School Models

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    Opinion

    How can we create the conditions to inspire young leaders to say ‘yes’ to teaching careers?

    Innovative staffing models may be part of the solution, writes the executive director of Teach For America Bay Area in California.

    By Beatrice Viramontes • Jan. 15, 2026
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    StockPlanets via Getty Images
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    Poll shows most teens oppose classroom cellphone bans

    Despite teens' perceptions, states and districts say the restrictions lead to better teacher satisfaction and improved school climate.

    By • Jan. 15, 2026
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    "Freshman Orientation" by Phil Roeder is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Trendline

    Social-Emotional Learning

    Our latest K-12 Dive Trendline takes a closer look at how educators are addressing social-emotional learning amid pushback from policymakers and ongoing demand from employers.

    By K-12 Dive staff
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    How ‘open mic’ activities can improve writing, social skills

    Involving students in planning and fostering a supportive environment can encourage even the most reticent to participate, one expert says.

    By Ed Finkel • Jan. 14, 2026
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    izusek via Getty Images
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    Positive school climate tied to better student attendance

    Chicago middle and high schoolers with fewer absences had higher test scores, the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research finds.

    By • Jan. 13, 2026
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    Increasing rates of student loneliness present challenge for schools

    One researcher suggests stronger support for social-emotional learning is needed to address the issue for all students.

    By Ed Finkel • Jan. 12, 2026
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    Week In Review: From Head Start to Texas teachers, K-12 hits the courtroom

    We’re rounding up last week’s news, including ESEA waivers and key trends to watch in 2026.

    By • Jan. 12, 2026
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    Michael Ciaglo via Getty Images
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    School shootings dropped in 2025. Here’s what to know for 2026.

    With school shootings reaching their lowest count in five years at 233, a school safety expert urges realistic prevention practices in the new year.

    By • Jan. 12, 2026
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    Deep Dive

    6 trends to watch for K-12 in 2026

    Enrollment concerns, growing school choice competition, data privacy and new federal policy priorities are among a slew of challenges facing public schools.

    By , , • Jan. 8, 2026
  • Elizabeth Mirabelli and Lori Ann West
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    Retrieved from Thomas More Society on January 06, 2026
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    Should schools reveal students’ LGBTQ+ identity to parents? Teachers to ask the Supreme Court to decide

    A legal battle in California could determine whether parental notification of student pronoun and name changes is constitutional.

    By • Jan. 7, 2026
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    Courtesy of U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono
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    Opinion

    Private school choice threatens public school experiences, says EdTrust CEO

    Public funding for students and schools must be protected to preserve equitable learning opportunities, Denise Forte writes.

    By Denise Forte • Jan. 5, 2026
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    LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

    5 lessons learned from top school administrators in 2025

    We’re highlighting key insights on ed tech adoption, remediation services, community engagement and more from this year’s conversations.

    By • Jan. 2, 2026
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    Week In Review: K-12 Dive Awards and AI’s march in curriculum

    We’re rounding up last week’s news, from a report on teens’ pronoun usage to milk in school lunches.

    By • Dec. 22, 2025
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    Retrieved from Superintendent Ryan Walters.
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    Oklahoma Supreme Court strikes down controversial social studies standards

    The standards were already on pause, but the court ruled this week that the state board of education violated the law in creating and adopting them. 

    By • Dec. 19, 2025
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    Fewer than half of transgender, nonbinary youth report others use their pronouns

    Data released by The Trevor Project shows a lower suicide risk for students whose pronouns were used. In some states, policies make it a challenge.

    By • Dec. 18, 2025
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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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    Dive Awards

    The K-12 Dive Awards for 2025

    Whether they’re driving postsecondary pathways, district marketing strategies or school turnarounds, these leaders are raising the bar for K-12.

    By , • Dec. 16, 2025
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    Permission granted by Iowa City Community School District
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    Dive Awards

    Superintendent of the Year: Matt Degner, Iowa City Community School District

    This district leader focuses on making academic programs unique as he strives to set his school system apart at a time of growing competition for students.

    By • Dec. 16, 2025
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    eranicle via Getty Images
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    Bill in Congress aims to ban seclusion, limit restraint in schools

    In addition to improving student safety, the reintroduction of the Keeping All Students Safe Act would increase transparency and oversight.

    By • Dec. 16, 2025
  • A principal is pictured standing among students, speaking to them as they use an embroidery machine in a commercial art course.
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    Permission granted by Pierre Orbe
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    Dive Awards

    Principal of the Year: Pierre Orbe, DeWitt Clinton High School

    One educator’s unplanned detour from medical school into education led to a turnaround for one of New York City’s most storied high schools.

    By • Dec. 16, 2025
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    Permission granted by Beaverton School District
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    Dive Awards

    District of the Year: Beaverton School District

    The Oregon district has taken career and technical education, dual language programming and cost-saving school transportation to new heights.

    By • Dec. 16, 2025
  • A teacher sits at a desk while virtually instructing students through a laptop. The teacher is in an empty classroom with rows of chairs flipped upside down on top of students' desks.
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    Jon Cherry via Getty Images
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    School reopenings after pandemic linked to decreased mental health challenges

    District leaders should weigh infection risk and the need for socialization and other school resources in closure decisions during future crises, a study says.

    By • Dec. 12, 2025
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    The scientific method: It’s not just for science anymore

    The same exercises in logic and reason can extend to assignments in the social sciences, humanities and more.

    By Ed Finkel • Dec. 10, 2025
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    Week in Review: Superintendents’ job satisfaction and the status of education degrees

    We’re rounding up last week’s news, from a major ed tech data security settlement to the latest on a federal school voucher program.

    By • Dec. 8, 2025
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    Vanessa Nunes via Getty Images
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    STUDY HALL

    Here’s what to know about the federal early learning Head Start program

    Head Start, which serves nearly 800,000 children ages birth through 5, is the "launchpad for future leaders and strong communities," says NHSA.

    By • Dec. 8, 2025
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    John Moore via Getty Images
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    Most superintendents satisfied with job, despite the stress and demands

    Nearly 6 in 10 plan to stay in the superintendency over the next five years, an increase from 2010, according to AASA's mid-decade survey of district leaders.

    By • Dec. 4, 2025
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    Alex Wong via Getty Images
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    Districts report enrollment drops amid heightened immigration enforcement

    A larger-than-expected dip in Los Angeles reflects "the realities our immigrant families are facing," Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said.

    By • Dec. 4, 2025