challenging Archives

Teaching visual literacy as a core reading strategy in the age of AI

January 19, 2026 by Nesreen El-Baz, Bloomsbury Education Author & School Governor

Educators face urgent questions around misinformation, academic integrity, and critical thinking around AI. Visual literacy is key.

Many years ago, around 2010, I attended a professional development program in Houston called Literacy Through Photography, at a time when I was searching for practical ways to…

AI in Education

This math platform leverages AI coaching to help students tackle tough concepts

December 25, 2025 by Laura Ascione

An AI math coaching platform, used as part of a tiered support structure, gives students access to tutoring and homework support.

Math is a fundamental part of K-12 education, but students often face significant challenges in mastering increasingly challenging math concepts.

Curriculum & Assessment

A smarter path to standards-based success: How Superior Public Schools united curriculum and data

December 11, 2025 by Tricia Kuhlmann and Jodi Fierstein, Superior Public Schools

From the beginning, school leaders knew the district's transition to a standards-based curriculum needed to be intentional and collaborative.

Creating consistency between classrooms and ensuring curriculum alignment school-wide can be challenging, even in the smallest of districts. Every educator teaches--and grades--differently based on their experience and preferences,…

Reaching New Heights: Students Share How AI-Powered Math Tools Drive their Progress and Build Confidence

September 22, 2025 by Jeff Festa

Individualized edtech tools are transforming the way students approach math, opening new pathways for deeper understanding, confidence, and achievement. These ... Read more

Profiles in Innovation

With AI coaching, a math platform helps students tackle tough concepts

April 15, 2025April 2, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Math is a fundamental part of K-12 education, but students often face significant challenges in mastering increasingly challenging math concepts.

Tech Transformation: One School District’s Guide to Implementing Interactive Flat Panels

April 30, 2025March 12, 2025 by Jeff Festa

Modernizing classroom technology can be a challenging but rewarding process. Gibram “German” Alvarez, Network Technology Specialist in the IT ... Read more

STEM & STEAM Trends

12 lesser-known K-12 STEM education resources

February 18, 2025 by Laura Ascione

STEM education is shaping the workforce and is equipping students with the tools to question, innovate, and lead in a rapidly-changing world.

As society becomes increasingly driven by and focused on innovation, the demand for critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity has grown significantly. Introducing STEM education at an early age…

Curriculum & Assessment

Embracing a growth mindset when reviewing student data

February 17, 2025 by Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Bessemer City Middle School and William Howard Taft University & Rachel Campbell, Bessemer City Middle School

Gains in confidence, skills, and mindset set the stage for future success for all students--and for a strong growth mindset.

In the words of Carol Dweck, “Becoming is better than being.” As novice sixth grade math and English teachers, we’ve learned to approach our mid-year benchmark assessments not…

AI in Education

We are all digital immigrants now

January 7, 2025 by Steven M. Baule, Ed.D., Ph.D.

In our rapidly evolving generative AI landscape, the concept of being digital natives or digital immigrants is increasingly irrelevant.

In the emerging age of generative AI, the boundaries of digital expertise are being redrawn, reshaping how we interact with technology and redefining what it means to be…

Engaging the reluctant reader: Benefits of gamified learning in literacy education

January 6, 2025 by Content Provided by 3P Learning

Educators see success using digital solutions to meet diverse student needs, and gamified learning can help students master literacy.

On average, about 25 percent of children in the early grades struggle with reading. These students are often reluctant readers because they find the process complicated, and they…

Classroom Management

3 key opportunities to address education’s biggest challenges

November 1, 2024 by Laura Ascione

A new study reveals key areas of opportunity for addressing the most pressing issue facing educators today: student engagement.

While most students say they are eager to learn and say they feel a strong sense of belonging in school, teachers still face challenges that slow improvements in…

District Management

Moving beyond compliance: Building relationships in education

October 30, 2024 by Marcela Andrés, designEDengagement, PBC

When we take time to deeply understand our students and building meaningful relationships, we can make a generational impact in education.

The current system continues to incentivize and pressure teachers to focus on compliance--fitting kids into neat boxes, sticking to standards, and checking off those never-ending lists.

Classroom Learning

Post-pandemic growth is limited, but some populations are progressing

September 3, 2024 by Laura Ascione

An annual report reveals limited and nuanced post-pandemic learning recovery, with some select students and groups making promising gains.

New data reveals limited progress toward pre-pandemic levels of achievement nationally, although specific student populations are challenging these trends, according to the State of Student Learning report.

