fi towers to expand internet connectivity

School systems get creative to connect students to reliable internet service after the pandemic exposed a greater need to solve the digital divide.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 18, 2021

What College Board learned from one of the nation's largest-ever online exam deployments

The nonprofit adapted during a year of disrupted learning to preserve opportunities for 1.8 million students who opted to complete AP exams online.

By Jeremy Singer • Oct. 12, 2021

3 cybersecurity best practices to keep school networks safe as students — and devices — return

An estimated 1,180 cyber-related incidents have hit K-12 since 2016, and an influx of digital tools opens new vulnerabilities as students return in person.

By Roger Riddell • Oct. 12, 2021

Report: Monitoring online student activity may create privacy disparities

Students in lower-income districts using school-issued devices are more likely to be monitored, according to the Center for Democracy & Technology.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 27, 2021

Influx of school devices provides crucial opportunities for data privacy lessons

Experts suggest students be taught to clear search histories, hard drives and more before returning school-issued devices.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 8, 2021

Report: Despite struggles, pandemic-era online learning holds promise for student-centered learning

Ed tech and blended learning approaches need to be high quality and have teacher buy-in to be effective, research says.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 2, 2021

FCC to open second application window for $7.2B Emergency Connectivity Fund

The agency is making the additional 15-day window available in response to outstanding demand for support for the current school year.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 26, 2021

Survey: Pandemic digital learning tools will impact curriculum for years to come

Top techniques educators plan to continue using include online polling or quizzes, on-demand instructional videos and project-based learning.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 24, 2021

Virtual tools adopted during pandemic can enhance classroom projects

Putting new technology and skills gained over the past year to work across in-person curriculum will be critical to make the most of those investments.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 11, 2021

National K-12 cybersecurity learning standards aim to strengthen pipeline

Touted as the first of their kind, Cyber.org's optional standards define what students should know across four grade bands, beginning in kindergarten.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 5, 2021

Summer Reading: COVID-19's impact on ed tech, connectivity

The past year and a half led to seismic shifts in efforts to address digital equity gaps and integrate tech in learning.

Aug. 2, 2021

How will schools take advantage of $7B FCC fund to address the homework gap?

The Emergency Connectivity Fund, which provides money for devices and connectivity for off-campus learning, has an Aug. 13 application deadline.

By Kara Arundel • July 30, 2021

Lessons In Leadership: How a superintendent tapped SpaceX to help close homework gap

With a high ELL population, Texas' Ector County Independent School District is also committed to multilingual programming and parent engagement.

By Roger Riddell • July 20, 2021