K-12 Archives

K-12 districts are fighting ransomware, but IT teams pay the price

October 10, 2025 by ESchool Media Contributors

Recovery times are improving, and ransomware payments are falling, but K-12 IT staff burnout and stress are on the rise.

The education sector is making measurable progress in defending against ransomware, with fewer ransom payments, dramatically reduced costs, and faster recovery rates.

AI in Education

AI, CTE are key to preparing students for future careers

October 8, 2025 by ESchool Media Contributors

Rising educator confidence in CTE and growing urgency for AI tools that build--not bypass--students’ essential skills.

Educators are embracing AI and career and technical education (CTE) as keys to preparing students for their future after high school, according to the 2025 Savvas Educator Index…

Curriculum & Assessment

Why critical data literacy belongs in every K–12 classroom

October 2, 2025 by Evan Shieh, Young Data Scientists League

Critical data literacy is essential to help students navigate cultural nuance, question assumptions, and collaborate across disciplines.

An unexpected group of presenters--11th graders from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago--made a splash at this year’s ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency (FAccT).

Top 10 Reasons K-12 Schools Should Upgrade to Windows 11 with Lenovo

October 2, 2025October 1, 2025 by Vcarlson

K-12 schools face a perfect storm: Exploding cyber threats, the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline, and the need for modern educational ... Read more

District Management

I asked students why they go to school–this answer changed how I design campuses

November 7, 2025September 30, 2025 by Enrico Giori, Chalkbeat

Students should be included in shaping the school environments they spend most days in--after all, they're a critical piece.

In February of 2023, I was leading a visioning workshop with a group of middle schoolers in Southern California. Their energy was vibrant, their curiosity sharp. We began…

Smarter, Safer, and Future-Ready: A K-12 Guide to Migrating to Windows 11

September 24, 2025September 23, 2025 by Jeff Festa

K-12 schools are entering a pivotal moment for technology planning. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for ... Read more

K-12 Cybersecurity

Districts eye proactive cyber threat protection as risks increase

September 22, 2025 by ESchool Media Contributors

CoSN recommendations help schools and district align cybersecurity priorities with areas of need to protect students and information.

Cybersecurity threats to K-12 schools are growing in frequency, sophistication, and cost, yet many school districts remain under-resourced and underprepared, according to the CoSN 2025 State of EdTech District…

Literacy

4 tips to help older K-12 readers

September 17, 2025 by Miah Daughtery, EdD, NWEA

Middle schoolers and older readers will encounter interdisciplinary subjects that play a unique role in their developing literacy skills.

Teachers are noticing that older readers need ongoing support to read materials used in their classrooms. In a study commissioned by the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund…

Classroom Management

New research highlights the importance and challenges of K-12 student engagement

September 11, 2025 by ESchool Media Contributors

Student engagement plays a vital role in learning, but educators continue to face uncertainty about what engagement looks like.

While there is wide agreement that student engagement plays a vital role in learning, educators continue to face uncertainty about what engagement looks like, how best to measure…

Newsline

Catapult Learning is Awarded Tutoring Program Design Badge from Stanford University’s National Student Support Accelerator

August 26, 2025 by ESchool News Contributor

The recent development of large language models like ChatGPT has opened new possibilities for the implementation of computer-based tutors.

Organization recognized for excellence in high-impact tutoring design and student achievement gains PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 25, 2025 – Catapult Learning, a division of ... Read more

School Management

The complex dynamics of principal turnover in modern educational institutions

August 22, 2025 by Dr. Jason Richardson, Garden City Elementary School & the International University of the Caribbean

Leadership stability during principal turnover plays a crucial role in maintaining a consistent and experienced teaching staff.

The departure and replacement of school principals represents one of the most significant organizational changes within educational institutions, creating ripple effects that permeate every aspect of school operations.

Student Well-Being

Mental health screeners help ID hidden needs, research finds

August 21, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

The latest prototype of a DESSA risk screener enabled early identification of hidden mental health risk factors among middle school students.

A new DESSA screener to be released for the Fall ‘25 school year--designed to be paired with a strength-based student self-report assessment--accurately predicted well-being levels in 70 percent…

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…

Teaching Trends

The power of instructional intent statements in assignment design

August 18, 2025 by Steven M. Baule, Ed.D., Ph.D.

