Suburban Chicago district overhauls approach to learning via E-rate funds

The Cicero Public School District 99 overhauled its infrastructure to take full advantage of Chromebook capabilities.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 13, 2017

Looking for SEL programs? New RAND report has answers

ESSA provides multiple opportunities for implementing social-emotional learning.

By Linda Jacobson • Dec. 13, 2017

Vocational ed must place more focus on lifelong learning, soft skills

With the job market in flux due to technological advances, students will need foundational skills as well as the four C’s: critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity

By Amelia Harper • Dec. 13, 2017

Improving STEM diversity starts with early learning opportunities

Employers are working to increase diversity and bridge the skills gap long before the recruitment process begins.

By Riia O'Donnell • Dec. 12, 2017

CEP survey: Most state leaders face funding, staffing challenges in ESSA implementation

Some state education leaders also report a desire for clearer direction from the U.S. Department of Education.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 12, 2017

Microsoft TEALS program expanding computer science opportunities for hundreds of schools

A former student now working for the company says the program introduces students to college-level concepts.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 12, 2017

Cross-sector organization calls for district-charter cooperation in Detroit

The Coalition for the Future of Detroit Schoolchildren recommends a centralized system that would make it easier for all schools to track student attendance.

By Linda Jacobson • Dec. 12, 2017

High school journalism lessons improve writing skills, understanding of history

Since much of history is based on journalism, learning this skill will help students both discern and disseminate truth.

By Amelia Harper • Dec. 12, 2017

School security involves far more than fire drills and active shooter prep

Preparation for potential threats to student safety needs to be part of ongoing practice and discussion.

By Amelia Harper • Dec. 12, 2017

Home work: Atlanta landlord provides after-school support to improve student performance, neighborhood stability

The program is one example of how “housing can be a positive pathway to achieving better school outcomes.” 

By Linda Jacobson • Dec. 11, 2017

Study: Black, Latino preservice teachers demonstrate more multicultural awareness

New research examines future teachers' comfort with and sensitivity toward cultural diversity issues in the classroom.

By Linda Jacobson • Dec. 11, 2017

Warranties should be a key consideration in ed tech purchases

Daily use by students makes the likelihood of premature fatigue more likely and the value of warranties much higher.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 11, 2017

Rural superintendent leverages home field advantage to bring 21st Century learning to district

Buddy Berry has spent the past seven years transforming the rural Kentucky school district where he grew up.

By Amelia Harper • Dec. 11, 2017

Kentucky superintendent says expectations key to success

Emmanuel Caulk used collective values, high expectations and community partnerships to improve Fayette County's schools.

By Amelia Harper • Dec. 11, 2017

Gingerbread house project offers constructive math engagement ahead of break

Finding ways to meld creative activities into traditional lessons can keep the inevitable pre-break anxiousness at bay.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 8, 2017

Home visits, surveys, personalized meetings key to boosting parent engagement

Educators can also use short videos to give parents a better understanding of the typical school day or how to help reinforce certain concepts with their children.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 8, 2017

Pre-to-3: What is an early-childhood education professional?

And what does that question mean for K-12 administrators?

By Linda Jacobson • Dec. 8, 2017

NJ superintendent boosts student voice by making them part of decisionmaking

Joseph Meloche actively seeks student and alumni input as a way to increase engagement and improve the educational experience.

By Amelia Harper • Dec. 8, 2017

Documentary ignites conversation around aim of education

"Re:Thinking" asks educators to consider what is more important: teaching students what to think or teaching them how to think.

By Amelia Harper • Dec. 8, 2017

Pre-to-3: A one-stop shop for our ongoing column on early learning

Focusing on what happens before and after children enter school

By Linda Jacobson • Dec. 7, 2017

Elementary students report higher engagement, more pride in schoolwork than older peers

At the middle and high school level, students in smaller schools also report feeling more engaged in school than those who attend much larger schools. 

By Linda Jacobson • Dec. 7, 2017

Thought leaders share predictions on assessment, SEL, PD

The past several years have seen massive change in the K-12 space, largely due to seismic shifts in the economy and the need to re-adjust to meet changing workforce demands.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 7, 2017

Close to 60% of teachers report using gaming elements

Using digital games appeals to a wider group of students, particularly those who don’t respond to traditional, lecture-styled classrooms.

By Lauren Barack • Dec. 7, 2017

Making it harder to fail than pass can improve student engagement

Targeted test feedback, intervention strategies and allowing for retesting is more work for teachers, but may encourage mastery of test material.

By Amelia Harper • Dec. 7, 2017

Is computer science ed possible in a low-tech environment?

Teachers can apply terms like algorithm to everyday events and offer strategies such as cutting and pasting directional movements.

By Amelia Harper • Dec. 7, 2017