About 1.4 million public high-school students across the US do not have access to crucial classes such as algebra I or higher-level math classes, according to a report from the Foundation for Excellence in Education. The report warns that this lack of access means that many students are unprepared for college-level classes.

Fantasy role-playing games such as "Dungeons & Dragons" can help improve students' academic performances as well as social and emotional skills, according to research by professor David Simkins of the Rochester Institute of Technology. The research shows that role-playing games can increase learning and intellectual curiosity in subjects from math and science to critical reading and history, Simkins said.

Misbehavior in the classroom is a great opportunity to teach students the value of respect, cooperation and self-control, writes school principal Rita Platt. In this blog post, she outlines 10 ways teachers can turn classroom disruptions into positive learning experiences, including by modeling good behavior and helping students correct their own behavior.

Using graphing calculators in calculus classes deprives students of the ability to think through formulas and problems, says Johns Hopkins University math professor Stephen Wilson. In this commentary, education columnist Jay Mathews presents counterarguments from other experts about calculators and about other web-based tools.

As he transitions from teacher to administrator, Sean Cassel writes that the most valuable lesson he has learned has been to help empower staff and faculty to create a positive environment for students. In this commentary, he writes that "the dedication of the support staff is what makes teaching and learning possible."

Students in one California elementary-school class have gone on 32 virtual field trips this year, visiting landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. The interactive assignments are cross-curricular and include lessons such as calculating the heights of giant sequoia trees and Big Ben.

The US Department of Education has partially approved a proposal by Texas education officials to overhaul its special-education system, but said the state must do much more to improve conditions for students. Federal officials say they will review changes and schedule in-person visits early next year to ensure compliance.

In celebration of National Farm to School Month, Happy Hollow Elementary School students in Fayetteville, Ark., enjoyed a seasonal lunch made almost entirely from local and regional foods. Ally Mrachek, director of Child Nutrition for Fayetteville Public Schools, said exposing children to locally grown food helps them to learn the value of healthy, colorful food that is good for their bodies.

Like educators in schools across the United States, math teachers in the Texas school system are under pressure to help students achieve positive scores on statewide assessments. While every school wants to accelerate student math proficiency, administrators at five Texas school districts faced unique obstacles.

Although it may seem like good practice to teach all students the same writing skills simultaneously, young writers are at different levels of mastery. How can teachers reach out to students who continue to struggle with writing? Instruction tailored to individual needs teaches students the voice, story plot and grammar skills they haven't yet mastered.