Education Week survey shows more stable state testing environment nationwide

The third-annual survey tracked state testing changes since 45 states planned to scrap legacy tests in favor of newly designed exams aligned with the Common Core.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 17, 2017

Colorado district considers tiny home project to attract teachers

The Eagle County School District, southwest of Vail, is exploring the feasibility of constructing 18 tiny homes on about an acre of land to offer teachers more affordable housing options.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 17, 2017

Latino kindergartners start school 3 months behind in math, on average

Latinos make up 1 in 4 kindergartners today and that is expected to rise to 1 in 3 by 2050, making their math achievement levels an issue of national importance.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 16, 2017

Students can take charge of learning by controlling the seating plan

Students at the Summit Preparatory Charter High School in Redwood City, CA, make decisions daily about how to arrange furniture in classrooms to get the most out of each assignment.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 16, 2017

Project-based learning in kindergarten can set stage for college and career

PBL can help students start thinking critically, asking good questions and transferring knowledge from the classroom to the real world early.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 16, 2017

NYC ed leader wants every student to be seen, feel valued

Irma Zardoya, the current CEO of the NYC Leadership Academy, calls on her colleagues to value each of their students and make them feel visible.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 16, 2017

Nonprofits help school districts make good decisions on ed tech

LEAP Innovations in Chicago and LearnLaunch in Boston have developed programs to support school administrators in choosing the best ed tech for their particular student and staff needs.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 16, 2017

Florida Virtual School model shows online learning can be engaging

The eSchool Media and Xirrus Innovate to Educate awards program recognized the school's work helping elementary students succeed online, but is the model for everyone?

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 16, 2017

Former House education chair talks ESSA, accountability, responsibility to educate all

Few have had a front-row seat to the changes in federal education policy over the last 40 years like former Rep. George Miller. 

By Autumn A. Arnett • Feb. 15, 2017

How are educators using Google Expeditions in their classrooms?

Virtual reality is expected to have a major impact in the coming years, and early adopters have already explored ways to bring the tech to their students.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 15, 2017

New Jersey school taps blended learning to increase equity

The Morris School District has 35% of its students enrolled in the free or reduced-price lunch program, and low-income students tend to have limited success.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 15, 2017

Pennsylvania principal lauds individualized instruction for administrator PD

McConnellsburg Middle and High School Principal Erich May says individualized leadership coaching can come from something as simple as a walk in the park.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 15, 2017

Michigan considers $20M boost to vocational ed

Gov. Rick Snyder has proposed a competition grant program to help schools afford new equipment for vocational classes as part of a bigger plan to break down stereotypes about the skilled trades.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 15, 2017

New state school chiefs, legislative committee chairs face intense pressure

An Education Week analysis found more than half of legislative education committee chairs have no outside experience in K-12 schools or policy, and 10 state chiefs have no classroom experience.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 15, 2017

For longterm makerspace sustainability, explore formats and partnerships

The idea of creating a makerspace can be daunting, but the K-12 science coordinator for Lamar Conslidated ISD in Texas shared tips with teachers during last week’s TCEA convention.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 14, 2017

Parent engagement can have wide-ranging benefits for pre-K success

In the second brief of a 10-part series examining social-emotional development, Pennsylvania State University researchers highlight effective engagement programs.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 14, 2017

Attracting and retaining qualified teachers requires external, internal support

Julie Kasper, a National Board Certified Teacher who left the classroom after 14 years, writes there are important ways those in the education and policy fields, as well as others, can support teachers.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 14, 2017

How can schools best serve students with incarcerated parents?

Students dealing with changes at home due to parental incarceration can develop behavioral problems and become careless about their academics.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 14, 2017

Could the Office of Ed Tech land on the chopping block?

While it is fairly unlikely the U.S. Department of Education will be shuttered by the Trump administration, projects given attention under the Obama administration may not continue.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 14, 2017

Digital ed tech pricing library brings transparency to procurement

The Technology for Education Consortium Data Platform allows districts to become members, share their own procurement data, and view anonymized price comparisons and reviews.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 13, 2017

Rural public schools worry 'school choice' focus will leave them out

Remote school districts generally offer the only option for families with school-aged children because charter and private options routinely concentrate in cities.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 13, 2017

Research indicates mindfulness is a trendy strategy that actually works

A 2014 study found 30-minute, twice-per-week mindfulness sessions reduced students' stress and led to better behavior, and a 2015 study tied the practice to higher retention and math grades.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 13, 2017

Texas district sees learning gains after giving kindergartners Chromebooks

The Wichita Falls Independent School District’s devices experiment resulted in increased student engagement and better outcomes, especially for students with special needs.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 13, 2017

Audit calls one-third of Tennessee high school grads' qualifications into question

The state department of education conducted the first audit of graduates’ qualifications, finding many received diplomas without meeting state requirements.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 13, 2017

DeVos tells states to maintain ESSA timelines despite potential changes

The new U.S. secretary of education wants to maintain the timeline set by the Obama administration for reviewing state plans despite debates around accountability regulations.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 13, 2017