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Tag: educators

  • Discovery Education and LIV Golf Launch Multi-Year Partnership Reaching Half a Million Students Worldwide with STEM and Life Skills

    Discovery Education and LIV Golf Launch Multi-Year Partnership Reaching Half a Million Students Worldwide with STEM and Life Skills

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    Charlotte, NC and Carrollton, TX — Discovery Education and LIV Golf today announced a new multi-year partnership, LIV to Learn, that will positively impact half a million students worldwide. This innovative collaboration offers students and educators digital resources that explore STEM, life skills, and career opportunities, while also addressing topics of teamwork and sustainability. 

    LIV to Learn is a key component of the LIV Golf Potential, Unleashed Impact Strategy which aims to positively impact 5.4 million young people. LIV to Learn unites partners across sectors to increase opportunities for education, employment, and training for young people. Since its founding, LIV Golf has launched numerous programs focused on inspiring a better tomorrow through the game of golf. The pillar programs of Potential, Unleashed – LIV to Learn, LIV Green, Transform the Game, and the Way We LIV – demonstrate a holistic and transformational strategy for impact. 

    “Inspiring students through the game of golf is a core focus of LIV Golf’s Potential, Unleashed impact and sustainability initiative,” said Greg Norman, the CEO and Commissioner at LIV Golf. “We are proud to partner with Discovery Education to create new ways to make golf more accessible to young people, while developing the important skills and values that play a huge role in the game we love. We believe these tools will help foster a passion for golf and encourage students to reach their potential as we work to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.” 

    The program includes ready-to-use resources, teacher-led and family activities, and a facilitator guide. LIV to Learn features exclusive content from some of the biggest names in golf, including two-time Masters champion and RangeGoats GC captain Bubba Watson, U.S. Open champion and Cleeks GC captain Martin Kaymer, LIV Golf Wild Card player and former Ryder Cup star Anthony Kim, Cleeks GC star and 2023 DP World Tour Player of the Year Adrian Meronk, and more.  

     “To partner with such a great organization like Discovery Education is a very exciting moment for our league,” says Watson. “I am honored to play a small role in this and look forward to seeing the global impact we can make together.” 
     
    This week, as part of the program launch during the LIV Golf Dallas Team Championship, local students and educators are visiting Maridoe Golf Club for an opportunity to learn about STEM-related careers at LIV Golf. A series of events for students and educators will include virtual field trip filming, a behind-the-scenes tour of the event operations and broadcast compound, meet and greets with athletes, and fan village tours. 

    “Our extensive experience with major leagues has strengthened our belief in the power of sports to ignite student curiosity,” said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. “We are excited to partner with LIV Golf to channel that curiosity into learning, fostering essential skills to help students thrive in their futures.” 

    Additional resources will be released in the coming months, including a virtual field trip, digital lesson bundles, and language translations. Learn more about LIV to Learn at livtolearn.discoveryeducation.com or within Discovery Education Experience.  

    About LIV Golf  
    The LIV Golf League is the world’s only global golf league featuring 13 teams, a 14-tournament schedule, and many of the world’s best golfers. Launched in 2022, the League was designed to expand the sport on a global level and create new value within the golfing ecosystem while enhancing the game’s societal impact. A landmark investment by LIV Golf also launched The International Series, a set of 10 enhanced events sanctioned by the Asian Tour, with elevated prize funds in world-class destinations, offering a pathway for leading professional and amateur golfers from around the world into the LIV Golf League. Hall of Fame golfer and renowned businessman, Greg Norman, is the League’s first and founding CEO and Commissioner. Only two years into operations and with tournaments across North and Latin Americas, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe, LIV Golf remains committed to developing the sport at every level and exposing more people to the positive virtues of the game through its unique blend of intense competition and entertainment. 
      
    LIV Golf is owned and operated by LIV Golf Investments whose vision and mission are centered around making holistic and sustainable investments to enhance the global golf ecosystem and unlock the sport’s untapped worldwide potential. 

    About Discovery Education 
    Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

    eSchool News Staff
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  • IXL and Montgomery County Public Schools Expand Partnership to Enhance Secondary Math Education

    IXL and Montgomery County Public Schools Expand Partnership to Enhance Secondary Math Education

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    “Montgomery County Public Schools is a trailblazer in providing equitable and personalized learning experiences that empower every student to succeed,” said Paul Mishkin, CEO of IXL Learning. “We’re excited to expand our partnership and continue supporting the district’s mission to unlock each student’s full potential in mathematics.”

