New York City Schools Tests AI as Teacher Coaching Aid
A network of small public high schools in New York City is exploring whether artificial intelligence can change the way teachers receive feedback about their classroom instruction, according to Chalkbeat New York. Urban Assembly, a network of 21 schools, is working with the American Institutes of Research to develop an AI-powered tool that can help…
Can the Public Cloud Better Secure K-12 Data?
Many districts still prefer on-premises data centers but an increasing number are migrating their key applications and most sensitive data to the public cloud, according to a report in EdTech. One key reason is that it strengthens their security. In a survey by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), school IT leaders said cybersecurity remains…
Many School Districts Lost at Least 20% of Students During Pandemic
A new analysis of national enrollment data, prepared by researchers at the Brookings Institution and augmented by reporting from The 74, offers the most detailed look to date at how the declining public school enrollment crisis is playing out at the school level, as well as the districts that face — or will soon face…
Data Opens Eyes and Minds in the K-12 Classroom
With all the educational technology that’s made its way into the K-12 classroom in the last 10 years, schools now have a constant stream of actionable data that can be used to improve student outcomes, according to eSchool News. This is especially true with literacy, where it’s too easy to lose track of student progress…
Educators Turn Boredom into Learning Outcomes
Educators can use boredom to their advantage by tailoring their content to meet student needs, according to a post by Jon Oosterman, learning specialist, Van Andel Institute for Education, writing in eSchool News. Below are five strategies Oosterman has found “incredibly” useful for turning a blasé lesson plan into student brilliance: Use boredom as…
Special Education Rules for Informal Removals Cannot Violate Civil & Educational Rights
States and districts are taking steps to ensure that “informal removals” — shortened school days to address behavior issues for students with disabilities, do not violate civil and educational rights, according to a report in Education Slice. New state and local resources, including from Oregon, Illinois, and Chicago Public Schools, have come in the wake…
Classroom Achievement Often Doesn’t Measure up to Parents’ Perceptions
Nearly 90% of parents in a recent survey believe their child is performing at grade level — but 2022-23 data shows only 50% of students actually are, according to a report in The 74. Nearly 9 out of 10 parents surveyed believe their child is performing at grade level in reading (88%) and math (89%)…
Sales Boom for Phone Pouch Company as In-School Bans Spread
Yondr’s revenues, driven mostly by sales to school districts, have seen more than a 10-fold increase since 2021, according to a report in The 74. Yondr produces neoprene pouches to lock up students’ cellphones — a clear sign that the movement to keep phones out of classrooms is spreading across the U.S. For example, the Akron,…
“District of Innovation” Plan in Houston Triggers Numerous Changes
The Houston Independent School District (ISD) will extend its school year and begin classes earlier in August after approval by the district’s school board on a “District of Innovation” plan, according to an article in K-12 Dive. Although the vast majority of Texas school districts have already received the District of Innovation designation, the potential…
School Staffing Shortages Creating Bigger Class Sizes
Administrators are being pushed to increase class sizes due to teacher vacancies, according to data recently released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), according to a report in Education Slice. School leaders rely on other strategies, too, for handling shortages. About 40% say they used their teachers and staff to perform duties outside…
