Spoken word poetry raises student voice, literacy and confidence

From poetry slam competitions to in-class recitations, educators are using the medium to engage students in learning with topics they're passionate about.

By Lauren Barack • Feb. 20, 2019

To what extent are districts, schools liable for students' safety?

Along with providing an education, schools are tasked with keeping students safe — but to what extent? Here's how the courts have weighed in and what their decisions mean for school accountability.

By Jessica Campisi • Feb. 20, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

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

English language learners need equal access to STEM opportunities, report finds

These students total 4.6 million, or 9.4% of the school-age population, and ELL access is increasingly crucial to fill a growing need for labor in STEM fields.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 20, 2019

AASA '19: Districts create new structures for recruiting, retaining teachers of color

Two school systems' leaders shared their methods, including workforce planning teams and support systems, to find diverse candidates and ensure they don’t feel isolated after being placed in a school.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 20, 2019

Study: Student homelessness hits all-time high

Federal data shows more than 1.3 million public school students – a 70% jump over the past 10 years – were homeless during the 2016-17 year.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 20, 2019

Michigan governor promises 'bold' school funding formula changes

Newly installed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pledged to kickstart reform to address the literacy crisis and provide scholarships for students pursuing higher ed.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 19, 2019

Principals need more observation time, clearer metrics for performance pay success

Denver Public Schools' ProComp system became too confusing for teachers, but research shows principals can help convey how such programs work.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 19, 2019

Teach For America draws fire over school strike guidance

The teacher placement program allegedly suggested corps members could lose thousands of dollars promised to them if they take part in a strike. Its spokesman says it was misunderstood.

By Amelia Harper • Feb. 19, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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