    Montgomery County Public Schools, home to 211 K-12 schools and 160,000 students, initially adopted IXL Math in 2023 to support 36,000 students in grades 6-8. Educators quickly recognized IXL’s strengths, including its adaptability to individual learning needs, power to help teachers effectively differentiate instruction and robust tools for district-wide progress monitoring. IXL was also chosen because its skills align perfectly to  Maryland’s state standards, the district’s  Illustrative Mathematics textbooks and the  NWEA MAP Growth assessment. After seeing strong results, MCPS expanded IXL’s use to high school math courses, including Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry. IXL now plays a pivotal role in enhancing math education for over 40 percent of MCPS students.

    An innovative, personalized solution backed by research
    With limited instructional time and growing class sizes, educators need reliable tools to effectively differentiate math instruction. IXL meets this need by providing thousands of curriculum and instructional resources, actionable analytics, and a state-of-the-art assessment suite on one platform. Each component is uniquely powerful on its own, but together they create a unified solution that accelerates math learning.

    In fact, research has shown the impact of  IXL Math on academic achievement in Maryland: Schools using IXL Math outperformed comparable schools on the MCAP math assessment, achieving proficiency rates more than 7 percentage points higher than those using other solutions.

    Comprehensive curriculum for deeper learning
    IXL’s  comprehensive PK-12 math curriculum contains more than 12,000 standards-aligned skills that connect to, support, and build on one another to meet any learning need. The curriculum promotes rigor by enabling students to develop a conceptual understanding of math, build procedural fluency and tackle challenging problems that have real-world applications. Each skill is adaptive, adjusting in difficulty to ensure students are perfectly challenged. Based on students’ previous work, IXL generates personalized recommendations in real time that guide learners to skills that will help them make the most progress.

    Additionally, IXL offers a wealth of instructional resources that keep students engaged. More than 2,800  video tutorials for Grades 1 through Precalculus match one-to-one with each IXL skill to support students when they’re working independently and ensure they have the guidance to learn with confidence. Students also receive immediate feedback while working on any IXL skill. If they answer a question incorrectly, IXL provides the correct answer along with a step-by-step explanation of how to solve the specific problem they missed. This shows students precisely where they went wrong and empowers them to self-remediate.

    Accurately assess knowledge in real time
    Testing is crucial for measuring student progress, but traditional assessments are often time-consuming and unreliable. To address this challenge, IXL offers the IXL LevelUp™ Assessment Suite, the only unified solution that enables students to move seamlessly from fast, focused assessment back into meaningful instruction and practice. The LevelUp assessment solution provides a clear path forward for every student by pinpointing growth areas and generating actionable insights to inform decision making.

    The assessment suite includes:

    • The  LevelUp™  Math Benchmark Assessmen t and  IXL Diagnostic help educators confidently identify students for intervention, lead organization-wide improvement efforts, track student growth, and more—without waiting for official state testing results. Both generate personalized action plans with recommended skills from IXL’s curriculum, helping educators rapidly differentiate and accelerate learning.
    • The nationally normed  Universal Math Screener flags students who are at risk of not meeting grade-level standards in 20 minutes, so educators can quickly plan for intervention.

    IXL Analytics also provides  real-time insights that allow educators to identify trouble spots and monitor performance, so they can respond to student needs faster and facilitate meaningful growth.
    Administrators can use  IXL District Analytics and IXL School Analytics to track student progress and teacher engagement to improve IXL’s impact on their school or district. With robust grouping and filtering capabilities, district leaders can analyze data across schools, courses, teachers, student demographics, and more. This enables administrators to zero in on what matters most, extract valuable insights, and take informed action.

    About IXL
    Currently used by 15 million students and in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts, IXL is an all-inclusive educational platform that provides a comprehensive PK-12 curriculum and instructional resources, actionable analytics and a state-of-the-art assessment suite. Available in 54 languages, IXL’s end-to-end teaching and learning solution supports personalized instruction in math, English language arts, science, social studies and Spanish. With more than 150 billion questions asked and answered around the world, IXL is helping schools and parents successfully boost student achievement. The IXL Learning  family of products also includes  Rosetta Stone,  Dictionary.com,  Thesaurus.com,  TPT,  inglés.com,  FrenchDictionary.com,  Wyzant,  Vocabulary.com,  ABCya,  Education.com and  Carson Dellosa Education. To learn more about IXL, visit  www.ixl.com,  facebook.com/IXL  and x.com/IXLLearning.

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    ESchool News Staff

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  • Educators outline 5 priorities for the new school year

    Educators outline 5 priorities for the new school year

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    Key points:

    With a new school year comes new priorities for educators and students alike. Teaching is evolving at a rapid pace, pushed forward by advancements in AI, the need for real-world relevance in classroom lessons, and a focus on student wellness.

