District leaders realize that when it comes to getting alternative program students to graduation, the name of the game is support, not punishment.

You've heard the phrase “reading wars”—the so-called battle between phonics and whole language instruction—but you might not know it's exaggerated.

American learners have a persistent reading problem, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Only 35% of students tested read at or above proficient levels. Yet a closer look at the data finds that most white and Asian students, as well as learners in the suburbs, routinely score at least near proficient. Poorer students, […]

You will hear this word a lot in future literacy discussions: morphology, or the meaning of words. In a nutshell, the English spelling system is designed to represent both the sounds (phonemes) and word meaning (morphology). Researcher Jeffrey Bowers, professor of cognitive science at the University of Bristol in England, points out that English prioritizes […]

Some steps all educators can take to incorporate STEM into everyday instruction: Consider putting a makerspace in every classroom. Many schools have separate makerspaces. Other educators create moveable carts filled with recyclables and design supplies. Easier access to materials means teachers can incorporate more STEM every day. Encourage teachers to take on a facilitator mindset. […]

Consider these ideas: Some kids are STEM kids and some aren't. Students need to master science and math basics before moving on to STEM. STEM focuses on jobs, so it should be concentrated in middle and high school. Wrong, wrong and wrong.

There are successful transition plans and then there are successful transitions for special ed students. Experts offer ideas.

Many teachers—even seasoned special education teachers—haven't studied transition planning through university coursework or through other professional development.