Build communication, relationships with parents now to ease concerns about fall

Parents are expected to enter the school year with additional worries due to COVID-19, making outreach all the more important, a veteran teacher says.

By Shawna De La Rosa • July 24, 2020

Flexibility needed to maintain teacher training during coronavirus

Closures related to COVID-19 put in-person training and evaluations in limbo, but online coaching and long-distance prep could benefit hiring and retention, researchers at Brown University write. 

By Naaz Modan • July 24, 2020

Report: 16.9M students still lack home internet access

New data from Future Ready Schools highlights the extent to which the homework gap hinders students, calling for Congress to invest $6.8 billion.

By Roger Riddell • July 23, 2020

Report: Analyzing student relationships key to closing opportunity gaps

When educators focus on rebuilding relationships in the fall, understanding students' social capital can help align critical supports, according to a report from the Clayton Christensen Institute.

By Naaz Modan • July 22, 2020

Exploring difficult topics in curriculum requires care, planning

Efforts to expand the focus of curriculum standards in states like Texas spur a need to consider strategies for handling polarizing topics in classrooms.

By Lauren Barack • July 22, 2020

Educator: Students need social connection, clear plans in online learning

A New York City 4th grade teacher found maintaining structure and creating outlets for students to collaborate virtually were essential to remote success.

By Shawna De La Rosa • July 22, 2020

NASBE policy update finds trends in reopening plans

Engagement with key stakeholders, tiered approaches and priority for equity are among commonalities across states, the association reports.

By Roger Riddell • July 22, 2020

When schools reopen, extra cleaning will be essential but expensive

Estimates from AASA and ASBO suggest the average school district will spend an additional $1.8 million on COVID-19 health and safety measures.

By Shawna De La Rosa • July 22, 2020

Infectious disease experts identify coronavirus safety measures for reopening schools

In National PTA webinar, one doctor said states need to see "significant reductions, a downward trend for at least a few weeks" before safe reopening can occur.

By Roger Riddell • July 21, 2020

Summer Reading: Maintaining connectivity and cybersecurity in remote learning

As the pandemic shuttered school buildings, home internet access became both an impediment to learning and a potential security concern.

July 21, 2020

10 postsecondary student readiness questions to consider amid coronavirus

Numerous contextual factors will influence how rising juniors and seniors think about their futures and the support needed from their schools, write a school administrator and technology provider.

By Joe Belsterling and Herb Monroe • July 20, 2020

Refreshing staff on FERPA essential as districts implement COVID-19 screening

Discouraging gossip and clarifying the ins and outs of who can receive what information is critical to remain compliant with student privacy law, experts say.

By Shawna De La Rosa • July 20, 2020

COVID-19 offers students 'extraordinarily powerful lesson' in caring for others

A middle school English teacher writes students are up to the task of embracing safety measures for the sake of the broader community.

By Caitlin Logan • July 17, 2020

Self-directed learners more engaged during remote learning

A survey shows self-directed learners showcased skills without much direct supervision from teachers, but fostering that mindset can be challenging.

By Shawna De La Rosa • July 17, 2020

More robust coronavirus guidelines needed to protect high-risk educators

Specific recommendations for protecting teachers and staff from COVID-19 during in-person instruction have been slow to emerge.

By Katie Navarra • Updated July 16, 2020

COVID-19 language in waivers for extracurriculars heighten reopening safety concerns

Questions of liability and safety hang heavy over schools amid pressure from the federal government and some states for in-person learning and activities.

By Naaz Modan • July 16, 2020

Etiquette, structure key to facilitating remote discussions

Selecting a student leader to guide conversations can also maintain a productive dynamic encouraging inclusivity, writes a teacher and debate coach.

By Shawna De La Rosa • July 15, 2020

Curricular Counsel: 4 ed leaders detail adjustments to learning models for fall

When schools reopen to whatever extent they're able to, educators will have weighed a variety of new approaches to grading, student anxiety and more.

By Roger Riddell • July 15, 2020

Supporting special needs students during remote IEP meetings, learning

There are several ways educators can help make special needs students comfortable in virtual IEP gatherings and remote environments this fall. 

By Lauren Barack • July 15, 2020

Black Michigan student sent to juvenile detention for failure to complete online coursework

A judge ruled the 15-year-old was in violation of her probation on previous charges, but experts say they've seen no similar cases and have raised concerns of systemic bias.

By Roger Riddell • July 15, 2020

NWEA: Rethink online assessments, student growth in wake of COVID-19

The nonprofit assessment provider suggests leaders invest in aligning with hybrid and distance learning, adjusting to ensure equity and transparency.

By Naaz Modan • July 15, 2020

Summer Reading: Coronavirus and the future of assessment

With many districts planning to begin the school year remotely or in hybrid models, the environment is ripe to reevaluate and reimagine practices.

July 14, 2020

Parents, teachers challenge school reopening decisions

Districts face mounting White House pressure to return to face-to-face learning, but there is pushback in certain areas against even partial reopenings.

By Naaz Modan • July 13, 2020

California district creates remote learning team to alleviate pressure on teachers

The team of six to eight educators will produce online lessons for all subjects and grade levels in a video studio being opened by the district.

By Shawna De La Rosa • July 13, 2020

Watchdog report challenges Trump administration school safety recommendations

A report from the Government Accountability Office finds most school-targeted shootings take place in higher-income, low-minority areas.

By Naaz Modan • July 13, 2020