8 K-12 trends to watch in 2022

Fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing policy pingpong, curricular controversy and more are set to impact schools this year.

By Roger Riddell , Kara Arundel , Naaz Modan , Anna Merod • Jan. 4, 2022

Lessons In Leadership: 6 key takeaways from a year of school leader conversations

In case you missed any of this year's installments, we've highlighted some of the best insights on teacher retention, student engagement and more.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 3, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Teacher and Staff Challenges

Federal policy changes are further complicating K-12 workforce challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, adding to debate over what’s needed to keep teachers and staff in the profession or bring them back.

By K-12 Dive staff

How can school leaders improve instructional observation?

Strategies like co-teaching or observing lessons an educator is particularly proud of can provide a better window into classrooms for effective feedback.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Dec. 22, 2021

Schools encouraged to help students have positive social media experiences

Focus is growing on digital citizenship following social media-influenced threats of violence and acts of school destruction.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 22, 2021

Teacher pay gains national attention after years of educator shortages

Some advocates suggest comprehensive teacher supply and demand data can help districts inform localized recruitment and retention strategies.

By Naaz Modan , Kara Arundel • Dec. 21, 2021

5 ways educators infuse joy into learning

Providing fun, engaging activities and welcoming settings for instruction can boost happiness in classrooms — and learning.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 20, 2021

The issue of school redesign: 'If not now, when?'

The growing burdens facing schools demand a rethinking of how school is designed from the ground up.

By Daniel A. Domenech and Jeff Wetzler • Dec. 17, 2021

New Hampshire lawsuit challenges law on 'divisive concepts' in classrooms

The parent and teacher suit over the ban's constitutionality is the latest to push back against laws drafted by states in response to 'critical race theory.'

By Naaz Modan • Dec. 16, 2021

K-12 to career pathways data can inform practices for current students

Analyzing outcomes data of former students can improve future postsecondary transitions, but the data isn't always easy to find.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 15, 2021

Schools offering hybrid options drop as in-person learning returns to nearly 100%

Only a small percentage of districts still offer remote or hybrid options, counter to parent requests and predictions virtual learning was here to stay.

By Naaz Modan • Dec. 15, 2021

Why student data remains at risk — and what educators are doing to protect it

Outdated laws, abundance of state rules and increase in ed tech tools add to the difficulty in protecting students' personal data.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 14, 2021

What role should parents play in school gun violence prevention?

As the Oxford High School shooting resurfaces familiar questions, experts suggest collaboration, training and legislation.

By Naaz Modan • Dec. 13, 2021

NASSP survey suggests looming 'mass exodus' of principals

Only 35% of respondents "strongly agree" they are generally satisfied as principal of their school, down from 63% in 2019.

By Kara Arundel , Roger Riddell • Dec. 9, 2021

How do the nation's metro areas stack up based on school effectiveness?

A report suggests the findings could help school systems identify effective strategies for pandemic learning recovery.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 8, 2021

How administrators can raise morale as pandemic drags on

An Illinois superintendent recommends being open and frank about challenges, reassessing strategies in play, and finding ways to focus on joy.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 7, 2021

Ed Dept announces communities of practice to accelerate learning, support kindergarteners

The collaborations are designed to push proven practices forward to facilitate student achievement.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 3, 2021

GAO: Hostile behaviors on the rise in schools

Changing OCR guidance caused hesitancy to file complaints, civil rights experts said.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 2, 2021

Research suggests staff shortages hitting low-income districts hardest

A University of Washington working paper finds districts are most in need of substitute and special education teachers.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Dec. 2, 2021

Being Black in Education: Where is the system going wrong?

Evidence demonstrates Black leaders can strengthen achievement and culture — if they get the chance.

By Naaz Modan, Julia Himmel • Dec. 1, 2021

Turning school boards into partisan battlegrounds benefits no one

Communities need to set higher expectations for school boards while equipping those elected to meet them, according to two veteran board members.

By Ethan Ashley and Carrie Douglass • Nov. 30, 2021

AASA launches wellness campaign for district leaders

Stress on administrators has continued to mount this school year as pressures remain around pandemic safety protocols and contentious curricular issues.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 29, 2021

Survey: 48% of teachers considering job change

A third of respondents also reported to Teachers Pay Teachers that they are considering changing careers altogether.

By Naaz Modan • Nov. 24, 2021

Can administrators build bridges amid contentious school board politics?

Despite heightening polarization in some communities, leaders could take steps to help reduce tension and prevent disruptions.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 23, 2021

Superintendent of the Year: Michael Hinojosa, Dallas Independent School District

Laser-focused determination to do what's best for students helped the Texas leader navigate public disputes amid an ongoing pandemic.

By Roger Riddell • Nov. 22, 2021

Principal of the Year: Jessica Cabeen, Ellis Middle School

With unwavering positivity and “unconventional” leadership, a Minnesota principal sets out to help middle schoolers grow academically, socially and emotionally.

By Roger Riddell • Nov. 22, 2021