story Archives

Trump has won a second term–here’s what that means for schools

November 7, 2024 by Erica Meltzer, Chalkbeat

Lawmakers may balk at Trump education proposals they see as expanding the federal role or disadvantaging their constituents.

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump pledged to get rid of the U.S. Department of Education, expand school choice, roll back new protections for LGBTQ students, and deport…

Teaching Trends

The 10 most common questions teenagers asked about the election

October 29, 2024 by Terry Parris Jr. and Anna Diamond, The New York Times, Chalkbeat

Chalkbeat and Headway received more than 500 questions from teenagers about this year’s presidential election.

Throughout 2024, Headway and Chalkbeat, a nonprofit news organization focused on education in America, have been in conversation with teenagers about the upcoming presidential election.

New Mexico: Empowering Lives Through Literacy

October 14, 2024 by Jeff Festa

Explore how Las Cruces Public Schools leveraged grant funding to introduce a groundbreaking literacy program, enhancing educational quality and boosting ... Read more

District Management

Why do parents oppose cell phone bans? They want to reach their kids if ‘the worst happens’

October 1, 2024 by Wellington Soares, Chalkbeat

As more districts put cell phone bans in place due to concerns about distractions and children’s mental health, not all parents are on board.

Jenn Silverstein’s two children have lived through an active shooter situation at their school. Both attended East High School in Denver last year, when a student shot two administrators at…

District Management

How do you boost school attendance? In RI, with public rankings and Oprah-style giveaways

September 23, 2024 by Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat

One of the most difficult things about the absenteeism crisis and chronic absenteeism is the number of factors driving it.

When crossing a busy street kept a child from catching the bus, George J. West Elementary School Principal Lisa Vargas-Sinapi had a practical solution: Let’s move the bus…

Personalized Learning

More gifted students need accelerated paths

August 27, 2024 by Ilana Walder-Biesanz, Chalkbeat

The rise of video conferencing means some gifted students can Zoom into higher-level math courses, reducing transportation barriers.

I went to high school at age 11. Within two years, I had run out of math and Spanish classes there, so I walked from my public school…

School Makerspaces

Meet the maker: High school student develops robot guide dogs

August 23, 2024 by Andy Bui, NVIDIA

Ornek hopes to continue her exploration of AI applications with next-generation platforms, including robotics and makerspaces.

High school student Selin Alara Ornek is looking ahead--using machine learning and the NVIDIA Jetson platform for edge AI and robotics to create robot guide dogs for the visually impaired.

District Management

Bipartisan coalition issues call to cut chronic absenteeism in half as kids continue to miss school

August 19, 2024 by Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat

To beat chronic absenteeism, schools have tried launching new attendance-tracking systems and hiring people to knock on family’s doors.

From poor reading skills to chaotic classrooms, the stubbornly high rate at which kids are absent from school makes it harder to solve every other problem in education.…

Teacher Well-Being

School leaders of color face high levels of burnout–here’s what they need to thrive

August 12, 2024 by Harrison Peters, Chalkbeat

Emboldening resilient leaders of color without creating systems that support their advancement is a recipe for burnout

As a novice teacher in 1999, I was grateful to have a colleague across the hall who was also new to the profession. We swapped stories, shared strategies,…

Education Policy & Funding

As Kamala Harris ascends to Democratic presidential frontrunner, get to know her education record

August 6, 2024 by Erica Meltzer and Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat

Vice President Kamala Harris quickly emerged as the most likely Democratic nominee for president, securing dozens of endorsements within hours of President Joe Biden announcing he would end…

Education Policy & Funding

Kamala Harris backs teachers unions and LGBTQ rights, blasts book bans in AFT speech

July 29, 2024 by Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat

Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of unions in education at a time when some cast teachers unions as working in opposition to students.

In one of her first speeches since becoming the likely Democratic nominee for president, Kamala Harris delivered a fiery call to teachers and other union members to back…

Education Policy & Funding

Federal COVID relief dollars improved student test scores, two new studies find

July 23, 2024 by Erica Meltzer, Chalkbeat

There are debates about impact of federal covid relief spending as states and school districts consider which programs to continue.

Did federal pandemic relief dollars improve student achievement? It’s the $190 billion question hanging over American schools as the deadline looms for them to spend the last of…

AI in Education

NJ unveils resources for using AI in schools as state aims to pioneer innovations

July 5, 2024 by Jessie Gómez, Chalkbeat

Education experts continue to note that safety and privacy concerns should remain a top priority as AI expands in schools.

New Jersey's department of education unveiled a set of resources aimed at helping educators understand, implement, and manage artificial intelligence in schools.

