Ariana Fine

Helping blind and visually impaired children learn Braille

The LEGO Foundation and LEGO Group are supporting a project that will help blind and visually impaired children learn Braille. The customized LEGO Braille Bricks will be molded with the same number of studs used for individual letters and numbers in the Braille alphabet, while remaining compatible with the LEGO System in Play.

Stronger oversight of virtual schools in Indiana

In response to poor student outcomes at its virtual schools, a new Indiana law says if online students fail to log in to classes for too long, virtual schools must kick them out. Additionally, students who want to enroll in an online school must complete an orientation session with a guardian to better understand the expectations of a virtual learning environment.

Texas district incorporates new digital human anatomy tool

The San Benito CISD is beginning instructor training on a new device to improve its medical program. Known as Anatomage, the imaging table is a life-size diagnostic tool that will help instructors teach health science students about anatomy—instead of relying on animal dissections and posters.

How biometric security can boost school safety and efficiency

Fingerprint readers and facial scans can tighten security and increase administrative efficiencies for identity checks, attendance taking and bookkeeping.

DA op-ed: The changing role of the school district CIO

Do you see yourself as a traditional or transformational technology leader? The reality is that we must be both.

Connecting assessment to instruction for English language learners

English language learners at different language proficiency levels often have different learning needs. Discover how to pinpoint their needs and target instruction to boost achievement.

Atlanta schools to expand public access to playgrounds

A proposed Atlanta Public Schools and City of Atlanta program would open up schoolyards for use as public parks after school, on weekends and summer breaks.

W.V. leaders plan to again push charter schools, vouchers

Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Patricia Rucker said West Virginia's upcoming special legislative session on education will include additional bills on charter schools and education savings accounts.

New superintendent chosen for Botetourt County

The Virginia district's school board appointed Lisa Chen to replace retiring Superintendent John Busher. Chen is currently the assistant superintendent of public instruction at Louisa County Public Schools.

Titusville ASD hires internal candidate

The Pennsylvania district's school board named Stephanie Keebler as the district's new superintendent, replacing retiring Superintendent Karen Jez. Keebler previously worked for the district as director of federal programs.

Two reading and language arts games released

Wake Up Stars is a storytelling game developed by board game designer Dr. Reiner Knizia. The second game, Lily Pond, helps build foundational reading skills.

Early childhood education programs acquired

Excelligence Learning Corporation has acquired the Letter People and the DIG comprehensive pre-K curriculum from Abrams Learning Trends. The Abrams products acquired will be incorporated into Frog Street Press, a subsidiary of Excelligence.

After years of debate, stronger oversight of virtual schools signed into Indiana law

If online students fail to log into classes for too long, virtual schools must kick them out, under a new Indiana law. Students who want to go to an online school now also have to complete an orientation session with a guardian to better understand the expectations of a virtual learning environment.

How schools struggle to serve gifted students with disabilities

About 6 percent of students nationwide are “twice exceptional,” or 2e: They have high academic aptitude but struggle with ADHD, mild autism, dyslexia, or other learning and behavioral challenges. Parents say it's often impossible to find schools to educate them. Now some are fighting to change that.

Fulton County Schools hires Tennessee school leader

Mike Looney will be the next superintendent of Fulton County Schools, Georgia's fourth largest school district. He has been the superintendent of Williamson County Schools in Tennessee for nearly a decade.