Louisiana works to reverse high retention rates

One study shows that 23% of students in the state have been held back, compared with 9% nationally.

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 9, 2018

Pennsylvania administrator says meaningful innovation requires sky-high goals

Schools must strive to improve by at least 10 times to overcome obstacles presented by policies and slow rates of change, according to Samuel Mormando.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 9, 2018

Maine spending welfare funds on after-school programs

Critics say the plan takes cash away from low-income families needed to meet basic needs. 

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 9, 2018

Can subscription boxes personalize professional development for teachers?

A Maryland educator has adapted the concept to provide suggested websites, tools, ideas and resources tailored specifically to individual teachers.

By Amelia Harper • Jan. 9, 2018

Despite ESSA flexibility, most districts still lack choice on high school assessments

So far, only two states have plans to let districts use the ACT or SAT as an alternative to a state assessment in high school.

By Amelia Harper • Jan. 9, 2018

Report: Coaching is a promising PD strategy for early educators

The report recommends that administrators be wary of coaching models that promise immediate results and notes that broader changes are usually necessary to see changes in teacher practice.

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 8, 2018

Early learning, educational equity listed as most important topics in 'what's hot' literacy survey

Findings show, however, that some different topics are trending.

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 8, 2018

Los Angeles superintendent to step down

Michelle King is expected to retire by June following the revelation that she has been battling cancer during a medical leave that began in September.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 8, 2018

Are letter grades headed the way of the dinosaurs?

At least a dozen states have put policies in place that favor moving away from traditional methods of assessing students.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 8, 2018

'Bomb cyclone' brings widespread school closure, but e-days loom as future solution

The giant winter storm brought poor road conditions, frigid temperatures that caused school heating issues, and a need for cities to use school parking lots to allow for snow plow access on roads.

By Amelia Harper • Jan. 8, 2018

North Carolina allows some public schools to follow charter rules under restart model

Some low-performing schools are rushing to apply for charter school flexibility under a new North Carolina school reform model, while others are more cautious.

By Amelia Harper • Jan. 8, 2018

Higher ed trends and K-12 administrators to watch: The week's most-read education news

Stay ahead of the class with the latest on districts to watch, makerspaces and nontraditional classroom furniture here!

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 5, 2018

Report identifies behaviors that improve school climate

Over a seven-year period, educators in 645 schools observed and digitally tracked 152 million student behaviors to come away with those that make the biggest impact on the learning environment.

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 5, 2018

Wanted: Innovative early education models

A competition from the Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education will provide funding for new ideas, prototypes and approaches that are ready to be scaled more widely. 

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 5, 2018

E-rate concerns rise in wake of net neutrality decision

Experts are largely concerned about modest changes in the short-term, but some have suggested cuts could come to the program's funding cap.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 5, 2018

New York governor commits to ending lunch shaming

The state is the latest to move on addressing the issue, which has also drawn bi-partisan support at the federal level.

By Amelia Harper • Jan. 5, 2018

Auto shop combines STEM learning with vocational education

Learning the inner workings of today’s automobiles offers hands-on application of STEM principles as well as a possible career path.

By Amelia Harper • Jan. 5, 2018

Rural administrator groups say broadband access, funding remain top tech challenges

Their smaller size, however, allows them to be more flexible and give administrators more ownership in what happens in schools.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 4, 2018

Apprenticeships offer benefits for both students and businesses

Administrators can build support for such programs by touting student benefits like opportunities to earn money, college credit and training in high-demand career fields.

By Amelia Harper • Jan. 4, 2018

Study: Performance pay system leads to small gains in student learning

The Teacher Incentive Fund provided grants to help states and districts create such systems for teachers and principals in high-need schools.

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 4, 2018

Austin district among those chosen for principal training initiative

Since 2016, 40 principals in the district have left their positions, which officials say indicates the need for better recruitment and preparation of administrators.

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 4, 2018

State university looks at new ways to recruit teachers in rural areas

Montana State University holds an annual gathering of rural educators so they can try to sell students on the idea of teaching in rural schools.

By Amelia Harper • Jan. 4, 2018

Districts to watch in 2018

Personalized learning, OER curriculum and new assessment models are among the reasons to follow their progress.

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 3, 2018

Nontraditional classroom furniture offers physical, cognitive benefits

In addition to helping students burn more calories, flexible seating options also more closely mimic seating options in many modern office environments.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 3, 2018

Want to better align PD to address students' needs? Involve them

Incorporating student voice in the PD process can provide clarity, build relationships, boost engagement and collaboration and better prepare teachers for learning. 

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 3, 2018