Digital Learning Tools

Lax NYC school cell phone policies put burden on teachers, leave students confused

July 2, 2024 by Amy Zimmer, Chalkbeat

Policies on cell phone bans in NYC schools create confusion for students and a challenging learning environment for teachers to manage.

On its face, the cell phone policy at Forest Hills High School seems clear: Phones cannot be used in school and must be turned off during the day,…

Game-Based Learning

How one high school became a Minecraft powerhouse

June 24, 2024 by Alex Zimmerman, Chalkbeat

Minecraft generally does not have set rules or goals--players can use it to tinker, write code, or build a world--even through a school club.

John Dewey High School senior Jayla Mallette had an unusual request for her teacher after 9 p.m. a few months back. She was so excited about a project…

Live @ ISTE 2024

5 can’t-miss events at ISTELive 24

June 14, 2024June 13, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Each year without fail, ISTELive connects thousands of educators--from school and districts leaders to classroom teachers and technology directors--to education experts, industry leaders, and in-depth content sessions.

Digital Learning Tools

5 can’t-miss events at ISTELive 24

June 13, 2024June 11, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Venture into the future of learning at ISTELive 24 and connect with thought leaders, industry influencers, educators, and more.

Student Well-Being

How this school social worker helps students inside and outside of the classroom

May 23, 2024 by MJ Slaby, Chalkbeat

A school social worker advocates for and enhances the voices of students and families to make sure they have all of the support needed.

The more caring and loving adults in a child’s life, the better. That’s the approach Michele Whaley carries into her job as a school social worker at Eleanor…

Education Policy & Funding

It’s time to pay student teachers

April 25, 2024 by Katie Viernum, Chalkbeat

Paraprofessionals like student teachers are poised to fill essential teaching roles. Let’s remove barriers to their advancement.

I fell in love with teaching while working as an assistant educator at a preschool 16 years ago. I had not studied education, so I enrolled in an…

College and Career Readiness

A bungled FAFSA rollout threatens students’ college ambitions

April 24, 2024 by Erica Meltzer, Chalkbeat

With college decision deadlines looming, thousands of high school students have been stuck in limbo due to issues with the new FAFSA.

Christian Rojas Linares can’t finish his financial aid forms because he’s been blanketed with error messages. The New York City high school senior has even received incorrect emails…

STEM & STEAM Trends

Can you take algebra in eighth grade? In many cases, the answer is no

April 11, 2024 by Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat

$Algebra is often considered a gateway class, which can set students up for challenging math classes in college and career paths in science and engineering fields$

If you’re an eighth grader who wants to take algebra, can you even take the class? The answer to that question, it turns out, depends a lot on…

College and Career Readiness

CTE advocates want more funding as demand increases

April 3, 2024 by Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat

CTE programs across Illinois have introduced students to trades such as carpentry and culinary arts, and are helping students land jobs. They need more funding.

A decade ago, Latisa Kindred fought to bring back the electricity program at Simeon Career Academy, which had been shut down by the school’s principal due to low…

School Management

Apps are helping teachers communicate with families that don’t speak English

April 1, 2024 by Yesenia Robles, Chalkbeat

For many teachers, apps have become crucial as educators work to communicate with the rising number of families that don’t speak English.

Emma Gonzalez Gutierrez has struggled to communicate with the teachers of her five children for years. She’s tried to stay engaged. She’s attended meetings, gravitated toward Spanish-speaking staff,…

ELL

This ESL teacher ensures students learn the language–and feel the love

March 28, 2024 by Tonyaa Weathersbee, Chalkbeat

Teaching ESL students means more than helping them learn English and find their way--it means helping newcomer students fit in socially

Missy Testerman has been teaching at Rogersville City School for 32 years. But for the past few years, she’s been teaching more children who weren’t born in the…

COVID in Schools

Years after pandemic closures, we’re seeing their effects inside our schools

March 12, 2024 by Christine Ferris

Teachers are seeing students exhibit symptoms of the developmental milestones many children missed in recent pandemic school years.

Since school buildings reopened after COVID closures, I’ve heard teachers say, again and again, that the older elementary children in their classrooms are just not the same.

AI in Education

2024: The year of generative AI

February 21, 2024 by Lindy Hockenbary

This year marks a significant milestone in integrating advanced AI technologies into educational practices, heralding a new era of teaching and learning.

AI in Education

Can artificial intelligence help teachers improve?

January 30, 2024 by Michael Elsen-Rooney, Chalkbeat

The use of AI in teacher coaching is generating a fierce debate among those for--and against--the technology.

A network of small public high schools in New York City is exploring whether artificial intelligence can change the way teachers receive feedback about their classroom instruction.

