day Archives

An early childhood classroom: Supporting emotional well-being amid everyday challenges

September 24, 2026 by Jennifer Fernandez and Lynnette Cornett, School Specialty

Simple design choices can turn sensory overload into calm, predictable learning spaces in early childhood well-being.

Early childhood classrooms are seeing a clear shift. Young children are starting school feeling increasingly worried and overwhelmed compared to years past.

K-12 Cybersecurity

Why K-12 cybersecurity education needs practice, not just awareness

September 14, 2026 by Paul Cuffe, GetIntoCyberJobs.com

K-12 cybersecurity education can do is help students build habits that remain useful as technology changes.

Students are already making cybersecurity decisions every day. Giving them a list of rules is not the same as teaching them how to recognize a threat.

Education Policy & Funding

Public schools at the starting line: Beginning a new pathway with scholarship granting organizations

August 14, 2026 by Dr. Harold Jeffcoat, Van Buren School District

Scholarship funds from SGOs can be used for qualified expenses, which include academic tutoring and special needs services and supports.

For the first time, a federal tax credit is opening a clear path for public school students to access expanded learning opportunities through Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).

College and Career Readiness

WorkKeys is lowering the bar on student proficiency

July 16, 2026 by Christy Hovanetz, Ph.D, ExcelinEd

Allowing WorkKeys to substitute for ACT proficiency does not redefine success; it lowers the bar for what counts as proficient.

School accountability systems measure whether students are mastering the academic standards states expect them to teach and signal where additional support is needed. Education is one of the largest budget…

AI in Education

The best time to be a teacher: Leading with AI and technology in the age of personalized learning

July 14, 2026 by Dr. Harold Jeffcoat, AASA, The School Superintendents Association

Teachers shouldn't fear that AI and advancements in technology will diminish their expertise--instead, they amplify it.

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and an unprecedented explosion of information, public education stands at a pivotal and exciting crossroads.

District Management

Learning doesn’t happen by accident–it starts with consistency and communication

June 25, 2026June 25, 2026 by Dr. Mike Ryder, Hardyston Township School District

A student’s school experience can shift dramatically--not just from year to year but from classroom to classroom each day. They may feel seen and encouraged by one teacher,…

District Management

Don’t wait for September: Reach students now, when it matters most

June 19, 2026 by Dr. Josha Talison, Ecorse Public Schools

Changing how educators reach out to students, and focusing on community support, can prove invaluable in fighting absenteeism.

Here is a lesson for you: If you wait until the first day of school to address attendance, you've already lost the battle.

District Management

Engaging K-12 families over the summer

June 10, 2026 by Dr. Kara Stern, SchoolStatus

The school communications calendar between May and September is a single arc, and districts that use this window well have a genuine head start.

It’s easy to connect with the families who show up in September already invested: responding to messages, attending events, kids showing up on time. In most cases, building…

Edtech Trends

Beyond the ban: Rethinking cell phone policies in schools with smarter solutions

May 29, 2026May 29, 2026 by Taki Skouras, Cellairis

Schools can implement systems and policies that allow for access to student devices while limiting their use during instructional time.

Across the country, educators, parents, and policymakers are struggling with a question that schools can no longer afford to avoid: What role should cell phones play in today’s…

Emergency Planning & Response

How comprehensive school safety planning protected our teachers and students

May 19, 2026 by Gregory Vaughn, S.L. Mason Elementary School, Valdosta City Schools

Why in-building coverage is a lifeline for school safety

When people outside of education talk about comprehensive school safety planning, it can sometimes sound theoretical: a checklist of protocols or a compliance exercise.

ELL

Oracy is the missing link for multilingual learners

May 7, 2026 by Nesreen El-Baz, Bloomsbury Education Author & School Governor

When oracy is embedded, students move from answering to reasoning, from participation to contribution, and from silence to voice.

For multilingual learners, language is not just a subject to be learned--it is the very medium through which they access the curriculum.

Student Data Security

The hidden cost of fragmented student data in K–12 schools

May 1, 2026 by Aruna Adoor, SchoolCues

Addressing fragmented student data is not just an operational improvement--it directly impacts the school-home connection

In many K–12 schools today, fragmented student data has quietly become one of the most significant barriers to effective decision-making and day-to-day operations. While digital tools have expanded…

STEM & STEAM Trends

Boosting student engagement on World Math Day

March 20, 2026 by Sheila Robitaille, Educator and Administrator

$World Math Day builds lesson practice in a gaming environment and is very effective in helping students build a love for learning.$

If you’re feeling a bit sluggish (rightly so), most likely your students are. It may not feel like they are the prime audience for learning about multiplication, division,…

Newsline

Celebrating Teachers: Nominate Outstanding Educators for Crystal Apple Awards

February 17, 2026 by ESchool News Staff

School Specialty, a leading provider of learning environments, instructional solutions, and supplies for preK-12 education, is proud to celebrate outstanding educators with its 12th annual Crystal Apple Awards.

