Podcast Series: Innovations in Education

Explore the full series of eSchool News podcasts hosted by Kevin Hogan—created to keep you on the cutting edge of innovations in education.

Most states don’t actually know if teachers are qualified to teach reading

Key points:

  • States are using inadequate elementary reading licensure tests
  • States should transition to stronger tests and test providers should clearly identify weaknesses in tests
  • See related article: Teacher Q&A: Strengthening PD with AI
  • For more news on teacher prep, visit eSN’s Educational Leadership page

Most states (29 states and the District of Columbia) use a weak elementary teacher reading licensure test, meaning that they do not effectively measure teachers’ knowledge of scientifically based reading instruction prior to entering the classroom, according to a new analysis from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ).

In fact, one state, Iowa, requires no reading licensure test at all. This shortcoming means that, every year, nearly 100,000 elementary teachers across the country enter classrooms with false assurances that they are ready to teach reading.…Read More

Outdoor classrooms should outlast COVID

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

For me, the smiles in back-to-school photos felt extra forced this year.

How can I hold in one hand dystopian headlines about schools — closures for excessive heat, dilapidated buildings with dangerous indoor air quality, shortages of school-based mental health professionals, a worsening mental health emergency — and, in the other, the promise and excitement of a new year of learning?…Read More

Illustrative Mathematics and Imagine Learning Expand Partnership to Empower More Students in Math

TUCSON, Ariz. /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ —  Illustrative Mathematics (IM), a nonprofit dedicated to creating a world where all learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics, announces the organization is expanding its partnership with  Imagine Learning, the largest provider of digital curriculum solutions in the U.S.

The fortified relationship with the Imagine Learning team will continue scaling the reach of the high-quality curriculum with the launch of Imagine IM, Imagine Learning’s new edition of the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum, empowering even more students to learn grade-level mathematics and develop positive mathematical identities. Available for implementation in the 2024–2025 school year, Imagine IM provides reinvigorated print resources along with an immersive digital experience. Imagine Learning will support its district partners with effective professional learning and ongoing implementation support.

According to a recent research brief from the RAND Corporation, more than 50% of educators reported wanting materials that better engage students and provide more options for students with diverse abilities. With math scores taking the largest dip in decades, as evidenced by the 2023 NAEP scores, this need is greater than ever. Imagine Learning and Illustrative Mathematics are answering the call with engaging materials that meet students where they are and provide opportunities to learn grade-level mathematics.…Read More

Roylco Secures “Best STEM Building Toy” in Best Building Toys for Kids, According to Experts

ANDERSON, S.C. ––  Roylco, a leading innovator in manufacturing educational kids’ toys, proudly announces its recent accolade as “Best STEM Building Toy” in Good Housekeeping’s expert-rating “16 Best Building Toys for Kids, According to Experts.”

Good Housekeeping, a coveted source for all parents seeking quality children’s products, has turned to its in-house panel of experts to test and review hundreds of building toys over the course of the year. Roylco’s determination and commitment to bringing high quality and performing toys is a testament to its core beliefs of promoting cognitive and motor skill development through the course of play.

“We put so much thought and care into each of our toys,” says Darby Smith, Director of Business Development at Roylco, “We are deeply committed and passionate about fostering hands-on educational growth in children through play, and this recognition is extremely meaningful.”…Read More

BIOZONE’s High School Biology for Texas achieves Top Marks

COLORADO, Parker – BIOZONE has just officially received the awesome news that their inaugural High School Biology for Texas has received “High Quality” status by scoring 100% TEKS and 100% ELPS after an extensive review by the Texas Education Agency’s State Review Panel

The goal of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is for all students in Texas to have access to rigorous, high-quality educational materials. The review process was created by and for Texas educators to provide  rigorous reviews of instructional materials that are independent, objective, comprehensive, and Texas focused. These detailed reviews allow school districts to easily compare instructional materials and choose the best in order to deliver a robust educational program for students.

BIOZONE’s new program: Biology for Texas has fully met expectations and was rated 100% for both TEKS and  ELPS by the educator-reviewers at TEA.…Read More

Savvas Announces New Math and Reading Solutions that Engage and Inspire Students While Giving Educators the Resources to Help All Learners Achieve

PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY — Savvas Learning Company is excited to announce new and enhanced math and reading solutions that engage and inspire students to learn, while giving educators the evidence-based instructional resources they need to accelerate learning and help all students achieve.

