students Archives

When it comes to student attendance, are districts measuring the wrong thing?

March 6, 2026 by George Philhower, Ed.D., Eastern Hancock Schools

As the pressure to improve student attendance mounts, it’s silencing the alarm that kids are still struggling once they return to classrooms.

Across the country, schools are raising alarms about chronic absenteeism. News stories highlight rising numbers of missed days, legislators are demanding answers from districts, and educators are feeling…

District Management

In districts, reaching readiness, retention, and success

March 5, 2026 by Laura Ascione

Using data to drive decisions through every district process helps you retain teachers who give their best to students. teacher retention

It's critical that schools create an environment where students thrive and teachers and staff feel supported and empowered.

District Management

Strengthening the PK-12 leadership pipeline during a succession crisis

February 26, 2026 by Dr. Martin Yousef, LaFetra College of Education, University of La Verne

Without intentional investment, the PK-12 leadership pipeline will continue to narrow as retirements outpace preparation.

Across the country, districts are confronting a growing PK-12 leadership pipeline crisis. Veteran principals, assistant principals, and district administrators are retiring at increasing rates, yet there is not…

College and Career Readiness

New partnership expands access to flexible career-connected learning

February 25, 2026 by ESchool News Staff

A new partnership provides flexible career-connected learning units designed for microschools and other emerging education models.

Microschools are small learning environments that typically serve a limited number of students and emphasize personalization and strong relationships. Often blending elements of traditional schooling, project-based learning, and…

Personalized Learning

Tips and tools to effectively differentiate learning for student engagement

February 17, 2026 by Emily Skinner, Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District

When we use differentiation to meet students at their level and celebrate their progress, we help them discover their love for learning.

As a paraprofessional for over 3 years and going on my 5th year as a certified special education resource teacher, I’ve learned that no two learners are ever…

Literacy

A quicker climb up the literacy mountain: Why rigor and efficiency matter in early reading

February 12, 2026 by Leah Ruesink, Early Literacy Coach

In early reading, first graders who are behind have an 88 percent chance of still being behind in fourth grade--rigor and efficiency are key.

In early literacy, the goal is simple but urgent: Help students become independent readers and writers. Every instructional decision we make either moves them closer to that goal…

Students with Special Needs

Mis-identifying “504-only” students

February 6, 2026 by Perry A. Zirkel, Retired Professor of Education Law

At a time of teacher shortage, high percentages of students with 504 plans contributes to current recruitment and attrition problems.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibits discrimination against students and other individuals with disabilities, is far less visible than the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)…

Emergency Planning & Response

When seconds matter: Why in-building coverage is a lifeline for school safety

January 28, 2026 by Payam Maveddat, Wilson Connectivity

Every student, teacher, and responder deserves the same chance to communicate in an emergency, and school communications coverage is critical

During a school emergency, every minute that passes is crucial, but in those moments, a reliable connection can mean the difference between confusion and coordinated response.

College and Career Readiness

The three P’s of writing a memorable college essay

January 26, 2026 by Christa Olson, Independent Education Consultant

Authentic college essays result from an insightful process that uncovers the writer’s personality without obsessing over perfection.

As a former admissions officer and now an independent education consultant, I’ve read thousands of college essays. The ones that earn students admission to their dream schools aren’t…

Curriculum & Assessment

Sparking civic engagement as we approach America’s 250th

January 23, 2026 by Melaney Sánchez, Ph.D., Mt. Harmony Elementary

When every subject and resource become hubs for civic engagement, students begin to see citizenship as something they live.

Imagine students who understand how government works and who see themselves as vital contributors to their communities. That’s what happens when students are given opportunities to play a…

College and Career Readiness

Measuring student global competency learning using direct peer connections

January 22, 2026 by Marjorie B. Tiven, Global Cities, Inc.

Global competency can be taught--and measured--with simple but powerful strategies educators everywhere can use.