Teaching Trends

4 ways to balance rigor and fun in the ELA classroom

August 20, 2024 by Hannah Roudebush, Gale/Cengage Group

A former teacher shares key tips to student engagement in ELA: offering a variety of sources, classroom experiences, and ways to show learning

As a former teacher and current teacher trainer, I have seen first-hand how challenging it can be to create English language arts (ELA) lessons that deeply engage students.

Newsline

Annual Survey Highlights Educators’ Embrace of ST Math, Created by MIND Education

July 5, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

IRVINE, Calif. — MIND Education, an organization dedicated to ensuring that all students are mathematically equipped to solve the world’s ... Read more

Digital Learning Tools

Edtech orgs outline quality indicators to vet edtech, AI

June 24, 2024June 24, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Two critical steps must be put into place to reduce the burden of edtech and digital learning product evaluations on schools and educators.

Seven leading edtech organizations have developed a system intended to reduce the burden on schools and educators when it comes to assessing digital learning tools.

Innovation Insights

How PD Can Save Education—Really!

June 5, 2024 by Kevin Hogan

As challenging as the current k-12 education landscape looks, many emerging tools and strategies are constantly coming to market to ... Read more

Teacher Well-Being

Friday 5: Teacher stress

May 3, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Teacher stress has reached overwhelming levels now that schools are back to near-normal after the pandemic.

Educators have never had an easy job, but teacher stress and burnout are at chart-topping levels in schools across the nation.

Student Data Security

It’s not business, it’s personal: Building a culture of trust to protect personal data

April 8, 2024 by Laura Pollak, CoSN Student Data Privacy Committee

A culture of trust encourages and enables the smooth adoption of effective data protection, like those that require multiple steps.

Protecting our privacy and security is challenging. Really challenging. It is also inconvenient, time-consuming, and sometimes frustrating. Forgot your password? Yeah, that’s going to take some time to…

Curriculum & Assessment

How I’m making learning more engaging for my gifted students

February 29, 2024 by Monica Douglas Ed.S., NBCT

With a targeted model and edtech supports, gifted students and those of all abilities will learn and develop critical thinking skills.

Keeping gifted students focused and engaged in learning can be challenging. They complete tasks quickly, are often motivated to dig deeper into a subject, and are prone to…

District Management

Ensure Your District is Data Ready with this Free Playbook

February 1, 2024 by Content Provided by Digital Promise

An effective interoperable data solution will help educators identify and address district opportunity gaps and outcomes.

Unprecedented funding has flowed into districts over the last several years as part of pandemic support and recovery efforts. As a result of this increased investment in technology,…

Students with Special Needs

3 ways to support special education students with college and career readiness

January 5, 2024 by Chad Quesnell, Career and College Readiness Specialist, Eisenhower High School

Special education students should have college and career readiness encouraged, with consideration for learning supports needed for success.

There are more than 140,000 Special Education (SPED) students in the state of Washington. Often, these students don’t have access to the same level of resources that are available to…

Newsline

Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 Uses Rise Vision for Digital Signage Across District

November 21, 2023 by ESchool News Staff

Rise Vision, the #1 digital signage software, is excited to announce the release of its newest case study featuring Indian ... Read more

STEM & STEAM Trends

5 science and technology videos to get students talking

September 28, 2023 by Laura Ascione

With a vast video library and the chance to customize lessons for students, TED-Ed Lessons can be incorporated into all topics and content areas, like on science and technology.

School is back in session, and for many students, that means a major shift from an unstructured schedule to a more regimented school day. It may still be…

Newsline

Scribbles Software Announces “Mass Lottery” Feature to Help Schools and Districts Quickly Manage Complex Lotteries

August 29, 2023 by ESchool News Staff

Charlotte, North Carolina – Scribbles Software, a leading provider of K-12 records and enrollment software, announces significant updates to streamline ... Read more

STEM & STEAM Trends

5 ways to help students struggling with algebra due to learning loss

August 29, 2023 by Henry Price, Senior Manager of Training and Curriculum, The Princeton Review & Tutor.com

Without a strong understanding of algebra, many students find later math studies challenging, particularly in light of pandemic learning loss - high-dosage tutoring may help

Since the pandemic, students have struggled markedly in math, particularly algebra. According to NAEP Mathematics Assessment data, eighth-graders’ algebra scores were eight points lower in 2022 than in…

Students with Special Needs

Mobile app helps students with special needs self-monitor behavior

August 9, 2023 by Abigail Durkin, University of Missouri

A nearly $520,000 grant will help a U. Missouri researcher improve students self-regulation and independence of students with special needs.

