Jessica Cook & Steve Baule, Author at eSchool News

Leveraging AI to help special education teachers

August 2, 2024 by Jessica Cook & Steve Baule

Using AI, special education teachers can improve efficiency and productivity and improve their connections with students.

Because special education teachers consistently identify high levels of paperwork as a regular source of burnout and job dissatisfaction, educational leaders need to look to generative AI tools…

District Management

Creating smart campuses to transform student life

August 2, 2024 by Erin McDannald, Elevated

The rise of smart campuses represents a substantial shift in how we approach education and student well-being

Imagine a school where learning isn't confined to the classroom. The curriculum is adaptive in real-time, and technology is used intuitively to ensure every aspect of student life…

Teacher Professional Development

Addressing student absenteeism with faculty PD

August 1, 2024 by Milt Alexander, Catapult Learning

Effective educator PD focuses on classroom management and behavior strategies and helps educators create safe environments for students.

Chronic absenteeism continues to be a major problem in schools across the nation. In 2022, the average chronic absenteeism rate hit 28 percent--an 88 percent increase from 2019.

IT Innovations

Wi-Fi radiation: Practical steps to implement safer tech in classrooms

August 1, 2024August 1, 2024 by Theodora Scarato, Rob Brown, MD, & Kent Chamberlin, PhD, Environmental Health Trust

Many medical and scientific organizations recommend that schools take prudent measures to limit student exposure to RFR from Wi-Fi.

Although Wi-Fi is certainly convenient, wireless devices emit radio frequency radiation (RFR), considered an environmental issue in today’s classrooms. A growing body of research indicates RFR exposure can…

AI in Education

Salman Khan’s vision of AI-enhanced education in ‘Brave New Words’

July 31, 2024 by Dr. John Johnston, Walden University & Capella University

A new book offers a thought-provoking and timely exploration of AI's potential in education and how learning will change.

Salman Khan’s "Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing)" presents an invigorating and forward-looking vision of the potential for artificial intelligence…

K-12 Cybersecurity

Schools must bolster network continuity as they adopt more technology

July 31, 2024 by Alan Stewart-Brown, Opengear

Online learning requires constant connectivity so students to access learning materials and turn in assignments--and OOB management can help.

Technological innovations have always been a vital aspect of education, with today’s classrooms coming a long way from chalkboards and overhead projectors to the latest in cloud computing…

STEM & STEAM Trends

3 free STEAM education resources to nurture student curiosity

July 30, 2024 by Lisa Gray, Allegheny Valley School District

Engaging STEAM education resources and content in classroom is the first step to inspiring students to explore those career possibilities in the future.

According to the National Math and Science Initiative, STEM education helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fosters communication, and bolsters teamwork.

Classroom Learning

Lifelong learning: Developing skills across all ages

July 30, 2024 by Sam Baule, U.S. Army & Marian University

Teachers have the task of educating students to meet ever-changing standards and instilling lifelong learning through student engagement.

Curiosity is a fountain of opportunity for all educators. Because the world is always changing, there are infinite examples of how to use this to your advantage.

Students with Special Needs

3 strategies to improve attendance for students with disabilities

July 29, 2024 by Dr. Kara Stern, SchoolStatus

In building an equitable blueprint to address chronic absenteeism, an inclusive school experience for students with special needs is critical

For too many students with disabilities, chronic absenteeism prevents them from accessing the equitable education they deserve. Recent data shows students with disabilities miss substantially more school compared…

Education Policy & Funding

Kamala Harris backs teachers unions and LGBTQ rights, blasts book bans in AFT speech

July 29, 2024 by Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat

Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of unions in education at a time when some cast teachers unions as working in opposition to students.

In one of her first speeches since becoming the likely Democratic nominee for president, Kamala Harris delivered a fiery call to teachers and other union members to back…

AR & VR in the Classroom

Integrating VR into your classroom is easier than you think

July 25, 2024 by Sam Schwiebert, Middle School Language Arts Teacher

Integrating virtual reality into classrooms can give students experiences that would otherwise not be possible.

Integrating virtual reality (VR) into your classroom may be easier than you think. With rising demand and innovations in the VR technology space, the present may be the best time…

K-12 Cybersecurity

Privacy and data protection are driving edtech adoption trends

July 24, 2024 by Al Kingsley, NetSupport

The rapid evolution of emerging technologies, coupled with the strain on already-stretched teams, makes urgent data privacy action necessary.

Tech-enabled learning is an educational mainstay and it is top of mind for IT directors as they face shifts in regulation, vulnerability, and best practices in managing student…

Education Policy & Funding

Federal COVID relief dollars improved student test scores, two new studies find

July 23, 2024 by Erica Meltzer, Chalkbeat

There are debates about impact of federal covid relief spending as states and school districts consider which programs to continue.

