Schools have struggled to add learning time after COVID–here’s how one district did it
School leaders floated the idea to lengthen Cicero 99’s school day before COVID hit, but the proposal took on greater urgency when educators saw how the pandemic set students back in reading and math.

Big Deals—Khan Academy Boosts National Civics Bee, AI Tackles Campus Safety, and Stanford Offers Online Math
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation this month announced the launch of the 2024 National Civics Bee. The competition is expanding to 27 states for the 2023-2024 school year, tripling its reach from nine states last year. Students may apply…
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4 thought-provoking videos about education
In education, there is no shortage of debate. Conversations around proficiency, assessments, grading systems, and professional development are all too familiar.
Why diversity and STEM education are critical to our future workforce
STEM allow us to push the boundaries of innovation, enabling people to step foot on the moon, develop lifesaving health care, and advance clean forms of energy. We also have STEM to thank for how we live.
As teens rethink college and career options, counselors are trying to adapt
When students come into Danielle Insel’s college and career advising office with their sights set on higher education, she has a checklist of next steps ready. For years, around nine out of 10 kids fell into that camp, she estimates.
4 simple ways to put the science of reading into practice
In districts across the country, educators are continuing to support students with post-pandemic learning recovery. Many students are still reading below the level appropriate for their grade.
Demystifying the role of the school board director
In the often stormy waters of public education, there’s an analogy I like to use to describe what school boards do: I think of each school district as being a ship–not a smaller size boat, but more like an ocean liner.
3 ways educators leverage gamification strategies
When teachers turn a lesson or tough-to-teach concept into a motivational gamed or use a fun competition to teach new concepts, students become immersed in their learning and are often more engaged.
Teacher shortages bring to mind the saying ‘necessity is the mother of invention’
“Fueled by teacher shortages,” we’re told in a recent article in The74, “Zoom-in-a-Room” is making a comeback. If this is the case, although it’s better than the alternative—no teacher at all—it’s also a missed opportunity for deeper innovation.
5 essential digital learning reads
Digital learning is a critical component of what happens in today’s classrooms. Edtech tools, connected learning experiences, and 21st-century skills all play a role in preparing students for the future.
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How immersive technology can empower students (and teachers) to learn
Immersive, experiential technology is transforming how both students and teachers learn. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR and VR) provide deeper engagement, opportunities for collaboration.
6 benefits of immersive learning with the metaverse
The metaverse is a tool that blends experiences typically associated with either the virtual or physical worlds. It can deliver greater immersive learning for students while also creating some new and exciting teaching opportunities. For educators, it is crucial to not only understand what the metaverse is and its uses within education but to also realize the benefits of immersive learning with the metaverse.