When Sara Estrapala started her career as a high school paraeducator supporting students with disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, learning disorders and challenging behaviors, she quickly recognized…

AI in Education

4 exciting ways AI is a game-changer for teachers

December 12, 2023August 8, 2023 by Marcia McInnes, Partner Engagement Lead, Canva

AI has the power to create a more inclusive world by expanding the way students learn--and just as importantly, the way teachers engage and support them

In the world of education, where innovation and creativity are especially vital, technologies with AI-generated content are reshaping teaching and how students learn in surprising ways.

Game-Based Learning

Roblox, PLTW team up for immersive STEM experience

July 19, 2023 by Laura Ascione

Pathogen Patrol — PLTW’s first learning experience on Roblox — gives educators access to new instructional tools for STEM learning.

Immersive learning experiences are all the rage, and for good reason—they engage students and help make challenging concepts a bit easier to learn thanks to they way they’re…

AI in Education

Half of teachers expect AI to make their jobs more challenging

December 12, 2023July 6, 2023 by Laura Ascione

New survey reveals notable gaps in the education sector’s readiness for the deployment and teachers' use of AI-powered software in classrooms

A majority of teachers and administrators in a recent survey believe artificial intelligence (AI) will have a significant impact on teaching and learning--but that impact may not be…

STEM & STEAM Trends

5 fun STEM videos for hard-to-engage students

May 31, 2023 by Laura Ascione

These TED-Ed Lessons and STEM videos can help educators encourage students to explore different STEM education topics.

STEM education is a critical topic for all students, but it's also notoriously difficult to engage students in STEM topics--particularly as the content becomes more challenging. But with…

IT Innovations

How to make secure K-12 digital transformation a reality

May 23, 2023 by Bob Turner, CISO for Education, Fortinet

IT staff are crucial to safeguarding a school's assets, but all employees can and should be accountable for cybersecurity.

The pandemic was a massive shift for school districts across the country, and even as we move out of it, we’re still feeling the impact. On the technical…

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

3 supports for educators implementing restorative justice practices

May 8, 2023 by Miles Davison, Research Scientist, NWEA

Educators can play an active role in the development and implementation of restorative justice programs

Educators are embracing restorative justice practices to facilitate safe and relational school environments and address inequities in school disciplinary practices. Research-based guidance offers insights on how to structurally…

Digital Learning Tools

Take a peek inside this teacher’s Escape Room learning challenges

May 1, 2023 by Laura Ascione

A high school educator's interactive Hunger Games-themed escape rooms require students to complete gaming-style learning challenges to unlock the next activity

Escape rooms are engaging for people of all ages—they require durable skills such as creativity, critical thinking, determination, and the ability to work in groups to solve challenges.

Teacher Professional Development

How to use micro-coaching for teacher PD

April 19, 2023 by Dr. Donna Spangler, Department Coordinator of Coaches, Derry Township School District, Sibme Virtual Coach

The teacher shortage is creating a troubling trend surrounding teacher PD and other professional development needs.

The United States is experiencing a national education shortage of teachers leaving the profession in droves, coined “The Great Resignation” due to high anxiety, burnout, safety concerns, low…

STEM & STEAM Trends

STEM learning offers unique rewards, despite challenges

March 29, 2023 by Laura Ascione

STEM education is a valuable contribution to schools' education mission and a doorway to opportunity for a diverse student cadre. Stem learning is critical.

The positive impacts that U.S. public schools and their communities enjoy from STEM programs were underscored in a new survey conducted among some of the nation’s leading middle…

Students with Special Needs

7 ways to make homework easier for students with autism

March 28, 2023 by Vladimir Kogan, Founder, Nevada Autism Center

For educators and parents working with students with autism and students with special needs, here are some strategies to implement when assisting them with homework

Homework can be challenging for all children, but for those with autism, it can be challenging. It is common for children with autism to have difficulties with executive…

ELL

How to help ESL students improve writing skills

January 30, 2023 by Lesley Vos, Contributing Writer, eSchool News

It's a challenge to learn a language, but ESL students are brave enough to accept it--and you have instruments to help them along the way.

Learning a new language is challenging, requiring a student to master four basic skills--listening, reading, speaking, and writing--from scratch. And it becomes even more challenging for ESL learners.

School Management

Is now a good time for a reset?

January 23, 2023 by Dr. Ben Klompus, Vice President of Impact and Innovation, Professional Education, Relay Graduate School of Education

A reset is different from long-term planning--it's a focused initiative from school leaders with a meaningful impact in a short period of time

At this time of year, I hear a common refrain from school leaders I know: 1) This work is challenging, 2) We have a plan for student success,…

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