    From career and technical education (CTE) to STEM learning and AI’s evolution, here are five priority areas for educators in the 2024-2025 school year:

    Student achievement and well-being

    Now more than ever, the need to focus on educating the “whole child” is a top priority for our schools. Educational experiences extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. For instance, in Baldwin School District, we continue to expand on our emotional wellness efforts through our very own Wellness Center, allowing our students and their families seamless access to the support services needed to help their child succeed in school and beyond.
    –Dr. Shari L. Camhi, Superintendent of Schools, Baldwin School District

    There’s a growing emphasis on wellness and addressing the complex needs of students as they navigate a challenging world. This holistic approach is reshaping how we engage students, pushing us to rethink traditional models and deliver teaching and learning in more relevant, responsive ways. To truly improve student engagement and achievement, we must start by valuing the conversations and dedicated time needed to measure and adjust the adult behaviors that directly impact these areas. This reflective process is essential for driving meaningful improvements. As we think about this work, it’s crucial to shift the conversation from merely tracking student attendance to focusing on how students are showing up: how they engage with complex problems, interact with their peers, and connect with adults. It’s not enough for students to simply be present; they need to be actively involved in learning experiences that challenge them and foster critical thinking.
    —Jonah M. Schenker, Ed.D., District Superintendent, Ulster BOCES

    CTE and career readiness

    As an engineering teacher who runs a hands-on laboratory class, I like to start the year off by exposing my students to all the industry equipment and industry-certified credentials that they will have access to throughout the year. Leading a career and technical-focused class allows me the opportunity to inspire and prepare students for their future careers. Informing students about industry trends and showing how current practices are incorporated into the curriculum gets them excited and eager to learn. By demonstrating the various types of training equipment–from mechatronics to robotic arms, 3D printers, pneumatic trainers, AC/DC electricity trainers, and more–students understand the big picture of how this dynamic and engaging learning environment equips them with the skills they need to succeed. By implementing these strategies, CTE educators can expect a vibrant, engaging learning environment where students can obtain skills and knowledge for a successful future. 
    –Stefany Gurgel, NC3 Master Instructor, Festo and Instructor, Jewish Leadership Academy

    Learning and experiencing outside the four walls of the classroom is essential. We continually focus on creating industry partnerships and new opportunities for students to explore future career prospects in high-demand fields. Creating a relevant and robust learning environment and always doing what is best for our children is successful because of the dedication of our administrators, teachers, and staff.
    –Dr. Shari L. Camhi, Superintendent of Schools, Baldwin School District

    Nationally, we’re seeing an increased focus on integrating AI into the classroom. This isn’t just about using AI as a tool but also about preparing students for a future where AI literacy will be crucial. Moreover, we must move away from a mindset of informational compliance–where students complete tasks for the sake of completion–and instead focus on engaging them in authentic problem-solving. By providing opportunities for students to work on real-world problems and present their solutions to experts and audiences outside their schools, we not only make learning more relevant but also empower students to see their work as meaningful contributions to their communities and the broader world.
    —Jonah M. Schenker, Ed.D., District Superintendent, Ulster BOCES

    Personalized hands-on learning

    Personalization of the student’s learning experience is becoming a necessity to make it meaningful, engaging, affirming, and rigorous. We adopted and implemented a new instructional framework with a keen focus on these aspects. Now, we are building a program to braid in the appropriate technology to drive it forward. One way we do this is through the implementation of interactive projection technology from Epson. Students can interact with content being projected on the board or cast the screen from their device to model for their peers. This brings engagement and personalization in a whole new way.
    –Lisa Irey, Director of Technology, Des Moines Public Schools

    We’ll see more classes stepping away from strictly virtual content this school year. Teachers are ready to have students put away their Chromebooks and engage in discussions and hands-on activities. Technology will still play a role in classrooms, with teachers and students collaborating using tools like interactive projectors, but after a few years of students looking at screens all day, there will definitely be a shift to technology’s role being supplemental and not the end-all be-all.
    –Nate Moore, executive Director of Technology, Kearsley Community Schools

    AI in K-12 learning

    The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has presented districts everywhere with new teaching and learning opportunities. This year at St. Vrain Valley School District, we will continue to provide our teachers with ample opportunities to collaborate, discuss, and share resources and strategies to enhance their understanding of AI and the potential benefits of AI tools. To support their professional growth, teachers will also have continued access to the AI Coach platform, which enables them to watch and reflect on videos of their classroom instruction, set professional goals, and receive personalized observation tips, coaching, and resources from a virtual, computerized AI coach. This helps our teachers strengthen their practices and participate in ongoing, reflective coaching at their own pace.
    –David Baker, Professional Development Coordinator. St. Vrain Valley School District

