Chronic absenteeism continues to take toll in schools | Study: Science lessons may boost early literacy skills | N.C. nonprofit boosts school attendance for English learners
Last school year, approximately one in four US students were chronically absent, causing teachers to confront empty classrooms. Despite a decline in absenteeism since the peak of the pandemic, the lingering challenges, including mental health issues and staffing shortages, hinder the success of both students and educators.
Studying science might help younger students build their reading proficiency, according to a study that followed a set of North Carolina students from first grade to third grade. Researchers noted that knowledge-building lessons were provided to some of the observed students, and those who received these lessons performed better on state math and reading tests at the conclusion of the study and beyond.
The Charlotte Observer (N.C.) (tiered subscription model)/The Hechinger Report
(3/11)
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Everyone has their own leadership style, but unearthing it can take some doing, writes executive coach Rachel Wells, who recommends using the power of AI, and ChatGPT specifically, to help you figure it out. Wells suggests 23 prompts you can use to get started, including: "What are some strategies I can employ to assess which leadership style to use in a unique scenario?" and "List some common characteristics of effective leaders and what leadership styles they exhibit."
Data-Driven Approach to Equity High-stakes tests may expose gaps, but real changes to teaching practices come from the assessments closest to instruction. Advance equity in education with these data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes for all learners. Read on for strategies and free data discussion protocols.
Some high-school teachers are calling parents to refrain from texting their students during school hours -- highlighting how constant communication contributes to distraction and mental health issues. The educators suggest restricting non-urgent messages, limiting phone accessibility and turning off notifications to create a more focused learning environment for students.
White Paper: Next Generation Blended Learning It may be hard to remember a time when K-12 blended learning didn't exist, but now, it is a staple in modern classrooms — one that needs reimagining. Our latest white paper dives into what "Next Generation Blended Learning" looks like, including examples from innovative schools. Read now!
The rollout of Minnesota's universal school meal program led to a 37% increase in demand for school breakfasts during the first three months. State leaders recently emphasized the positive impact while addressing the unexpected demand and potential additional funding needed for the program.
For women especially, leading from the heart is a strength, not a weakness. Their emotional intelligence and natural inclination to lead with empathy and inclusivity is their superpower and the key to transformational leadership. Read more in the new issue of EL.
When leaders of Topeka Public Schools in Kansas first began to think about a new approach to mental health for students nearly a decade ago, they knew one thing for certain: being proactive was lifesaving. Read about their holistic approach to reshaping student mental healthcare on the ASCD Blog.
President Joe Biden's proposed 2025 budget seeks $82 billion for the US Department of Education, emphasizing increased funding for high-need schools, students with disabilities and universal free preschool for 4-year-olds. The budget outlines priorities such as teacher pay raises, expanded pre-K access and investments in academic programs and special education.
Some teachers in Oklahoma say they are too fearful and hesitant to teach David Grann's book "Killers of the Flower Moon" because of state laws restricting conversations related to race or sex that may cause students to experience discomfort. Jim Gray, a former Osage Nation chief, says the story -- and film of the same name -- of white settlers in Oklahoma murdering wealthy members of the Osage tribe in the 1920s, including the shooting death of his great-grandfather, is based on fact and he notes that "(f)eel good history doesn't help anybody."
The Federal Communications Commission is launching a $200 million Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program over three years, addressing the limitations of the E-rate program. Aimed at enhancing K-12 cybersecurity, the pilot seeks to explore effective approaches, offering a chance for selected schools to bolster their cybersecurity measures and contribute valuable insights for future federal funding decisions.