STEM & STEAM Trends

How this middle school teacher gets students to challenge themselves in math

January 23, 2024 by Samantha Lauten, Chalkbeat

$This believes that giving students the opportunity to work on more difficult equations fosters excitement for math.$

When Salvador Quijada, a seventh and eighth grade math teacher at Philip’s Academy Charter School, thinks back on his own journey as a mathematician, he gives credit to…

Edtech Trends

5 major education trends in 2023

December 29, 2023 by Dr. Christina Counts, Vice President of Education, MiEN Company

As new education trends lead to innovative teaching and learning, here are some of the top trends to look for.

With the start of a new year and education conference season just beginning, educators and industry leaders are discovering the biggest education trends for 2023. The past few…

Literacy

How we can improve literacy through student engagement

December 28, 2023 by Kevin Hogan

When educators use edtech tools properly, literacy achievement and student engagement can reap the benefits and demonstrate improvement.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, Madeleine Mortimore, Global Education Innovation and Research Lead for Logitech details how classroom technologies, if used properly, can increase student engagement…

College and Career Readiness

Voters skeptical of college, more supportive of CTE

January 8, 2024December 27, 2023 by Erica Meltzer, Chalkbeat

Many weren’t sure if their districts offered CTE, but would have a more favorable view of their district if they knew about such programs.

It’s more important for Colorado schools to prepare students for the workforce than to prepare them to attend college.

Edtech Trends

How did edtech impact learning in 2023?

December 25, 2023 by Laura Ascione

What K-12 edtech trends about pandemic learning, equity, and more took top billing in schools and districts in the new year?

As we closed the door on 2022, we approached 2023 with clear-cut priorities for education. Education and student well-being are stretched thin, and lingering learning gaps, exacerbated by…

Teacher Professional Development

I’m a first-year teacher. How can I find success in the classroom?

December 19, 2023 by Dr. Kem Smith, Chalkbeat

For a first-year teacher, decide what you value and support students as individuals, build a community of learners, and connect with peers.

This is my first year as a teacher and I’m teaching sixth grade, so both my students and I are new to the school. I’m wondering if you…

Digital Learning Tools

9 ways collaborative learning benefits teachers and students

January 4, 2024December 4, 2023 by Dipal H Kapadia, Ed.D., Director of Information & Educational Technology, Lehigh Career & Technical Institute

While technologies can feel like a hurdle at times, there is also much that can be gained by leveraging collaborative learning.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been around for many years, but the introduction of ChatGPT in November 2022 has generated many discussions of how this technology can impact education…

COVID in Schools

Schools have struggled to add learning time after COVID–here’s how one district did it

November 28, 2023 by Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat

One district extended its school day to help students catch up after the pandemic--a rare effort nationally to add instructional time and learning time after covid.

School leaders floated the idea to lengthen Cicero 99’s school day before COVID hit, but the proposal took on greater urgency when educators saw how the pandemic set…

College and Career Readiness

As teens rethink college and career options, counselors are trying to adapt

November 27, 2023 by Michael Elsen-Rooney, Chalkbeat

The pandemic upended the college and career landscape for New York City teenagers, and counselors are trying to redefine their roles.

When students come into Danielle Insel’s college and career advising office with their sights set on higher education, she has a checklist of next steps ready. For years,…

CoSN Corner

Leveraging the K-12 generative AI readiness checklist: A guide for district leadership

November 28, 2023November 15, 2023 by Tom Ryan, Ph.D., Co-Founder, K-12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group (K12STAG) (NM) & Shahryar Khazei, Consultant, Infosys (CA)

The rapid pace of generative AI development brings with it both great opportunities and exposure to risk for schools and district leaders.

Whether or not a school district is considering leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), the influence of this technology on educational ecosystems is undeniable.

Teaching Trends

Outdoor classrooms should outlast COVID

October 31, 2023 by Becca Katz

Being in nature seemed to help my students focus--growing research validates the benefits of outdoor learning and outdoor classrooms.

The evidence for learning in nature is compelling, robust, and growing. Reduced stress. Improved attention and cognitive function. More physical fitness. Fewer behavioral challenges. Higher engagement.

AI in Education

5 positive ways students can use AI

December 11, 2023October 25, 2023 by MacKenzie Price, Co-Founder, 2hr Learning & Alpha School

AI is here to stay, and will be an important workforce skill--let's teach our students to work with it, not against it, in the classroom.

You’ve heard all the news about kids using ChatGPT to cheat, but there's another side to this story. Just as the internet revolutionized education, AI will be the…

College and Career Readiness

Companies go to high schools for career training

October 12, 2023 by Aleksandra Appleton, Chalkbeat Indiana

Vocational schools of the past contributed to inequity, but modern career training gives students a window into their options.

Where vocational schools of the past contributed to inequity by directing low-income and students of color into low-wage jobs, modern career training can give students a window into…

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