    As the artificial intelligence integration continues to develop in schools, I expect to see more use of individualized AI student tutoring as well as a greater emphasis on personal connection and creativity. The AI technology boom in education, includes some well known issues as well a great deal of potential. The ability to offer students personalized coaching is one of the more exciting areas of opportunity as long as it’s safe and supports student privacy. There is still a great deal of trepidation among educators about AI now, but there is also opportunity, and many schools don’t want to fall behind. At this point, much of the AI used in schools serves as a replacement for traditional tests and assessments, but new tutoring and teaching tools are beginning to emerge. As AI begins to be utilized more in education the focus on the areas where humans are necessary such as making connections, developing creativity, and versatile storytelling gain more importance in the classroom. An unexpected effect of the AI boom is that it heightens the focus on innovation and creative problem solving and relationship building.
    —Tim Needles, Technology Integration Specialist, Smithtown Central School District & Author of STEAM Power

    It seems everywhere we look companies and products are announcing their new integrations with AI or AR/VR. For some, this may be a struggle to embrace due lack of access or belief that paper is better. In the current iterations of AI, teachers who explore their options are able to find tools that make their daily task loads easier. The most time consuming or emotionally taxing items can be processed via prompts. Some of these tasks might include replying to parent emails without emotional interference, creating differentiated assignments with ease and expertise, and creating interactive lesson components and higher order questions that probe thinking patterns. With the rise of AI comes AR/VR. The use of AR allows students to interact and problem solve in a space that is free of the constraints of budgets and in some instances time. Students are able to manipulate very large items or very small items a typical classroom would not have access to (the sun and stars, for example). With the use of VR, students are able to create, repair, and manipulate items that have been and will continue to be out of reach for many students. With a sincere focus on college/career/military readiness, access to VR training is allowing students to gain and perfect skill sets prior to their entrance into the post-high school phase of life.
    –Jessica Campos, Instructional Technology Coach, Mesquite Independent School District

    STEM skills

    With an increasing number of schools limiting personal device usage during the school day, I foresee a shift in education toward teaching more interpersonal skills and incorporating more hands-on activities. One of my favorite activities is having students make powered paper airplanes with the POWERUP 2.0 Airplane Kit. It’s a great hands-on activity with a technology element that helps students learn STEM-related concepts, the engineering process, and collaboration skills.
    –Josh Underwood, Physics and Aviation Teacher, Mason County High School

    As educators prepare for the new school year, we must incorporate scientific probeware into STEM classrooms to enhance student engagement and learning. Probeware, which combines sensors and software to collect and analyze data in real-time, offers a practical approach to teaching science and technology. I plan on using probeware in all my courses, from AP Chemistry to Organic Chemistry to Forensics, as students conduct captivating experiments in colorimetry, melting-point analysis, gas pressure inquiry, gas chromatography, and more. The use of this technology will enable students to engage in active learning and real-time data collection, visualize with graphs, explore complex phenomena, and develop important scientific skills.
    –Diane M. Vrobel, Ed. D., Science Teacher, Archbishop Hoban High School and Member, Vernier Trendsetter Community

    Laura Ascione
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    Laura Ascione

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  • The joy of teaching and educator well-being  

    The joy of teaching and educator well-being  

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    Key points:

    Across the country, teachers like you are decorating classrooms, creating lesson plans, and preparing for new students. You have invested numerous hours planning how to help students learn and thrive. While teachers know how to prepare to help their students succeed, too often we forget to focus on what we need to prioritize our overall well-being so we can hold on to the joy of teaching. This back-to-school season is the perfect time to commit to you.

    I recently gave a presentation for Utah-based teachers called The Joy of Teaching: How to Sustain Your Professional Passion. I spent time talking with teachers about the importance of creating practical strategies that were centered on them, their well-being, and how to cultivate joy.

    As teachers, putting everyone else first and caring for yourself last is going to make it hard to sustain your passion for the teaching profession, much less sustain your mental health and overall well-being. The work that teachers do touches every profession and impacts every community. 

    You matter. So, talking about educator well-being and cultivating the joy of teaching must matter too.

    Joy matters not just because it feels good. That’s a bonus. It matters because it is good for you. There is ample research that shows us joy can increase our emotional resiliency, it can increase job satisfaction, can help protect our body from the effects of stress and pain, and can have an overflow factor where it spreads to other people and aspects of our lives.

