K-12

Opinion
School leaders can learn from Martin Luther King Jr's shared-power leadership style

Former history teacher Michael McQuillan writes how King and other key civil rights figures set an example for administrators.
By Michael McQuillan • Jan. 17, 2020
Ed Dept proposes easier access to federal funds for religious schools, emphasizes school prayer

Educators worry the U.S. Department of Education is blurring the separation of church and state, but a department spokesperson says it's doing the opposite.
By Naaz Modan • Jan. 17, 2020
FETC 2020: Are you ready for a middle school revolution?

Middle school has a reputation as a tough period for students and teachers, but Georgia administrator Derek McCoy says it doesn't have to be that way.
By Roger Riddell • Jan. 17, 2020
Report: DC schools' enrollment, test scores increase

But the city still has a high achievement gap, high rates of absenteeism and suspensions and a declining graduation rate.
By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 16, 2020
FETC 2020: Better PD through design thinking

The method allows educators to successfully craft lesson plans that integrate tech as a means to an end rather than the core component, speakers said.
By Roger Riddell • Jan. 16, 2020
Study: Preschool expansion leads to gains for Massachusetts children

The study shows how the state used federal funds for early-childhood programs that led to positive impacts on early academic performance, especially among children whose home language was not English.
By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 16, 2020
Alaska considers consolidating its 54 districts into 18

Consolidation can benefit districts or states with tight budgets, but it can change school cultures, lower parental involvement and impact transportation costs.
By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 16, 2020
Texas looks to loosen charter expansion rules

Despite opposition from teachers and others, the state wants to accelerate expansion and decrease oversight of high-performing charter schools, unlike California, which now is limiting expansion.
By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 15, 2020
FETC 2020: District shares tips, benefits for launching student-run IT help desk

A student technology internship program made a 1:1 tech transformation in New York's Webster Central School District possible while giving students valuable skills and practical experience.
By Roger Riddell • Jan. 15, 2020
Culturally sensitive approach to SEL acknowledges external obstacles, researchers say

A new understanding of SEL expands the approach from being an internal process to include external forces like racism and sexism that can shape students' experiences.
By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 15, 2020
Study: Test scores higher in Newark charter, CMO schools

The researcher takes advantage of the random aspect of the New Jersey city’s centralized enrollment system to compare charters with traditional schools, but some say the "no excuses" model shouldn't be the gold standard.
By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 15, 2020
San Francisco district adopts teacher housing plan

With commutes for some teachers ranging from two to five hours, officials will use district-owned land to build 550 residential units, following the example of other California communities.
By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 15, 2020
California bill would require full compensation for teachers on extended sick leave

The state's current policy, which provides teachers 10 days of sick leave per school year, could be impacting less experienced and pregnant teachers disproportionately, one lawmaker said.
By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 14, 2020
Texas district loses $2.3M to phishing scam

The FBI and local police are investigating three separate transactions, but it's unclear whether the district will recover the money.
By Shawna De La Rosa , Naaz Modan • Jan. 14, 2020
Tracker: Florida teachers rally in Tallahassee

Thousands of teachers took the day off to advocate for more education funding from lawmakers in this year’s legislative session.
By Linda Jacobson • UPDATED: Jan. 13, 2020 at 5:19 a.m.
6 K-12 districts to watch in 2020

Where some see gains with student success and technological innovation, others continue to face takeover threats and lawsuits.
By Linda Jacobson , Roger Riddell , Naaz Modan • Jan. 13, 2020
California governor's homelessness plan leaves out schools

Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner asks Gov. Gavin Newsom to direct some of his $1 billion proposal to schools serving homeless students and families.
By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 13, 2020
RAND Corp project to survey districts, charter groups

One organization participating in the new American School District Panel says the surveys will delve into “how districts help school leaders innovate and solve problems.”
By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 10, 2020
NCLB's 'hangover' and 'schools without walls': AASA finalists detail top ed concerns

At a panel discussion, the organization's Superintendent of the Year finalists shared thoughts on big-picture issues facing district leaders.
By Naaz Modan • Jan. 10, 2020
Column
Pre-to-3: Head Start forges new partnerships to support children's transition into kindergarten

A former high school principal, Head Start Director Deborah Bergeron is working her connections with K-12 organizations to get more school and district leaders involved in PK-3 efforts.
By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 10, 2020
Should school leaders close, consolidate under-enrolled schools?

In Chicago, like other cities nationwide, decisions to close schools could leave families angry and many displaced students struggling academically.
By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 10, 2020
District judge temporarily blocks Texas takeover of Houston ISD

The preliminary injunction hampers the state's plan to replace the HISD school board with a board of managers and prevents the state from intervening in underperforming schools.
By Naaz Modan • Jan. 09, 2020
Should districts set own attendance rules?

A Wyoming bill would allow local flexibility in determining excused and unexcused absences.
By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 09, 2020
Ample planning key to smooth school rebuilds in wake of natural disasters

Preparation not only mitigates damage, but can keep the educational process running smoothly following an event while paving the way for necessary infrastructure improvements.
By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 09, 2020
Building growth mindset requires rethinking lesson structures

One educator suggests encouraging more creative results and giving students time to work through mistakes so they can try again.
By Lauren Barack • Jan. 08, 2020