Briefings

Schools install laundry facilities to help students in need, improve attendance

By having access to clean clothes, students gain self-confidence and are less likely to be targets of bullying or ridicule.

Recovery high schools open in more states

Around 40 recovery high schools exist across the country, despite research showing that the programs help students stay clean and earn diplomas.

Students may feel safe, but likely need more mental health services

Most high school students feel safe in school, though white males feel safer than do female and minority students, says a new ACT report that also calls for increased mental health services.

Why zero-emission school buses are gaining traction

Green school buses have received some high-profile endorsements. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is promoting electric school buses in his “Green New Deal,” Vox reports.  Sanders’ plan would pay for many schools and cities to switch to electric buses.

Hurricane Dorian and its aftermath include maintaining natural disaster planning

As hurricane season blows in with Dorian, preparation for natural disaster remains a focus for K-12 schools.

School dress codes continue to generate controversy

Dress codes in Washington, D.C., public schools continue to disproportionately impact black girls, according one report. Elsewhere, districts are removing references to gender in dress codes and allowing students more leeway over what they wear to class.

Fri Sep 6th, 2019

Dual-language immersion programs surge

Dual-language immersion programs and foreign language education are expanding rapidly across the U.S. as a way to prepare students for a global economy. But the movements are requiring school districts to find new ways to address teacher shortages. 
Wed Sep 4th, 2019

Changes in marijuana use leave district leaders in bind

With marijuana legal to varying extents in 33 states and the District of Columbia, school leaders are increasingly finding themselves walking a fine line in how to handle pot-related issues among students.
Fri Aug 30th, 2019

IES awards $10.2 million in edtech grants to 23 organizations

This year's grantees are focused on the development of a range of tools such as a platform to evaluate scholastic esports programs, an augmented reality sandbox for early learning STEM instruction, and a web-based tool to assess communication skills that students need for college and career readiness.
Thu Aug 29th, 2019

Student suicide tops concerns as schools open

Many district leaders have over the last few years implemented mental health screening for all students. Many administrators have also begun to train teachers and staff in mental health first aid techniques that enable educators to spot early warning signs of a student in distress and provide immediate assistance.

Thu Aug 29th, 2019

Help students stay focused, manage distractions with these online tools

At the recent International Society for Technology in Education conference, special education teacher and edtech consultant Katie Nieves Licwinko shared these five apps to reduce online distractions at school.
Thu Aug 29th, 2019