Missouri Makes the Most of Student Data

Last week, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), in partnership with SAS, launched the Missouri Data Visualization Tool (MO DVT), a web-based application that offers easy-to-use reports and analysis on academic performance, including achievement and growth data aggregated by subject, year, and grade. MO DVT was created in response to stakeholder questions about interpreting and using Missouri Growth Model data.

I was able to get into the weeds with Missouri Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven & Dr. John White, VP of SAS Education Visualization and Analytics Solutions (EVAAS) to discuss the genesis and strategic goals of the MO DVT, the integration with Missouri’s broader educational strategies, and how quality data is improving decision-making in Missouri schools.

According to both Margie and John, the tool allows educators to access longitudinal data on student performance, track progress over time, and identify areas for improvement. It provides insights at both individual student and group levels, enabling teachers to tailor instruction to meet diverse student needs. Additionally, it supports decision-making at the policy level by analyzing academic impacts, such as the effectiveness of a four-day school week.…Read More

An alarming number of educators are jumping ship

Key points:

While finding their work meaningful, a majority of education professionals experience burnout above the national average, according to a recent study. In fact, more than 20 percent plan to switch to a related field and more than 30 percent look to change careers altogether. 

Soliant, a healthcare and educational staffing company, published the report to help the industry better understand and address educator burnout, staffing challenges, and opportunities facing U.S. schools. …Read More

Crunch the Numbers: New data on student tech use; Chromebook predictions; and the impact of pandemic relief funds

Qustodio today released their 5th Annual Report, offering valuable insights into children’s digital habits across 2023. “Born connected: The rise of the AI generation”, reveals the app use and technology habits of children aged 4-18, detailing trends in screen time, social media and communications, mobile gaming, online entertainment, learning tools, and for the first time in the report’s history, use of artificial intelligence tools.

Qustodio’s report, involving over 400,000 families and schools, studies the popularity of apps and platforms used by children around the world, with further insights into habits in major world markets, including the US, UK, France, Spain, and Australia. In addition to revealing children’s favorite apps and platforms of 2023, the study also investigates the time invested over the year, detailing children’s screen time on popular apps such as TikTok, YouTube, Roblox, and Snapchat.

The extensive report also features surveys and interviews with families actively involved in their children’s digital wellbeing, giving insight into how parents and guardians navigate parenting in an increasingly online world and the tools they use to keep their children safe as technology, the internet, and artificial intelligence evolve at a rapid pace.…Read More

iCEV Recognizes Putnam County Schools as the District’s Student Becomes the 100,000th Certification Earner on the iCEV Testing Platform

Lubbock, TX – Putnam County Schools in Tennessee is recognized by iCEV, a leading producer of Career & Technical Education (CTE) curriculum, industry certification testing, and data management, for having the 100,000th certification earner on the iCEV Testing Platform.

Serving more than 12,000 students across 22 schools, Putnam County Schools has long been recognized as a leader in promoting equitable access to CTE programs and career opportunities. In Putnam County Schools, CTE courses are aligned to relevant industry certifications that will help earners begin successful careers.

“It’s important that we provide equal access to all of our students,” said Jaclyn Vester, CTE Program Director for Putnam County Schools. “We want to make sure all of our students are leaving with the tools they need to be college and career ready.”…Read More

3 data management considerations for district leaders

Key points:

As data analytics comes of age for the K-12 sector, educators are increasingly turning to data insights to help identify students’ learning abilities and areas of opportunity, enhancing operational efficiencies, and helping teachers’ professional development. Naturally, administrators are often enticed to engage powerful, enterprise-grade solutions like PowerBI or Tableau. After all, if it’s good enough for a Fortune 500 company, it’s good enough for a school district, right? 

Not so fast.…Read More

SchoolStatus Announces Acquisition of SchoolNow, Enhancing Its Communication Capabilities for K-12 Schools

Ridgeland, Mississippi – SchoolStatus, a leader in K-12 data-driven solutions that empower student success, today announced the acquisition of  SchoolNow, a unified digital publishing platform for K-12 that streamlines how schools engage families and their communities.

SchoolNow combines ADA-compliant websites, mobile apps, social media, text, voice, and email into an all-in-one system created to broaden and deepen the school experience with families. Through this acquisition, SchoolStatus will be able to integrate SchoolNow’s comprehensive communication capabilities into its student success platform designed for K-12 educators and leaders. Users of the SchoolStatus platform will be able to easily create and update their website—the most important owned communication asset for districts. 

