Funding for school facility improvements a requirement for safe reopening

Officials from four organizations call for Congress to allocate $10 billion for repairs and $25 million for technical assistance on ventilation and air quality.

By Elizabeth Beardsley, Scott Brown, Mary Filardo and David Terry • Aug. 13, 2020

The value of assessment in an uncertain school year

While pushback remains on high-stakes tests, curriculum experts say gauging what students learned during spring is crucial to allocate time and supports.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 12, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Professional Development

Personalized learning experiences aren't just a goal for the classroom anymore — they're highly sought out for PD over traditional sit-and-get seminars. And there's no shortage of topics to cover.

By K-12 Dive staff

Chef's summer camp course demonstrates how virtual classes can embrace ambition

While pivoting to online learning was an often daunting challenge, planning and the right amount of guardrails can help maintain rigor in learning, experts say.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 12, 2020

Rural schools wrestle with infrastructure challenges during reopening

Aging buildings could stand in the way of following COVID-19 health and safety guidelines as many rural schools return to in-person instruction.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 12, 2020

Report: Students are not spending enough time writing

Though grammar instruction alone doesn't improve writing outcomes, research shows English instruction for many students focuses on the topic. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 12, 2020

From tents to bus rides: Social distancing in school reopening plans

Safety measures and logistics will stretch already tight budgets as districts weigh staggered schedules, outdoor lessons and more.

By Katie Navarra • Aug. 11, 2020

Summer Reading: How deep will learning losses be as students return?

The amount of learning loss educators contend with following a typical summer will be compounded this year by coronavirus-related shutdowns.

Aug. 11, 2020

Is tutoring the answer to the COVID slide?

Research demonstrates tutoring's success in raising achievement, but expanding access to low-income students is a significant hurdle, experts say.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 11, 2020

Coronavirus postpones school athletics in 25 states

At least 10 states have pushed back fall sports to at least spring 2021 as part of efforts to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 10, 2020

Poll: 2 in 3 teachers want to start the school year remotely

A majority of teachers are concerned about risking their health, and a separate survey shows most parents also prefer distance learning to start the fall. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 7, 2020

Just over half of districts plan some level of in-person instruction for fall

Data from the Center on Reinventing Public Education finds rural districts much more likely than urban counterparts to plan a return to the classroom.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 6, 2020

Getting young students to wear masks is challenging — but not impossible

To overcome elementary students' restlessness and anxiety, one expert suggests class routines, role play activities and other exercises.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 6, 2020

Gallup: 'Fragile' communities don't think local schools build on student strengths

Just four in 10 residents surveyed said they were satisfied with local schools, and a high percentage said access to early childhood education for vulnerable populations is lacking.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 6, 2020

Pop culture is a gateway to connect academics to real world

Experts say educators can engage students by tapping into their interests such as zombies, music or TikTok and embedding them in subjects from creative writing to math.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 5, 2020

Navigating cyberbullying more difficult amid COVID-19, but there are options

Among steps educators can take are limiting when students' cameras are on during online lessons and embracing digital citizenship curriculum.

By Lauren Barack • Aug. 5, 2020

Adapting CTE programs to remote environments could expand access beyond COVID-19

Necessary hands-on work has been largely in-person until now, but there are ways to adjust virtual programs so students gain the experience.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 5, 2020

New guide aims to help schools navigate privacy concerns for students with disabilities

The Future of Privacy Forum and National Center for Learning Disabilities unveiled a downloadable resource for navigating privacy law minefields during distance and hybrid learning.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 5, 2020

Researchers: State budget cuts feed declines in test scores, achievement

The Great Recession spurred a "lost decade" of achievement, so states must prioritize ed spending after the coronavirus-induced recession, experts say. 

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 5, 2020

How should schools prepare for increased SEL needs amid reopenings?

Experts say ongoing uncertainty during distance learning will continue causing problems and make providing mental health supports a challenge.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 4, 2020

Summer Reading: Curricular approaches adapt ahead of uncertain school year

Districts nationwide have adopted a variety of best practices for distance and hybrid learning since COVID-19 forced online transitions in spring.

Aug. 4, 2020

Teaching US History during a pandemic: A conversation with two high school teachers

Bill of Rights Institute’s president, David Bobb, spoke with Jessica Culver, a social studies teacher for 17 years, about the benefits of Open Education Resources and teaching during a pandemic.

By David Bobb, President of the Bill of Rights Institute • Aug. 4, 2020

How NYC schools will handle positive COVID-19 cases

Safety protocols for the nation's largest school system include only opening buildings if the city's infection rate is below 3%, contact tracing and regular teacher testing.

By Naaz Modan • July 31, 2020

Schools shifted chronic absenteeism strategies amid closures

While chronic absenteeism was an ongoing issue prior to COVID-19, school building closures only compounded the need to reach underserved students. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • July 31, 2020

Funds tied to reopening 'frustrating' educators, likely to be challenged

Amid White House threats to withhold funding if school buildings don't reopen, Senate Republicans and some states also want to tie funding to students and teachers physically in classrooms.

By Naaz Modan • July 31, 2020

As new school year approaches, how will districts address the 'COVID slide'?

Prolonged spring closures and uneven remote approaches require preparation for a variety of responses to address learning loss, administrators say.

By Natalie Gross • July 30, 2020