'Conditions for learning' impact chronic absenteeism

A new report and interactive map from Attendance Works and the American Institutes for Research displays school and community factors that affect student attendance rates.

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 10, 2019

Communities of practice give principals opportunities to connect, reflect and develop

Principals need professional development and support to implement best practices at their schools, experts say.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 10, 2019

Atlanta school board to search for new leadership

In a message, Meria Carstarphen called serving as the district’s superintendent "the greatest honor" of her professional life.

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 10, 2019

7 California districts highlighted as 'positive outliers'

Hiring fewer "underprepared" teachers and having a clear district-wide vision are among practices helping these districts achieve at higher levels than expected.

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 10, 2019

Should teachers and students connect through social media?

While these tools can improve communication, experts say districts must set clear boundaries on social media interactions between students and teachers.

By Amelia Harper • Sept. 9, 2019

Teachers allege grade fixing at California high school

The Oakland Unified School District will investigate whether student records were changed.

By Natalie Gross • Sept. 9, 2019

Minneapolis program aims to address student housing insecurity

The program was launched as the affordable housing crisis spreads, forcing students to switch schools and eroding their sense of stability.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 9, 2019

Schools take steps to confront illnesses tied to vaping amid fatalities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating at least 450 possible vaping-related cases, with deaths reported in four states. 

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 9, 2019

Exploring the relationship between poverty and school performance

Are all methods of school performance measurement created equal? Does measuring achievement alone serve students or schools with differing levels of challenges?

By Katie Topping, EVP Marketing and Communications, NWEA • Sept. 9, 2019

Should the FCC expand E-rate coverage to include cybersecurity?

Data shows risks are increasing as more school and district information goes digital, but funding for protection is lacking.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 6, 2019

New Jersey schools top latest Quality Counts ranking

The Garden State barely edges out Massachusetts on the basis of school spending and equity within its education system.

By Amelia Harper • Sept. 6, 2019

Google's $170M privacy settlement underscores need for strong ed tech vetting

Districts including Houston ISD are among those setting the standard for vetting apps and other tech tools to prevent students' information from being shared.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 5, 2019

STEM ed network grows in 'final push' to meet 2021 goal

Teacher bonuses, scholarships and loan forgiveness programs are among strategies that will be implemented to recruit and retain STEM educators. 

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 5, 2019

Why is Atlanta superintendent's future uncertain?

Under Meria Carstarphen, Atlanta Public Schools has seen growth in the percentage of students scoring proficient on state tests, and its graduation rate has climbed to almost 80% — compared to 50.8% in 2012.

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 5, 2019

Seven districts piloting in-vehicle tablets to improve bus routes, safety

Tech from software provider Tyler Technologies will be used to adjust routes and provide bus drivers with information they need to be more efficient. 

By Amelia Harper • Sept. 5, 2019

VR tours introduce special needs students to new schools in stress-free environment

Along with the virtual tours, Massachusetts' Danvers Public Schools is also using assistive technology to help students on the autism spectrum practice social interactions.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 4, 2019

Report: Students ready for complex civic conversations, nuanced instruction

An analysis of 11,000 letters to the president from 2016 suggests students are more prepared to be civically engaged than previously thought.

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 4, 2019

Designing effective classrooms for multilingual students requires intent, flexibility

U.S. Department of Education data shows the number of EL students growing across all regions, necessitating strategic planning in all districts.

By Lauren Barack • Sept. 4, 2019

Study: 'Splinter' districts increase school segregation in the South

Researchers write that district secession is "eroding what has historically been one of the cornerstones of school desegregation in the South: the one-county, one-school-system jurisdiction."

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 4, 2019

Takeover schools often still face same underlying challenges

While the state-sanctioned private charter takeover of the Jefferson County School District in Florida found success on some academic concerns, a number of disciplinary and other challenges remain.

By Amelia Harper • Sept. 4, 2019

DC school weaves focus on character-building into academics to measure SEL

Capital City Public Charter School's approach stems from research linking soft skills to cognitive development.

By Natalie Gross • Sept. 4, 2019

Despite increasing gun violence, majority of students report feeling safe at school

A new study from ACT reports 38% of students believe adding mental health services would improve their sense of safety.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 4, 2019

High chronic absenteeism rates among special needs students raise alarms

In New York City, about 26,000 students with disabilities missed at least 20% of school days in the 2015-16 school year.

By Amelia Harper • Sept. 3, 2019

Districts navigate smoky federal, state cannabis legislation

As more states change marijuana laws, districts are caught in a disconnect between prevention and messaging with students, as well as use by educators.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 3, 2019

More states requiring mental health education

Experts recommend beginning as early as kindergarten, with a focus on age-appropriate instructional practices in areas like reducing stigma and obtaining and maintaining good mental health.

By Lucy Hood • Sept. 3, 2019