news Archives

Occupational therapy is the antidote for pandemic skill loss

January 23, 2024January 18, 2024 by Brooke Howard, MS, OTR/L, Executive Director, The Ivy Street School

Occupational therapy is well-equipped to provide all students with extra support as schools continue to recover from learning loss.

Research shows that the average student lost approximately one-third of a school year to the pandemic, leading to academic setbacks and missed opportunities for building skills fostered in…

Curriculum & Assessment

5 ways to teach and assess learning in the age of AI

January 23, 2024January 17, 2024 by Arielle Davis-Featherstone, Education Program Manager, Global Cities, Inc.

With a little creativity, educators can easily assess student learning and promote engagement and critical thinking skills in the classroom.

There is a lot of excitement surrounding ChatGPT, the cutting-edge chatbot powered by OpenAI. Some experts believe this new technology can have a positive impact on teaching and…

ELL

6 ways to support multilingual learners in STEM

January 17, 2024 by Veronica Burnett, Regional STEM Trainer, Accelerate Learning

With high-quality STEM experiences, MLs can develop the problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills they need to succeed.

STEM can help with English language development by allowing students to engage with language in a variety of ways. The hands-on nature of STEM learning also makes concepts…

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

Advancing educational equity with UDL and generative AI

January 12, 2024 by Rowen Elsmore, Digital Learning Specialist, Jefferson High School & Dr. Alexandra Holter, Computer Science Coordinator for K-12, Bloomington Public Schools

Establishing educational equity in computer science with generative AI and UDL will cause ripple effects across all content areas.

As we all struggle down the path toward true educational inclusion, we are confronted with four pillars of equity as described by Rochelle Guiterize: Access, Success, Power and…

Classroom Management

5 strategies for turning boredom into brilliance

January 9, 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.

SEL Trends

Prediction: All schools will embrace sensory spaces

January 9, 2024 by Crystal Paulitzki, Multi-Sensory Environment Strategist, School Specialty

Initially developed for individuals with severe sensory processing challenges, sensory spaces have found their place in mainstream education.

As we stand on the cusp of a new year, it's remarkable to reflect on how sensory spaces for schools have evolved. It has been quite heartening. This…

Innovation Insights

#FETC2024 Wrap Up—eSchool News Exclusive Coverage

January 30, 2024January 4, 2024 by Kevin Hogan

Looking for the go-to spot for highlights of the topics, speakers, and technologies showcased this year in Orlando January 23-26? Set your bookmark tab right here.

Emergency Planning & Response

5 critical ingredients in a school safety plan

January 2, 2024 by Joshua Douglas, SVP Product & Engineering, Xtract One Technologies

Understandably, student and school safety is a top priority for school leaders as they seek to ensure reassuring learning environments.

Teacher training programs often introduce aspiring educators to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, an eight-decade-old principle that reminds teachers that learning is significantly more difficult when other needs are…

K-12 Cybersecurity

Rising ransomware attacks on education demand defense readiness

January 5, 2024December 29, 2023 by Rob Lalumondier, Vice President, U.S. Public Sector, Sophos Contributor

In education, resource constraints can make it difficult to maintain comprehensive and up-to-date cybersecurity measures that fight ransomware

Ransomware attacks continue to wreak havoc on the education sector, hitting 80 percent of lower education providers and 79 percent of higher education providers this year.

Featured Podcast

What were the most-read stories of 2023?

December 26, 2023 by Kevin Hogan

What does blended learning mean in post-pandemic classrooms?

It wasn’t all about AI in higher ed in 2023, but just about! In this special episode of Innovations in Education, editors Laura Ascione and Kevin Hogan go…

Teaching Trends

Controversy on whether growth mindset works will strengthen the theory

January 8, 2024December 26, 2023 by Michael B. Horn, Co-Founder & Distinguished Fellow, Clayton Christensen Institute

Growth mindset is the belief that one can improve one’s abilities through effort, learning, and persistence.

Over the last couple of decades, education research has, thankfully, moved to embracing randomized control trial (RCT) when possible. Yet even if it gets to an RCT, education…

Literacy

When embracing the ‘science of reading,’ we can’t leave out older students

March 12, 2024December 22, 2023 by Shira Engel, Chalkbeat New York

As a new middle school teacher, I was shocked by how many students entered my classroom unable to decode text despite the science of reading.

The day before my first day of teaching middle school in 2018, I decorated my Brooklyn public school classroom with quotes from famous people reflecting on the importance…

Emergency Planning & Response

Prioritizing student safety with enhanced first responder and cellular communication coverage

January 5, 2024December 22, 2023 by Stephen M. Kowal, Chief Commercial Officer, Nextivity

Cellular communication coverage and radio solutions that quickly and cost-effectively boost coverage will prove invaluable in emergencies.

In an emergency, when timely and effective communications are vital, first responders may have trouble connecting via their smartphones, hand-held radios, or other devices.

