Top K-12 education stories of 2016

Concerns over how to be a better principal, how to better serve English language learners, and how to best relate to and serve students from different backgrounds were tops last year on Education Dive. 

By Autumn A. Arnett • Dec. 30, 2016

NC Board of Education sues over new power shift legislation

The law's provisions, which accompany measures to strip incoming Gov. Roy Cooper of his gubernatorial authority, come off as more political grandstanding than a legitimate push to improve school administration in the state.

By Autumn A. Arnett • Dec. 29, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Curriculum

Educators are exploring a variety of strategies to improve students’ learning experiences while continuing to navigate ongoing political disputes.

By K-12 Dive staff

Year-end bonuses draw scrutiny in one Illinois school district

Performance bonuses in Lake County (IL) Community High School District 128 included raises for security officers, custodians, technicians and other support staff, in addition to teachers and administrators.

By Autumn A. Arnett • Dec. 28, 2016

What's on the horizon for K-12 ed tech in 2017?

Four school and district tech chiefs weigh in with their predictions and concerns for the coming year.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 26, 2016

Teacher survey finds Common Core improvement, stubborn challenges

The third survey by the Education Week Research Center since 2012 found more teachers are familiar with the Common Core State Standards and a growing portion feel prepared to teach them.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 23, 2016

Master teacher fellowship improves retention among NYC's best teachers

Math for America offers stipends for teachers and a wide variety of professional learning opportunities over the course of a four-year fellowship that asks nothing of master teachers' home schools.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 23, 2016

Virginia school pilots 'checkology virtual classroom' from The News Literacy Project

Wakefield High School in Arlington teaches students how to assess the validity of viral stories and determine whether they are propaganda, ads or fact using a new digital curriculum.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 23, 2016

Ed Dept awards $3M to test Preschool Pay for Success programs

The U.S. Department of Education split the money across eight government organizations to support feasibility pilots that will assess innovative funding strategies for expanding preschool.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 23, 2016

A growth mindset isn't just for students — teachers should have one, too

Christina Gil, a former classroom teacher, writes for Edutopia that the self-reflection required to develop a growth mindset can be difficult, but it can significantly improve a person’s teaching.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 23, 2016

Feds say no to California science pilot, state appeals

State officials want to administer a pilot of a new science test this spring and conduct a longer field test next year, but the U.S. Department of Education says they must use the old test.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 23, 2016

Digital tools help districts overcome language barriers to family engagement

One social network's automatic translation feature has helped parents better interact with teachers and stay up-to-date on classroom activities and events.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 22, 2016

Iowa, Illinois grapple with school funding equity

An Iowa lawsuit aims to equalize the funding formula for public schools, while Illinois lawmakers are debating what will have to be in a bill the legislature can pass to overhaul its own formula.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 22, 2016

Could after-school programs take a hit under the Trump administration?

Andre Perry, a former dean and charter school network CEO, says President-elect Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Education nominee Besty DeVos have been quiet on the programs so far.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 22, 2016

Turning discipline issues into teachable moments for SEL

Kristin Stuart Valdes, a senior program manager for Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility, writes for Edutopia that teachers can help students develop SEL skills through conflict.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 22, 2016

Colorado districts seek to provide affordable housing for teachers

Both large and small school districts in Colorado have recognized the negative impact of expensive housing markets on retention and taken steps to shelter new teachers from market rates.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 22, 2016

California grants offer support staff a path to teaching

California is distributing $20 million over the course of five years to give 5,000 employees, including instructional aids, librarians and secretaries, a chance to earn their teaching credentials.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 22, 2016

Using differentiation to overcome class size, time constraints

Consultant John McCarthy offers concrete strategies for using differentiation to make large classes more manageable and get meaningful work done in shorter periods.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 21, 2016

Majority-white city aims to leave majority-black district in Alabama

The Jefferson County Schools have been under monitoring by federal courts since a 1971 ruling that they tended toward segregating students, and the latest attempt has to be approved by a judge.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 21, 2016

Detroit lawsuits could shape national education landscape

Two federal lawsuits out of Detroit are asking judges to determine whether students have a constitutional right to literacy education and to learn in well-maintained buildings.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 21, 2016

Connecticut school uses 'Mindset Man' to develop growth mindset among students

West Woods Upper Elementary School's superhero character teaches students it’s OK to make mistakes and that if they put in enough effort, they can improve their performance.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 21, 2016

School secretary survey covers tech readiness, spending, major challenges

A survey of 200 school secretaries found 44% expect to spend more on digital/online instructional materials this year, and nearly all consider their schools to be technology-ready.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 21, 2016

Administrators, faculty should curate school stories

Every school and classroom has its own story that can be told by students and teachers to add context to a higher-level vision, mission statement and slogan.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 20, 2016

New Alabama ed chief admits inflated grad rate

State Superintendent of Education Michael Sentance said high schools have “misstated student records” and the education department failed to provide proper oversight.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 20, 2016

Ed Dept announces teacher and school leader grant competition

Applications can be submitted now through March 24, 2017, but while President Barack Obama requested $250 million for the competition, funds will depend on the next Congress.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 20, 2016

Heeding research, states investing in school counselors

Minnesota, Tennessee, Colorado and Indiana are among those focusing on school counseling to prepare students for high school graduation, college and beyond.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 20, 2016