Was the 'Open Education' movement of the '70s ahead of its time?

An effort decades ago to abandon traditional, teacher-led class models in favor of open learning environments echoes modern ed trends that now benefit from previously unavailable tools and resources.

By Roger Riddell • March 28, 2017

Does content matter less than the skills used to learn it?

One teacher contends that it's not the material taught that will resonate with students but the lasting skills around analysis and observation.

By Stephen Noonoo • March 28, 2017

Questions loom over whether voucher programs really improve student outcomes

Test score studies of voucher program students in Ohio have failed to yield definitive results about the program's effectiveness. 

By Steven J. Gaither • March 27, 2017

DDoS attacks a growing but preventable threat for K-12

Denial of service attacks are on the rise in K-12, and schools are responding by taking a proactive approach, using new technologies and beefing up protections. 

By Stephen Noonoo • March 27, 2017

California report considers big changes to special ed funding

A new report is drawing criticism for its plans to redistribute how funding is doled out in the state, with an eye toward giving districts more direct control over spending. 

By Stephen Noonoo • March 27, 2017

Report: Boosting community engagement can help close achievement gaps

A new report from the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute outlines ways to involve African American community leaders in ed reform efforts.

By Corinne Z. Lyons • March 27, 2017

HEA, credit hours and special ed: The week's most-read education news

Stay ahead of the class with the our look at higher ed succession planning and executive search strategy and more here.

By Roger Riddell • March 24, 2017

Districts go into debt to complete building projects

School construction (or lack thereof) in Florida and Chicago could have unintended consequences for vulnerable communities.

By Pat Donachie • March 24, 2017

Reduced suspensions may negatively impact students, report claims

Critics of the study argue the perception of safety in New York City schools may not match the reality of the infrequency of violent incidents.

By Pat Donachie • March 24, 2017

Internet of Things could have eventual data-collection impact on K-12

IoT could have a big impact on education some day, allowing schools to use wearables and other devices to track student movement and other data points — though privacy concerns abound.

By Stephen Noonoo • March 24, 2017

Government boosts funding for computer science ed to combat threats

A shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals who can deal with sophisticated threats is leading both federal and state departments to put new resources into training. 

By Stephen Noonoo • March 24, 2017

New assessment model lets students collaborate and share understanding

A new assessment model allowing students to collaborate on answers before taking individual tests is getting rave reviews from schools testing it out.

By Stephen Noonoo • March 24, 2017

Young learners are mastering the use of 3-D scanners

3-D scanning technology is coming down in price, making it ideal for teaching concepts like design and prototyping to students as young as elementary school.

By Stephen Noonoo • March 23, 2017

Failing Massachusetts schools seek autonomy in turnaround bid

More districts are embracing a quasi-charter model to avoid state takeover.

By Stephen Noonoo • March 23, 2017

Tips for closing achievement gaps for today's learners

A recent presentation outlined how schools can use technology to increase access, achievement and advancement leading to student success.

By Stephen Noonoo • March 23, 2017

For many schools and districts, the struggle of what to do with data remains real

Atlanta Public Schools is providing one example of how districts can make their data more digestible and useful for the public.

By Roger Riddell • March 23, 2017

Supreme Court weighs heavily in favor of special ed rights

All eight justices were united in a Wednesday decision that broadens the interpretation of rights for special education students.

By Roger Riddell • March 22, 2017

California proposals target school-to-prison pipeline with rehabilitation focus

Based on new research suggesting rehabilitation is more effective than incarceration, state lawmakers are proposing legislation to focus less on locking up minors.

By Stephen Noonoo • March 22, 2017

Peer mentoring gets a boost from video conferencing tools

Peer mentoring is getting a digital upgrade, with video conferencing tools stepping in to connect students from different schools as they adjust to new phases of their educational careers.

By Stephen Noonoo • March 22, 2017

First-year superintendent left finance for ed to serve 'the greater good'

Stefanie Phillips started out in corporate finance and then found a home in education, where she now serves as superintendent of California's Santa Ana Unified School District.

By Tara García Mathewson • March 22, 2017

Student broadband remains top priority in handful of states

State-led initiatives in Minnesota, Hawaii and Arkansas are helping schools provide better internet connectivity to students by leveraging higher state-level negotiating power.

By Stephen Noonoo • March 22, 2017

Atlanta Public Schools partnership eyes AP access

A partnership with the National Math and Science Initiative is expected to make rigorous Advanced Placement coursework available to more students.

By Roger Riddell • March 22, 2017

Telepresence technology brings personal touch to online classes

Beaming in experts to speak to a class is just one of the ways virtual tech is blurring the lines between face-to-face and virtual instruction.

By Stephen Noonoo • March 21, 2017

Coding clubs put emphasis on open exploration and fun

CoderDojo clubs teach young students how to code in a freeform way, which doesn't rely on standard curriculum as much as open exploration and fun.

By Stephen Noonoo • March 21, 2017

What at-risk students really need to graduate high school

A principal at an at-risk school in California faces daily challenges as she works to move her students away from homelessness and addiction and toward graduation.

By Stephen Noonoo • March 21, 2017