    But how do we find and embrace joy in our busy worlds?

    We choose to cultivate a mindset that endures over time. In order to do this, we need practical strategies that we can apply no matter the season of life or how many years we have been in the classroom.

    To get started, be clear about your core values. Core values can be our guide and help us be our best selves. Ask yourself these questions:

    What matters to you?

    What is your lived experience?

    Who are your role models and why do you look up to them?

    What gets you up in the morning?

    Intentionally make time to build community with other educators. Communal care is integral to cultivating joy in teaching.  Having a mentor, being a mentor, and getting connected to professional organizations can help you sustain your joy in teaching.  We need safe professional relationships that make space for us to grow and ask for help. 

    Cultivating joy requires self-reflection and self-regulation, in addition to sharing experiences with your community. Make it a point to pause to recognize and understand your emotions to nurture your emotional intelligence. Pausing helps you to see the good, even on the hard days.  It will make you resilient and is like a sponge for integrating joy into your life and your work.

    One question that I often ask teachers is what drains them and what fills them up throughout the day. It’s amazing how many people have not taken the time to reflect on this. Asking yourself this is like putting Google Maps on your mental health journey. You’ll have directions.

    We all have different answers. For me, I get filled up with meaningful connections, seeing students and teachers thrive, and practicing gratitude. I quickly lose energy and mindfulness when I’m in a cluttered workspace, working in isolation, or when I find myself very overcommitted to activities that prevent me from prioritizing my well-being.

    Do some reflection and try to decide each week how you can do more of what fills you and less of what drains you. It’s also useful to ask yourself what your unique contribution is to the teaching space. Pause to reflect on how your voice, knowledge, and experience benefit you as a teacher.  For some of us, it helps to take some time to remember your “why” for getting into this profession. What motivated you to become a teacher? Or maybe who motivated you to step into education? It’s time to get excited about that part again. And the great news is, teacher-leader joy helps your students succeed.

    Another way to hold on to your joy is to know your capacity. Have a plan for when you feel overwhelmed. You’re human. It’s going to happen. Knowing your capacity helps you to identify where to put your time and your focus when life is hard. Think about what you need to do, delegate, and delete.  Take some time to ask yourself if you have what you need to thrive. As flight attendants always say, put your oxygen mask on first before helping others. Focusing on taking care of you doesn’t make you selfish–it helps you be healthy.

    And with all of that, you’ll be ready for the parade of smiling faces coming your way. Thank you for being part of one of the most important professions in our country. Your work has a lasting impact. We respect you and we appreciate you. Be well.

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    Dr. Mamie L. Pack, Western Governors University

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  • From burnout to balance: How AI could transform teaching

    From burnout to balance: How AI could transform teaching

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    Key points:

    As we turn the corner into a new school year, teachers need a break more than ever. Educators continue to work hard for their students, but the ups and downs of our current environment are not without their tolls.

    Teachers have been grappling with a significant new development: the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. The 2023-24 school year was the first school year AI has been widely available as a classroom tool–and teachers are starting to embrace it. AI has the potential to transform the teaching profession by handling menial tasks, supercharging teacher creativity, and improving accessibility–all while preparing students for an AI-powered future. While technology alone can’t fix teacher burnout, it can certainly be part of the solution.

    Here’s why we have much to gain by empowering teachers to safely embrace AI for their work. 

    Teacher burnout is very real

    To learn more about the teacher experience, a recent survey of 1,000 K-12 teachers across the United States asked about burnout–and the results were sobering. More than four in five teachers report they experience burnout, and more than a third experience it every day or most days. This data is deeply concerning and demonstrates the urgency of improving the teacher experience.

    Teachers reported a variety of drivers of their burnout, including strenuous classroom management responsibilities, lack of administrative support, and inadequate compensation. Remarkably, most teachers have continued to go above and beyond for their students, with two-thirds of teachers reporting they work beyond contractual hours.

    Unsurprisingly, this burnout has implications for students. The survey also revealed that one-third of teachers say burnout has decreased the quality of their instruction. Perhaps the most concerning finding is more than half of teachers have considered quitting or switching schools due to burnout, and two-thirds have considered leaving the profession entirely.

    Teachers see AI as part of the solution

    The survey indicated 42 percent of new teachers have already used AI, whereas 93 percent of teachers knew “little” or “nothing” about it. Teachers with fewer than five years of experience have particularly taken to AI, with 59 percent saying they use the technology.