“At Savvas, we are committed to empowering educators with the highest-quality instructional materials and effective teaching strategies to increase student achievement,” said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. “Long committed to developing evidence-based, student-centered learning solutions, Savvas this year is delivering new math and reading programs that continue to give educators what they need to help all students succeed.”

Savvas solutions focus on putting the student at the center of learning. The company’s award-winning blended programs — delivered digitally on its innovative Savvas Realize platform and visually through engaging print resources — feature real-world learning experiences designed to increase student engagement along with high-quality instructional materials to accelerate academic outcomes.…Read More

Leadership coaching as a catalyst for change

Key points:

Education is the key to unlocking opportunities and breaking the cycle of inequality. Yet, education leaders working in underserved communities face a daunting task as they confront disparities that hinder students’ access to quality education. To address these challenges, leadership coaching has emerged as a valuable tool–it’s like a secret weapon to unleash the potential of these brave education superheroes! By providing targeted support, guidance, and professional development, coaching can empower education leaders to navigate the complexities and catalyze transformative change in underserved communities.

For instance, picture this: When I, the brave Head of The Science Department at St. Anthony Charter School, first stepped foot into the low-income neighborhood, I knew I had my work cut out for me. The school’s infrastructure was so ancient that even the dinosaurs would have felt nostalgic! Our budget was probably smaller than the average kid’s allowance for a week, and the students were facing academic challenges, making it feel like I needed a time machine to fix everything.…Read More

Catholic Schools Continue Long-Time Partnerships with VHS Learning to Give Students Hundreds of Course Options

Boston – U.S. Catholic schools have renewed their partnerships with VHS Learning to provide their students with continued access to high-quality, teacher-led online classes. Through these partnerships, many of which began 10 to 25 years ago, Catholic high schools are expanding their curricula and providing students with collaborative, engaging learning opportunities.

Catholic schools that have extended their long-time partnerships with VHS Learning for the 2023-24 school year, include:  

  • Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield, Mass., began its partnership with VHS Learning 10 years ago.

  • Immaculate High School in Danbury, Conn.; Lowell Catholic High School in Lowell, Mass.; and Nativity B.V.M. High School in Pottsville, Pa., launched their partnerships with VHS Learning 15 years ago.

  • Saint Paul Diocesan Jr. Sr. High School in Worcester, Mass., and Berks Catholic High School in Reading, Pa., started with VHS Learning 20 years ago.

  • Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, Mass., first partnered with VHS Learning 25 years ago.

“These long-time partnerships speak volumes about the relationships VHS Learning forms with Catholic schools and students,” said President & CEO of VHS Learning Carol DeFuria. “We value each of our partner schools and are thrilled to help them expand their curriculum and give their students extensive course options that rival those found at public schools, all without sacrificing quality. Working together, we help Catholic schools resolve scheduling issues, combat teacher shortages, and stay competitive.”…Read More

Curriculum Associates Launches Extraordinary Educators™ Leadership Collaborative to Support the Professional Growth of Rising School Principals Nationwide

NORTH BILLERICA, Mass. — Curriculum Associates recently launched its Extraordinary Educators Leadership Collaborative to support the professional growth of rising school principals nationwide. Through this program, the inaugural class of 16 principals representing schools across 16 states will have the opportunity to receive monthly, high-quality professional development and grow as leaders as they work in small cohorts to analyze data, learn to plan strategically, and share information with different constituencies.

“A major focus of the Extraordinary Educators Leadership Collaborative is giving leaders time and space for connecting as well as collaborating with each other on the importance of building positive school cultures,” said Danielle Sullivan, national director of content and implementation at Curriculum Associates. “We look forward to working with this stellar group of highly motivated and highly passionate educators as they progress in their profession and learn new ways to further serve their school communities. And, we look forward to celebrating their successes along the way.”

All of the principals participating in the Extraordinary Educators Leadership Collaborative have been in their current role for three or less years. They additionally have experience using i-Ready® and/or Ready® for two or more years, lead staff who illustrate growth and achievement via formal assessments, demonstrate schoolwide innovation and engagement practices for students, are evangelists for high standards and student achievement, champion equity, and are eager to grow as leaders.…Read More