Weaving instructional intent statements into assignment design represents a shift toward more transparent, student-centered pedagogy

In education--and particularly with my graduate students in higher education--students occasionally focus on the individual points of an assignment rubric instead of stepping back and looking holistically at…

Digital Literacy

Lessons from DENSI: Weaving digital citizenship into edtech innovation

August 12, 2025 by Dr. Stephanie J. Madlinger, Discovery Educator Network (DEN)

As edtech tools enable new paths to digital citizenship, innovative AI and collaborative tools form new learning experiences.

A few weeks ago, I had the thrilling opportunity to immerse myself in the 20th anniversary of the Discovery Educator Network (the DEN), a week-long journey that reignited…

AI in Education

Data, privacy, and cybersecurity in schools: A 2025 wake-up call

July 30, 2025 by Rishi Raj Gera, Magic Edtech

In the rush to embrace AI, schools must not lose sight of their responsibility to protect students' data and privacy from shadow AI tools.

In 2025, schools are sitting on more data than ever before. Student records, attendance, health information, behavioral logs, and digital footprints generated by edtech tools have turned K-12…

AI in Education

How to avoid cognitive debt by building critical thinking skills

July 29, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Clear instruction, critical dialogue, and process-focused assignments help students use AI in ways that help avoid cognitive debt.

As AI tools become increasingly embedded in K-12 education, they offer personalized learning, real-time feedback, and access to information at unprecedented speed.

AI in Education

National AI training hub for educators to open, funded by OpenAI and Microsoft

July 25, 2025 by Norah Rami, Chalkbeat

More than 400,000 K-12 educators across the country will get free training in AI through a $23 million partnership between a major teachers union and leading tech companies.

School Management

Navigating back-to-school anxiety: A K-12 success guide

July 24, 2025 by Dr. Jason Richardson, Garden City Elementary School & the International University of the Caribbean

Building strong support networks within the school community significantly reduces back-to-school anxiety levels.

As the 2025-2026 academic year approaches, experiencing anxiety about returning to the classroom is a natural response to change that affects everyone differently.

Innovation Insights

eSchool News Live @InstructureCon25

July 23, 2025July 23, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

Spokane, Washington, may not be the first place you think of when downloading some of the biggest edtech news of ... Read more

K-12 Cybersecurity

Rethinking K-12 cyber strategies amid federal budget cuts

July 21, 2025 by Gary Barlet, Illumio

Incremental but intentional steps to strengthen cyber hygiene help school districts improve their security posture and realize savings.

The recent suspension of the K-12 Cybersecurity Government Coordinating Council marks a pivotal shift in how the nation’s public school systems manage cybersecurity.

AI in Education

Gen Z educators embrace AI tools more often than Gen X

July 16, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Overall, U.S. educators say AI tools have enhanced classroom engagement, but want clearer guidance on its use in learning.

While educators demonstrate enthusiasm for AI’s efficiency and accessibility benefits--especially younger educators--they also have a desire to preserve the human element in teaching and a demand for clearer…

Teacher Professional Development

The Tennessee Educational Technology Association: A blueprint for success

July 9, 2025 by Simon Weller, UDT

For K-12 professional organizations, a commitment to professional growth and support benefits school districts as edtech evolves.

Since its official founding in 1994, the Tennessee Educational Technology Association (TETA) has been a driving force in uniting K-12 leaders across the state, championing the advancement of…

Live @ ISTE 2025

North Carolina District Wins ISTE 2025 Distinguished Award for AI Leadership and Parent Engagement Innovation

July 10, 2025July 8, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

Kimberley Thompson-Hairston, Director of Instructional Technology and Media for Stokes County Schools and Chad Stevens, Head of K-12 Engagement for ... Read more

AI in Education

AI tools that support learning–not cheating

July 2, 2025 by Laura Ascione

The key to responsible use of AI tools lies in choosing tools designed to aid understanding, not undermine it by encouraging cheating.