    Of course, merely using AI isn’t the goal. Ninety-two percent of teachers who are using AI have found it helpful in addressing teaching pain points. Educators highlighted how it can improve work efficiency, promote creativity, and enhance learning. Given those benefits, it’s no surprise that teachers who reported being satisfied in their jobs were nearly twice as likely to be using AI than those who were unsatisfied.

    How AI can support our educators

    AI tools can be a boon for educators, but one of the largest barriers to adopting new technology is knowing where to begin. Teachers can leverage AI to help in many ways to help lighten their load while increasing their impact: 

    • Generate lesson ideas. Use an AI-powered text-based tool to brainstorm what’s possible, map out activities or even create first drafts of materials. 
    • Personalize materials for every student. Tailor teaching materials to meet the individual needs of each student. AI can help either generate a lesson or take an existing lesson and create level-specific ideas to ensure every student can participate in a lesson. 
    • Create a lesson presentation. Some tools allow teachers to type a prompt with a few words of inspiration and have the first draft of a slide deck be created.

    As one teacher said, by using AI, “teachers can foster more creative opportunities for themselves and students while saving time and alleviating some common stressors within this field. I hope that with advancements in AI and sparking more teachers’ curiosity, a more fulfilling environment for educators emerges, benefiting students and school communities.”

    Appreciating our teachers

    While some have claimed AI could replace teachers, I believe nothing could be further from the truth. What AI can do is allow teachers to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on delivering creative, engaging instruction that moves the needle for the next generation of the workforce. In other words, AI can help teachers spend more time doing the things that made them want to become educators in the first place. If we want to truly appreciate our teachers, that feels like a worthy goal.

    Our teachers are so incredibly important–and we must be doing more to make their jobs easier. With better systems, additional resources, and safe use of technology, we can help them focus on doing the work they love.

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    Jason Wilmot, Canva

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  • 5 strategies to navigate science literacy in the digital age

    5 strategies to navigate science literacy in the digital age

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    Key points:

    Science literacy is a crucial skill for modern students. It equips them with the knowledge to critically evaluate information, understand scientific concepts, and make informed decisions in a rapidly changing world.

    In today’s digital age, however, both students and educators are at risk of information overload. Each day, we are bombarded with content from websites, social media, and a hundred other sources that demand our attention and seek to influence our behavior. It’s enough to make the human brain short circuit.

    So, how do we prepare our students to navigate this confusing world of digital tools without getting lost in a jungle of misinformation? We start by cultivating a mindset that makes critical engagement second nature, and that fosters the confidence they need to meet challenges head on.

    Here are just five simple strategies that can help students navigate science literacy in the digital age:

    1. Is It CRAAP?:The CRAAP strategy teaches students to evaluate information sources based on five criteria: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. This teaches students to first ask important questions like, “How old is this information?”, “Is it being published by a reliable source?” and “How does this compare to other research?” This allows students to assess the reliability of the information and helps them discern credible sources from misleading ones.

    2. Employ fact-checking websites: It never hurts to call in a professional. Educators should encourage students to fact-check their own information against websites like FactCheck.org and Snopes. Both websites do a great job explaining why something is true or false and what details may have been embellished.  

    3. Bias Bingo:This activity engages students in identifying different types of bias in texts, advertisements, or media by marking corresponding squares on a bingo card. This interactive exercise helps students develop critical thinking skills and recognize bias, enhancing their ability to evaluate information objectively. There are many free bingo creator sites where educators can create their own cards to use with their students.

    4. Data your way: Students can take ownership of their learning by choosing how they represent their data from an investigation. This will stretch their abilities and teach them a new way to graph or chart data. They may also observe other students’ representations and want to learn that method. By sharing different representations with students, educators can allow them to rank them in order of how best they represent the data. As students grow in their data representation skills, they can start providing feedback to their own data representation creations.

    5. Data choice chart: As students start learning how to make their own data representations, educators should use this resource to maximize their growth. The flowchart helps students determine what sort of graph representation they might want to make for their investigation. From there, they can use the graphing tips to help them create a representation that can successfully show what happened in their investigation.

    Let’s face it–teaching students science literacy is a challenge that won’t be solved overnight. It will take diligence, creativity, and more than a little grit. Still, by using simple strategies and keeping up with the latest digital tools, teachers can create a path forward for students in the ever-changing digital landscape. With the right attitude, students won’t just tackle the problems of today—they’ll create a future where curiosity, critical thinking, and a steadfast commitment of scientific inquiry can flourish.