Did federal pandemic relief dollars improve student achievement? It’s the $190 billion question hanging over American schools as the deadline looms for them to spend the last of…

Digital Learning Tools

How Canva makes my life as an educator easier

July 23, 2024 by India Hill, Ed. S., Elementary Educator

Digital tools and resources like Canva are instrumental in ensuring classrooms are dynamic, connected, and supportive learning environments.

By now, you have likely heard of Canva (if you haven’t, please check out this resource, then come back). A couple of years ago, I was introduced to…

Students with Special Needs

Bringing real-life skills to virtual special education

July 22, 2024July 22, 2024 by Rebecca Jennings, Minnesota Virtual Academy High School

As technology evolves, digital learning tools play an increasingly vital role in special education, helping to create inclusive environments.

As an educator who has been teaching before the COVID-19 pandemic, I have seen firsthand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this mode of instruction.

District Management

Thinking outside the classroom: Creative strategies to combat the teacher shortage

July 19, 2024 by Michele J. Stephens, Rockdale County Public Schools

By implementing innovative strategies to address the teacher shortage, districts can create an appealing career path for educators.

Schools can no longer rely on the same recruitment and retention strategies that have been in place for decades. This crisis has permanently shifted the educational landscape, and…

K-12 Cybersecurity

Why federal-education partnerships are critical for cybersecurity

July 18, 2024 by Gary Barlet, Illumio

Given the constantly changing threat landscape, education must act with urgency and have robust cybersecurity plans in place now.

By providing essential funding, advanced cybersecurity resources, expert guidance, and gathering analytics and data, the federal government can help schools effectively protect against cyber threats.

STEM & STEAM Trends

Can a data literacy program make science more relatable?

July 18, 2024 by Lynn Waldsmith, Michigan State University

The data literacy program introduces real STEM professionals through storytelling, helping students better relate to science and projects.

A data literacy program that’s also changing students’ relationships with science and scientists is entering its third round of funding with a new $1.5 million grant from the…

Student Well-Being

9 ways to honor diversity and cultivate safe learning spaces

July 17, 2024 by Timothy Montalvo, Iona University

Embracing diversity ensures that all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed--here are strategies for educators.

In today's diverse educational landscape, fostering a safe and inclusive environment isn't just a moral imperative--it's crucial for effective learning. As educators, we understand that students thrive academically…

CoSN Corner

Demystifying mobile and broadband speeds

July 17, 2024 by John Parker, CoSN's Digital Equity Dashboard

Understanding mobile and broadband speeds is essential to ensure students have the necessary internet access for learning.

In today’s digital age, understanding mobile and broadband speeds is crucial for school administrators and educators to ensure students have access to adequate internet connectivity.

Digital Learning Tools

5 ways to use technology for classroom creativity

July 16, 2024 by Macy Quinton, Elementary School Teacher

In learning environments that include opportunities for creative activities, students are resilient and confident due to classroom creativity.

Creativity is an essential skill for all students to have. Creative projects help students connect new information to prior knowledge through critical thinking and problem solving.

AI in Education

Can assessments be used to eliminate inequities in education? AI could help

July 16, 2024 by Dr. Mahnaz R. Charania, Former Christensen Institute Fellow

Assessments in education must produce data that enhances opportunities for all learners, and AI could help eliminate inequities.

While the purpose and aspirations of education systems keeps shifting, how schools define and measure student success has not kept pace—a disconnect that’s spurring higher ed’s current admissions…

AI in Education

Enhancing learning through AI and human educators

July 17, 2024July 15, 2024 by Nhon Ma, Numerade

A human-AI approach helps educators create a more inclusive, efficient, and effective educational system to best benefit students.

In the realm of education, the integration of technology--and particularly artificial intelligence (AI)--with traditional human-led instruction is a topic of increasing relevance and debate.

Students with Special Needs

Managing rising student needs under IDEA

July 15, 2024 by Lesley Slaughter, Soliant

With new guidance around monitoring IDEA, districts must understand and address service deficits around students with special needs.

Now accounting for 15 percent of total public school enrollment, the number of students requiring special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) has reached an…

IT Innovations

IoT infrastructure: Smarter students, significant savings

July 12, 2024 by Luis Coton, Allied Telesis

Merging AI with advanced IoT networking technology allows schools to enhance teaching, personalize learning, and streamline operations.

When schools embrace the Internet of Things (IoT) to create a "smart" environment, the benefits extend far beyond energy savings. Research consistently shows that students thrive in optimized…

AI in Education

5 critical priorities for AI in education

July 11, 2024 by SREB Staff

The SREB Commission on AI in Education met to outline AI’s role in education, focusing on AI skill readiness and policy development.

As AI evolves and cements its place in the global economy, educators and stakeholders recognize that in addition to using AI in learning, students will need to develop…

Teacher Well-Being

5 ways to restore your passion for teaching

July 10, 2024 by Ben Talsma & Jamie MacPherson, Van Andel Institute for Education

Summer offers an opportune time to recharge and avoid adding to educators' burnout from a busy teaching year.

