Measuring the costs and benefits of new ed tech

Schools and districts must consider a number of factors before taking leaps into the digital space.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 17, 2016

NASDTEC to examine data on disciplined teachers state-by-state

The audit of a national teacher misconduct database follows an investigation by USA Today that exposed gaps in the system.  

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 17, 2016

Pilot aimed at desegregating New York City schools begins

A new initiative of the city's education department is aimed at balancing race and class in schools located within gentrifying neighborhoods.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 17, 2016

Vermont sees turmoil amid push to combine small rural districts

The rural state faces the dual problems of rising education costs and a rapidly dwindling student population, but a plan to consolidate districts is contentious. 

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 17, 2016

Digital Promise pushes microcredentials for teacher PD

According to Jennifer Kabaker, the advocacy organization's director of education and microcredentials, microcredentials can help teachers with professional development.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 17, 2016

Google to shut down Play for Education in March

The tech giant has quietly decided to end the service, effective March 14.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 17, 2016

FTC investigates 'brain training' programs like Lumosity

The Federal Trade Commission has investigated and settled several claims against such platforms, which make claims of cognitive improvement that are largely unproven.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 16, 2016

Informal study questions classroom benefits of iPads

The small-scale study of 15 intern-teachers examined the educational effectiveness and positive consequences of Apple's tablets.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 16, 2016

Something to meditate on: Schools embracing mindfulness

Some educators are trying out meditative approaches to help students with short attention spans and emotional regulation in the classroom.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 16, 2016

SRO presence found to increase odds of student arrest five times

Ensuring school-based officers are trained accordingly is another critical factor in dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 16, 2016

King to be formally nominated as education secretary

The move has been urged by Sen. Lamar Alexander since Dr. John B. King Jr. assumed the office in the wake of Arne Duncan's departure.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 16, 2016

Computer science proponents grapple with balancing theory, practice

Coding bootcamps have sprung up, teaching largely the mechanics of coding rather than the theory and science behind it — but many argue that piece is critical, too.

By Tara García Mathewson • Feb. 16, 2016

Nation's top teachers back PARCC and Smarter Balanced

A unique study of 23 State Teachers of the Year Indicates a strong preference for new standardized tests when compared with previous exams.

Feb. 16, 2016

GT struggles, Gallup rankings, and Obama's budget: The week's most-read education news

Fall behind? Get caught up on the $1.1 billion sale taking Apollo Education private and more right here!

By Roger Riddell • Feb. 12, 2016

Report: Deeper, more complex testing provided by PARCC, Smarter Balanced

The Thomas B. Fordham Institute finds that the two exams provide a better measure of knowledge than the ACT Aspire or MCAS tests.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 12, 2016

In unusual move, Maine governor announces self as state ed commissioner

Paul LePage on Thursday announced he will lead the state's Department of Education himself instead of appointing a new commissioner.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 12, 2016

Washington state school funding solution delayed by legislators

Despite intense pressure from the state's Supreme Court, a new funding solution for public schools has again been sidelined.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 12, 2016

Kansas school funding formula overturned by state supreme court

The court has ruled that a temporary school funding law passed as a quick fix last year violates the state constitution.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 12, 2016

Early school start times linked to tardiness, discipline issues

Many students stay up later when school starts later, so there is no gain of sleep time — but it does have benefits.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 12, 2016

OECD: Poor US performance not tied strictly to per-pupil spending

A new analysis shows that between 2003 and 2012, the US had no changes in the amount of low-performing students for math and reading — but slight improvement in science.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 11, 2016

Los Angeles sees declining approval rates for new charters

Charter schools operating in the Los Angeles Unified School District say they're being unfairly scrutinized by officials.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 11, 2016

New York district pushes for home Wi-Fi before 1:1 tech rollout

The district is working with Verizon and ClassBook.com's OpenRoom to help families understand their connectivity options.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 11, 2016

Unpaid school lunches place financial burden on schools

Schools face an ongoing dilemma over the issue, with some attracting negative press for throwing out meals when students can't pay.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 11, 2016

Report: Socioeconomic integration critical to closing achievement gap

The Century Foundation is finding that schools see positive impacts on academic equity when schools are integrated socioeconomically.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 11, 2016

What should districts keep in mind when weighing new federal testing guidelines?

As ESSA implementation looms on the horizon, the Education Department has issued new assessment guidance under President Obama's Testing Action Plan.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 11, 2016