educational leadership Archives

The U.S. had the blueprint for a high-class education–but abandoned it

June 10, 2025 by Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Bessemer City Middle School and William Howard Taft University

The United States was on the path to a great education system, but lost sight of what made its schools inspirational.

In the 1970s, educators and policymakers from across the globe (including from Finland) viewed the United States as a model of forward-thinking education--American schools were well-regarded for their…

COVID in Schools

Unpacking COVID’s lasting academic effects on 5th graders

June 9, 2025June 3, 2025 by Dr. Jason Richardson, Garden City Elementary School and International University of the Caribbean

Educators have been instrumental in helping students regain lost ground and make progress in their academic development after COVID.

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, it forced the closure of schools and a rapid shift to online learning. This unforeseen disruption in traditional education left…

District Management

The cure for the school attendance crisis? Family support and a sense of belonging

November 7, 2025May 21, 2025 by Dr. Shanna Downs, West Georgia RESA

The chronic absenteeism rate has increased post-pandemic--a clear indicator that the problem isn’t letting up any time soon.

Empty seats have become a common sight in our nation’s classrooms. Students are missing school at record-high rates--not because they don’t want to be there, but because significant…

District Management

The business (and busy-ness) of education

November 7, 2025May 15, 2025 by Sean Slade, BTS Spark, America & Ken Simon, Institute for Educational Leadership

Every employee in a people-first culture--schools or business--should feel respected and feel that the company cares for them individually.

We often hear we should run our schools more like a business. It is intended to mean that we become more efficient and that we streamline our efforts…

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

The pros and cons of DEI in education

May 13, 2025 by Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Bessemer City Middle School and William Howard Taft University

Positive DEI efforts in education include thoughtful and inclusive implementation strategies that promote equity and inclusion for all.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have become integral to educational institutions across the United States. DEI aims to foster environments where all students can thrive regardless of…

District Management

The dangers of attempting to ‘Instant Pot’ educational progress

November 7, 2025May 8, 2025 by Christy Hovanetz, ExcelinEd

Right now, K-12 needs a little more tough love--stronger expectations, accountability and leadership for students and their progress.

States aren’t happy with how their students are doing--not well, by all objective measures--but instead of focusing in on long-term solutions, they’re lowering expectations and sweeping those academic…

Teacher Professional Development

The math anxiety equation: How to solve for confidence in math class

May 5, 2025 by Brian Dean, UnboundEd

$To conquer math anxiety, we must first help students believe they are capable learners of mathematics--and that starts with the right PD.$

One of my first vivid memories of math is of timed tests. I still remember how visceral my panic felt--sweaty palms, heart pounding--as I scrambled to recall facts…

Teacher Professional Development

Ethical PD: Doing right by the teachers who do right by the world

April 11, 2025 by Ben Talsma, Van Andel Institute for Education

Ethical PD is a philosophy that puts teachers and their needs front and center, for the benefit of students, communities, and the nation.

Teachers are superheroes. Every day, they rise to the challenge, pouring their hearts into shaping the future. They stay late to grade papers and show up early to…

District Management

Leading (again) in uncertainty

November 7, 2025April 11, 2025 by Sean Slade, BTS Spark

In uncertain times for school leaders, success can be found in moving away from rigid hierarchies to more flexible approaches.

We are again in uncertain times. We again find ourselves dealing with sudden changes and uncertainty. We seem to be in a state of constant change and ambiguity.

District Management

Preparing for the interview season

April 9, 2025 by Steven M. Baule, Ed.D., Ph.D.

Readying for an interview for a new education position involves several key steps that can significantly impact the outcome.

Spring brings not only showers and flowers, but it also brings the opportunity to interview for new education positions. Preparing for an interview involves several key steps that…

District Management

6 ways tech simplifies school communication and engagement

November 7, 2025April 3, 2025 by Lisa Melashenko & Elena Clemente, Alisal Union School District

Districts often struggle with school communicat, but new platforms help ensure the right messages reach the right groups.

As technology trainers, we support teachers’ and administrators’ technology platform needs, training, and support in our district. We do in-class demos and share as much as we can…

District Management

How will schools replace devices bought during the pandemic?

November 7, 2025April 1, 2025 by Dennis Pierce

Edtech leaders are grappling with the question of replacing pandemic devices as millions of student devices near the end of their life cycle.

During the pandemic, thousands of school systems used emergency relief aid to buy laptops, Chromebooks, and other digital devices for students to use in remote learning.

