New state tests to undergo federal peer review

The tests will have to be deemed acceptable through peer review in order for states’ NCLB waivers to remain in place.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 28, 2015

College Board and low-income high-achievers: The week's most-read education news

Fall behind? Get caught up on ways to incorporate play into innovative instruction and more right here!

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 25, 2015

Congress introduces legislation to close digital divides

A bipartisan bill was introduced to the House calling for a study of the homework gap and support for pilot programs to close it.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 25, 2015

Racial bias in schools gaining increased spotlight

The issue's spotlight has grown alongside incidents highlighting racial bias in policing, with Education Week the latest media outlet to investigate.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 25, 2015

Do online ELL tests offer a better measure of ability?

Two new computer-based ELL tests are debuting this year, raising educators’ hopes of a better assessment.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 25, 2015

As cost decreases, more districts gain easy-access data systems

In the past, districts have opted to store data in cheaper archival systems.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 25, 2015

Seattle ends suspensions for elementary students

The city’s school board voted Thursday to end suspensions for certain nonviolent offenses and review the district’s discipline policies.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 25, 2015

5 ways schools can prepare for medical emergencies

We took a look at the barriers to preparing for urgent medical situations — and how to fix them.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 24, 2015

Plan for overcrowded NYC schools highlights class, race divides

Families are up in arms over a plan to rezone schools in a handful of Brooklyn neighborhoods.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 24, 2015

CAP researcher makes his case for testing

Ulrich Boser, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, says assessments play a crucial role in education.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 24, 2015

North Carolina's digital learning plan takes data-driven approach

The plan is the result of a combination of state laws and increasing pressure to change the way education is practiced.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 24, 2015

Tech transforms parent-teacher communications

Digital platforms offer new ways to engage parents, but research suggests the use of multiple avenues, including in-person, text, and digital tools.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 24, 2015

Versal goes mobile

While not in app form just yet, the company's course creation platform is now optimized for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 23, 2015

As music education fades, districts get creative

Funding cuts have left some districts with scant music instruction, so administrators are getting creative about funding and delivery. 

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 23, 2015

Pushing back high school start times proves difficult

Research has touted the benefit of extra sleep for students, but the politics and economics around changing start times can prove intractable.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 23, 2015

Plan for Los Angeles schools involves 50% charter enrollment

A plan backed by the well-known Broad Foundation would more than triple the district’s charter enrollment.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 23, 2015

Zuckerberg invests $5M in MasteryConnect

The personalized learning startup builds tools for teachers to design personalized learning plans and track students progress.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 23, 2015

Districts take innovative approaches to boosting graduation

More districts are providing early access to college-level courses and real world job experiences and thinking outside the traditional school model.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 23, 2015

Seattle teachers end strike over pay, recess

On Sunday, the city's teacher union signed a new contract with Seattle Public Schools, ending a strike that delayed the start of school.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 22, 2015

How long should students spend on computers?

As blended learning grows in popularity, parents, teachers, and experts differ somewhat on how much time students should spend on computers.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 22, 2015

Connecticut lawmaker splits with teachers on NCLB rewrite

Sen. Chris Murphy has opposed changes that would shift the responsibility for accountability to states and away from the federal government.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 22, 2015

Tech-focused PD must look beyond simple device training

Teacher trainer Tom Daccord says the real challenge isn’t learning how to use devices, it’s knowing how those tools fit into pedagogy.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 22, 2015

Survey: Parents lack understanding of state, federal privacy laws

But they also support some uses of data in instruction, especially concerning academic performance.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 22, 2015

How the College Board changed its standardized testing approach

At the NYT Schools For Tomorrow Conference, David Coleman detailed the company's rules for assessments that provide opportunity.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 22, 2015

Texas math requirements focus on college prep

A 2013 state law requires struggling high school students instruction to develop college-ready math skills.

By Kate Schimel • Sept. 21, 2015