Middle-school students from Mattoon, Ill., stepped outside to experience the solar eclipse firsthand after a series of lessons and activities that prepared them for the event, and will continue to explore the topic in class, says teacher Cayla Duckett. Some of Duckett's students are also participating in a district effort to share the experience by donating their eclipse glasses to people in Latin America, who are due to experience an eclipse later this year.

For formative assessments to effectively communicate information about student progress during instruction, educators should ensure that any grades for formative assessments are not heavily weighted and must accurately reflect student progress, writes instructional specialist Miriam Plotinsky. A formative assessment with a clear rubric helps students engage in the process of learning and assess their own progress rather than merely checking off a box for completing an assignment, Plotinsky writes.

Substance use among teenagers has been trending downward for the most part in recent years, likely due to prevention campaigns, education and policy changes, research shows. At the same time, teen overdose deaths including those involving fentanyl have risen significantly. Dr. Nora Volkow of the National Institute on Drug Abuse explains what is behind the changing patterns.

Teachers can use innovative strategies like collaborative slide deck competitions to transition students from individual work to teamwork, writes Marcus Luther, an 11th-grade English teacher. These interactive activities offer dynamic opportunities for students to share ideas, collaborate effectively and engage in ongoing learning, Luther explains.

A study of post-pandemic internet access for students in rural communities in the US found gains made during the pandemic have diminished and are expected to trend down as emergency resources decrease. Gabriel Hales and Keith Hampton of Michigan State University outline the report's findings and recommend broadband maps be updated as soon as possible to maximize coming infrastructure improvements.

A study in Tennessee illustrates the inconsistency of teacher shortages, revealing disparities between districts and subjects, particularly in math, foreign languages and special education. Targeted financial incentives have shown mixed results in addressing shortages, with examples from Hawaii and Dallas suggesting nuanced challenges and potential unintended consequences.

Stephanie Farley was a reluctant adventurer 30 years ago when she took a teaching job "until something better" came along. To her surprise, she discovered a career that has given her the gifts of meaning, mastery and connection - "a powerfully engaging, ever-evolving vocation." Read more.

Recognizing the gap between formal curriculum standards and the emotional and organizational hurdles of writing, systems coach Matt Renwick shares some of his ideas for student-centered strategies that acknowledge these challenges and equip students with tools they need to overcome them. Read on.