Steven Blackburn

3 districts closing achievement gaps with at-risk and minority students

These Districts of Distinction runners-up are paying for AP tests and dual-credit classes, expanding summer programs for all students and providing more opportunities for students through construction projects.

How Williamsville Central School District is helping students struggling with math

Williamsville Central School District has developed software that automatically assigns students to attend labs where they math interventions if they get questions wrong on grade free tests, which all four of the New York district's middle schools administer every morning.

Creativity in Crisis: Exploring science using everyday items and in the great outdoors

During school closures, science instructors at a Massachusetts school system encouraged students to find examples of science in their backyards and neighborhoods, analyze science in the news and perform experiments using household items.

How to boost morale and prevent resignations during salary cuts

A vast majority of K-12 employees say they would most likely leave their job if their district made significant cuts to their salary and benefits.

“We graduated from on top of a mountain!”

Graduating seniors from a local school in New Hampshire did more to celebrate their completion of high school than just a drive-by graduation. Each student received their own private celebration with their loved ones from on top of a mountain.

Should schools accept donated devices for online learning?

School leaders are under pressure to provide every student with a device for online learning in the fall as many districts plan to adopt some form of blended learning even if campuses reopen.

How to perform contact tracing with visitor management systems

District leaders can use their preexisting visitor management systems for contact tracing and make them contactless by reconfiguring the system setup and overall layout at check-in.

How technology can streamline and improve temperature screening

District leaders can improve and streamline the process of screening student temperatures by using thermal camera technology. Here are five points district leaders should consider before implementation.

Using transparent, collaborative pilots to get teacher buy-in

Never underestimate the power of a good pilot. That's how San JosÁ© USD achieved teacher buy-in and smooth implementation of Istation programming and formative assessments...

How to further involve parents in choosing academic calendars next year

San Antonio ISD leaders have shared four possible academic calendar options with parents to vote and provide feedback on for the upcoming school year.

Can schools drastically reduce the time to engage active threats?

Rancocas Valley Regional High School District has lowered the time it would take for the New Jersey school system and local police departments to detect a weapon on campus grounds and then apprehend the intruder by 80%.

How K-12 leaders can respond to internal pressure for more freedom

District leaders are facing internal pressure to grant employees more freedoms that could conflict with school safety policies, such as social distancing and other protocols, as states continue to roll back restrictions.

How to help educators teach meaningful math online during closures

K-12 leaders can help educators who are struggling to provide meaningful mathematics instruction online by ensuring students are using manipulatives and have the ability to share their thinking with teachers and their peers.

How schools can improve CTE during COVID-19

Students might not be receiving quality career technical education during school closures, which would negatively impact their college and career readiness upon graduation.

Virtual field trip providers on curriculum integration

How can schools and districts integrate virtual reality field trips into their curriculum in a way that complements learning rather than becoming the main...