The challenge to leaders of public education
Mel Hawkins

The education reform movement, with its focus on high-stakes testing and privatization through the creation of charter schools and vouchers, is a response from dissatisfied customers of public education. These powerful men and women leading the education reform movement are justified in their concerns but their solutions could not be more wrong. Read more>>

Sponsored by Voyager Sopris Learning

There is more to a student than the ability to read. Potential comes in all forms. Let’s challenge the stereotypes and see students for their potential, not their inability to read. Let’s empower each teacher to change lives. Let’s recognize each district for its ability to build a better literacy program. Read more>>

Reversing civic ignorance requires a collective, cross-sector effort
The Seattle Times

Social media is a showcase of civic illiteracy. It also could be a catalyst for promoting civic education. Civic ignorance is a bipartisan concern, uniting teachers, the private sector and government. So national and state history needs to be hitched to any civics’ curriculum. Read more>>

Sponsored by District Management Group

While virtually all school districts have a strategic plan, only some provide a clear vision and detailed objectives that drive action on a day-to-day basis. This framework enables you to develop an actionable, focused strategic plan to help your district meet ever-mounting challenges and raise student achievement. Read more>>

If your teacher looks like you, you may do better in school
NPR

Think back to grade school for a moment and envision that one teacher who could captivate you more than any other. Did that teacher look a bit like you? One recent study says: probably. Surveyed students reported putting forth more effort in school and having higher college aspirations. Read more>>

Sponsored by Education Elements

The shift to personalized learning can be challenging. As a district leader, you likely have questions about whether you are implementing well or how you compare to other districts. Onpoint is a benchmark score designed to help you at any stage of your implementation. Read more>>

Grit needs to become a part of the school curriculum
The Dallas Morning News

As teachers who give our students everything we have (and then some), we can take practical steps to cultivate grit in our students. We can fulfill the dual purposes of helping our students fall in love with nuances of our curriculum while developing their abilities to persevere through challenges. Read more>>

Sponsored by AVID

A recent Gallup study reported that just 30 percent of U.S. teachers are “actively engaged” in their work. Teacher engagement is central to helping students realize their full potential. This report details the characteristics of effective professional learning that sticks with teachers so their students can thrive. Read more>>

The social media presence of schools and athletes should be sensible
The News Herald

For better or for worse, social media has enveloped our lives. High school athletic departments and their athletes are no different, as social media is a representation and extension of identity. That carries with it a duty to be responsible in its use. Sometimes that use falls short of that goal. Read more>>
Published by District Administration