Micah Ward

Micah Ward is a District Administration staff writer. He recently earned his master’s degree in Journalism at the University of Alabama. He spent his time during graduate school working on his master’s thesis. He’s also a self-taught guitarist who loves playing folk-style music.

5 ways to boost family engagement for academic recovery

Family engagement is a critical strategy for improving a student's academics, but is often misunderstood in policy implementation, argues new research.

Students grade their schools a B for these reasons

Students gave their schools better grades for overall quality and their relationship with teachers, according to new research. 

4 ways states can better address chronic absenteeism

More states are publishing chronic absenteeism data than ever before. Here's how their reporting can improve so schools can take action even quicker.

Where does your state rank for education quality?

Nationwide, high school graduation rates are on the rise. However, three key indicators for a new state-by-state education ranking are worsening.

3 ways to get more women in education leadership

Here is how leaders can analyze the hiring process to strengthen pathways for women and root out gender bias.

The majority of parents now support cell phone bans

Parents are waiting for their district's leadership to take action on cell phones in schools. Here's some advice.

Changing districts? How to prepare the next superintendent for the job

"Don't just wait for a retirement or a transition announcement," says this departing superintendent. He says the easiest time to plan for a transition is when you aren't facing one.

How to manage relationships with state leadership, beyond politics 

Now is the time to get to know your state superintendent and legislators on a more personal level. State leadership wants to impact students’...

Why one leader’s approach to data privacy is earning recognition

The key to promoting a culture that values data privacy is communicating the issue in a way that everyone understands, says this tech leader. Only then will you see results.

Research: 3 issues compromising school entrance security

Teachers and students feel safest when they know their school entrances are secure. Yet, only 17% of school employees say their schools prioritize safety starting at the front door.

A big barrier to teacher pay returns: Housing costs

Between 2019 and 2025, housing costs have increased by as much as 51% in some areas, according to new research from the National Council on Teacher Quality.

Latest Trump ‘skinny budget’ draws a warning from AASA

On Friday, the Trump Administration released additional budget materials for the Fiscal Year 2026, which potentially blocks more than $6 billion for crucial K12 programs.

Why schools take a long time to report ransomware

It takes the education sector nearly five months to report a ransomware attack, longer many large industries, new research concludes.

4 big reasons micro-credentials are off to a slow start

Interest in micro-credentials is high in K12 as leaders look for fresh ways to prepare students for post-graduation success.

ESSER withdrawals force mass layoffs in schools

As predicted by one K12 finance expert, school districts are laying off hundreds of staff members to account for the end of ESSER funding.