COVID in Schools

Five years on: COVID’s impact on schools–and what’s next for education

March 27, 2025 by Dr. Megan Kuhfeld & Dr. Karyn Lewis, NWEA

Education's next 5 years will be crucial in determining whether we can prevent pandemic learning gaps from becoming permanent for students.

Five years ago this month, the World Health Organization officially labeled COVID-19 as a pandemic. In response, life as we knew it came to a halt, schools were…

Teacher Professional Development

Elevating principals, teachers, and students through shared purpose and leadership

March 25, 2025 by Jacqueline K. Haynes, Charleston County School District

By narrowing the focus, transforming professional development and getting buy-in from stakeholders, low-performing schools can improve.

In Charleston County, South Carolina, a school turnaround initiative designed to enhance teaching and learning at 10 schools on the state’s improvement list has seen remarkable success.

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

The fight for educational equity in the face of federal rollbacks

March 24, 2025March 24, 2025 by Dr. Patricia Burch & Dr. Royel Johnson, USC Rossier School of Education

Now is the time for bold and decisive leadership and action in setting the course for more edtech equity in the education system.

The federal government’s latest move to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in education is not just an ideological shift--it’s a direct threat to decades of progress in…

District Management

K-12 student attendance improves, but interventions are still needed

November 7, 2025March 24, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

While younger students approach pre-pandemic attendance levels, high schoolers remain at risk of chronic absenteeism, according to a survey. student attendance

For the first half of the 2024-25 school year, overall K-12 student attendance rates have improved, continuing the progress seen over the past two years, according to a…

Teacher Professional Development

Key questions that unleash powerful PLCs

March 18, 2025 by Douglas Fisher & Nancy Frey, San Diego State University and Health Sciences High and Middle College

Transforming PLCs for educators means moving beyond ‘What do we teach?” to focus on ‘How do we teach it effectively?’

With today’s clear academic standards, PLCs no longer need to spend precious time deciding what to teach. Instead, they can focus on other questions, starting with, “Where are…

District Management

Transformational leadership: Safe harbors, or turbulent seas?

November 7, 2025February 27, 2025 by Dr. Phil Lambert, University of Sydney

Leaving the sanctuary of a safe harbor is necessary to undertake genuine transformational change in education.

Depending on the starting point, the challenges encountered in making required policy and practice changes can be considerable. Leadership in and for this context is not for the…

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

Only 27 percent of states plan to sustain K-12 digital access as federal programs end

February 19, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

SETDA's digital access report outlines strategies to prevent millions of students from losing internet access and further falling behind.

Only 27 percent of states have plans to sustain K-12 digital access as key federal programs expire, according to a new report from SETDA, the principal association representing…

Education Policy & Funding

Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education

March 12, 2025January 28, 2025 by Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Bessemer City Schools & William Howard Taft University

Advocates for dismantling the Department of Education argue for local control and efficiency, while critics highlight risks to equity, access.

In light of Donald Trump assuming a second presidential term in 2025, conversations concerning dismantling the United States Department of Education have resurfaced.

Digital Innovation

Here’s what will drive K-12 innovation in 2025

January 14, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

The annual research, with a full report coming in February of 2025, highlights transformative changes in K-12 innovation.

AI, learner agency, and digital equity are among a number of factors that can hinder or foster K-12 innovation, according to CoSN's annual Driving K-12 Innovation Top Topics.

Teacher Professional Development

A look at one school’s innovative approach to PD

December 11, 2024 by Laura Ascione

A strong PD framework directly impacts teaching and learning, boosting teachers’ ability to differentiate and personalize their instruction.

In this Q&A, eSchool News chats with Andi Morency, founder and executive director/principal of The Honors Academy of Literature in Reno, Nevada.

District Management

Sailing through adversity: 4 Olympic-sized lessons in educational leadership

November 19, 2024 by Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, Women Leading Ed

Leveraging diverse collaboration and learning from setbacks can propel educational leadership team to success.

When Lara Dallman-Weiss and Stuart McNay set sail together at the 2024 Paris Olympics, they weren't just navigating open waters--they were challenging traditional norms in a sport historically…

Newsline

PRP Group and K20 Connect Partner to Offer Full Suite of Communications Solutions

November 1, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

Los Angeles, CA – PRP Group, a Hawke Media Company, and K20 Connect announced a strategic partnership to provide a ... Read more

Emergency Planning & Response

School-based active shooter drills must improve, minimize trauma

October 14, 2024 by Laura Ascione

A federal order tasks agencies with combating firearms threats and restructuring active shooter drills to cause less trauma to students.

