How schools are approaching the concussions crisis proactively Cort T. Malone and Jorge R. Aviles Less attention has been paid to the increasing number of concussion-related injuries coming from high school student-athletes. The litigation exposes high school districts to an increased risk of class-action lawsuits and significant monetary damages. Schools must determine whether their existing insurance will respond to such liabilities. Read more>> Standing desks that don’t get in the way of learning Sponsored by Ergotron Teachers too commonly report that daily lesson plans are restricted and dictated by classroom furniture that is not flexible enough to meet students’ and teachers’ needs. See how schools and teachers are using LearnFit mobile and adjustable standing desks to give their students the best opportunities to learn. Read more>> Improve financial literacy with school programs The Herald-Dispatch It is encouraging to see schools tackling financial "life lessons" in creative ways, because all indications are that American students are too often unprepared for the complex financial decisions—such as student loans—that they will soon confront. Read more>> Recruiting substitutes effectively to fill district absences Sponsored by ESS/Source4Teachers While many districts don’t have an adequate substitute pool to meet their employee absence needs, few have considered improving their substitute recruitment plan. The best recruitment campaigns are multifaceted and ongoing. Learn how to improve the substitute recruitment program in your district. Read more>> Competition is ruining childhood. The kids should fight back The New York Times Many of today’s kids have lived their entire lives in a fierce tournament with their peers. But we don’t even really know what we are racing for, much less how to tone down the competition. And most people don’t seem to be benefiting from this frantic contest, either as students or as adult workers. Read more>> Improve listening scores on Smarter Balanced assessments Sponsored by Listenwise Listening comprehension is critical to college and career readiness, but are you assessing it? Listenwise's award-winning program assesses eight different components of listening with curriculum-aligned lessons. Find out how well your middle and high school students can comprehend complex content. Read more>> To fail or not to fail NPR The fierce debate over high standards has roiled teachers' lounges and principals' offices across the country. On one side is the belief that lowering standards is a betrayal of students who are constantly told "you're not good enough." On the other is the fear that high standards, at any cost, will push at-risk students out of school. Read more>> Break through with blended learning Sponsored by Istation Achieve educational equity and transform classrooms by mixing technology with teaching. Written for educational leaders, this e-book from Istation covers affordable approaches, powerful strategies and more. Read more>> Online preschool: Does it work? PBS News Hour Research has found that quality early learning experiences are critical for children. Now, a small but growing number of nonprofits and for-profit companies are saying they can deliver at least some of these experiences — and benefits — via the internet, and thousands of parents are signing up. Read more>> | 