Are the Internet of Things' security risks worth the benefits for K-12?

Connected devices can improve school safety and student engagement while helping cut costs, but they also present significant challenges when it comes to maintaining cybersecurity.

By Roger Riddell • May 8, 2018

ESSA demands a new approach: Balanced assessments

An assessment approach that balances growth and on-grade proficiency measures is part of effective accountability.

By Nikki Eatchel, Chief Assessment Officer, Scantron • May 8, 2018

Home visits in early childhood provide benefits for students and schools

The gains include less abuse and neglect and long-term savings in medical, social service and criminal justice expenses. 

By James Paterson • May 7, 2018

Study: Free school meals can improve students' health

But no significant health benefits were found for students living in rural areas or at the high school level.

By Linda Jacobson • May 7, 2018

Some districts in hiring pinch seek teachers overseas

Facing teacher shortages, tight budgets and strikes, schools look for options.

By James Paterson • May 7, 2018

This Teacher Appreciation Week, put teachers' voices first in curriculum decisions

A Texas principal considers what role administrators play in relieving the financial, time and energy burdens to create or purchase classroom resources.

By Mark Brandenberger • May 7, 2018

Colorado bill would fund transportation to home schools for students in foster care

The bill would also create a permanent foster care education coordinator in the state education department, beginning with the 2019-20 school year.

By Linda Jacobson • May 7, 2018

Experts recommend designing schools that are agile, multifunctional spaces

Design thinking — a user-centered approach to solving problems — can foster more effective school redesigns.

By James Paterson • May 4, 2018

Unused TV airwaves may soon bring Wi-Fi to a Michigan district's school buses

Microsoft and local service provider Allband Communications are seeking FCC approval for their effort to close the homework gap in rural Hillman.

By Roger Riddell • May 4, 2018

To improve students' problem-solving skills, level up computational thinking

Pennsylvania's Harrisburg School District now considers this skill the fifth "C" in the "4 Cs of 21st century skills" — along with critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration.

By Roger Riddell • May 4, 2018

Report suggests ways to increase students' access to dual enrollment programs

Pre-collegiate experiences, such as summer bridge programs and campus tours, can prepare lower-achieving students for college-level courses.

By Linda Jacobson • May 4, 2018

More states consider allowing students to take medical marijuana at school

While now legal for medicinal purposes in over half the U.S., only a handful of states allow prescriptions to be administered to students.

By Linda Jacobson • May 3, 2018

Tennessee's digital testing woes highlight pain points of broader shift

The state isn't the first to struggle with successfully rolling out online standardized exams, but this year's mishaps should serve as a cautionary tale as more states make the transition.

By Roger Riddell • May 3, 2018

Arizona teachers protest low pay and lack of respect

Some teachers now feel a middle class existence is out of their reach.

By Amelia Harper • May 3, 2018

School leaders can inspire student success by sharing personal stories

Drawing on similar experiences can help build connections and show students that a path to success exists regardless of their background.

By Amelia Harper • May 3, 2018

Digital mapping of schools may aid response efforts in times of crisis

A California school will soon be the first in the nation to use the new technology as a safety measure.

By Amelia Harper • May 3, 2018

Entwining arts with STEM engages students with creative application

By linking arts and STEM curriculum, educators can provide more well-rounded lessons that provide practical real-world uses for both subject areas.

By Lauren Barack • May 2, 2018

Video games, VR break history free from textbooks

Immersive technology tools can add valuable context and awaken learning.

By Lauren Barack • May 2, 2018

Helping students find their personal road best traveled

Educators have a responsibility to prepare students for whatever future they choose to pursue, whether that includes college or not.

By Lauren Barack • May 2, 2018

US No. 9 in world in preparing students for jobs

Administrators must consider how to educate students to be employable for many jobs they'll hold that don't yet exist.

By Lauren Barack • May 2, 2018

3D printers weave art, science to harness students' imaginations

The popular tech tools give students an opportunity to be creative, innovative problem-solvers — if schools can afford them.

By Lauren Barack • May 2, 2018

Virtual conferencing technology helps rural students collaborate with urban peers

Arickaree School District in Colorado is using e-learning technology to help its 100 K-12 students collaborate with peers at the much larger STEM School Highlands Ranch.

By Roger Riddell • May 2, 2018

Former LA Times publisher hired as new superintendent of nation's 2nd largest district

Austin Beutner will have to tackle a looming financial crisis due to unfunded employee benefits.

By Linda Jacobson • May 2, 2018

Educators find that accentuating the positive can improve school discipline and culture

Warning: Rewarding students for good behavior may lead to random acts of kindness.

By Amelia Harper • May 2, 2018

How long should teachers work before receiving tenure?

While some states don’t grant teachers tenure at all, others offer it with as few as 18 months of classroom experience.

By Amelia Harper • May 2, 2018