California schools utilizing Common Core coaches

'Instructional coaches' are easing teachers' transitions to the new standards and helping them modify their lesson plans.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 13, 2015

Is Blackboard planning a PowerSchool acquisition?

As the ed tech giant looks to build a foothold in K-12, it may be toying with the idea of buying Pearson's student information system.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 13, 2015

U.S. high school graduation rate hits 81%

The news is based on 2012-13 data released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Education.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 13, 2015

Student privacy pledge passes 100 signatures

The pledge asks that signatories adhere to a list of 12 commitments aimed at ensuring student data security, but some question whether it goes far enough.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 13, 2015

NCLB re-authorization bill goes before the House

The chamber is expected to vote on the rewrite in late February.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 13, 2015

Are blended learning and longer school days the perfect combination?

A paper recently released by the National Center on Time & Learning touts the benefits of utilizing the two approaches in tandem.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 12, 2015

Case rested in infamous Atlanta test cheating scandal

After six months of testimony, prosecutors have rested their case against the educators accused of cheating on standardized tests.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 12, 2015

Washington state legislative proposal would hold schools accountable for tech skills

Worried that students are leaving K-12 without adequate tech skills, state Superintendent Randy Dorn suggests schools must report to his office with evidence of students' digital literacy.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 12, 2015

NASA, college students unveil K-12 science game

The multi-person game requires players to use real-world knowledge to navigate a fictional world where "mysterious clouds of dust" have rendered all adults unconscious.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 12, 2015

Ed investor lashes out at Sun-Times coverage of alleged conflicts of interest

A series of articles drew attention to Chicago school contracts gained by companies Deborah Quazzo, who sits on the city's education board, invests in.

By Roger Riddell • Feb. 11, 2015

LA districts request penalty waivers for parental opt-outs of Common Core testing

State education officials currently mandate that districts get zeros for the scores of every student that opts out — a rule that could greatly hurt a school's average. 

By Allie Gross • Feb. 11, 2015

ASCD calls for two-year moratorium on test-based teacher evals

ASCD Director of Public Policy says, "We’re not saying ‘Don’t test,’ but ‘Don’t use tests for that specific set of consequences.’”

By Allie Gross • Feb. 11, 2015

Is de-identifying data the answer to the student privacy issue?

Separating students' identities from their digital records could help deter unauthorized access and use.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 11, 2015

Alma buys K-12 data integration firm Always Prepped

The all-in-one platform will gain more robust data analytics from the deal.

By Roger Riddell • Feb. 11, 2015

FCC chair's open Internet proposal would benefit classrooms

Tom Wheeler's plan would, in part, make it easier to bring broadband connectivity to classrooms.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 11, 2015

Politico report questions Pearson's practices

The investigative report skewers the company over a list of questionable business practices it has used to help become a dominant player in the higher education and K-12 markets.

By Keith Button • Feb. 11, 2015

Tech crisis looms for Idaho schools

State schools are struggling to keep an uninterrupted connection after a drawn out legal battle over a tech contract. 

By Allie Gross • Feb. 10, 2015

Ed startup Team(You) raises $500K in seed funding

The behavior management tool allows educators to acknowledge positive student behavior through an online tracker.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 10, 2015

Is this robot the solution to sick days?

The VGo allows students to attend class remotely during prolonged medical absences.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 10, 2015

Are ed tech firms serious enough about security?

Tony Porterfield, a Cisco engineer and father of two, turned to the New York Times when he found serious security flaws with digital education product Raz-Kids.com.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 10, 2015

Poor results reported as Michigan sees increase in online K-12 students

Are struggling students being pushed into online classes they aren't prepared for?

By Roger Riddell • Feb. 9, 2015

Teach for America applicant decline continues

The organization saw a 10% decline over the past year.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 9, 2015

Brown Center on Education issues school choice rankings

New Orleans, New York, and Newark take the top spots.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 9, 2015

Petition launches to change TN law after Harvard grad can't become principal

The law requires potential principals to have attended an approved in-state college or university masters program or have at least three years experience as a principal.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 9, 2015

Study finds pre-K reduces number of students placed in special education

A study from Duke found specifically that North Carolina's Smart Start and More at Four programs lowered the chances of a student being placed in special education courses in third grade by 39%.

By Allie Gross • Feb. 9, 2015