Supreme Court to weigh in on teacher union fees

The court's current makeup could see an overturning of decades of precedent set by Abood v. Detroit Board of Education, with high stakes for the future of teacher unions.

By Amelia Harper • Oct. 4, 2017

Updated DARE program covers opioid addiction in new curriculum

The program now opts for a focus on making healthy decisions “instead of spending 45 minutes lecturing students about drugs,” according to the website.

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 3, 2017

Artificial intelligence is already improving education in small steps

Through programs that automate grading or identify learning gaps, AI is already helping educators save time and redirect focus on additional one-on-one time with students.

By Roger Riddell • Oct. 3, 2017

Grades in first year of high school can predict later academic success

Researchers note that grades might be better indicators of qualities such as behavior, attitude and a willingness to attend class and turn in assignments.   

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 3, 2017

Using positive words in classroom can affect student behavior, build trust

Using communication that encourages and empowers students can guide them to achieve their goals and make constructive choices.

By Amelia Harper • Oct. 3, 2017

Teacher-student racial disparity in Virginia highlights lingering issue nationwide

Finding ways to increase the number of minority educators will require creative solutions.

By Amelia Harper • Oct. 3, 2017

Unpacking the keys to a Philly school's STEAM success

Providing a well-equipped maker space helped, but cross-curricular integration and increased collaboration between educators and students were also critical.

By Roger Riddell • Oct. 2, 2017

Nine states receiving federal grants to expand charter schools

Eight entities will also receive "credit enhancement" funds to help charters secure funding to purchase, build or renovate facilities.

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 2, 2017

Compromised social media presents security, legal concerns for schools, districts

Threats to discipline students for sharing content from compromised accounts can result in a no-win situation for administrators, according to a lawyer.

By Roger Riddell • Oct. 2, 2017

California voter sentiment highlights increasing priority of early ed

Early-childhood education is increasingly gaining importance as a campaign issue in state and national elections.  

By Amelia Harper • Oct. 2, 2017

AP participation lower in rural districts than urban, suburban areas

How can states work to remove barriers and increase incentives for participation?

By Amelia Harper • Oct. 2, 2017

Refocusing professional development to make good teachers great

Districts need structures that continually reinvest in professional learning.

By Dr. Brent Raby • Sept. 29, 2017

Arizona governor launches scholarship program to address teacher vacancies

The Arizona Teacher Academy is expected to eventually bring 200 new teachers into the state's schools.

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 29, 2017

Study: Energy upgrades in schools may not bring expected savings

The researchers matched electricity consumption data from public schools in California to energy efficiency installation records over a six-year period.

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 29, 2017

How can educators improve assessments?

One expert's advice includes not mistaking difficulty in approaching a question with rigor.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 29, 2017

Schools must plan to prepare students for uncertain job market

Experts argue over what the job market will look like in 10 or 20 years’ time, but they all agree it is changing.

By Amelia Harper • Sept. 29, 2017

Creating a stronger sense of community can help students facing trauma

Adjusting staff roles, schedules and physical spaces can make students feel more safe and connected. 

By Amelia Harper • Sept. 29, 2017

DeVos urges superintendents to give principals more control over schools

Reducing regulation and increasing local control can benefit students, the secretary says.

By Amelia Harper • Sept. 28, 2017

Tracking chronic absenteeism a common theme in states' ESSA plans

Studies show that even in schools with a 95% average daily attendance rate, there can still be students who miss too many days of instruction.

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 28, 2017

Houston charter finds personalized SEL opportunity in Harvey's wake

Inspired by the actions of an 8th grader, homeroom teachers at YES Prep Northbrook Middle School worked with students to develop individual approaches for each classroom to contribute to relief efforts.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 28, 2017

STEAM and coding propelling classroom tech in coming year

The 2017 Horizon Report from the New Media Consortium and CoSN also sees analytics, classroom redesign, and "deeper learning" approaches impacting K-12 in the mid- and long-term.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 28, 2017

Modernizing school music programs may increase participation, impact

Including popular songs in music education can engage more students.

By Amelia Harper • Sept. 28, 2017

New report ranks states by 'teacher-friendliness'

Which states offer a more conducive environment in which teachers can thrive?

By Amelia Harper • Sept. 28, 2017

Measuring social-emotional skills: Designs show current state of assessment

Most assessments focus on specific skills and aren't ready to be used on a large-scale basis.

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 27, 2017

Study: Teacher unions can improve student achievement in charters

Researchers found significant differences in students' math scores after unionization, but not in English language arts.

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 27, 2017