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    Cory Kavanagh, Van Andel Institute for Education

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  • Understanding cognitive development in students via Piaget’s Theory

    Understanding cognitive development in students via Piaget’s Theory

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    Key points:

    In the ever-evolving landscape of education, it is important to understand how students think and learn so as to be able to teach effectively. Jean Piaget, a Swiss psychologist, profoundly impacted educational theory with his comprehensive theory of cognitive development. His work was developed in the mid-20th century, but it remains highly relevant and influential in today’s classrooms.

    Piaget’s stages of cognitive development

    Piaget proposed that children move through four distinct stages of cognitive development. Each stage represents a different way of thinking and understanding the world. The concepts can be applied in the classroom.

    1. Sensorimotor stage (birth to 2 years)

      In the sensorimotor stage, infants learn about the world through their senses and actions. This stage is characterized by the development of object permanence, which is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched.

      In early education, incorporating sensory activities and interactive play can greatly benefit infants and toddlers. Sensory experiences (i.e., tactile play with different textures, auditory stimulation through music, and visual exploration with bright colors and shapes) help stimulate and develop the senses of infants and toddlers. Additionally, engaging them in interactive play activities (i.e., peek-a-boo) encourages movement and interaction, which aids in developing essential cognitive skills, such as object permanence.

      2. Preoperational stage (2-7 years old)

      During the preoperational stage, children begin to use language and think symbolically, but their thinking is still intuitive and egocentric. They struggle with understanding the perspective of others and exhibit centration, and focus on one aspect of a situation at a time.

      In early childhood education, fostering language development and utilizing play-based learning are essential. Language skills can be nurtured through storytelling, singing, and conversations, which encourages children to express their thoughts and feelings. Play-based learning (i.e., role-playing games and imaginative play) helps children explore different perspectives and scenarios. Additionally, using concrete examples through visual aids and hands-on activities ensures that abstract concepts are made tangible and relatable thereby enhancing understanding and retention.

      3. Concrete operational stage (7-11 years old)

      In the concrete operational stage, children begin to think logically about concrete events. They understand the concepts of conservation, classification, and seriation, and can perform mental operations, but their thinking is still grounded in concrete experiences.

      In elementary education, incorporating hands-on activities, promoting group work, and using visual aids are crucial for effective learning. Hands-on activities (i.e., experiments, manipulatives, and real-world problem-solving tasks) require logical thinking and reasoning, which helps students grasp complex concepts. Group work fosters collaborative learning through projects and discussions, thereby encouraging students to consider different viewpoints and ideas. Additionally, visual aids like charts, diagrams, and models help students understand and organize information, making learning more accessible and engaging.

      4. Formal operational stage (12 years and up)

      In the formal operational stage, adolescents develop the ability to think abstractly, reason logically, and plan systematically. They can consider hypothetical situations and use deductive reasoning.

      In secondary education, challenging students with abstract thinking, encouraging debate and discussion, and assigning independent projects are key strategies for promoting deeper learning. Engaging students with problems that require abstract thinking (i.e., algebraic equations, scientific theories, and philosophical questions) helps develop their analytical skills. Debates and discussions on complex topics enhance critical thinking and reasoning abilities. Furthermore, assigning independent research projects that necessitate planning, investigation, and synthesis of information fosters self-directed learning and comprehensive understanding.

      Integrating Piaget’s theory into modern classrooms

      Piaget’s theory emphasizes the importance of developmental readiness and individualized instruction. To integrate his principles into modern classrooms, educators can employ several strategies. First, differentiated instruction recognizes that students are at different developmental stages and tailors instruction to meet their individual needs. This approach provides a variety of activities and assignments that cater to different learning styles and levels of cognitive development. Active learning is another key strategy, which involves students in hands-on activities, experiments, and interactive lessons to solidify new concepts and foster deeper understanding.

      Scaffolding offers support and guidance as students learn new concepts so as to gradually reduce assistance as they become more proficient, which allows them to develop independence and confidence. Formative assessment is crucial for monitoring students’ progress and understanding, thereby providing regular feedback to identify areas where additional support or challenges are needed. Lastly, reflective practice fosters a classroom environment that encourages students to think deeper, ask questions, and explore different problem-solving strategies, promoting deeper cognitive engagement and self-awareness.

      In summary, it is important to understand Piaget’s theory of cognitive development because it provides valuable insights into how students think and how they learn. By applying these principles, teachers can create more effective, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Embracing the stages of cognitive development ensures that instruction meets students where they are, thereby fostering growth and maximizing their potential. As educators, recognizing and responding to the cognitive needs of our students is key to nurturing their intellectual and emotional development so as to pave the way for lifelong learning and success.

