School communities largely embrace masks despite lawsuits

Among lawsuit claims are that students asked to attend virtual learning for not following mask rules are subjected to a "separate and unequal" education.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 12, 2020

'Relationships matter': Remote learning places new hurdles in fight against chronic absenteeism

Schools are employing a variety of tactics — including coaches, phone calls and dance parties at lunch — to boost attendance in virtual environments, but defining students' "presence" remains a challenge.

By Natalie Gross • Nov. 12, 2020

Individual conferences can help adjust curriculum to each student's needs

Pairing the meetings with assessment can help teachers uncover learning gaps and allow them to devote more time to each pupil, experts say.

By Lauren Barack • Nov. 11, 2020

Media literacy, finding common ground key for civics ed

In a politically charged year, San Diego's Francis Parker School had students learn to discuss feelings and check facts rather than debate opposing views.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 11, 2020

Curricular Counsel: SEL, parent support key to move virtual learning forward

Gwinnett County Public Schools' Clay Hunter says teachers must build trust and culture by understanding students' feelings and burdens.

By Roger Riddell • Nov. 11, 2020

What do leading K-12 organizations expect from a Biden presidency?

Feelings are mixed, but hope remains as to how much Joe Biden may be able to impact areas like IDEA, COVID-19 relief for schools and civil rights.

By Naaz Modan , Kara Arundel • Nov. 11, 2020

State ballot measures' impacts on K-12 schools

Taxes on newly legalized recreational marijuana are expected to boost funding in several states, while Montana is bracing for school gun control controversy.

By Naaz Modan • Nov. 11, 2020

CCSSO eyes possibility of K-12 relief bill during lame duck Congress

The organization also expressed hope Congress will back special ed funding increases, universal pre-K initiatives and student mental health needs.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 10, 2020

How Oregon schools used a $19M grant to upgrade energy efficiency

Ventilation retrofits, adopting LEDs instead of fluorescent bulbs and replacing roofs are among sustainability projects that can raise a building's "energy IQ."

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 9, 2020

Biden is president-elect: What could it mean for K-12?

The president-elect supports more federal funding for Title I schools and district coronavirus responses, boosting teacher pay, revamping Title IX and more.

By Naaz Modan • Nov. 7, 2020

Yoga, help lines, virtual social hours: Strategies to support staff through COVID-19

The transition to distance learning amid the pandemic is leaving even veteran teachers experiencing something akin to first-year stress, administrators say.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 6, 2020

Ed experts reflect on long-term impact of Trump K-12 policies

The administration’s promotion of school choice options and vision for a limited Education Department carried into policy and budget initiatives.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 6, 2020

Rubric for Recovery: Low-income students of color at edge of widening opportunity gap

Schools are improving engagement in part by understanding student apprehensions to being on camera and limiting unnecessary assignments.

By Naaz Modan • Nov. 5, 2020

How can schools translate dyslexia support to remote learning?

Online sensory tools and assistive technology can be used for students with dyslexia needing interventions in virtual environments, experts say. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 4, 2020

High school SEL requires approach geared to teens' changes

Educators can help high school students master social-emotional skills with simple activities throughout the regular curriculum.

By Lauren Barack • Nov. 4, 2020

TIAA Bank aims to boost financial literacy with K-12 program

The 12-week course runs in more than 100 schools and is focused on teaching critical financial skills through classroom visits and signature events.

By Anna Hrushka • Nov. 4, 2020

Rubric for Recovery: Tightening budgets, litigation add to pandemic special ed pressures

Dedicated in-person sessions and group interventions have been among districts' strategies for additional supports amid remote learning challenges.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 4, 2020

How 3 school systems initiated antiracist practices

Examples of the origins of inclusive movements in education vary from organic beginnings to large-scale policies for change.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 4, 2020

Rubric for Recovery: For rural communities, it's all-hands-on-deck to help low-income students

With some families so remote they lack access to reliable connections, rural schools have reached students with lessons on USB drives and more.

By Naaz Modan • Nov. 3, 2020

Rubric for Recovery: How schools are educating marginalized students during COVID-19

In a four-part series, we explore the challenges districts face teaching at-risk groups in-person and online, and how they are creatively addressing them. 

Nov. 3, 2020

Report: Steeper COVID slide expected in math than reading

Progress in math is expected to be only 37% to 50% of the average normal school year gains, according to research from NWEA.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 3, 2020

3 ways to build teacher retention: mentoring, PD, leadership opportunities

The COVID-19 crisis is highlighting the need for strategies that prevent teachers from leaving the profession, panelists said during a virtual webinar. 

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 2, 2020

Rubric for Recovery: ELs face more hurdles amid lost in-person learning

Schools are employing extra English development courses, individualized support delivered to students' sidewalks and more to maintain progress.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 2, 2020

Survey: Distance learning creates more work with less rigor

The report from nonprofit Cognia also reinforces observations that parents now have greater appreciation for educators.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 30, 2020

4 ways leaders are keeping teachers motivated through pandemic disruption

The K-12 model has been overturned since spring, but these principals and superintendents say focusing on people first and finding joy are key to success.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 29, 2020