In late September, the Biden administration issued an executive order directing federal agencies to improve school-based active shooter drills, making them more effective and less traumatic for students.

District Management

A new partnership aims to train, supercharge school supes

September 27, 2024 by Mariama Tyler, Cognia

School leaders will have access to just-in-time problem-solving, networking, and learning to usher in new era of education leadership.

School leaders who are members of AASA will soon be able to participate in ongoing engagement, collective problem-solving, and development with a professional community of peers

District Management

K-12 facilities managers eye efficiency, streamlined budgets

September 26, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

Many K-12 facilities managers cite budget constraints and aging infrastructure as concerns in district efficiency and cost reduction.

K-12 facilities managers are emphasizing efficiency and cost savings as they stare down the twin challenges of aging infrastructure and budget constraints, according to a new survey by…

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

Increasing K-12 tech accessibility

September 24, 2024 by Sam Bowman, Contributing Writer

Students need tech knowledge and skills--classrooms need to be equipped with tech tools via tech accessibility and equitable access.

Believing that all students have the same access to technology is a mistake. According to the U.S. Census, 90 percent of American households have a broadband internet subscription,…

District Management

Building meaningful school-home connections to boost attendance

September 19, 2024 by Ian Fish, Alvord Unified School District

Aligning daily operations with a broader strategic vision helps school leaders boost student attendance and strengthen school-home connections

In my role as Assistant Director of Student Services, I've learned that the most crucial factor in improving student attendance isn't about policies or procedures--it's about connections.

District Management

Do high-impact tutoring tools actually offer high-impact tutoring?

August 13, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Edtech companies should adhere to high-impact tutoring design principles that meet funding criteria, particularly post-covid.

Although most online tutoring solutions claim to provide high-impact tutoring, less than one-third follow the design principles for identifying high-impact tutoring, according to a new report.

Educational Leadership

Is imposter syndrome built on a fallacy?

August 8, 2024 by Sean Slade, Alyssa Gallagher, & Max Cooke

Instead of questioning their ability to lead through imposter syndrome, school leaders can reflect on new opportunities to grow and learn.

We have all experienced imposter syndrome at some point in our career. It’s experienced as a feeling or underlying concern that somehow, despite having the job qualifications.

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

The digital divide still holds students back

August 7, 2024 by Laura Ascione

The digital divide persists--access to devices and internet for students with lower family incomes lags that of students with higher incomes.

Students’ access to technology has improved over time, although it continues to vary across family income categories and racial and ethnic groups, according to a new study released today…

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.

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…

District Management

These attendance management strategies can reduce chronic absenteeism

June 28, 2024 by Laura Ascione

High schools and marginalized student groups continue to display higher chronic absenteeism rates, according to a new study.

School districts implementing proactive, consistent attendance interventions saw a 22 percent improvement in chronic absenteeism rates from 2021-22 to 2022-23.

Building & Campus Security

Collaborating with law enforcement to strengthen school safety

June 14, 2024 by Mike Lahiff, ZeroEyes and Robert Kavals, South Side Area School District

Fostering collaboration between schools and law enforcement represents an ongoing commitment to school safety & secure learning environments.

Collaboration between educational institutions and local law enforcement has never been more crucial as parents, students, and staff seek peace of mind amidst rising school safety concerns.

School Management

Five ways school leaders can end the year on a strong note

June 11, 2024 by Timothy Montalvo, Iona University

Ending the school year on a strong note requires school leaders to use careful planning and a focus on fostering a positive school community.

Ending the year on a strong note not only celebrates the achievements of students and staff but also sets the stage for a successful transition into the next…

District Management

Redesigning the educational model after COVID

May 13, 2024 by Michael T. Conner, Ed.D., Riverside Insights

Driving excellence and equity through the "AC" educational model is key for all students to achieve their potential.

With stress, anxiety, teacher retention rates, and curtailing the loss of learning gains, education finds itself addressing compounding factors that are multi-dimensional.

School Management

How school leaders can manage and control emotions

May 10, 2024 by Sean Slade, BTS Spark

Education is a relationship-driven sector; school leaders should not ignore emotions because they are tools that build and grow relationships

We have spent generations being told that our emotions are those things that should be corralled, encircled, and subdued. It has fomented the ideas that we should "leave…

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

How school leaders can foster a culturally responsive framework

May 9, 2024 by Timothy Montalvo, Iona University

School leaders can play a pivotal role in cultivating a culturally responsive environment by employing strategies to do so effectively.

A culturally responsive framework acknowledges and values the cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences of all students, creating an inclusive environment where every learner can thrive.

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