Our students are coming of age in a world that demands global competency. From economic interdependence to the accelerating effects of climate change and mass migration, students need…

Digital Learning Tools

On your mark, get set, print: The 3 learning advantages of 3D printing

January 21, 2026 by Jon Oosterman, Van Andel Institute for Education

When used with purpose, 3D printing transforms from a common classroom tool into a launchpad for student discovery and learning.

It’s truly incredible how much new technology has made its way into the classroom. Where once teaching consisted primarily of whiteboards and textbooks, you can now find tablets,…

Student Well-Being

Reimagining teacher preparation to include student mental health supports

January 14, 2026 by Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Bessemer City Middle School & William Howard Taft University & Jennifer Veitch, Bessemer City Middle School

Teacher preparation programs must evolve to reflect the emotional realities of today’s classrooms--including student mental health.

Teacher preparation programs have long emphasized curriculum, instruction, and assessment. However, they often fall short in one critical area: social-emotional and mental health needs of students.

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…

Student Well-Being

The rise of remote psychoeducational testing: What school leaders need to know

January 6, 2026 by Stephanie Taylor, Ed.S., NCSP, Taylored Education Solutions

Remote testing isn’t just a novelty--it’s a practical, scalable solution that is rooted in evidence to help students with mental health.

Special education is at a breaking point. Across the country, more children than ever are being referred for evaluations to determine whether they qualify for special education services.

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

DEI in education: Pros and cons

December 24, 2025 by Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Bessemer City Middle School and William Howard Taft University

Positive DEI efforts in education include thoughtful and inclusive implementation strategies that promote equity and inclusion for all.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have become integral to educational institutions across the United States. DEI aims to foster environments where all students can thrive regardless of…

ELL

How an AI-generated song transformed my ELL classroom

December 16, 2025 by Nesreen El-Baz, Bloomsbury Education Author & School Governor

The true power of AI lies not in replacing learning, but in opening doors for every learner, including ELL students, to express who they are.

A trending AI song went viral, but in my classroom, it did something even more powerful: it unlocked student voice.

ELL

Why every middle school student deserves a second chance to learn to read

December 15, 2025 by Kim Hicks, Southwestern Jefferson County Consolidated School

To read with confidence, middle school students need foundational literacy instruction that respects age, cognitive development, and dignity.

Between kindergarten and second grade, much of the school day is dedicated to helping our youngest students master phonics, syllabication, and letter-sound correspondence--the essential building blocks to lifelong…

College and Career Readiness

More teens are using summer for college and career prep

December 12, 2025 by Philip Bates, UWorld

When it comes to college and career goals, teens are more focused on professional and financial success than on traditional milestones.

The academic landscape has evolved dramatically, especially when it comes to summers. More students are embracing year-round learning to build strong study habits and develop the critical thinking,…

Online & Hybrid Learning

Teaching might be synchronous, but learning is always happening asynchronously

December 8, 2025 by George Philhower, Ed.D., Eastern Hancock Schools

Real student engagement happens in the head of the learner, and that's harder to quantify when analyzing synchronous or asynchronous learning.

The bell rings at 10:00 a.m. A teacher begins explaining quadratic equations. Some students lean forward, pencils ready. Others stare at the clock. A few are still turning…

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…

STEM & STEAM Trends

Teaching math the way the brain learns changes everything

November 17, 2025 by Nigel Nisbet, Mind Education

$Using visual and meaningful context aligned to how the brain learns can make math more understandable and engaging for all students.$

Far too many students enter math class expecting to fail. For them, math isn’t just a subject--it’s a source of anxiety that chips away at their confidence and…

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…

Digital Learning Tools

More parents are homeschooling–and turning to podcasts for syllabus support

November 6, 2025 by Jed Baker, Starglow Media

Homeschooling is increasing, and with it is the need for flexible, affordable, and trustworthy educational content--often found in podcasts.

A revolution quietly underway in American education: the rise of homeschooling. In the past decade, there’s been a 61 percent increase in homeschool students across the United States,…

Classroom Management

Room to grow: Creating a classroom built for success

November 5, 2025 by Dr. Sue Ann Highland, School Specialty

Classroom design can directly benefit student outcomes and success, and can also contribute to teacher well-being.

