Districts' approaches to accommodating high-risk educators a mixed bag

Support staff in some districts want the same options as teachers. And shortages could grow if educators choose to retire early over lack of options.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 8, 2020

Survey: Parents stressed, anxious about sending children back to school

A Monster survey found working parents are seeking employer flexibility and support as the school season starts, with 27% saying they haven't received it.

By Sheryl Estrada • Sept. 8, 2020

Free digital resource in US history builds civil discourse skills

By emphasizing the skills and disposition that leads to respect of other viewpoints, "Life, Liberty" promotes not just the theory but the practice of civil discourse.

By David Bobb, President of the Bill of Rights Institute • Sept. 8, 2020

DeVos: States should 'rethink' assessment, consider competency, mastery-based assessments

In a letter, the education secretary told state ed chiefs the department would be "open to discussions" about flexibilities for alternative models.

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 3, 2020

For safety's sake, if schools must reopen, do the following at a minimum

A high school teacher and Yale University researcher urge great caution in reopening, recommending a long list of minimum COVID-19 safety standards.

By Gerard Bossard and Douglas Rothman • Sept. 3, 2020

Distance learning isn't a panacea for educating kids

The executive director of a Midwest education research organization urges caution in embracing for-profit virtual education providers.

By Gretchen Dziadosz • Sept. 2, 2020

Consistency, structure key to ADHD students' remote learning success

Designating distraction-free spaces, scheduling sessions at the same times daily and establishing individual learning targets are among suggested strategies from experts.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 2, 2020

As budget cuts loom, sustaining the arts is among K-12 challenges

A recent report on Chicago Public Schools highlights progress in expanding arts education access, but tighter funds will necessitate creative planning.

By Lauren Barack • Sept. 2, 2020

NYC, UFT reopening deal delays school start, boosts safety

After a second delay, the district plans to resume classes remotely and return to in-person instruction in phases.

By Roger Riddell • Updated Sept. 17, 2020

Fast Forward: A future-focused look at a changing K-12 landscape

Tools and practices once considered only possibilities or luxuries for some districts are now necessities as COVID-19 catalyzes transformation.

Sept. 1, 2020

1:1 programs 'on steroids' bring challenges for school districts

Districts have largely used rainy day funds or money from state and federal COVID-related K-12 relief funds, but have had to cut corners in some cases.

By Natalie Gross • Sept. 1, 2020

Summer Reading: Season of protests fosters K-12 reflection

Ongoing Black Lives Matter demonstrations have led educators to re-examine curriculum, supports and the role of school police nationwide.

Sept. 1, 2020

DOL: No federal-approved leave for families choosing remote learning

The guidance accompanies two further updates about parents' eligibility for FFCRA leave as schools grapple with the coronavirus crisis.

By Katie Clarey • Sept. 1, 2020

Report: Up to 4 months of 'COVID slide' learning loss expected in K-5

Research released by Illuminate Education suggests a "multi-tiered system of supports" will be key to closing learning gaps as school resumes.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 31, 2020

Study: Only 8 states had distance learning plan at start of pandemic

Despite school closures in 2009 over swine flu, many districts didn’t prepare for an event that would shutter schools for months, research shows.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 28, 2020

Fast Forward: Will COVID-19 trigger shift from standardized assessments?

The role of standardized and high-stakes exams in K-12 is being debated nationwide amid renewed focus on equity and access in light of the pandemic.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 27, 2020

USDA waiver impasse may hamper school meal distribution

The National School Lunch and Breakfast programs are still available, but not every child is eligible, and the pandemic complicates distribution and payments.

By Naaz Modan • Updated Aug. 31, 2020

Learning Policy Institute reopening framework emphasizes reinvented approach to K-12 education

“The pandemic has disrupted learning for an entire generation of students, from preschool through college,” said Linda Darling-Hammond, co-author of the framework. “We cannot return to business as usual.”

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 26, 2020

Districts, teachers seize Black Lives Matter moment for curriculum inclusivity

The reinvigorated movement sparked a wave of interest from educators nationwide who want to know what they can do to help implement change.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 26, 2020

How to engage youngest learners in remote learning

One educator suggests calming students with familiar objects and routines, in addition to creating scenarios for them to interact with one another.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 26, 2020

PDK Poll: Teacher recruitment, pre-K among parents' top policy priorities

Six in 10 respondents in the annual poll of U.S. adults called public education "extremely" or "very" important in their 2020 election decisions.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 26, 2020

Take it outside: Advocating for outdoor classrooms to address COVID-19 and the myopia epidemic

An optometrist writes that one in three students now suffers from myopia, setting the stage for a public health crisis with further vision problems.

By Dr. Gary Gerber • Aug. 26, 2020

Summer Reading: COVID-related exits, potential layoffs complicate K-12 jobs landscape

Risk of coronavirus exposure and shifting budgets are poised to worsen shortages and make hiring more difficult.

Aug. 25, 2020

The agile mind of a flexible learner

Learn how to cultivate strong mental flexibility, build resilience and shape your students’ sense of independence in and out of the classroom.

By Sucheta Kamath, Founder & CEO, ExQ® • Aug. 25, 2020

Survey: Two-thirds of teachers report feeling more appreciated by public during pandemic

A quarter, however, do not feel they were compensated fairly for their work in the spring and conditions could lead to exits from the profession.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 24, 2020