Newark Public Schools restarts attendance squad to address chronic truancy issues

The New Jersey district's chronic absenteeism rate dropped from 30.5% last year to 23% this year, but has hired more than 40 attendance workers to keep lowering the statistic.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 27, 2019

Is it up to schools to teach students basic life skills?

A recent Twitter debate resurfaced the question of whether schools should be tasked with teaching students to do things traditionally covered in home economics, such as laundry or cooking.

By Lauren Barack • Feb. 27, 2019

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Curriculum

Educators are exploring a variety of strategies to improve students’ learning experiences while continuing to navigate ongoing political disputes.

By K-12 Dive staff

Assistive tech tools can help ensure curriculum impacts all students

A veteran educator says these tools are as essential to everyday success as glasses for many students — and districts don't have to break the bank to put them in place.

By Lauren Barack • Feb. 27, 2019

Study: Due diligence critical for effective digital curriculum adoption

Outcomes for a personalized math program at five New Jersey schools highlight the need to prioritize seeing real results from long-term studies before money is spent on a new product or service.

By Lauren Barack • Feb. 27, 2019

News Literacy Project gets $5M grant to expand teacher training

The grant will help facilitate programs like NewsLitCamps, where educators visit a newsroom to learn how social media impacts news and determining sources' credibility.

By Lauren Barack • Feb. 27, 2019

District diversifies gifted and talented pools by re-examining screening process

A Minnesota district's steps, such as expanding the group of adults seeking talent, boosted black, Latino and Native American student participation to 11% — up from 3% in 2013-14.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Feb. 27, 2019

Few states recognize the arts as part of their ESSA accountability plans

Illinois, Connecticut and Kentucky, however, are examples of how states are using the law's broader definition of student success to emphasize the arts.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 27, 2019

In wake of state takeover threat, Atlanta rethinks turnaround approach

The district's "System of Excellent Schools" plan blends autonomous schools and centralized services, as well as partnerships with charters and other groups.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 26, 2019

50 States of Ed Policy: February marks strides in school safety, funding

The one-year anniversary of the Parkland shooting and persisting teacher activism spurred major proposals, though finances and curriculum also drew lawmakers' attention.

By Jessica Campisi • Feb. 26, 2019

Why teachers are teaching keyboarding earlier

There are many reasons why teachers are devoting curriculum time to teaching students how to touch type. Boosting their academic performance is the most important.

Feb. 26, 2019

State lawmakers, nonprofits partner to boost teacher certification rates

In the Mississippi Delta, up to 34% of teachers are not certified — but new pathways and changing demands are among ways officials are addressing the problem.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 26, 2019

Study: Schools with principals from New Leaders program show higher student learning gains

K-8 students with the same principal, who was trained by the nonprofit, for at least three years get higher math and English language arts scores than those with other leaders.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 25, 2019

Will states' budget surpluses help fund education?

Over half of U.S. states will have extra funds this year, and at least 17 are weighing teacher raises. But it's unclear if this money will go to education or to rainy day funds.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 25, 2019

College-ready high schoolers need more early pathway options

With one in four juniors academically ready for college, dual enrollment and other ways to get ahead should be available to them, a new report contends.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 25, 2019

Research-informed practices can aid educators in improving school schedules

A Maryland school's new schedule has longer classes that meet fewer times each week, allowing for deeper learning and lighter homework loads.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Feb. 24, 2019

Creative marketing turns school events into networking, branding opportunities

A marketing expert suggests the rise of school choice requires districts to step up their game with new strategies, such as experiential marketing, to engage their communities.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 22, 2019

Nonprofit helping 6,400 schools guide disadvantaged students on path to success

Educators from Georgia to California say their students are benefiting from AVID's programming on organizational skills, leadership activities and peer support.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 22, 2019

Sixth-largest district implements 3-step approach to boost equity

Florida's Broward County Public Schools trains equity liaisons who get financial and credential incentives to lead in closing opportunity gaps.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 22, 2019

Students of color now the majority, but work remains to ensure culturally relevant materials

A new report from Chiefs for Change says districts should work with curriculum experts and provide teacher trainings to ensure school resources more accurately depict diverse student populations.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 21, 2019

Students traveling through high-crime areas more likely to miss school

Baltimore's 37% chronic absenteeism rate highlights the need to find safe ways to transport students to improve attendance and graduation rates.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Feb. 21, 2019

Study: Classroom background noise especially distracting to young students

Neuroscientists found students ages 6 to 9 have a harder time tracking and distinguishing voices amid background noise, just as they're learning to read.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 21, 2019

Another state weighing CTE diploma pathway

Florida's proposed 18-credit pathway would be the latest to incorporate a need for more advanced technical skills in the blue-collar workforce into high school.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 21, 2019

Podcasting strengthens students' writing, editing and speaking skills

Educators from kindergarten through high school are finding the media format helps students break out of their shells, which is especially crucial for older students about to graduate.

By Lauren Barack • Feb. 20, 2019

Phenomena-based approaches transform interest in natural 'mysteries' into understanding

Educators are engaging students in the sciences by inspiring them to investigate their questions about the surrounding world.

By Lauren Barack • Feb. 20, 2019

Using art in assessments can lead to more creativity, individuality among students

An English teacher says letting students draw to answer prompts has made class exercises more fun for her students — and for her.

By Lauren Barack • Feb. 20, 2019