How to use a workshop model for full lessons, not just individual skills

The learning approach shares many characteristics with project-based learning and gives more hands-on experiences to students, educators say.

By Lauren Barack • Nov. 18, 2020

Librarians become go-to resource during school closures

While their roles were evolving even before pandemic, librarians have become a key source of support in navigating learning platforms and finding resources.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 18, 2020

4 ways COVID-19 could alter long-term curricular approaches

From the times and places learning occurs to what schools look like, pandemic shifts to education are unlikely to revert, experts say.

By Lauren Barack • Nov. 18, 2020

Can SpaceX satellite tech bridge the homework gap?

Looking to solve an ongoing remote hurdle experienced by many schools, a Texas district is piloting the company's Starlink tech to provide high-speed home internet to rural students and teachers.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 18, 2020

What does Biden have planned for K-12?

The national policy director for the president-elect's campaign recently outlined Biden's thoughts on reopening, PPE funding, school police and more.

By Naaz Modan • Nov. 18, 2020

3 ways K-12 schools can evolve post-pandemic

With COVID-19 creating a scenario where "things a year ago that seemed impossible are not," educators and advocates see a system ripe for change.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 17, 2020

Fast Forward: States' accountability changes may impact school designations, improvement timelines

Many states are hesitating on high-stakes accountability for 2020-21, and its return may look vastly different than initially configured under ESSA. 

By Naaz Modan • Nov. 16, 2020

Teacher mentoring still adds PD value in remote learning

Taking mentor programs virtual may be challenging, but scheduling flexibility and opportunities for otherwise impossible pairings can pay off, experts say.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 16, 2020

Districts lack 'comprehensive' plans to address learning loss this fall, analysis finds

Researchers and educators have stressed the need for assessment data to inform personalized instruction this school year.

By Naaz Modan • Nov. 16, 2020

Lack of extracurriculars hurts school engagement during pandemic

To adhere to social distancing, schools can pivot to online-friendly options like esports, chess or chorus to keep students and adults invested.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 13, 2020

School communities largely embrace masks despite lawsuits

Among lawsuit claims are that students asked to attend virtual learning for not following mask rules are subjected to a "separate and unequal" education.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 12, 2020

'Relationships matter': Remote learning places new hurdles in fight against chronic absenteeism

Schools are employing a variety of tactics — including coaches, phone calls and dance parties at lunch — to boost attendance in virtual environments, but defining students' "presence" remains a challenge.

By Natalie Gross • Nov. 12, 2020

Curricular Counsel: SEL, parent support key to move virtual learning forward

Gwinnett County Public Schools' Clay Hunter says teachers must build trust and culture by understanding students' feelings and burdens.

By Roger Riddell • Nov. 11, 2020

Media literacy, finding common ground key for civics ed

In a politically charged year, San Diego's Francis Parker School had students learn to discuss feelings and check facts rather than debate opposing views.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 11, 2020

Individual conferences can help adjust curriculum to each student's needs

Pairing the meetings with assessment can help teachers uncover learning gaps and allow them to devote more time to each pupil, experts say.

By Lauren Barack • Nov. 11, 2020

State ballot measures' impacts on K-12 schools

Taxes on newly legalized recreational marijuana are expected to boost funding in several states, while Montana is bracing for school gun control controversy.

By Naaz Modan • Nov. 11, 2020

What do leading K-12 organizations expect from a Biden presidency?

Feelings are mixed, but hope remains as to how much Joe Biden may be able to impact areas like IDEA, COVID-19 relief for schools and civil rights.

By Naaz Modan , Kara Arundel • Nov. 11, 2020

CCSSO eyes possibility of K-12 relief bill during lame duck Congress

The organization also expressed hope Congress will back special ed funding increases, universal pre-K initiatives and student mental health needs.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 10, 2020

How Oregon schools used a $19M grant to upgrade energy efficiency

Ventilation retrofits, adopting LEDs instead of fluorescent bulbs and replacing roofs are among sustainability projects that can raise a building's "energy IQ."

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 9, 2020

Biden is president-elect: What could it mean for K-12?

The president-elect supports more federal funding for Title I schools and district coronavirus responses, boosting teacher pay, revamping Title IX and more.

By Naaz Modan • Nov. 7, 2020

Yoga, help lines, virtual social hours: Strategies to support staff through COVID-19

The transition to distance learning amid the pandemic is leaving even veteran teachers experiencing something akin to first-year stress, administrators say.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 6, 2020

Ed experts reflect on long-term impact of Trump K-12 policies

The administration’s promotion of school choice options and vision for a limited Education Department carried into policy and budget initiatives.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 6, 2020

Rubric for Recovery: Low-income students of color at edge of widening opportunity gap

Schools are improving engagement in part by understanding student apprehensions to being on camera and limiting unnecessary assignments.

By Naaz Modan • Nov. 5, 2020

TIAA Bank aims to boost financial literacy with K-12 program

The 12-week course runs in more than 100 schools and is focused on teaching critical financial skills through classroom visits and signature events.

By Anna Hrushka • Nov. 4, 2020

How can schools translate dyslexia support to remote learning?

Online sensory tools and assistive technology can be used for students with dyslexia needing interventions in virtual environments, experts say. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 4, 2020