College and Career Readiness

Building pathways to purpose: How we can empower students for an uncertain future

February 15, 2026February 9, 2026 by Dr. David Dimmett, Project Lead the Way & Lisa Dughi, NAF

Students who receive exposure to career pathways through district and community partnerships have a better chance of professional success.

One day, something clicked for Jacob Griffin's students. Mr. Griffin, a teacher at the NAF Academy of Engineering at Southeast Raleigh High School in North Carolina, found that…

Online & Hybrid Learning

Teaching might be synchronous, but learning is always happening asynchronously

December 8, 2025 by George Philhower, Ed.D., Eastern Hancock Schools

Real student engagement happens in the head of the learner, and that's harder to quantify when analyzing synchronous or asynchronous learning.

The bell rings at 10:00 a.m. A teacher begins explaining quadratic equations. Some students lean forward, pencils ready. Others stare at the clock. A few are still turning…

Literacy

From momentum to endurance: Scaling structured literacy with implementation science

December 1, 2025 by Kimberly Stockton, Ed.D.

When it comes to structured literacy, implementation science is a roadmap for translating the science of reading into instructional routines.

When districts adopt evidence-based practices like Structured Literacy, it’s often with a surge of excitement and momentum. Yet the real challenge lies not in the initial adoption, but…

Teaching Trends

Teaching isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up–here’s how to do that

October 14, 2025 by Gelisa Patin, Plaquemine High School

At its heart, teaching and education are about reflecting, leaning on others, and always opening doors for all students.

When I walked into my first classroom almost a decade ago, I had no idea how many “first days” I would experience--and how each one would teach me…

Classroom Management

3 steps to build belonging in the classroom

August 27, 2025 by Brandy Arnold, Wayfinder

Establishing classroom norms with students isn’t just about managing behavior; it’s about creating a culture of trust and support.

The first few weeks of school are more than a fresh start--they’re a powerful opportunity to lay the foundation for the relationships, habits, and learning that will define…

AI in Education

Growing AI use in school PR leads to roadmap for responsible use

November 7, 2025August 18, 2025 by ESchool Media Contributors

New guidance reinforces that AI is most effective when paired with human oversight and school communication rooted in trust.

A new collaborative report from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) and engagement platform ThoughtExchange reveals a swift rise in the use of AI in K-12 communication…

How Clearfield Elementary Connected Reading, Attendance, and Joy

September 18, 2025July 31, 2025 by Jeff Festa

At Clearfield Elementary, increasing reading engagement wasn’t just about books—it was about improving student attendance and creating a culture that ... Read more

Literacy

Beyond formulas: Embracing complexity in writing instruction

July 8, 2025 by Brett Stamm, University of Southern Mississippi & Tiffany Larson, University of Central Oklahoma

Through thoughtful design and teaching, students can become flexible and skilled writers able to tackle the challenges of writing instruction

Early in our careers, when we were fresh-faced and idealistic (we still are!) the prepackaged curriculum and the advice of more experienced colleagues was the go-to resource.

Teacher Well-Being

The unseen connection between student absenteeism and teacher burnout

May 22, 2025 by Dr. Michelle Fry, SchoolStatus

Despite clear links between absenteeism and teacher burnout, most educators lack real-time access to data for timely interventions.

The current education crisis isn't just about the need to support student academic recovery--it's also about teacher retention. As districts nationwide struggle to keep classrooms staffed, many fail…

Literacy

Lights, camera, literacy: Student-created book reviews inspire a global reading culture

May 12, 2025 by Nesren El-Baz, ESL Educator

Video book reviews give students the opportunity to express themselves in meaningful ways--and increase engagement in reading.

When students become literacy influencers, reading transforms from a classroom task into a global conversation. Recent studies show that reading for pleasure among teens is at an all-time…

Featured on eSchool News

One word, meaningful impact: Creating classroom culture through collective dialogue

May 5, 2025 by Jacob Shiffrin, Relay Graduate School of Education

Small but powerful language adjustments represent a fundamental mindset shift in how educators approach engagement and classroom culture.

Having conducted well over a thousand observations of K-12 teachers over the last 10 years, I have noticed there is one piece of feedback I have given more…

Takeaways from CoSN2025: Human Leadership in a World of AI, Part 1

April 7, 2025April 7, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

The 2025 Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) Annual Conference went down last week in Seattle, bringing together district technology leaders, ... Read more

COVID in Schools

COVID still casts a shadow over American school boards

March 28, 2025 by Erika Cohen, Chalkbeat

Schools and school board debates can only be productive when people practice civility, which didn't always happen during COVID.