Education Policy & Funding

What a 4-day school week might mean for your district

December 21, 2023 by Erin Werra, Content Writer & Strategist, Skyward’s Advancing K12 Blog

evidence is mounting that a 4dsw could help attract and retain teachers, manage scheduling for rural districts, and impact students’ sleep

West of the Mississippi, a new approach to seat time is catching on. Roughly 1,000 different schools have transitioned to a four-day school week, which amounts to a…

Literacy

What’s next for literacy learning?

December 19, 2023 by Liz Brooke, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Chief Learning Officer, Lexia

A survey of educators and parents reveals different opinions about literacy learning, but the science of reading remains important.

As educators and parents learn more about the science of reading, two recent polls reveal the alignment and the differences between their perspectives. A survey of parents and…

Student Well-Being

Sensory spaces may help support all students

December 21, 2023December 18, 2023 by Cecilia Cruse, MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist & Special Needs Subject Matter Expert, School Specialty

As educators stress the importance of SEL, more are adopting sensory spaces to help support self-regulation for all students.

Since COVID, many schools across the country have been investing ESSER funds into sensory spaces. The availability of this funding, along with the complex trauma issues brought on…

Literacy

In 2024, education will build systems that champion the science of reading

March 12, 2024December 15, 2023 by Kari Kurto, National Science of Reading Project Director, The Reading League

Inspired by Mississippi’s success, educators will continue to reshape literacy instruction via the science of reading in the new year.

Driven in part by Mississippi’s success in improving student literacy scores, educators across the country have been discussing the science of reading and working to align their materials…

STEM & STEAM Trends

STEM programs can’t keep up with AI–let’s focus on Power Skills

December 18, 2023December 14, 2023 by Michalis Gkontas, CEO, NXTLVL

Power Skills are foundational and empower students to acquire and apply other skills necessary for success in diverse challenges.

First came headlines about AI-driven cheating. Next emerged a flood of time-saving tools for teachers. Attend any education event today, and one phrase will echo in the halls: artificial…

AI in Education

AI and connectivity: Pillars of the new education revolution

December 12, 2023 by Robin Manke-Cassidy, Product & Solution Marketing Leader, Cradlepoint

AI is already in most industries, and using AI tools in education can help students become competitive in an increasingly global workforce.

The application of technologies to improve the educational process, enhance the capabilities of students, and reduce inequality gaps was one of the great promises of the beginning of…

K-12 Tech Innovation News

What are the 8 trends in education technology that will have a major impact in 2024?

December 11, 2023 by Laura Ascione

In recent years, K-12 tech innovation news has spread the word about how edtech has witnessed transformative trends shaping the future of learning. The integration of digital tools,…

K-12 Tech Innovation News

What are the trends in learning in 2024?

December 11, 2023 by Laura Ascione

The trends in learning in 2024 reflect a commitment to personalized, tech-driven, and collaborative learning.

In 2024, K-12 learning experiences are evolving rapidly, shaped by technological advancements and educational paradigms. Personalized learning gains momentum as AI-driven adaptive platforms cater to individual student needs,…

K-12 Tech Innovation News

What are the technological impacts on education?

December 11, 2023 by Laura Ascione

The technological impacts on K-12 education are profound and transformative, reshaping traditional teaching paradigms. The integration of digital tools, adaptive technologies, and online platforms as detailed in K-12…

K-12 Tech Innovation News

What tools and technology are used for teaching?

December 11, 2023 by Laura Ascione

In K-12 education, a diverse array of tools and technologies enhance teaching methodologies, creating dynamic and engaging learning environments. Educational software, interactive whiteboards, and learning management systems facilitate…

K-12 Cybersecurity

K12 cybersecurity threats to your school can be lowered-here is how

December 11, 2023 by ESchool News Staff

K12 cybersecurity hygiene training for students, teachers and staff will help IT teams keep the bad actors out

The school bell is about to ring in another academic year, and as children pull out their lunchboxes and teachers decorate their rooms, schools continue to face an…

School Library Innovations

Innovative ideas for school libraries

October 17, 2024December 11, 2023 by ESchool News Staff

School libraries have evolved from strict, quiet, hush-hush rooms to more interactive spaces with flexible seating, readily-available edtech tools, and educators on hand to help with research, critical…

Teaching Trends

PBL isn’t used enough–let’s change that

December 13, 2023December 11, 2023 by Kendall Stallings, First Grade Teacher, Baltimore County

PBL brings learning to life for students through hands-on engagement that lends itself to both differentiation and personalization.

As teaching becomes increasingly challenging, project-based learning (PBL) may arguably be the most underutilized resource to accommodate these needs.

Teacher Professional Development

How video coaching helps us support teacher growth and retention

December 12, 2023December 7, 2023 by Dr. Sonia Johnson, Lead Teacher, Van Winkle Early Childhood Center

Video coaching encourages early education teachers to reflect on their own practice and helps with teacher retention and growth.

