Student welfare among top concerns for elementary principals

A recently released survey from the National Association of Elementary School Principals shows how administrators' focus has shifted over of the past decade.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 2, 2018

What can administrators do to improve PD in the upcoming school year?

Surveying educators on the top three areas where they would like to improve and offering choice in which topics they explore in-depth can improve the relevance of professional learning.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 2, 2018

Teachers mine summer travels for next year's lesson plans

From visiting Viking settlements to rowing across the North Atlantic, educators are using vacation time to enrich the curriculum for their students.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 1, 2018

Project-based learning needs downtime and failure to succeed

Modeling classrooms as companies for project-based learning can build trust and collaboration skills. 

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 1, 2018

Thoughtful curation of curriculum key to covering all bases throughout school year

Approaching educational content as fine dining rather than a fast food meal can prevent too much material being crammed into a single year.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 1, 2018

What's the secret to de-stressing testing?

Nebraska's education chief believes a model that adds more tests that are better aligned to classrooms may be the answer.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 1, 2018

Reading can be perfect vehicle for cross-curricular learning

Give students the reins on literature, and the doors open to multiple disciplines.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 1, 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

Abolishing grade levels brings benefits, challenges

A competency-based North Dakota school is in the midst of a bold plan to do away with grade levels for students in traditional grades 8 and above.

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

Instructional coaches can be boon to teachers — if they welcome the help

Teachers who become instructional coaches can expand the impact they have in their school community, but a successful transition depends on the support of school and district leadership. 

By Christina Vercelletto • 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

Competency-based education, 529 plans get attention at NCSL

State lawmakers at the conference also highlighted school security and finance as top areas of concern.

By Linda Jacobson • July 31, 2018

Keep parents in the loop for smoother 1:1 device initiatives

Using social media and school events to help parents understand the tech their children are using contributes to device program success.

By Roger Riddell • July 31, 2018

Growth mindset may be key to smooth start in high school

Ninth grade can be a "sink or swim" year for many students already at risk. Here are some ways to boost their odds of success. 

By Christina Vercelletto • July 31, 2018

Resources that save teachers time can boost morale

Online resources can aid in lesson planning and allow teachers more time to focus on the meaningful aspects of teaching.

By Amelia Harper • July 31, 2018

Tennessee first to approve K-8 computer science standards

In an effort to attract more students to the field, the Tennessee Board of Education is incorporating computer science education in earlier grades.

By Amelia Harper • July 31, 2018

The newest member of your district's IT staff? AI

Artificial intelligence can help IT staff focus on the bigger picture by automating tasks like monitoring connectivity patterns and addressing network issues.

By Roger Riddell • July 30, 2018

Louisiana first to have innovative assessments approved

As states queue up to participate in the Every Student Succeeds Act's Innovative Assessment Pilot, new approaches to measuring student achievement are born. 

By Christina Vercelletto • July 30, 2018

Florida database to combine social media, law enforcement, social services records

Concerns over such monitoring include who will have access to the data and that it might cast suspicion on students who don't pose a threat.

By Linda Jacobson • July 30, 2018

Policy changes may limit help to students suing for equal ed access

The U.S. Department of Education is already facing legal challenges to a revised policy.

By Amelia Harper • July 30, 2018

Study: Volunteerism waning among high school students

Though the desire to help others has increased, fewer students are putting that desire into practice.

By Amelia Harper • July 30, 2018

Restorative practices can transform school culture

Restorative circles, instead of suspensions, are infusing respect and cooperation into school communities beset by discipline challenges.

By Christina Vercelletto • July 27, 2018

Well-being should be on all report cards

A teacher shares how she's seen positive education, which integrates academics with learning about character and well-being, transform learners.

By Angie King • July 27, 2018