“SchoolNow is an excellent addition to our recently launched student success platform, SchoolStatus, as both companies share the common goal of solving schools’ biggest challenges in communication and making it easier for schools to connect and engage with families,” said Russ Davis, CEO and founder of SchoolStatus. “Integrating SchoolNow’s technology will further allow SchoolStatus to offer our district partners the leading solutions for improving student achievement and attendance—delivering another piece of the puzzle.”…Read More

Here’s how to protect schools from cyberattacks in 2024

Key points:

Identity theft and data breaches are on the rise and K-12 schools are one of the biggest targets. In fact, from 2016 through 2022, there have been more than 1,600 publicly reported cybersecurity-related incidents at K-12 public schools, affecting millions of current and former students. And now in 2024, it’s reaching a crisis point. Exposure of private information can have long-term impacts for not only schools, but for the students they serve. 

It’s why the nation is now taking a closer look at data vulnerabilities in K-12 schools. In late 2023, the Federal Communications Commission proposed a $200 million program to gather data on schools’ cybersecurity and firewalls, to examine how we can best protect students, teachers and schools. It’s largely in response to the recent influx of ransomware gangs targeting K-12 schools. As cyberattacks against schools continue to increase in severity, schools must take it upon themselves to implement extra protections against online threats. …Read More

Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Key points:

  • AI is a powerful catalyst for enhancing teaching effectiveness in many ways
  • AI augments teaching by offering real-time insights, and fostering PD
  • Discover more about why AI in education is essential for learning

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of education, ushering in a new era of innovation and transformation. AI technologies are reshaping traditional educational models, offering innovative tools that adapt to individual student needs, streamline administrative tasks, and provide valuable insights through data analytics. From intelligent tutoring systems to immersive virtual reality experiences, AI is transforming how knowledge is imparted and acquired. While the potential benefits are immense, there are also ethical considerations, concerns about data privacy, and challenges associated with equitable access.

This dynamic interplay between technological advancement and educational evolution underscores the significance of understanding and harnessing the impact of AI to create a more adaptive, inclusive, and effective learning environment.…Read More

What is the Impact of AI on Education?

Key points:

The impact of AI in education is profound, revolutionizing teaching and learning. AI’s personalized learning, streamlined administrative tasks, and data-driven insights reshape the educational landscape. Let’s explore how AI transforms classrooms, empowers educators, and prepares students for a future driven by technological advancements.

What is the impact of AI on education?

In looking at the future of AI in education, it’s essential to first address AI’s impact on education. AI’s impact is transformative, introducing innovative changes across various facets of the learning experience. Personalized learning, powered by AI algorithms, tailors educational content to individual student needs, fostering deeper comprehension and engagement. AI streamlines administrative tasks, such as grading, allowing educators to focus on interactive teaching methods and personalized interventions. Intelligent tutoring systems provide real-time feedback, contributing to a more proactive approach to learning. Data-driven insights from AI analytics inform teaching strategies, enabling educators to optimize learning outcomes.…Read More

What are the Benefits and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Education?

Key points:

The integration of AI in education brings both benefits and risks. While AI enhances engagement, personalizes learning, and provides valuable insights, concerns arise regarding data privacy, ethical considerations, and the potential impact on human interaction in the educational process. Striking a balance is crucial for its effective implementation.

What are the benefits of artificial intelligence in the education sector?…Read More

Role of AI in Education

Key points:

  • AI in education stands as a catalyst for creating more accessible learning
  • AI brings transformation to education, enriching teaching and learning experiences
  • Discover more about why AI in education is essential for learning

AI is enhancing the learning experience, personalizing instruction, and fostering innovation. In classrooms worldwide, AI tools analyze student data to tailor lessons based on individual needs, ensuring a more adaptive and effective approach to teaching. Intelligent tutoring systems provide instant feedback, guiding students through personalized learning paths.

AI also facilitates the development of virtual learning environments, offering immersive experiences that engage students in interactive and dynamic ways. Moreover, AI assists educators in administrative tasks, allowing them to focus more on personalized instruction. As the landscape evolves, AI in education stands as a catalyst for creating a more accessible, inclusive, and efficient learning environment.…Read More