skills Archives

From high school to career: 6 CTE trends to track in 2026

February 27, 2026 by Dirk Butler, NAF

States and employers are increasingly integrating CTE into broader workforce and talent development strategies.

Without a doubt, career and technical education (CTE) is priceless for high school students wanting to get real-world, hands-on job skills before they graduate and turn their interests…

Student Well-Being

How early cognitive training leads to lifelong brain strength

February 4, 2026 by Dominick Fedele, Mastermind

Cognitive training can help improve student engagement and performance, while building a foundation for robust brain health in the future.

As we continue to make strides in understanding the brain--its strengths and weaknesses, how it develops, and its incredible potential--one idea has continued to strike conversation: the profound…

College and Career Readiness

Decision Education: A new approach to driving STEM workforce readiness

January 7, 2026 by Mary Call Blanusa, Alliance for Decision Education

By integrating Decision Education into STEM, teachers can make learning more relevant and accessible to all students.

STEM workforce shortages are a well-known global issue. With demand set to rise by nearly 11 percent in the next decade, today’s students are the solution. They will…

Durable Skills

Students must intentionally develop durable skills to thrive in an AI-dominated world

November 27, 2025 by ESchool Media Contributors

Durable skills are even more essential in the age of AI.

As AI increasingly automates technical tasks across industries, students’ long-term career success will rely less on technical skills alone and more on durable skills or professional skills, often referred…

College and Career Readiness

How CTE inspires long and fulfilling careers

November 12, 2025 by Dr. Richard McPherson, Ed.D.

CTE offers something few other learning pathways can match: a direct skills-based progression from classroom learning to readiness in careers

One of the most transformative aspects of Career and Technical Education is how it connects learning to real life. When students understand that what they’re learning is preparing…

Teaching Trends

Back-to-school success for all: Building vital classroom skills

September 24, 2025 by Linda Rini, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CLC, Touro University School of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Program

With occupational therapists integrated into daily classroom activities, student challenges can be addressed early.

As students and teachers prepare for a new school year, it’s important to remember that success in the classroom isn’t just about academics; it’s about supporting the whole child.

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…

This Fall Bring Gaming To the Classroom with Gaming Concepts

September 17, 2025August 8, 2025 by Jeff Festa

Gaming Concepts is a turn-key, standards-aligned curriculum that uses gaming to teach academic, social, and career skills. Whether you’re in ... Read more

Literacy

How we’re rebuilding literacy–and confidence–in our high school

July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 by Cindy Walker, Birmingham Community Charter High School

What began as a literacy strategy to help students access grade-level texts turned into a catalyst for broader reading transformation.

By the time students reach high school, reading struggles are harder to hide--and harder to address. Unlike early grades where texts are simpler and foundational skills are the…

AI in Education

From pen to prompt: Navigating AI in the classroom

July 28, 2025 by Kris Astle, SMART Technologies

Students can (and should) still show their work in the age of AI--but it might look a little different in today's classroom.

Education helps develop our cognitive muscles. Letting AI do it for us is not the answer, but could AI be a thought partner to help build this skill?…

Live @ ISTE 2025

Showfloor News: Seesaw Showdown

June 23, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

Seesaw is bringing the excitement to ISTE 2025 with a live, interactive Seesaw Showdown at their booth. This high-energy competition ... Read more

Literacy

Solving our literacy crisis starts in the lecture hall

May 30, 2025 by Lacey Robinson, UnboundEd & CORE Learning

When it comes to teaching literacy, it’s not enough to just teach teachers about reading theory; they need to know how to teach it, too.

The recent NAEP scores have confirmed a sobering truth: Our schools remain in the grips of a literacy crisis. Across the country, too many children are struggling to…

Drones Inspire Middle Schoolers in NISD’s Aerial Aviators Program

July 9, 2025May 29, 2025 by Jeff Festa

Northside ISD’s Aerial Aviators program, led by Amanda Quick, uses drones to engage middle schoolers in STEM learning. Through ... Read more

Digital Learning Tools

4 edtech tools that can transform student teamwork

May 7, 2025 by Jon Oosterman, Van Andel Institute for Education

As a longtime STEM educator, I’ve come to understand the value of teamwork, both within the classroom and beyond. Teamwork is essential for building students’ social-emotional intelligence.

College and Career Readiness

With VR goggles, students in detention centers gain career training

May 6, 2025 by Laura Ascione

When students have access to career training modules through VR goggles, they can focus on building successful career paths in school.

Education is a cornerstone for personal growth and economic success, but for students in juvenile detention facilities, it serves a deeper purpose, equipping students with the skills they’ll…

College and Career Readiness

Prepared for tomorrow: Reimagining readiness in Indiana education

May 2, 2025 by George Philhower, Ed.D., Eastern Hancock Schools & David L. Dimmett, Ed. D., MBOE, Project Lead The Way

To truly support student readiness, teachers need the resources, tools, and confidence to thrive in evolving classrooms.