At the Van Winkle Early Childhood Center within Jackson Public School District in Mississippi, we enroll students for one year to prepare them for kindergarten. Family engagement is…

Student Well-Being

New research paints an alarming picture of crises facing rural students

December 6, 2023 by Laura Ascione

Rural schools and students often seem invisible because many policymakers lack personal experience as rural students.

Many rural communities are still facing multiple crises in educational loss, economic outcomes, unemployment, and mental health in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Why Rural…

Digital Learning Tools

Schools and districts that ignore TikTok’s lessons are bound to fail

January 4, 2024December 5, 2023 by Amanda Bratten, VP of Curriculum and Learning, Propello

If schools use TikTok for lesson inspiration, embracing experiments, multimedia, and hands-on activities, students will thrive.

No one is suggesting we add TikTok to the back-to-school supply list, but modern curriculum developers are watching and learning from TikTok to produce content that is more…

AI in Education

The academic implications of AI in student writing

December 11, 2023December 1, 2023 by Dr. John Johnston, Ed.D. Candidate in Educational Leadership, Capella University

AI tools like ChatGPT will be used in student writing, putting academics at a crossroads of innovation and integrity.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, the advent of AI and ChatGPT has ushered in a new era of academic assistance. As a doctoral student and research…

Teaching Trends

You’re my hero

December 1, 2023 by Britten Follett

So many educators give of themselves to help students become successful members of society--let's recognize them for the heroes they are.

I’ve always hated being put on the spot to answer some version of this question: “Who is your role model? Who inspired your career? Who is your hero?”

AI in Education

5 things to know about AI in classrooms

December 11, 2023November 30, 2023 by Laura Ascione

AI is taking hold in classrooms across the nation, but it's nothing to fear--here's how some educators are embracing the latest edtech innovation

By now, we hear the term "artificial intelligence" more than a few times a day. But despite the stereotypical sci-fi depictions of AI, it has a legitimate place…

District Management

6 tips for communicating with emergent bilingual families

November 29, 2023 by Dr. Kara Stern, Head of Education Solutions, SchoolStatus

It's crucial to acknowledge and overcome the barriers that impede communication with emergent bilingual families.

Experienced educators understand that students thrive when their families are actively engaged in their education. This is particularly crucial as we navigate the challenges of helping students recover…

STEM & STEAM Trends

Why diversity and STEM education are critical to our future workforce

November 27, 2023 by April Arnzen, Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer, Micron Technology

It’s vital for the broader tech industry to take action and increase access to STEM education for all students.

STEM allow us to push the boundaries of innovation, enabling people to step foot on the moon, develop lifesaving health care, and advance clean forms of energy. We…

AI in Education

5 ways I’ve leveraged AI in my English classroom

December 11, 2023November 17, 2023 by Mary Martin, Ed.D., English Language Arts Teacher, Platte County High School

ChatGPT stormed into our lives and our classrooms, and it’s a mess. But my students and I are jumping in with AI in our English classroom.

Last spring, a few weeks after I started using ChatGPT, I challenged my high school English students: “Artificial intelligence can do any of your class assignments,” I told…

Curriculum & Assessment

Data really is the secret sauce in the K-12 classroom

November 30, 2023November 14, 2023 by Christine Cyporyn, Title I and MTSS Coordinator, Waterford School District

Our access to reliable data--and our ability to help students--improved once we had a unified literacy program in place in the K-12 classroom

Along with all of the edtech that’s made its way into the K-12 classroom over the last 10 years, we also now have a constant stream of useful,…

Curriculum & Assessment

Standardized tests are pests—here’s why

November 28, 2023November 13, 2023 by Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Teacher, Chalkville Elementary School

While the primary goal of standardized testing is to measure student achievement and set benchmarks for educational standards, it carries unintended consequences.

Teaching Trends

Insights from educators: Priorities for 2023-2024

November 10, 2023 by Dr. Kara Stern, Head of Education Solutions, SchoolStatus

By prioritizing well-being and communication, and addressing challenges head-on, educators can make every school day count for every student.

Education news is full of trends and predictions for the new school year, but hearing from the folks doing the work is a more direct path to understanding…

Classroom Management

3 pillars for building a positive classroom culture

November 9, 2023 by Cory Kavanagh, Learning Specialist, Van Andel Institute for Education

In a positive classroom culture where students feel encouraged and empowered, they can develop the mindset necessary to thrive

True education is as much about the environment as it is about instruction. That may sound like a bold statement, but it makes sense when you take a…

Featured on eSchool News

With better data, these 12 things would improve, supes say

November 9, 2023 by Laura Ascione

Nearly all superintendents agree that data about students’ academic progress is critical to get kids back on track after the pandemic.

Data access is critical when educators need to make informed decisions about curriculum, assessments, academic and social-emotional interventions, and more.

Login