AASA '19: Teacher housing, resisting rural consolidation among district leaders' top struggles

On the first day of the annual National Conference of Education in Los Angeles, attendees shared issues that challenge and inspire superintendents nationwide.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 15, 2019

Report: Principals' support key element in teachers' data use

But the RAND Corp. survey also finds while almost 90% of teachers report having access to data, they often don't have information on students' progress and behavior.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 15, 2019

Panel urges NYC schools to hire a chief integration officer to oversee diversity issues

The suggestion is the latest in ongoing efforts to address the city's deep school segregation issues.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 15, 2019

Can ditching letter grades improve student learning and engagement?

While some say the practice can relieve stress and spur students' interest in schooling, critics warn it lessens accountability and personal responsibility.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 15, 2019

One year later: How has school safety, gun control policy changed since the Parkland shooting?

On Feb. 14, 2018, a gunman shot and killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Here's a look at what's changed — and what hasn't.

By Jessica Campisi • Feb. 14, 2019

NEA President: Denver strike is 'cautionary tale' for districts with performance-based pay

Lily Eskelsen García, who attended the teacher strike, said the ProComp system — which aims to attract teachers to high-needs schools — became more unpredictable and chaotic over time.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 14, 2019

School, district social media policies must tackle pitfalls as well as opportunities

According to one guide, strong policies require a flexible, thorough approach that adapts to changing trends while addressing difficult scenarios involving students.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Feb. 14, 2019

AASA '19: Annual survey shows male superintendents still outnumber females 4:1

The organization's latest data, released ahead of its annual gathering in Los Angeles, does show growth in the percentage of females leading school districts.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 14, 2019

Art education improves students' academic, social development, study finds

Researchers found that a Houston-area initiative to expand arts education spurred higher writing achievement, compassion and college aspirations.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Feb. 13, 2019

Report: Most homework focuses on 'low-level' skills

These assignments, however, are largely tied to Common Core standards, according to the Center for American Progress survey.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 13, 2019

Want to hook young students on STEM? Maintain a sense of awe

Engaging students in science and engineering from an early age requires a focus on the imagination and creativity at play behind the general technical skills.

By Lauren Barack • Feb. 13, 2019

Community-building exercises lay foundations for SEL

Educators at all levels of K-12 are finding that taking a few minutes each day to help students feel more connected can help them learn to make decisions, set goals and follow through on projects.

By Lauren Barack • Feb. 13, 2019

Effective group project implementation requires considering hurdles

While group projects can be hard to pull off, tactics such as setting a collaborative classroom tone and devising soft skills rubrics can help students and educators succeed.

By Lauren Barack • Feb. 13, 2019

Report: Access to reliable internet, devices outside of class ongoing challenge

Only half of the 9,200 respondents to a recent Schoology survey say their districts allow students to take devices home.

By Lauren Barack • Feb. 13, 2019

Spread of digital assistants to classrooms poses concerns

While bringing voice-enabled speakers into schools can introduce students to the tech, questions of privacy and curricular use persist.

By Lauren Barack • Feb. 13, 2019

The 'transformative power' of reaching children before kindergarten

A New York City charter network partners with an early-childhood home-visiting program in hopes of preventing the delays seen when kids enter school.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 13, 2019

Conflicting state, federal marijuana laws leave district policies in a haze

While medical marijuana use is legal in 33 states, it's still illegal under federal law, putting schools at risk of losing federal funding if educators use it in any form.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 13, 2019

Detroit partnership allows high school students to earn college credit as early as freshman year

The expanded partnership between the district and a local community college would allow students to earn six to eight credits per year at no cost to them.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Feb. 12, 2019

Games help educators, communities tackle difficult budget, policy decisions

While game-based learning is used in classrooms, district leaders say such simulations can also garner multiple perspectives on district-level decisions when the pressure’s really on.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 12, 2019

Data show inequity in who takes dual enrollment classes

Lower participation among black and Hispanic students and those whose parents didn't go to college, highlights concerns for such programs.

By James Paterson • Feb. 12, 2019

Education is stronger than hate

Ready to tackle the rising tide of intolerance and injustice? Discover how the first step can start in your classroom. 

Feb. 12, 2019

Input from teachers, students critical in effective media center overhauls

Aside from community input, schools can seek ideas from PTAs and grant-makers whose funds may be used to implement the changes.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 12, 2019

To better meet students' needs, ask them what they need to succeed

A former Georgia high school principal is sharing her experience using student voice to develop wraparound services via a seven-step model.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 12, 2019

Portfolios boost assessment relevancy for truly transformative learning

The coordinator for innovative and digital learning at Eanes Innovative School District in Austin, Texas, writes that a portfolio approach to measuring student progress provides a more equitable, real-world experience.

By Brianna Hodges • Feb. 11, 2019

4 best practices for implementing adaptive assessments

As schools seek to better personalize learning, some are embracing a growing trend toward adaptive tools that measure student progress.

By Jessica Leigh Brown • Feb. 11, 2019