Report: Climate change literacy, early childhood focus shaping STEM in 2020

Other factors trending in STEM include a more comprehensive approach to tech and a growing interest in computer science, 100Kin10 finds, but a persistent shortage of teachers remains a hindrance.

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 24, 2020

FETC 2020: Are you ready for a middle school revolution?

Middle school has a reputation as a tough period for students and teachers, but Georgia administrator Derek McCoy says it doesn't have to be that way.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 17, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

STEM

From AI to quantum physics, STEM learning opportunities in K-12 are expanding to keep pace with related fields.

By K-12 Dive staff

FETC 2020: Better PD through design thinking

The method allows educators to successfully craft lesson plans that integrate tech as a means to an end rather than the core component, speakers said.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 16, 2020

FETC 2020: District shares tips, benefits for launching student-run IT help desk

A student technology internship program made a 1:1 tech transformation in New York's Webster Central School District possible while giving students valuable skills and practical experience.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 15, 2020

6 K-12 districts to watch in 2020

Where some see gains with student success and technological innovation, others continue to face takeover threats and lawsuits.

By Linda Jacobson , Roger Riddell , Naaz Modan • Jan. 13, 2020

NY district launches facial recognition technology after addressing privacy concerns

The tech has been met with pushback over issues related to student data privacy and false identification in districts nationwide.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 8, 2020

5 K-12 trends to watch in 2020

New approaches to assessment, concerns over security and privacy, and reimagining what defines classrooms and instruction are among factors that will drive education in the coming year.

By Linda Jacobson , Roger Riddell , Naaz Modan • Jan. 6, 2020

Recent school ransomware attacks highlight need for ongoing vigilance

At least two such attacks have been reported so far in 2020, with the number of publicly disclosed incidents climbing to 745 since 2016 as schools become increasingly valuable targets by hackers.

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 3, 2020

Districts can deploy tech-savvy students to support IT staff

Allowing students to put skills to practical use and earn industry certification can also alleviate the burden on strained school and district IT staff. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 2, 2020

How to emphasize, teach and use computational thinking

Once aligned to coding and computer science, the skill can be woven into other areas of curriculum and assessment.

By Lauren Barack • Dec. 18, 2019

Girls Take Flight program recruits San Diego high school girls to pilot drones

The program's biggest challenge has been finding female drone pilots to teach, as experts say having women role models is key to getting more girls in STEM.

By Lauren Barack • Dec. 18, 2019

Senators' K-12 Cybersecurity Act would mandate national study of school practices

If passed, the legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a review of K-12 cybersecurity programs and develop guidelines and resources to strengthen them.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 18, 2019

Recapturing 'the human element' in the classroom

Charter school teacher Sarah Kiesewetter argues 1:1 device programs are robbing students of the opportunity to engage in discourse and learn patience.

By Sarah Kiesewetter • Dec. 18, 2019

Research: Students of color at greatest risk for facial recognition errors

An MIT Media Lab study finds the tech misidentifies darker-skinned females — a group disproportionately impacted in school discipline — 35% of the time.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Dec. 16, 2019

Schools use tech to battle absenteeism with engaging lessons, data

Fully confronting the issue, however, requires addressing root causes often related to poverty and homelessness, experts say.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Dec. 16, 2019

FCC E-rate updates don't include cybersecurity funds

The latest modernization of the program makes some improvements, but doesn't go as far as many stakeholders had hoped.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Dec. 12, 2019

Only one-third of rural California households have home internet access

Low-income families are most likely to lack internet access because the additional payment is a financial burden.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Dec. 10, 2019

Innovator of the Year: Sophia Mendoza, Los Angeles Unified School District

The LAUSD Instructional Technology Initiative director is credited with a top-to-bottom restructuring of PD in the nation's second-largest district following a troubled tech rollout.

By Naaz Modan • Dec. 9, 2019

4 pillars of a successful co-ed coding team

Leigh Frishman of the Killeen Independent School District in Texas shares how his school's competitive coding team engages girls and boys and builds troubleshooting and analytical skills.

By Leigh Frishman • Dec. 6, 2019

Survey: Most educators find research hard to access

The growth of research-practice partnerships is one effort to bridge the gap, experts say.

By Linda Jacobson • Nov. 21, 2019

3 reasons ed tech needs more educator input

Liz Boyles, director of information services for an Illinois district, says other districts also benefit when school leaders think of ways to improve tech tools.

By Liz Boyles • Nov. 18, 2019

Amazon enters teacher-created resource trade with Ignite

Teachers often sell their lesson plans and resources as a way to supplement income, but the market has been dogged with copyright concerns.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 15, 2019

Senate bill would require schools to monitor student social media

The ACLU says the bill goes too far and is an invasion of privacy, while the Brennan Center for Justice has found little evidence monitoring tools are effective.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 14, 2019

3 things middle school teachers should know about Generation Z and the role technology plays in their lives

What role do educators truly play in student technology use? We surveyed 3,000 students to find out.

Nov. 12, 2019

SETDA urges lawmakers to embrace policies increasing school broadband speeds, access

While most schools now have broadband at a minimum recommended speed of 100 kbps, the organization suggests fully supporting ed tech tools requires a minimum of 250 kbps.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 8, 2019