District leaders need clear strategies to successfully manage change

Change requires an intentional approach and ways to measure implementation.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 21, 2018

The right PD can be a game changer for educational equity

District leaders participating in equity-focused professional development describe it as "racial awakening." Here's how such a revelation helps students. 

By Christina Vercelletto • Aug. 20, 2018

Some states measuring student engagement as school success indicator

New research suggests No Child Left Behind ultimately had a negative impact on students' engagement in learning.

By Linda Jacobson • Aug. 20, 2018

From NCLB to ESSA: moving toward student-centered assessments

ESSA has presented states with the opportunity to adapt how they evaluate student progress throughout the year and in traditional end-of-year assessments.

By Jessica Leigh Brown • Aug. 20, 2018

NCLB revision became ESSA — same thing, different day

A Nashville principal who testified before the Senate HELP committee on NCLB revisions says a lack of true change comes at the detriment of students, teachers.

By Susan Stone Kessler, Ed.D. • Aug. 20, 2018

Study: Preservice teachers more successful when placed with highly rated educators

When cooperating teachers in Tennessee had high observational and value-added ratings, so did the beginning teachers who gained student teaching experience in their classrooms.

By Linda Jacobson • Aug. 20, 2018

Students of color in low-poverty, diverse schools still face achievement gaps

A new report lays out goals, strategies and approaches for school leaders to advance the achievement of all students in diverse schools. 

By Christina Vercelletto • Aug. 20, 2018

Social-emotional learning can address a variety of student needs, expert says

The long-term benefits of social-emotional learning include better jobs, increased civic engagement and decreased criminal activity.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 20, 2018

Tech may be just what the doctor ordered for teacher sick days

Like snow days before them, sick days for teachers ultimately may be cured by classroom technology.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 17, 2018

Poll finds most Michigan residents want changes to school funding

The state is among several that have been re-examining funding formulas in recent years.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 17, 2018

How can administrators make the most of PD time, funds?

Strategies include involving teachers in training around topics they have experience in and keeping individual sessions to a half-hour, with recordings available afterwards.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 17, 2018

Should states mandate full-day kindergarten attendance?

Research shows full-day kindergarten increases academic gains, but few states fund or require it.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 17, 2018

Food hardship presents persistent problem for districts

Mississippi tops the nation in hardship, with almost 26% of households with children lacking the money needed to buy food.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 16, 2018

Illinois survey highlights lack of kindergarten preparedness

The findings, based on teacher observations of students’ skills and behaviors, also reveal that 42% of students statewide are not prepared in any developmental category at all.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 16, 2018

Number crunching — and lots of listening — can bridge achievement gap between students of color

A Chicago principal is showing that administrators can make a significant difference in impacting educational success for black boys in particular.

By Christina Vercelletto • Aug. 16, 2018

Survey shows trend toward more self-directed professional learning

Project Tomorrow's Speak Up Survey shows teacher preferences for face-to-face professional learning conferences declined to 40% in 2017.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 16, 2018

Encouraging self-care can help avoid teacher burnout

Curriculum designers must support teachers — not just helping them to refresh their academic skills, but also with their personal needs.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 15, 2018

Digital literacy no longer an option in curriculum

The complexities of navigating online sources have made learning how to be responsible digital consumers and creators an academic imperative.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 15, 2018

Book clubs can help comprehension blossom among students

Pairing students together can boost academic scores as well as social-emotional learning.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 15, 2018

How to teach 9/11 when most students were born after the tragedy

Resources that gather firsthand accounts and historical footage are key to connecting students with the tragic events of that Tuesday in 2001.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 15, 2018

How to avoid pitfalls in personalized learning programs

A five-year project to bring personalized learning to San Diego's Vista schools had its ups and downs, with attendance gains as the most positive result.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 15, 2018

Video games continue to see academic value rise

Getting students onboard with using video games for learning is easy, and direct play isn't necessarily required to reap benefits.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 15, 2018

For rural schools, finding STEM resources requires creative connections

New technology, grants and partnerships can fill the gaps for these remote schools.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 15, 2018

Study: High-pressure school mandates eventually stall gains

Stringent accountability like that of NCLB can discourage educators from trying new approaches, but principals should encourage teachers to be a school's chief innovators.  

By Christina Vercelletto • Aug. 15, 2018

Leading a project-based learning focus requires new approaches

PBL is among leading instructional models but necessitates a new style of school leadership.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 15, 2018