Across the country, education is on the brink of significant change. Schools, districts, and policymakers grapple with the realities of a rapidly evolving workforce that requires discipline-specific knowledge.

AI in Education

White House order prioritizes AI in schools

April 28, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Incorporating AI into education and providing AI training for educators will help equip the next generation of American AI innovators.

A new executive order signed by President Trump takes aim at AI policies in K-12 education by "fostering interest and expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) technology from an…

STEM & STEAM Trends

How hands-on learning deepens STEM engagement

April 8, 2025 by Vernier Science Education

Hands-on learning helps students integrate concepts across STEM fields--just like scientists and engineers do in their work.

STEM careers are on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in STEM occupations is expected to grow by 10.4 percent from 2023 to 2033,…

Innovation Insights

Closing the GenZ Skills Gap

March 31, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

Amid rapid workforce changes, schools need to reexamine instruction and address the alarming--and growing--digital skills gap.

Ready to Hire, part of the skills training business of Cengage Group, a global edtech company, today released its Gen Z in the ... Read more

Durable Skills

Report: The skills gap needs urgent attention

March 17, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Demographic shifts, technological advances, and an unprepared workforce put economies at risk if the skills gap isn't closed.

Inefficient career transitions and related learning gaps are costing the U.S. economy $1.1 trillion annually--a staggering 5 percent of GDP, according to new research from Pearson. The report warns of a…

Innovation Insights

Real World Support

March 13, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

As students navigate an increasingly complex world defined by artificial intelligence, social media, and rapid technological change, the need for ... Read more

Innovation Insights

EY and Microsoft equip the next generation with AI skills

February 21, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

As the market starts to chase the many efficiencies Gen AI promises, here are three trends to watch for education's future with AI.

The EY organization and Microsoft announced this month the launch of the AI Skills Passport (AISP), which assists students aged 16 and older in ... Read more

Curriculum & Assessment

Embracing a growth mindset when reviewing student data

February 17, 2025 by Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Bessemer City Middle School and William Howard Taft University & Rachel Campbell, Bessemer City Middle School

Gains in confidence, skills, and mindset set the stage for future success for all students--and for a strong growth mindset.

In the words of Carol Dweck, “Becoming is better than being.” As novice sixth grade math and English teachers, we’ve learned to approach our mid-year benchmark assessments not…

SEL & Well-Being

How SEL can help prevent burnout in teachers and students

February 4, 2025 by Kseniia Begma, IB Educator

Integrating SEL into daily practices helps schools equip teachers and students with the tools to navigate stress and build strong connections

The demands of modern education often leave teachers and students feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. From juggling multiple responsibilities to meeting high expectations, burnout has become a significant challenge…

Teaching Trends

Partnering for a global future: The Madrid connection

February 3, 2025February 3, 2025 by Marjorie B. Tiven, Global Cities, Inc.

Global competency and global learning are not correlated to other areas of academic performance and must be directly taught.

Picture this: a seventh-grader in Madrid is discussing how her class is developing an approach to water scarcity with peers in Mumbai, Buffalo, Buenos Aires, and Astana.

Newsline

Introducing The Edge, a Breakthrough SEL and Life Skills Curriculum for Middle and High School Students

March 12, 2025January 31, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Los Angeles, CA — As students navigate an increasingly complex world defined by artificial intelligence, social media, and rapid technological ... Read more

AI in Education

Asking the right questions: Unlocking the full potential of AI tools

January 14, 2026January 23, 2025 by Nesreen El-Baz, ESL Educator

As tools like ChatGPT and Copilot become increasingly integral to education, knowing what questions to ask AI is a critical skill.

Asking the right questions isn’t just a tool for learning; it’s a critical skill that defines success in professional and personal spheres.

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…

College and Career Readiness

5 CTE trends to track in 2025

January 21, 2025 by Dr. Brooke Rice, NAF

While the future is theirs to create, today's career and technical education (CTE) providers are adapting to meet the moment and giving students access to opportunities to develop…

Durable Skills

U.S. 8th grade scores decline on critical computer and information literacy skills

December 31, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

Student ICILS scores in the U.S. are higher for computer and info literacy, but below the international average for computational thinking.