Most of a teacher’s time and energy are tied up in the classroom. Throughout the year, we pour ourselves into constructing lessons, exploring new tools, and fostering a…

District Management

From musician to U.S. Department of Education leader: A Q&A with Dr. James Lane

July 10, 2024 by Megan Scavuzzo, Presence

School leadership is largely about inspiring people and making sure everyone is empowered to do their best in all areas.

Running a school district is a lot like conducting an orchestra; it's all about bringing out the best in every player. That’s according to Dr. James Lane, who…

Teacher Well-Being

Teachers’ job stress has improved to pre-pandemic levels–they’re still pretty stressed out

July 9, 2024 by Erica Meltzer, Chalkbeat

As more attention is paid to teacher stress, districts around the country grapple with high turnover and staffing shortages in key areas.

Teachers work more hours and experience more stress on the job than similar working adults. For their trouble, they earn less money on average than other workers whose…

AI in Education

Metrics, not just technology, will determine who gains from AI’s productivity gains

July 8, 2024 by Julia Freeland Fisher

As the market starts to chase the many efficiencies Gen AI promises, here are three trends to watch for education's future with AI.

At the Christensen Institute, we’ve long argued that when a technological innovation emerges, the path it follows is rarely about the technology itself, but about the model wrapped…

AI in Education

NJ unveils resources for using AI in schools as state aims to pioneer innovations

July 5, 2024 by Jessie Gómez, Chalkbeat

Education experts continue to note that safety and privacy concerns should remain a top priority as AI expands in schools.

New Jersey's department of education unveiled a set of resources aimed at helping educators understand, implement, and manage artificial intelligence in schools.

Featured on eSchool News

10 practical and actionable tips for summer learning programs

July 5, 2024 by NWEA Staff

Research highlights summer recommendations for achieving positive student learning outcomes and closing pandemic-related achievement gaps.

Summer learning programs aren't new, but in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued learning loss and student achievement gaps, these programs are on the rise.

District Management

Educator-parent communication doesn’t have to be a struggle

July 4, 2024 by Jeremy Karnik, Social Studies Teacher

Focusing on digital literacy and improving overall educator-parent communication can help create change in the classroom.

When I think about the challenges and tribulations facing us as educators today, none are more urgent, in my opinion, than improving the communication links between educators and…

Digital Learning Tools

5 edtech tools for the statistics teacher (and other teachers, too)

July 3, 2024 by Brent Grahn, Shakopee High School

Finding the right edtech tools is a must when a teacher begins to teach a new class--these are great for statistics teachers and others.

As a high school math teacher who is about to start his first year of teaching AP Statistics, I find myself searching for arrows to add to my…

District Management

Tech investments determine school success

July 3, 2024 by Thomas Pollard, Brother International Corporation

The diversity of printers and printing devices within a district leads to challenges for IT departments and budgetary concerns for schools.

In recent years, school system leadership has been confronted with many complex decisions, ranging from security concerns and public health crises to budgetary constraints and the diverse needs of students, faculty,…

District Management

Taking K-12 education transformation from pipe dream to pipeline

July 2, 2024 by Thomas Arnett, Clayton Christensen Institute & Kelly Young, Education Reimagined

Disruptive Innovation could deliver what young people want and need, now--K-12 education transformation necessitates a change.

Across the U.S., most K–12 schools continue the cycle of pounding a square peg into a round hole. Learners and their families want relevant and engaging learning experiences…

Digital Learning Tools

Lax NYC school cell phone policies put burden on teachers, leave students confused

July 2, 2024 by Amy Zimmer, Chalkbeat

Policies on cell phone bans in NYC schools create confusion for students and a challenging learning environment for teachers to manage.

On its face, the cell phone policy at Forest Hills High School seems clear: Phones cannot be used in school and must be turned off during the day,…

SEL Trends

Putting the “social” back into SEL–and why it matters now

July 1, 2024 by Elizabeth Bruce, Ori Learning

Implementing SEL with a priority on social aspects can contribute greatly to creating a greater sense of belonging for students.

How do we begin to make progress toward reversing disturbing mental health trends? Rebuilding that sense of belonging students reported they lacked during the pandemic is one way.

CoSN Corner

Interoperability is finally getting the spotlight it deserves

June 26, 2024 by Chloe Sanducci, Project Unicorn at InnovateEDU

For a secure data infrastructure, the foundational pieces of data ecosystems must be in place: interoperability, privacy, and cybersecurity.

Implementing interoperability can bring information from edtech tools together to holistically contextualize student learning, allowing educators, schools, and districts to understand their students better and support their paths…

Game-Based Learning

How one high school became a Minecraft powerhouse

June 24, 2024 by Alex Zimmerman, Chalkbeat

Minecraft generally does not have set rules or goals--players can use it to tinker, write code, or build a world--even through a school club.

John Dewey High School senior Jayla Mallette had an unusual request for her teacher after 9 p.m. a few months back. She was so excited about a project…

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