Every year, nearly 40 percent of food produced in America is thrown into the trash. That trend extends to the 5 billion lunches served in U.S. public schools each year, amounting to an estimated $1.2 billion of annual lunchroom waste, according to USDA data and findings from a two-year study of Boston middle schools. The […]
I work with schools to teach brand and marketing strategies to educators. That job didn't exist a few short years ago. It's not typical work and neither is school branding, which I characterize as "business as unusual." Branding is an empowering trend for educators who move out of their typical professional silos into understanding marketing […]
Finding quality professional development for science teachers continues to be a challenge as school districts expand STEM programs. Many science centers and museums offer STEM-related PD, and want to partner with districts to develop programs that align with school curriculum and Next Generation Science Standards. "One thing we hear from teachers is they appreciate science […]
How does children's play behavior on school and community playgrounds contribute to physical, social, emotional and cognitive development? Physical activity offers rich opportunities for different types of movement patterns. It helps children with balance and coordination, muscle strength and endurance, and sensory motor development. When children are engaged in social, imaginary play, they are creating […]
Twelve of Nashville's largest high schools in November began piloting an online test that assesses ninth-graders' job aptitudes along with their career interests. Many states, including Washington and New Jersey, have created similar career-oriented middle and high school exams that are based on interests rather than skills, says Katie Fitzgerald, senior associate of communications of […]
I believe in the validity of vocational programs. However, I do have concerns about the context of what is being taught to these students in a rapidly changing economy. Vocational education at the secondary level has a long and storied tradition in the history of the United States. It is an institutional framework that meets the needs […]
How can administrators prepare staff with best practices and reasonable emergency plans? How can you communicate safety to your parents in a social media world on digital steroids? Bomb threats sent to teachers through an international proxy server. Computer-generated shooting threats called in to your school office. An irate parent with a gun reportedly headed […]
What should happen and what will happen in various areas of education over the next few years elicits different answers from educators and from other experts. For example, one expert on teaching believes districts should be supported with the funding to retain their best teachers. However, this expert believes state policymakers will continue to lower […]
Scheduling and managing special events at school district facilities can be complicated. Maintaining a schedule, understanding staffing and other needs, setting up and tearing down rooms, identifying insurance risks and other tasks can be confusing for administrators, and ultimately, costly to the school system in time, resources and money. This web seminar outlined six practical […]
Nationally, the number of English learners continues to grow, presenting district administrators with unique challenges. Blended learning that incorporates computer-adaptive assessments and instruction can be a vital resource to meet the needs of these students and to help them become proficient in English and succeed academically. This web seminar focused on key strategies for implementing […]