During the seven years I served on the Derry School Board in New Hampshire, the board often came first. During those last two years during COVID, when I…

Students with Special Needs

As World Autism Day nears, here’s how to support neurodiverse students

March 27, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Embracing neurodiverse abilities and supporting students with autism in the classroom fosters a culture of empathy, respect, and acceptance.

The number of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities is on the rise, specifically attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

College and Career Readiness

8 questions every student should ask before choosing a college

March 20, 2025 by Michael N. Yates, CSAEd, CSAEd-HRL, CSAEd-SC, Canisius University

College choice is about more than just academics--it’s about finding a place where students can grow, succeed, and feel at home.

With College Decision Day approaching, students are bombarded with information--rankings, brochures, campus tours, and advice from every direction.

District Management

Education renovation: Transforming classrooms and districts through an HGTV lens

November 7, 2025March 3, 2025 by Kelly Carpenter, Gananda Central School District

Education renovation isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about creating districts and systems that truly work for all learners.

At a time when schools can be limited by obsolete teaching methods, inequitable policies, and uninspiring school cultures, we should aspire to rehab the features of an antiquated education…

Digital Innovation

CoSN outlines trends, challenges in K-12 innovation

February 26, 2025 by Laura Ascione

It's time for leaders to reflect, collaborate, and take steps in K-12 innovation to create learning environments where all students thrive.

A new annual report from CoSN outlines the challenges, mega-trends, and tools set to impact education innovation in 2025--and for the first time, the report also highlights key…

AI in Education

A virtual reality, AI-boosted system helps students with autism improve social skills

February 14, 2025 by Mike Krings, KU News Service

An immersive, authentic experience blends extended reality and real-world elements of AI to help students with autism build social skills.

For more than a decade, University of Kansas researchers have been developing a virtual reality system to help students with disabilities, especially those with autism spectrum disorder, to…

Student Well-Being

Expanded learning can improve student well-being

February 13, 2025 by Chris Murphy, Elevo

Out-of-school time programs increase student engagement and help them prepare to succeed in school and thrive in life.

Out-of-school time (OST) programs have received a lot of attention over the past few years as districts across the country continue to address the lingering effects of pandemic-related…

Advancing digital equity through teacher leadership

May 18, 2026February 3, 2025 by Content Provided by Digital Promise

In today’s digital world, a teacher leader must have the skills and knowledge to effectively use technology to enhance student learning.

Meaningful opportunities for teachers to build expertise and leadership beyond their classroom add to a sense of professionalism and fulfillment. In an age when the role of technology…

How 3 Districts Are Reimagining High School and the Future of Work

June 4, 2025February 2, 2025 by Jeff Festa

To prepare high school students for the future of work, forward-thinking district and school leaders across the Digital Promise ... Read more

Durable Skills

Design thinking in the 21st century is an imperative

January 22, 2025 by Gabriel Eisenbacher, Minnewaska Area Schools

Incorporating design thinking into classrooms is not just an educational trend, but a transformative shift educators need to make.

Love it or hate it, many teachers have seen just how much technology has changed the landscape of education. Within this rapidly changing landscape, teachers have taken on…

Edtech Trends

Break out the VR and the 3D printers for real-world relevance

December 31, 2024 by Susan Gentz, K20Connect

3D printers and immersive technologies can go a long way in helping students link classroom learning to real-world careers.

The era of COVID-19 brought about the largest boom in school makerspaces seen to date. Makerspaces have the ability to help students consider career pathways and interests they…

Edtech Trends

Skibidi anarchy: Post-pandemic classroom technology

December 30, 2024 by John Jennings, eSpark Learning

Digital learning tools can help meet legitimate classroom needs and appeal to students in ways that meet students where they are.

Today’s kids are built differently. It’s the number one recurring theme in conversations with educators at every level, from the classroom to the district office. It’s not just…

Teaching Trends

Turning classroom boredom into student brilliance

December 27, 2024 by Jon Oosterman, Learning Specialist, Van Andel Institute for Education

Educators can use boredom in the classroom to their advantage by tailoring their content to meet student needs.

As someone who began teaching in middle school, I’ve had plenty of firsthand experience dealing with boredom in the classroom. Most educators will recognize the signs.

AI in Education

Does AI think like your students?

December 25, 2024 by Dr. Steve Ritter, Carnegie Learning

The true revolution lies in using AI to empower and elevate the minds of our students--here's how to navigate that path.

Over the last 30 years, I have witnessed the evolving landscape of AI in education. Many early AI efforts were focused on using computers to model human thinking…

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