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School strikes lead to highest number of work stoppages in 11 years

There was highest number of “major” work stoppages in 11 years in 2018, according to new U.S. Labor Department data. The department reported 20 stoppages, involving at least 1,000 workers last year, with the 553,000 workers involved being the highest in 32 years. The largest event: the Arizona school strike.

Teaching to the drug test

Teachers are proving vulnerable to disconnects between state and federal law that send conflicting messages about the use of medical marijuana. And district officials are in between a rock and a hard place: Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act, any employer that receives federal funding must operate a drug-free workplace, or risk losing that funding.

‘Full-service’ community schools get a closer look in Minnesota

A bill in the Minnesota Senate would put up $30 million over two years to expand full-service schools, which meet education, health care, and other student and family needs under one roof. This community model, tried in Faribault, Duluth and Rochester districts, has caught the attention of new Gov. Tim Walz. A separate bill in the House would also put money toward such schools.

Kentucky school safety bill passes unanimously in Senate

The Kentucky Senate passed a school safety bill that calls for the creation of a state school security marshal position and development of a school security risk assessment tool, among other measures. The bill comes one year after two students were killed in a shooting at Marshall County High School in Benton.

Santa Fe, N.M., schools worry that voters casting ballots in person, and now via mail, may reject edtech funding

In a test of a new state law that aims to increase election turnout, voters in several New Mexico school districts are casting ballots by mail for the first time. And the results of a recent Albuquerque Public Schools special election—with such voters rejecting construction project proposals—have Santa Fe officials concerned. An election there is seeking $11 million per year to fund edtech and support schools.

A year after Parkland: Progress, but controversy still rages

The mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland set off months of nationwide lobbying to restrict access to firearms and better protect schools. In Pennsylvania, the tragedy also spurred some action—including a gun-control law and the January launch of the Safe2Say program, allowing students to pass along tips using a website or smartphone app.

ICYMI: A financial feast for K12 schools

How districts can save money and boost nutrition through cooperative purchasing.

What makes a great transition for students in special ed?

Here are the top research-based predicators from the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition that link what happens in schools to better post-K12 outcomes.

10 ways to use voice-activated devices in the classroom

Experts and educators offer tips on how to use Alexa, Google Home and other voice-activated devices in the classroom.

FETC 2019: Looking back at the recent Future of Education Technology Conference

Here are some of the sights from FETC 2019, where hundreds of educators explored the latest trends in edtech, networked, and connected with solution providers.

Industry News: K12 schools upgrade systems, services

Districts in New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois, Washington, Texas, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma select new products and services for PD, online learning, assessments and cultural programs.

Professional Opinion: Surveillance cameras in school

Expert Amy Steketee Fox addresses the legal ins and outs to avoid (over)exposure. A former public educator, Steketee Fox practices school and employment law in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Edtech strategies for ELLs

English language learners should have the same opportunities to participate in STEM classes as any other student, English learner and bilingual consultant Lori Menning...

ICYMI: Breaking the age barrier in K12 schools

Combining grades in one classroom improves teaching and learning.

Law enforcement alerts K12 districts to traumatized students

The Handle With Care program is providing alerts to educators regarding students who have recently been exposed to trauma.