U.S. eighth-graders scored at the international average for computer and information literacy but below the international average for computational thinking, according to the results of an international study

Newsline

NCCER Program Expansion Impacts Thousands Nationwide in 2024

December 26, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

ALACHUA, Fla. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization — ... Read more

Newsline

Portland Public Schools Selects YouScience to Empower Students with Career-Ready Skills Through Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs

December 24, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

AMERICAN FORK, Utah/PRNewswire/ — YouScience ®, the leading technology provider dedicated to solving the skills gap crisis for students and ... Read more

Newsline

SchoolStatus Named to 2025 GSV 150 List of Most Transformational Growth Companies in Digital Learning

December 19, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

Ridgeland, Mississippi — SchoolStatus, a leader in K-12 attendance, communications, and data analytics, today announced they have been included in the ... Read more

AI in Education

Information literacy is key in the age of AI

December 19, 2024 by Dr. Marc Owen Jones, Northwestern University in Qatar

With the birth of AI, disinformation has entered a new era, rendering it critical that students possess strong information literacy skills.

From New York to Texas, the pro-Palestinian protests sweeping U.S. colleges have become a flashpoint for viral disinformation, from falsely attributed "Jewish genocide" chants to debunked claims of…

Newsline

Texas State Board of Education Names Just Right Reader’s English and Spanish Literacy Resources as Approved Instructional Materials

December 17, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) recently named Just Right Reader’s decodable books for grades ... Read more

Durable Skills

5 ways educators can shrink the critical thinking gap

December 17, 2024 by Sarah McNeil, Thinking Maps

When we help students develop fundamental cognitive and metacognitive skills, learning becomes easier--and a lot more fun.

Achievement discrepancies among U.S. students remain persistent and troubling--despite decades of targeted interventions and whole-school improvement programs.

STEM & STEAM Trends

5 approaches that engage middle school students in STEM learning

December 2, 2024 by Laura Ascione

As students progress through middle school, STEM learning should focus on building curiosity, confidence, and foundational skills.

Creating engaging STEM learning experiences in middle school is essential to spark curiosity, build foundational skills, and foster a love for STEM topics--and potentially encourage students to pursue…

Students with Special Needs

This season, finding my gratitude in art and teaching

November 28, 2024 by Sara Wodarski, NewHope Academy

Educators guide and support students, but also learn from gratitude from their curiosity, problem-solving skills, and unique ways of thinking

My students surprise me with their creativity and resilience. They’re not just kids in a special education school; they’re individuals who teach me new ways to view art…

Coding and Robotics

Using robots to teach creativity, collaboration, and self-confidence

November 27, 2024 by Hunter McConnell, Jacksonville ISD

As they engage with robots, students build essential skills and gain engineering experience as they gain creativity and collaboration skills.

At Jacksonville Independent School District we like to combine social-emotional learning with coding education. Here’s how it has worked since we introduced virtual robotics at our middle school.

From high school to career: 6 CTE trends to track in 2026

How early cognitive training leads to lifelong brain strength

Decision Education: A new approach to driving STEM workforce readiness

Students must intentionally develop durable skills to thrive in an AI-dominated world

How CTE inspires long and fulfilling careers

Back-to-school success for all: Building vital classroom skills

How we’re rebuilding literacy–and confidence–in our high school

From pen to prompt: Navigating AI in the classroom

Showfloor News: Seesaw Showdown

Solving our literacy crisis starts in the lecture hall

With VR goggles, students in detention centers gain career training

Prepared for tomorrow: Reimagining readiness in Indiana education

White House order prioritizes AI in schools

How hands-on learning deepens STEM engagement

Closing the GenZ Skills Gap

Report: The skills gap needs urgent attention

EY and Microsoft equip the next generation with AI skills

Embracing a growth mindset when reviewing student data

Partnering for a global future: The Madrid connection

Asking the right questions: Unlocking the full potential of AI tools

Design thinking in the 21st century is an imperative

5 CTE trends to track in 2025

U.S. 8th grade scores decline on critical computer and information literacy skills

NCCER Program Expansion Impacts Thousands Nationwide in 2024

Portland Public Schools Selects YouScience to Empower Students with Career-Ready Skills Through Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs

SchoolStatus Named to 2025 GSV 150 List of Most Transformational Growth Companies in Digital Learning

Information literacy is key in the age of AI

Texas State Board of Education Names Just Right Reader’s English and Spanish Literacy Resources as Approved Instructional Materials

5 ways educators can shrink the critical thinking gap

5 approaches that engage middle school students in STEM learning

This season, finding my gratitude in art and teaching

Using robots to teach creativity, collaboration, and self-confidence

Why interactive solutions are a smarter investment for schools

Follett Content Accelerates Public Library Strategy

Celebrating Teachers: Nominate Outstanding Educators for Crystal Apple Awards

School Specialty Expands Learning Beyond the Screen with New Outdoor Furniture Line

Avantis Education Transforms Classroom Inclusivity with Launch of EduverseTHRIVE at TCEA 2026

Lerner Publishing Group Launches Dr. Gholdy Muhammad’s Genius and Joy Curriculum

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