School Models

Trust, cultural responsiveness key to strengthen school-parent relationships

As in-person learning and pre-pandemic routines rebound, families and educators are seeking to maintain new connections and repair any fractures.

By Kara Arundel • Jan. 20, 2022

States easing substitute teaching requirements to soften shortage impacts

While encouraged by recent state-approved solutions, experts worry how ongoing substitute shortages will continue to harm students, staff.

By Anna Merod • Jan. 20, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Social-Emotional Learning

Our latest K-12 Dive Trendline takes a closer look at how educators are addressing social-emotional learning amid the mental and emotional health concerns of the pandemic.

By K-12 Dive staff

95% of teachers say mentors make a difference for students

A national survey of teachers finds 82% report mentoring improves academic outcomes, and 83% said it imparts skills that support success.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 19, 2022

How de-escalation strategies can reduce disruptive classroom behaviors

Using specific approaches matched to the phases of a classroom behavior crisis cycle can help schools prevent or respond to intense situations.

By Kara Arundel • Jan. 19, 2022

5 principals to watch in 2022

These school leaders are rising to the occasion on inclusive and equitable education, strong and consistent communication, school culture and more.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 18, 2022

Schools expand credit recovery to keep students on track for graduation

Personalizing and growing credit recovery options are among popular nontraditional approaches districts have supported with relief funding.

By Kara Arundel • Jan. 12, 2022

Black and male teachers score lower on observations despite similar qualifications

Research from Vanderbilt University found racial gaps in observation scores were larger in schools where Black teachers were racially isolated.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 11, 2022

5 superintendents to watch in 2022

These administrators' track records and outlooks toward top issues facing K-12 and the challenges ahead make them key players to keep an eye on.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 10, 2022

Decade of data highlights SEL best practices from 20 districts

Collaborating Districts Initiative participants found ways to expand and sustain SEL amid leadership and budget changes — and improve student outcomes.

By Kara Arundel • Jan. 7, 2022

3 inclusive education myths busted

A district assistive technology specialist writes that removing barriers for diverse students requires overcoming pervasive narratives in learning.

By Jamie Maier • Jan. 6, 2022

Survey: Parents' top concern is political involvement in K-12

Parents want themselves and educators — not politicians — involved in their children’s education, according to a survey from nonprofit Learning Heroes.

By Anna Merod • Jan. 6, 2022

Omicron, staff shortages interrupt in-person school

Several large school systems are pivoting to remote learning as they balance health concerns with keeping students on track academically.

By Kara Arundel • Jan. 5, 2022

Can texting parents improve school attendance?

Texting offers an effective and inexpensive way to communicate, but school leaders should first evaluate their needs, resources and goals.

By Kara Arundel • Jan. 4, 2022

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

4 tips to help improve COVID-19 testing in schools

When developing a testing system to keep students in school during the pandemic, K-12 leaders suggest one key is to support school nurses.

By Anna Merod • Dec. 23, 2021

4 areas of focus to drive the future of education

With education at a crossroads, one expert writes that it's imperative to "keep driving" to expand educational access and opportunity.

By Christopher Thomas • Dec. 21, 2021

Will Bloomberg's $750M charter donation move the needle on public ed?

Charter advocates say the money will help build new schools, while some experts don't think the donation will cause a seismic shift.

By Anna Merod • Dec. 20, 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

Public school enrollment drops continue during second year of pandemic

Shift to homeschooling and private and charter schools suspected, while decline in pre-K and kindergarten rolls persist.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Dec. 17, 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

What lessons can schools learn from national parks?

Adopting audience-centered strategies used by park rangers during tours can help educators shift to student-centered learning models.

By Lauren Barack • Dec. 15, 2021

Century Foundation report calls for bilingual ed funding boost, policy shift

Author: States and school districts have often "treated ELs’ linguistic diversity as an obstacle or liability to be overcome" rather than a benefit.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Dec. 14, 2021

Survey reveals financial shortfalls of school meal programs caused by pandemic

Districts need more financial help alongside extended USDA waivers to stay afloat, school food service directors say.

By Anna Merod • Dec. 13, 2021

Districts embrace test-to-stay policies as CDC explores effectiveness

Experts agree the approach, layered with other safety measures, can be a successful COVID-19 mitigation strategy for schools. 

By Anna Merod • Dec. 10, 2021