Ariana Fine

Edtech industry news

Schoolzilla PBC launched Metric Zoom, a service to help school systems dig deeper into their data. ... K12 Inc. updated its mobile app with new features. ... A Georgia district signed on with ACG Solutions/The Critical Response Group to implement school security mapping technology.

Encouraging ‘healthy schools’ in Mississippi, report says

Mississippi has been highlighted in a new report as one of 10 states in the nation that has robust policies that encourage “healthy schools.” The state is also the only one in the nation to comprehensively cover employee wellness in its policies.

A change that could boost academic performance in high schools?

Why hasn't the strategy to increase teen sleep by delaying school start times been more widely implemented? A new study in Seattle shows the power of starting the day later. What remains largely unknown is whether interventions designed to improve sleep patterns among teenagers may also prevent or delay the onset of mental disorders.

Md. Senate overturns order to start school year after Labor Day

The Maryland Senate gave final approval to a bill that would overturn an executive order by Gov. Larry Hogan that required local school districts to start their school year after Labor Day. The measure would allow local school districts to decide when schools should begin and end.

NYC schools should be evaluated based on diversity, panel says

A panel commissioned by Mayor Bill de Blasio called on the city to adopt a sweeping measure to address entrenched segregation in education. It would create diversity targets for all 1,800 schools so that their population reflects the racial and economic makeup of the surrounding areas.

School-based asthma interventions may reduce hospitalizations

School-based, self-managed asthma interventions appear to reduce hospital admissions, the number of days children experience asthma symptoms, emergency department visits, and are likely lead to small improvements in asthma-related quality of life, according to a study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Name change focus to improve access to project-based learning

The Buck Institute for Education introduced its new brand name, PBLWorks. This change drives a renewed focus on providing high quality project-based learning to all students and supporting teachers and administrators in implementing PBL effectively.

New books unveiled for emerging readers

Developed in collaboration with Wilson Language Training, Great Minds released Geodes, a new category of books for new and emerging readers. With Geodes, Great Minds introduces Readables books, which give students opportunities to practice language while building and extending knowledge, vocabulary and more.

Mobile app launched to report bullying and safety concerns

PublicSchoolWORKS has launched the “Stay Safe. Speak Up!” mobile app to make it more convenient to securely report safety concerns, including bullying, discrimination and more. Free for PublicSchoolWORKS customers, the app is part of the PublicSchoolWORKS Stay Safe. Speak Up! student safety reporting system.

What teachers and sports coaches can learn from each other

Coaches have skills that can help kids develop experiences outside of the classroom; teachers know how kids learn and connect with information. Both have complementary benefits that can help how kids learn. Tying learning and teaching to a performance, and giving more feedback are two things teachers can utilize.

Clever School District names new superintendent

Benjy Fenske was selected to replace current superintendent Steve Carvajal, who is resigning at the end of the current school year. Fenske currently serves as the Missouri district's director of elementary education. He has worked in the district for more than 20 years.

Superintendent Beverly Emory accepts N.C. state position

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools is looking for a new superintendent. Beverly Emory will begin working with the North Carolina Department of Instruction to improve low-performing schools as head of the new program.

Metric Zoom to help schools delve deeper into data

Schoolzilla, a Public Benefit Company that empowers school systems to use data to run great schools, today announced an exciting new enhancement to Mosaic...

From C to A: One school’s improvement story

In just four years, Johnson Elementary School in Scottsburg, Ind., improved its school grade from a C to an A. Principal Chris Routt says the change was a conscious decision backed by conviction.

Webinar: Six keys to build a culture of data

Looking to build a culture of data across your district? Join us for a webinar on February 28 to learn how to use data to build a shared understanding of student achievement and student potential.