Strengthen student-teacher relationships to boost achievement

Respect, trust and "empathic listening" can have a positive effect on academic outcomes, student well-being and confidence.

By Lauren Barack • Oct. 20, 2021

NAEP: Trends assessment data shows lowest performers faring worse in math and reading

A widening divide between the lowest and highest performers is a systemic problem that predates the pandemic, said NCES Commissioner Peggy Carr.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 14, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Social-Emotional Learning

Our latest K-12 Dive Trendline takes a closer look at how educators are addressing social-emotional learning amid pushback from policymakers and ongoing demand from employers.

By K-12 Dive staff

California becomes first state to mandate ethnic studies course for graduation

Other states have made progress toward approving curricula in recent years. Some have required the subject be offered as an optional course.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 13, 2021

Choice, guidelines key to helping students hone public speaking skills

Helping students begin strengthening these skills in the elementary grades can increase their confidence as they advance into college or career.

By Lauren Barack • Oct. 13, 2021

School leaders should consider unique needs when choosing SEL programming

Analyzing data and getting input from school community stakeholders is essential to identify which model is the best fit for students.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 11, 2021

3 best-practice approaches for assessing students with disabilities

Results from informal and formal student assessments can help determine effective instructional strategies and individualized supports.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 11, 2021

Don't overlook the power of estimation in boosting students' math skills

Helping students learn to establish parameters for where a solution should fall can boost their confidence in tackling math more broadly.

By Lauren Barack • Oct. 6, 2021

3 ways expanding early college curriculum benefits high schoolers

Programming can facilitate "grow your own" teacher initiatives, entry to skilled trades, and higher grad rates, benefiting students and districts alike.

By Lauren Barack • Oct. 6, 2021

How 2 middle schools are prioritizing SEL for teenage students

Educators in these Minnesota and Tennessee schools have integrated SEL curriculum throughout the day — with exercises included for staff, as well.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 5, 2021

How K-12 schools can weave alumni back into curriculum

From student newspapers to history projects and beyond, schools can engage former students to help build learning pathways.

By Lauren Barack • Sept. 29, 2021

What does it mean to make schoolwork more authentic?

Making room for collaboration, multiple perspectives and real-life relevance can help students build personal connections and boost confidence.

By Lauren Barack • Sept. 29, 2021

Report: Geography, socioeconomics created significant variation in pandemic learning plans

Analysis of spring 2020 plans from Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wyoming finds connectivity, rurality and poverty levels were key factors.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 29, 2021

4 ways to add joy to math after virtual learning

Helping students shake off negative math identities and discover how math concepts are related are some of the strategies being promoted.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 23, 2021

How a Texas school managed classroom chaos

An assistant principal shares how school-home communications were all the more crucial as students were ping-ponged between learning models.

By Sarah Norman • Sept. 23, 2021

How can schools improve teaching about slavery and historical racism?

Responding in a forum for the journal Education Next, academics stressed the importance of providing full context and debunking long-ingrained myths.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 22, 2021

What educators can do to help students boost focus in returns to in-person learning

A variety of strategies and tools can help elementary students reengage and strengthen their focus when they feel overwhelmed.

By Lauren Barack • Sept. 22, 2021

Playing during a pandemic: How schools keep music education going

Allowable uses under ESSER funding support the continuation of music programming, including the hiring and training of music educators.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 15, 2021

Mentorships can expand students' curricular engagement, motivation

Connecting students with mentorship opportunities can allow deeper exploration of interests while making subject matter more personally relevant.

By Lauren Barack • Sept. 15, 2021

How states are strengthening financial literacy programs

Interest continues to build for financial education as a growing number of states require courses for graduation.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 8, 2021

Guiding students through study strategies can boost math confidence

One suggested approach is to have students learn the skills in the format through which they'll later be assessed.

By Lauren Barack • Sept. 8, 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

Why we're prioritizing SEL this year

Four educators write that additional supports are a necessity for students and their families this year to proactively address pandemic stress and trauma.

By Chrysantha Norwood, Shane Blandford, Scott Hangey and Mike Hoffman • Sept. 8, 2021

3 ways educators are addressing the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in curriculum

From using a poem written by the U.S. poet laureate at the time as a springboard for discussion to engaging the community, resources are plentiful.

By Lauren Barack • Sept. 1, 2021

Current events bring relevance to science curriculum while boosting media literacy

Strategies include having classes look at marketing copy around sports drinks to critically analyze a message and differentiate evidence and opinion.

By Lauren Barack • Sept. 1, 2021

Ed Dept resource examines how schools can use ARP funds to address learning loss

The ARP Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund requires at least 20% of that money be used to address pandemic learning loss.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 1, 2021