Lessons In Leadership: Pennsylvania principal focuses on school-family relationships to boost opportunities

For Tara Desiderio, increasing inclusivity for an eclectic student body with a variety of individual needs means focusing first on parent communication.

By Roger Riddell • Oct. 19, 2021

Supply chain woes hit school foodservice departments

As national food chain supply shortages hit districts hard, school meal program directors switch up menu plans on a daily basis.

By Anna Merod • Oct. 19, 2021

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 COVID-19 may change the conversation about class size

Some see federal relief funding as an opportunity to finally reduce class sizes so educators can better meet individual student needs.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 18, 2021

Study correlates SROs with increased risk of school firearm discharges, disciplines, arrests

Researchers suggest general safety benefits of SROs come at a "high cost" of exclusionary discipline rates for Black students and those with disabilities.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 15, 2021

How can school districts include family child care programs in pre-K offerings?

Advocates say creating a more cohesive early childhood support system with options for families could help better prepare children for kindergarten.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 14, 2021

Schools look to increase rigor of teacher preparation while still facing shortages

Indiana won’t allow special education emergency teaching permits beginning 2022-23 but will accept teachers actively preparing for full licensure.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 13, 2021

Decade of data shows matching student-teacher race reduced NYC suspensions

White educators are more likely to discipline students of color. Diversifying the teacher workforce and offering bias interventions can combat the trend.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 13, 2021

3 cybersecurity best practices to keep school networks safe as students — and devices — return

An estimated 1,180 cyber-related incidents have hit K-12 since 2016, and an influx of digital tools opens new vulnerabilities as students return in person.

By Roger Riddell • Oct. 12, 2021

3 best-practice approaches for assessing students with disabilities

Results from informal and formal student assessments can help determine effective instructional strategies and individualized supports.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 11, 2021

Wallace Foundation identifies 6 policy areas where lawmakers can support principal pipelines

A report suggests states should adopt approaches offering flexibility and district incentives to launch pipeline initiatives rather than embracing rigid standards.

By Roger Riddell • Oct. 8, 2021

School COVID-19 testing hit with supply chain delays, bandwidth challenges

Federal officials have promised an increase in testing capacity, which helped schools reopen for in-person learning toward the end of the last school year.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 8, 2021

After calls for systemic change, school police debates stall amid safety concerns

Anecdotal evidence shows districts are keeping SROs largely in place, with minor modifications like changes to school police uniforms.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 7, 2021

How can districts protect school boards, administrators as threats grow?

School systems are often reluctant to consider safety precautions for administrative buildings, but threats and intimidation may force the issue.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 7, 2021

How will pandemic learning impact graduation rates long-term?

The latest Building A Grad Nation report suggests no significant drop yet from early evidence, but a lack of sustained state support could lead to declines.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 6, 2021

To boost teacher voice, start with rethinking staff meetings

Embracing bottom-up decision-making can empower teachers, facilitate greater professional development, and improve engagement and retention.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 5, 2021

California is first state to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for students

The requirement goes into effect for the school term immediately following the FDA's full approval of a vaccine for students ages 12 to 15.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 1, 2021

Survey: Teachers more likely to report burnout than other government employees

One expert said as many as 40% of teachers in some states are retiring early as a result of the emotional responsibilities of the job in the current climate.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 1, 2021

CDC reiterates school quarantine guidance as states and districts shorten recommendations

Center on Reinventing Public Education research finds many districts have shortened quarantine periods since the start of the school year.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 30, 2021

7 strategies to prevent chronic absenteeism in the return to school

Low attendance may indicate positive learning conditions are missing and interventions are needed, said panelists during a Wednesday webinar.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 30, 2021

Equity is only possible with quality information

Nevada's state superintendent writes that using data, including assessments, to support student success is critical to ensuring equal learning opportunities.

By Jhone Ebert • Sept. 29, 2021

Lessons In Leadership: How a principal balanced teaching a class while leading through a pandemic

For middle school principal Jessica Cabeen, leadership is all about building authenticity and trust — while also navigating a TikTok challenge or two.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 28, 2021

CDC research finds higher COVID-19 outbreak rates in schools without universal masking

Despite an estimated 1,801 school closures reported this academic year, 96% of public schools have been able to remain open for full in-person learning.

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 28, 2021

Report: Monitoring online student activity may create privacy disparities

Students in lower-income districts using school-issued devices are more likely to be monitored, according to the Center for Democracy & Technology.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 27, 2021

Analysis of 20 large districts finds 90% began school year with teacher shortages

Research shows students who start the year without a permanent teacher learn less, and filling specialist positions remains a particular challenge.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 27, 2021

How districts can support students with disabilities amid school mask debates

As lawsuits make their way through courts, schools should look into each student's circumstances to determine how to customize supports, experts say.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 22, 2021