NYC schools hire first LGBT 'community liaison'

The largest school district in the US has appointed a new position committed to ensuring schools are safe for LGBT students and teachers.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 4, 2016

Prepping for new ed tech? First, examine existing infrastructure

A director of e-learning from Australia's Saint Stephens College offers a blueprint for districts to examine their infrastructure in advance of rolling out new ed tech.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 4, 2016

Discrepancies in PARCC test results raise concerns

On average, students who took the 2014-15 PARCC exams on computers received lower scores than those who took the test in with paper and pencil, raising concerns.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 4, 2016

Ed Dept issues new guidance on scaling back standardized testing

The new guidance follows support for curbing over-testing in the Every Student Succeeds Act and from President Barack Obama.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 3, 2016

Digital video offers teachers bouquet of new PD opportunities

The role of online video for peer-to-peer reviews is gaining more importance when it comes to professional development.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 3, 2016

School boards seeing local control stripped in red states

Republican states are increasingly seeing districts taken over in the name of turning around failing schools.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 3, 2016

With district in disarray, Detroit emergency manager resigns

With things falling apart — in some cases literally — in Detroit schools, Darnell Earley has abruptly resigned from the state-appointed position four-and-a-half months early. 

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 3, 2016

Report: Spiking AP student numbers aren't watering down coursework

The popularity of Advanced Placement courses is skyrocketing, but a new study from a right-leaning DC think tank says the surge doesn't mean classes are easier. 

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 3, 2016

Ed Dept CIO's ethics questioned amid poor agency cybersecurity performance

While officials have questioned CIO Danny Harris' conduct, the department earned negative scores in last year's 30-Day Cyber Sprint as well as a failing FITARA grade. 

By Justine Brown • Feb. 3, 2016

Christensen Institute's blended learning directory goes social

The institute's Blended Learning Universe directory is allowing schools to create profiles that spotlight their models, demographics, tools used, and outcomes.

By Roger Riddell • Feb. 2, 2016

NYC program tackles desegregation by allocating seats for disadvantaged kids

A new pilot program in one public school is reserving space for low-income and English language learners.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 2, 2016

Using satellite Internet to bridge the 'homework gap'

For some rural districts without access to fiber or cable Internet connections, satellite access can serve as an affordable alternative. 

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 2, 2016

'Micro schools' catching on as mixed-grade, blended, personalized option

Is a modern one-room schoolhouse the next big thing in K-12?

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 2, 2016

Feds face another special ed suit from NYC public advocate

For the second time, Leticia James has filed suit against the U.S. Department of Education on behalf of students with disabilities. 

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 2, 2016

'Critical' early childhood ed shortage locks Los Angeles families in poverty

According to the Advancement Project, the organizers of the Early Learning Needs In L.A. County conference, the city faces a crucial deficit of pre-K options. 

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 2, 2016

Districts increasingly looking to social media in teacher recruitment

Teacher shortages across the US have led to round-the-clock recruiting efforts in some districts, creating a need to look beyond traditional hiring techniques.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 2, 2016

Is a one-standard solution possible for a nationwide ed-tech workflow problem?

A new open interoperability standard called OneRoster aims to streamline roster and sign-on management workflow between vendors and schools.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 1, 2016

Teachers sue Detroit over educational, building quality

The Detroit Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of Teachers have teamed up to file suit against Detroit Public Schools.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 1, 2016

After yearlong talks, offer on table for Chicago Teachers Union

The union and Chicago Public Schools will vote on a possible agreement this week.  

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 1, 2016

Atlanta superintendent presents plan to help 26 failing schools

Meria Carstarphen's turnaround proposal includes significant partnerships with private business.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 1, 2016

Obama proposes $4B for computer science ed initiative

The president's proposed budget for 2017 suggests a significant boost for computer science in the nation's K-12 schools.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 1, 2016

Apple furthers ed push with LearnSprout acquisition

LearnSprout specializes in performance analytics tools for the classroom.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 29, 2016

Shrinking focus on personal finance, economics in K-12

According to a new survey from the Council for Economic Education, fewer states have mandates requiring classes like economics, potentially affecting students for years to come.

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 29, 2016

No more timed testing for New York students

Students in the state will now be allowed to progress on exams at their own pace.

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 29, 2016

Parent-teacher conferences remain integral to student performance

New approaches can lead to heightened family engagement in learning.

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 29, 2016