K12 leaders: Hand over the reins Jennifer Herseim Randy Ziegenfuss, a Pennsylvania-based superintendent, shares three tips on how leaders can shift from a school-centered mindset to a learner-centered one. The current education system, which places much of the control of learning with the school system, not the learner, will underprepare students for the future, he says. Read more>> The Coddling of The American Mind Sponsored by Penguin Random House With rates of anxiety, depression and suicide on the rise on campuses across America, First Amendment expert Greg Lukianoff and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt show how social trends have brought about the damaging culture of “safetyism”—and how to get students back on track to autonomous futures. Read more>> Citizenship as a classroom priority The 74 A new Gallup Poll shows 74 percent of superintendents say "preparing engaged citizens" has become a major challenge for their districts. The reason might be the nation’s heated political climate combined with the wave of student activism that followed the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Read more>> Making the common formative assessment process easier for teachers Sponsored by Global PD School and districts are relying on Global PD, an award-winning online tool, to simplify the work of their professional learning communities, particularly as it relates to designing and implementing common formative assessments. Read more>> Majority say public school teachers are underpaid The Washington Post Most Americans say public school teachers are underpaid. They would support them if they went on strike for better wages, a new poll shows, offering backup for newly assertive educators. At the same time, the poll found American confidence in teachers at a low point. Read more>> Friends fly free Sponsored by Landscape Structures The Friendship Swing lets kids and adults share in the camaraderie. This multi-user swing is one-size-fits-all, from two kids to a multi-generational family. Designed for easy access, the Friendship Swing encourages social engagement, whether it's fun with your besties or with the whole family. Everyone loves to swing—now they can enjoy it together. Read more>> Amid the tension, schools need civility Hartford Courant The overall tenor of the nation’s sociopolitical landscape is tense at best, and that tension will surely find its way into classrooms and campuses. The challenge for students and teachers this year will be to moderate that tension with civil discussion, compassion and open minds. Read more>> Before arming teachers, study causes of school shootings Newsday Education Secretary Nancy DeVos’ proposal to use federal funds to arm teachers is a political move. If we want to make schools safer, first use that money to study gun violence to determine what works to stop it. Read more>> |