How 90-day plans shape the beginning of a successful school year

While the strategy can look different across schools and districts, four K-12 leaders share why the 90-day model works in setting the tone for a new year.

By Anna Merod • Aug. 21, 2023

Schools using nonpunitive approaches to tackle chronic absenteeism

Compliance-driven attendance policies are being replaced by trauma-informed practices and family engagement activities.

By Kara Arundel • Aug. 15, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Learning Loss

Our latest K-12 Dive Trendline takes a closer look at how educators are addressing learning loss, as well as achievement trends and developments. 

By K-12 Dive staff

Maryland awards $3M to combat racial disproportionality in special ed

The funds will target overidentification of students of color who are classified as having intellectual and emotional disabilities.

By Kara Arundel • Aug. 14, 2023

4 ways educators can manage back-to-school anxiety

The new school year brings new beginnings, new opportunities — and, sometimes, new concerns.

Aug. 14, 2023

Montana scores rare federal testing waiver in favor of through-year assessment

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said the waiver will encourage more schools to participate in the field test while maintaining rigorous standards.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 11, 2023

Charter school funding averages 30% less than traditional public schools

Charter schools in major cities received, on average, $7,147 less per pupil during the 2019-20 school year, a new study finds.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 9, 2023

4 ways schools are rethinking building design

From charging stations for electric vehicles to true-to-life CTE spaces, schools are transforming physically, school architecture experts say.

By Kara Arundel • Aug. 8, 2023

Montessori method has ‘strong and clear’ impact on student performance

Students make positive math, literacy, academic ability and executive function gains in particular, according to a meta-analysis of 32 studies.

By Kara Arundel • Aug. 8, 2023

Pop Quiz: Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news

From school construction concerns to a Senate committee’s FY24 education spending proposal, what did you learn from our stories the week of July 31?

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 4, 2023

4 ways schools are approaching nontraditional postsecondary pathways

Several organizations are helping to support high school students as they look ahead — whether the goal is a four-year degree or not.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 2, 2023

How a Washington school district built community trust with a wellness center

The H.U.B. in Medical Lake School District offers free coffee, 1-on-1 time with administrators and essential mental health resources.

By Kara Arundel • Aug. 2, 2023

Enrollment, funding, supply chain issues throw wrench into school construction projects

Schools are having to delay or alter facility projects as market forces balloon total project costs beyond what was initially budgeted or agreed upon.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 2, 2023

Equity in IDEA: The rising challenge of significant disproportionality

School leaders seek solutions amid ballooning racial disparities among students with disabilities.

By Kara Arundel • Aug. 1, 2023

Nation’s first religious charter school challenged by public school advocates, parents

Plaintiffs claim the school approved in June by the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board would discriminate when it opens in fall 2024. 

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 1, 2023

Equity in IDEA: Finding solutions to racial disproportionality in special ed

Efforts to remedy overrepresentation of students with disabilities takes time and collaboration with general education, experts say.

By Kara Arundel , Shaun Lucas , Julia Himmel • Aug. 1, 2023

Equity in IDEA: Why racial disparities are increasing in special ed programs

A nearly 100% increase in the number of districts identified as significantly disproportionate is causing school leaders to examine data and practices.

By Kara Arundel , Shaun Lucas , Julia Himmel • July 31, 2023

For the sake of our children’s learning, let’s embrace the spirit of rebellion

A district curriculum director writes that educators and students must be empowered with high-quality instructional materials to transform learning.

By Kelly Carvajal-Hageman • July 26, 2023

1 in 5 low-income children reported an adverse childhood experience in 2021

These levels are nearly identical to those reported by the CDC in 2019, the last time NHIS survey results were released.

By Naaz Modan • July 24, 2023

6 actions for closing racial gaps in schools

Strengthening early literacy, increasing instructional time and providing wraparound services are among strategies recommended by McKinsey & Co.

By Kara Arundel • July 21, 2023

Leaders share 3 approaches to developing principal pipelines

Education leadership experts detailed their best practices in fostering the next generation of principals through three programs in Georgia and Hawaii.

By Anna Merod • July 21, 2023

How can schools get ahead of staff vacancies?

Florida principal Adam Lane suggests improving school culture is a central pillar to turning around recruitment and retention.

By Anna Merod • July 20, 2023

GAO: USDA’s Foods in Schools program needs systematic improvements

Challenges faced by the program, which provides 15% to 20% of foods used in school lunches, include delivery issues and price fluctuations.

By Naaz Modan • July 19, 2023

These 3 strategies are key when creating a school-based wellness center

Two Pennsylvania high school leaders shared lessons learned for improving school mental health services with a trauma-informed approach.

By Anna Merod • July 18, 2023

English learner grad rates rose steadily prior to the pandemic

Despite the gains, ELs’ 71% graduation rate lagged behind the 86% graduation rate for all students in 2019-20.

By Naaz Modan • July 18, 2023

How a failing Arizona middle school dodged a state takeover

Two school leaders from Isaac Middle School share key strategies implemented to improve the Title I school’s culture and performance.

By Anna Merod • July 17, 2023