The meta-analysis found overall screen time had no association with a child's performance at school. But when each type of screen time was broken down, the study found time spent on television viewing and video games was associated with poorer academic achievement.

Many districts have struggled to fund study-abroad programs. But educators at District of Columbia Public Schools say they are seeing a big return on investment from sending students overseas.

An increasing number of district leaders are creating highly detailed graduate profiles to ensure students have the soft skills they need to succeed after high school.

Schools, and even some districts, are banning smartphones in the classroom as research continues to show that their use hinders learning.