As technology evolves, education is experiencing a dramatic transformation--and AI is a big part of it. From personalized practice questions to interactive explanations, many education-focused AI tools are…

Live @ ISTE 2025

Showfloor News: Gale and ConnectEDD Publishing focus on PD

July 1, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Gale, part of Cengage Group and ConnectEDD Publishing have partnered to bring the professional development (PD) resources of best-selling author, leadership ... Read more

Live @ ISTE 2025

Showfloor News: West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional SD focuses on student data, achievement

June 30, 2025 by Laura Ascione

In a first of its kind agreement, New Jersey’s West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District (WWP) announced a new partnership with Otus, the leading ... Read more

AI in Education

New partnership trains Michigan teachers for AI innovation

June 27, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

The collaboration will support AI readiness in schools via the state’s existing network of instructional and educational technology coaches.

A new partnership between Michigan Virtual and the AI Education Project (aiEDU) will position Michigan for successful innovation opportunities within the AI in education space.

COVID in Schools

Family engagement is critical to COVID academic recovery

June 26, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Family engagement is essential to mitigating COVID-related learning challenges--and its impact extends far beyond test scores.

Family engagement is an essential part of continued COVID recovery, but is often misunderstood when education policy is formed, leading to a lack of involvement from families, caregivers,…

Newsline

Otus Awarded Practitioner-Informed Design Product Certification from Digital Promise

June 25, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Chicago (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Otus, the leading K-12 assessment, data, and insights solution, has been awarded the Practitioner-Informed Design product ... Read more

School Management

Reversing the absent trend: A school’s community-powered comeback

June 25, 2025 by Dr. Jason Hall, New Brighton Elementary School

Family engagement is key to counteracting chronic absenteeism, attendance challenges, and boosting academic success.

Since the global pandemic shut down schools and forced students to learn remotely, chronic absenteeism has more than doubled in schools nationwide. Our elementary school is no exception.

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

Bridging the digital divide to empower the youngest learners

June 19, 2025 by Dr. Melanie Johnson, Collaborative for Children

In Greater Houston, where nearly half of children start kindergarten unprepared, Collaborative for Children is taking bold steps to close the digital divide, beginning with our youngest learners.

Profiles in Innovation

Wearable tech helps students overcome central vision challenges

June 15, 2025June 13, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Smart devices help students combat central vision loss, improving their reading and writing performance in the classroom.

Central vision loss--a condition that impairs the ability to see objects directly in front of the eyes--can have profound academic and social impacts on K-12 students.

Teaching Trends

4 ways to help students disagree without being disagreeable

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

Students must learn to handle disagreements with curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking--teachers can help them learn to disagree.

As an educator, I believe that for students to truly develop a healthy and flexible learning mindset, they must first learn how to disagree without being disagreeable.

Catapult Learning is Approved to Provide High-Dosage Tutoring in Massachusetts Elementary and Secondary Schools

June 10, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

PHILADELPHIA – Catapult Learning, a division of FullBloom that provides intervention programs for students and professional development solutions for teachers in ... Read more

Classroom Management

How we designed a space where our students connect, collaborate, and flourish

June 6, 2025 by Jade Stevens, LA Promise Fund and Westbrook Academy

Our charter school, Westbrook Academy, has been serving middle and high school students in the South Los Angeles area for the past six years and stands as a…

Teacher Well-Being

Teacher stress levels have surpassed pandemic-era highs

June 6, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Student behavior challenges, low compensation, and administrative demands are driving teacher stress, burnout, and turnover.

America’s K-12 educators are more stressed than ever, with many considering leaving the profession altogether, according to new survey data from Prodigy Education.

COVID in Schools

Did the pandemic reopen gender-based math gaps?

June 2, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Educators should ensure pandemic learning recovery efforts don’t inadvertently reinforce old math gaps--or allow new ones to take hold.

STEM gaps in achievement between boys and girls that took more than a decade to close were reopened in just four years, according to a new study from…

Digital Reading Among Students Hits Another Milestone

May 29, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

Sora recently announced the release of its second annual digital reading report for the 2023-2024 year, “The State of K-12 Digital Reading.” The report reveals ... Read more

K-12 Cybersecurity

What to know about the newest cyberattack strategy putting K-12 schools at risk

May 21, 2025 by Ven Auvaa, ArmorPoint

A third-party security operations center can provide threat detection, incident response, and cybersecurity monitoring for K-12 districts.

A staggering 82 percent of K-12 schools experienced a cyber incident between July of 2023 and December 2024, according to a recent report by Center for Internet Security.

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