Sparking curiosity and giving students ‘voice and choice’ Tim Goral Our education system is like a giant embedded rock, says Grant Lichtman. In his book, Moving the Rock, the former administrator outlines seven “levers” that schools or districts can use to begin to pry that rock free and introduce a “deeper learning” model that truly prepares students for the future. Read more>> The Darkest Child, winner of the Black Caucus of the ALA Award Sponsored by Penguin Random House Tayari Jones (An American Marriage) calls The Darkest Child a timeless American treasure in her introduction to the new edition of the modern classic, which has been expanded with an excerpt from a never before seen follow-up and discussion guide. The book is a winner of the Black Caucus of the ALA Award and a nominee for the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award. Read more>> Religion in public schools works if line isn't crossed Sioux City Journal When it comes to instruction of religion in public schools, it's all about the approach taken—by the state, by the school and by the teacher. The instruction must be academic, include a broader instruction of all religions, and not be required study. Legislation that would cross any of those lines invites legal action a state would be wise to avoid. Read more>> 10 best practices for expanding social, emotional and behavioral supports Sponsored by District Management Group As schools and districts face rising student needs, many seek to improve and expand social, emotional and behavioral supports, but are challenged to do so within tight budgets. Explore these best practices to discover the most powerful ways to cost-effectively meet the changing needs of students. Read more>> Is there a gifted gap? Fordham Institute A new report finds that high-poverty schools are just as likely as low-poverty schools to have gifted programs. But even when black and Hispanic students have gifted programs in their elementary and middle schools, they participate at much lower rates than their peers. Read more>> Helping teens find their purpose The Hechinger Report While schools have adopted curricula on social and emotional learning, and grit, others are focused on something more abstract and profound: finding a sense of purpose. A new movement in schools is making room for students to explore life’s big questions. Read more>> School discipline isn't Washington’s business Bloomberg View The responsibility of the federal government is to ensure that students are treated fairly and without discrimination. Student discipline should be handled at the local level and, as much as possible, left to the discretion of individual principals and teachers. Read more>> |