Rice U piques teens' STEM interests with summer camps

The camps focus on reaching underrepresented populations interested in STEM and are aiming to host 2,000 students this year.

By Roger Riddell • April 11, 2017

With over 4,000 solar systems on schools, ed opportunities accompany savings

The Solar Foundation's "Brighter Future" report shows over 3,700 solar energy systems on U.S. public and private K-12 schools as of 2014, with the total number expected to have doubled since then.

By Roger Riddell • April 11, 2017

35 New York districts enter contract for 'managed IT' framework

Under a new contract with the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center, the districts will receive training, support and integration assistance from a rotating team of tech and ed specialists.

By Roger Riddell • April 11, 2017

Personalized learning, teacher development key for special ed students

The California Charter Schools Association has released a list of guidelines for successful special education programs, based on research on best practices from 10 schools statewide.

By Autumn A. Arnett • April 11, 2017

Professional development at the heart of school success

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten laid out 4 critical considerations for the future of schools during a Tuesday morning panel at The Atlantic's education summit.

By Autumn A. Arnett • April 11, 2017

CBE remains more popular with older students — but K-12 trends could change that

Just 10% of undergrads at CBE institutions examined in a recent study were under the age of 25, but initiatives in K-12 could see those demographics shift.

By Roger Riddell • April 10, 2017

Superintendent takes 'glow and grow' approach to community engagement

Starting with the knowledge that only 40-50% of the school community had internet access, Virginia's Charles City Public Schools set out to gather initial data using paper surveys.

By Roger Riddell • April 10, 2017

Santa Ana USD digital transition highlights importance of professional learning

When the district recently put 45,000 devices in the hands of 56,000 students, it employed the services of other district leaders who had overseen successful rollouts. 

By Roger Riddell • April 10, 2017

Indiana weighs virtual preschool program

Legislators are considering a $2 million investment that would give all families in the state access to kindergarten-prep software.

By Autumn A. Arnett • April 10, 2017

Principals for kindness: How to instill empathy in the classroom

In truth, kindness is rarely overtly built into curricula or assessment at schools.

By Gabriella Rowe • April 10, 2017

AltSchool adds 4 K-12 administrators to executive team

The new additions come as the company steps up efforts to prepare its platform for wide-scale use by public, charter and private schools by 2020.

By Roger Riddell • April 7, 2017

Maryland Gov Hogan blasts 'unreasonable' professional days, defends later start date

Compromising professional development, however, could lead to unintended consequences in schools.

By Autumn A. Arnett • April 6, 2017

How are educators exploring alternative assessment methods?

Digital portfolios and progress measuring are among methods being explored.

By Roger Riddell • April 6, 2017

Chicago Public Schools leads on SEL with collaborative approach to implementation

The district set a vision in 2012 to improve social emotional learning across its 650 schools then asked each school to do its own needs assessment to identify the best path forward.

By Tara García Mathewson • April 6, 2017

Chicago students would be required to prove post-graduation plans to get diploma

Many are questioning the move's legality and enforceability, but supporters say it doesn't add any undue burden.

By Autumn A. Arnett • April 6, 2017

Moving past students' 'islands of challenge' to encourage academic success

Beacon College President George Hagerty speaks about his institution's unique mission and strategies for working with students with learning challenges at every level.

By Autumn A. Arnett • April 5, 2017

Can therapy dog programs improve student outcomes?

For students struggling with emotional or learning disorders or challenging relationships, therapy dogs may offer a cost-effective, comforting presence that can help them focus.

By Roger Riddell • April 5, 2017

Teacher agency at center of New Hampshire CBE advancements

Giving educators a seat at the table and freedom to innovate without fear of state guidelines has boosted the state's push toward competency-based K-12.

By Roger Riddell • April 5, 2017

An annual Hour of Code isn't enough for sustained learning

Simply piquing students' interest in a topic once a year won't impart the lasting benefits of ongoing study.

By Roger Riddell • April 5, 2017

ESSA plans start rolling in to Ed Dept

Some states stuck with original intent to submit their action plans by the April 3 deadline.

By Autumn A. Arnett • April 5, 2017

Illinois schools experiment with competency-based education model

Proficiency rubrics will replace letter grades, and students will be required to demonstrate mastery of both academic and adaptive competencies before moving on to the next level.

By Autumn A. Arnett • April 4, 2017

Engaging with Gen Z parents more difficult, but necessary

Solid school–parent communication is crucial to student success, but a lack of progress can make connecting with parents of Generation Z students more difficult.

By Roger Riddell • April 4, 2017

Flexible seating works for the youngest learners, too

Students in the earliest grades can learn to recognize where and how they work best — standing, laying on the floor, or sitting on a variety of furniture options.

By Roger Riddell • April 4, 2017

With self-regulating energy systems, IoT offers savings for ed

Tools that can regulate HVAC and lighting systems might also bring benefits beyond financial savings.

By Roger Riddell • April 4, 2017

Family engagement critical to success of dual enrollment programs

While most public high schools in the U.S. offer joint high school-college enrollment, students of color are often left out of the fold.

By Autumn A. Arnett • April 4, 2017