For decades, curriculum, pedagogy, and technology have evolved to meet the changing needs of students. But in many schools, the classroom environment itself hasn’t kept pace.

Academic Esports

Reliable and relatable resources build confident students: The triple Rs of scholastic esports

November 4, 2025 by Julius Edwards, Palm Beach Lakes Esports & Sunshine State Esports League

Scholastic esports is about giving students in under-resourced communities the confidence to dream bigger and the tools to make those dreams real

I know what it feels like to stand in front of a classroom that does not have enough. Not enough computers. Not enough up-to-date software and technical tools.…

College and Career Readiness

Making career readiness meaningful in today’s classrooms

October 29, 2025 by Jessica Stanford, RN, Baldwin Preparatory Academy

Career readiness programs help students see the relevance of their learning and give them the confidence to pursue their goals.

How can we make classroom learning more meaningful for our students? In today’s rapidly evolving world, preparing learners for the future isn’t about gathering academic knowledge.

AI in Education

Why busy educators need AI with guardrails

October 28, 2025 by Nick Koprowicz, Prometric

Trust in AI begins with thoughtful design, expert oversight, and acknowledgement of the work educators do every day

In the growing conversation around AI in education, speed and efficiency often take center stage, but that focus can tempt busy educators to use what’s fast rather than…

K-12 Cybersecurity

How Windows 11 is powering the next generation of K-12 innovation

November 5, 2025October 23, 2025 by Laura Ascione

K-12 leaders can strengthen cybersecurity, simplify IT management, and deliver inclusive, AI-driven learning experiences with Windows 11.

As school districts navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape, IT and academic leaders face a growing list of challenges--from hybrid learning demands and complex device ecosystems to rising…

Teaching Trends

Plenty of schools have no-zeroes policies. And most teachers hate it, a new survey finds

October 17, 2025 by Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat

Many schools are rethinking what students should have to do to get a high school diploma, and how well no-zero policies work.

About one in four teachers say their schools don’t give students zeroes. And nearly all of them hate it.

College and Career Readiness

Why mentorship networks are essential in the college admissions process

October 15, 2025 by Dr. Mike Manzella, SSP International

Supportive college mentorship networks can alleviate the school counselor shortage and help high school students navigate the process.

As the vice president of academic affairs and a member of the admissions committee at SSP International (SSPI), a nonprofit organization offering immersive scientific experiences, I review hundreds…

Teaching Trends

Teaching isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up–here’s how to do that

October 14, 2025 by Gelisa Patin, Plaquemine High School

At its heart, teaching and education are about reflecting, leaning on others, and always opening doors for all students.

When I walked into my first classroom almost a decade ago, I had no idea how many “first days” I would experience--and how each one would teach me…

Universal Design for Learning

Next gen learning spaces: UDL in action

October 13, 2025 by Leslie Stebbins, Research4Ed

Learning spaces and UDL changes can significantly influence student engagement, well-being, and academic achievement.

By embracing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in purchasing decisions, school leaders can create learning spaces that not only accommodate students with disabilities but enhance the educational…

College and Career Readiness

Tools and ideas to engage students in career-connected learning

October 7, 2025 by Dr. Angie Haro, EdD, Education Service Center Region 19

Career-connected learning ensure that all students graduate prepared, inspired, and equipped to thrive in college and the workforce.

For nearly two decades, I’ve worked to improve teaching and learning with technology. And while the continuously evolving nature of technology has changed the trajectory of my career…

Literacy

Strengthening middle school literacy: What educators need to know

October 1, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Building middle school literacy doesn’t just improve test scores--it gives students the skills to succeed in every subject.

Literacy has always been the foundation of learning, but for middle school students, the stakes are especially high. These years mark the critical shift from learning to read…

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…

Martinsville, VA – Security and Improved Situational Awareness Case Study

October 1, 2025September 29, 2025 by Jeff Festa

Martinsville City Schools use detection technology integrated with video and access control to cut emergency response time—empowering staff to act ... Read more

Curriculum & Assessment