District of the Year: New Orleans' public schools

Some 13 years after Hurricane Katrina, the devastating tragedy has had a massive silver lining for the city's educational system.

By Jessica Campisi • Dec. 3, 2018

Principal of the Year: Hamish Brewer, Fred Lynn Middle School

There's more than meets the eye to the unconventional approach this tattooed, skateboarding principal is taking to turn around schools in Virginia.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 3, 2018

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

Superintendent of the Year: Mary Sieu, ABC Unified School District

In a year of teacher unrest, Sieu values her partnership with union leaders to address challenges facing the Los Angeles-area district.

By Linda Jacobson • Dec. 3, 2018

Climate change is shifting the US ed system, report says

After several devastating natural disasters, a KnowledgeWorks report shows climate change and human migration are reshaping students' experiences.

By Jessica Campisi • Dec. 3, 2018

School safety experts weigh in on federal commission's potential impact

Formed in response to the February mass shooting at a Florida high school, the commission is expected to issue a final report before the end of the year. 

By Linda Jacobson • Nov. 30, 2018

Should the US Constitution guarantee a right to education?

Since education isn't currently federally mandated, a Rhode Island lawsuit argues the state fails to give students the skills needed to exercise rights they are guaranteed, including voting.

By Jessica Campisi • Nov. 30, 2018

Seeing 'familiar faces' among peers over the long-term boosts students' classroom comfort

A study published in The Elementary School Journal finds seeing similar classmates from year to year can impact chronic absenteeism in particular.

By Allie Gross • Nov. 30, 2018

'Opportunity Culture' approach spreads teacher leadership without requiring exit from classroom

Some 250 schools nationwide are using or exploring the model, offering teacher-leaders extra pay for taking on the additional responsibilities.

By Allie Gross • Nov. 30, 2018

Private funding expands student opportunities, but over-reliance could be detrimental

Advocates warn that philanthropy can't replace policies that create more equitable funding for schools. 

By Allie Gross • Nov. 29, 2018

Alternative charter gives teen parents, homeless students support needed to graduate

New Orleans' NET Charter High School serves 300 students, including those affected by mental health issues, homelessness or substance abuse.

By Jessica Campisi • Nov. 29, 2018

Indiana State U: Administrators cite salaries among top teacher shortage contributors

Unqualified candidates, untenable job demands and a lack of governmental support for the profession also made the list in new research.

By Allie Gross • Nov. 29, 2018

Credit recovery enrollment tops 20% for some high schools

A new report from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute identifies states and districts with high enrollment rates in such courses, which "warrants scrutiny."

By Linda Jacobson • Nov. 29, 2018

Study: Funding gaps between district, charter schools widening in big cities

University of Arkansas researchers found that charter schools in 14 U.S. cities receive on average $5,828 less in per-pupil funding than traditional public schools. Only one — Houston — is providing almost equal funding.  

By Linda Jacobson • Nov. 28, 2018

School climate matters for employees, too

Small gestures, such as having an employee newsletter and celebrating wins, can help improve overall morale in schools.

By Allie Gross • Nov. 28, 2018

Multi-grade classrooms aid student learning, belonging

Combining multiple age levels in one classroom boosts opportunities for peer mentoring and can let teachers create more flexible assessment standards.

By Lauren Barack • Nov. 28, 2018

Modern approaches to sex ed expand topics, concerns and tools for students

Health and human sexuality courses must cover bases ranging from consent to social media's impact on body image.

By Lauren Barack • Nov. 28, 2018

Weaving art into STEM benefits more creative students

STEAM lessons lean more toward hands-on learning, so students spend less time in lecture-styled settings and more on their own or with classmates.

By Lauren Barack • Nov. 28, 2018

Integrating games into lessons heightens engagement, outcomes

In one New York classroom, a math teacher says adding games to his curriculum has sparked more critical thinking and collaboration.

By Lauren Barack • Nov. 28, 2018

Educator confidence rising, but concerns over salaries, safety remain, survey finds

Positive outlook has risen 25% among teachers and administrators since 2015, but educators also want more time to integrate ed tech into the classroom.

By Roger Riddell • Nov. 28, 2018

Administrators in low-income schools must remain acutely aware of lead's impact

Less affluent students are more likely to live or attend school in older buildings that have lead in their paint or pipes, and exposure can have long-term effects.

By Allie Gross • Nov. 28, 2018

4 ways to teach empathy in the classroom

Empathy can be thought of as a "superpower" students as young as 3rd grade can learn and develop, writes Roberta Brandao of New Jersey's Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County.

By Roberta Brandao • Nov. 27, 2018

SEL a critical component in improving school climate

Social-emotional learning was core to D.C. Principal Vanessa Drumm-Canepa's efforts to improve issues like attendance and student satisfaction in her school.

By Allie Gross • Nov. 27, 2018

Teacher pay issue unites union, GOP in Indiana

In a year rife with demonstrations over educators' pay and benefits, growing unity on the issue across the political spectrum is yet another sign of success.

By Allie Gross • Nov. 27, 2018

Declining US birth rate could beget lower public school enrollment, closures

While the number of public school students could shrink by 8.5% by 2028, it could also mean more all-day kindergarten and publicly funded pre-K options.

By Jessica Campisi • Nov. 27, 2018

AP credits offer multiple benefits once students reach college

Pell Grant recipients with AP credits are more likely to earn their degrees in a shorter length of time.

By Linda Jacobson • Nov. 26, 2018