5 K-12 trends to watch in 2016

From 'bad apple' charters facing the music to tech's continued push into classrooms, you'll want to keep your eye on these trends.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 30, 2015

Fujimoto: US schools must not succumb to 'sin of mediocrity'

"The charter movement and district schools are plagued with the sin of mediocrity and then they fight about who is right,"  says education consultant Ted Fujimoto.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 23, 2015

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

Tennessee schools find STEM success with Learning Blade

Students are reportedly more likely to become interested in a STEM career after using the new software.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 23, 2015

Ed tech investment hits $1.85B high in 2015

The five-year upswing trend in annual ed tech spending continues.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 22, 2015

In special ed, 'enhanced' tests provide more hurdles than help

California has experienced various glitches preventing standardized tests aimed at special ed students from achieving success.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 22, 2015

Pay for Success and CBE: The week's most-read education news

Fall behind? Get caught up on the US Department of Education's new National Education Technology Plan and more right here!

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 18, 2015

Computer science-focused high school coming to Virginia

The new, grant-funded regional school will offer a computer-intensive curriculum designed to get students ready for the tech workforce through internships and pre-college classes.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 17, 2015

More online PD resources in Future Ready update

A revamp of the initiative is showcasing the online professional development options available to districts.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 16, 2015

National Education Technology Plan outlines best classroom practices

The US Department of Education's new document provides dozens of recommendations for the smart implementation of tech in the classroom.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 16, 2015

Arizona district highlights coding's rise to curriculum staple

A quick and simple implementation plan in Avondale resulted in an extremely fast school-wide adoption into the mandatory K-8 curriculum. 

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 15, 2015

Tennessee district's Nicaragua project a lesson in innovation

Students were challenged by a local business to fully design and execute a project to help feed a village, and the results were positive for all involved.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 15, 2015

Learning games have Ed Dept's attention, but is it warranted?

Many games showcased at last week's 2015 ED Games Expo, co-hosted with the Entertainment Software Association, were initially backed by federal grants. 

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 15, 2015

TeachCS aims to boost teachers' computer science skills

The platform is designed to broaden and deepen computer science knowledge among high school educators lacking a background in the field.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 14, 2015

King's challenges, ESSA, and Hour of Code: The week's most-read education news

Fall behind? Get caught up on the student privacy allegations against Google and more right here.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 11, 2015

Apple CEO Cook disparages Chromebooks, calling them 'test machines'

Cook tells Buzzfeed News that Apple wants a "whole solution" that goes beyond testing and offers engagement.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 10, 2015

Report: Chromebooks continue K-12 reign, but Microsoft planning comeback

A new report from Futuresource Consulting shows Chromebooks have edged up into 51% of K-12 market sales.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 10, 2015

$25M ed tech fund aims to benefit low-income NY students with tech

The Robin Hood Education + Technology Fund will be directed by Clayton Christensen Institute co-founder and blended learning advocate Michael B. Horn.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 9, 2015

Is it the right device? Depends on the classroom

According to ed tech expert Kathy Schrock, the right device varies by grade level — and product continuity isn't so important.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 9, 2015

How can your school participate in the Hour of Code?

Participating in Computer Science Education Week at your school or district is easier than you might expect.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 8, 2015

Noodle Markets aims for more informed ed tech procurement with new marketplace

Former Pearson exec Nicole Neal will head the venture, described as a 'one-stop source of comprehensive information about the vast array of paid and free educational tools.'

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 8, 2015

Pennsylvania virtual charter shutters one week after laying off staff

A reported 540 students in grades K-8 have been left in the lurch by the closure of six connected learning centers.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 3, 2015

Is taking it slow the best approach to digital rollouts?

Instead of going all-in with blended learning, some classrooms are adopting a once-a-week approach to ease the transition.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 3, 2015

Culatta stepping down as Ed Dept's director of ed tech

Richard Culatta is heading back to Rhode Island, leaving a legacy that includes the Future Ready superintendent network and increased federal support for OER.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 3, 2015

Is Google spying on students?

An FTC complaint from the Electronic Frontier Foundation alleges student privacy violations, but Google says it remains in compliance with the law.

By Erin McIntyre • Dec. 3, 2015

NCLB no more: House passes Every Student Succeeds Act

The House of Representatives was seen as the last real hurdle in passing the rewrite of No Child Left Behind.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 2, 2015