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  • Best of ISTE—PowerSchool Drops Data in Its Annual Education Focus Report

    Best of ISTE—PowerSchool Drops Data in Its Annual Education Focus Report

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    PowerSchool today released findings from its 2024 Education Focus Report for the 2024-2025 school year. The report offers an in-depth analysis of the key challenges and innovations currently shaping the U.S. education landscape going into the 2024-2025 school year. Drawing from a national survey of 1,620 educators, alongside 12 focus groups and 12 interviews engaging over 75 district leaders, teachers, parents, and students, the report provides critical insights into the evolving needs and priorities of the education community.

    eSchool was given a sneak peek into the data in Denver last month when PowerSchool’s VP of Education Strategy, Ryan Imbriale (left) hosted a panel featuring K-12 educators, which included:

    • Pati Ruiz, Senior Director of Edtech and Emerging Technologies, Digital Promise
    • Addison Davis, Partner and Education Consultant, Strategos Group and former K-12 superintendent
    • Susan Moore, Director of Technology at Meriden Public Schools (Meriden, Connecticut)

    Click below for a snippet:

    Download the report here

    Below is an overview of some of the key insights & learnings stemming from the report: 

    Educators see benefit of personalized learning, but traditional beliefs are getting in the way:

    • PowerSchool found education leaders see competency and mastery-based learning as key to improving student engagement and outcomes. However, educators said changing traditional beliefs about what education looks like is the #1 hurdle to implementing more personalized learning models, showing that many leaders recognize the need for personalized learning but struggle with how to shift traditional views.

    Educators are open to new technologies like AI, but still in a “wait and see” mode:

    • 70% of district leaders believe AI can enhance teaching and learning— up from 53% in 2023 and 60% of school leaders and educators believe AI can enhance teacher practice and development.
    • Despite the increased excitement on AI in the classroom, only 8% of respondents are using AI in classrooms and only one in five district leaders reported that their school system is developing guidance on AI.
    • Many districts are in a “wait and see” mode, looking to early adopters and third parties for guidance on how to safely and securely implement AI technology.

    Staffing, hardware purchases, tutoring programs and teacher salary increases are the top four initiatives education leaders plan to financially deprioritize this school year:

    • When education leaders were asked which initiatives they would consolidate or stop entirely in the 2024-2025 school year, staffing (45%), purchasing new hardware (30%), tutoring programs (25%) and teacher salary increases (22%) came up as the top four areas to financially deprioritize.

    Caregivers want more personalized communication:

    • Enhancing communication and engagement between schools and homes is vital for student success, but caretakers are busy and must navigate a complex stream of information about their child’s education daily.
    • PowerSchool interviewed caregivers about their experience communicating with schools and found they would like more personalized and streamlined notifications from schools about schedules, policies, and key milestones, ideally all through one tool, not many.
    • They also said they are rarely asked about communication preferences. For example, some shared they receive texts for one child and emails and physical mail for another child, but their schools did not invite input on what is best for them.

    Disengagement and lack of family support are top reasons for decline in student attendance:

    • When it comes to attendance, seven in 10 educators agree that student attendance has been a significant challenge in their school system since the pandemic with disengagement, lack of family support and mental health issues called out as the top three reasons.

    Teachers don’t believe the “one teacher, many students” model is working for students:

    When exploring the modern education workforce, PowerSchool found that teachers are seeking better work/life balance, professional development, and intuitive technology.

    • The key thing leaders said must be addressed to make the teaching profession more sustainable is “Reducing teacher, student intervention, and parent communication workloads.”
    • And when asked what teaching model schools were following, over seven in 10 responded that the “one teacher, many student” model is the mainstay, even though nearly two-fifths of educators (36%) said the “one teacher, many students” model is not working for students.
    • PowerSchool also found that the top three things adding to teachers’ workloads were:
    1. Disruptive behavior
    2. Student intervention planning
    3. Parent communication and engagement
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  • Enhancing learning through AI and human educators

    Enhancing learning through AI and human educators

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    Key points:

    In the realm of education, the integration of technology–and particularly artificial intelligence (AI)–with traditional human-led instruction is a topic of increasing relevance and debate. As educators and technologists, we must critically assess the strengths and limitations of both AI and human educators to optimize educational outcomes.

    In exploring the pros and cons of AI instruction versus human educator instruction, a hybrid model emerges that leverages the strengths of both to maximize learning and knowledge retention.

    The advantages and limitations of AI in education

    AI in education brings numerous advantages, such as personalization, accessibility, and scalability. AI excels at delivering personalized learning experiences by analyzing extensive data on a student’s performance to tailor educational content to individual learning paces and styles, potentially boosting engagement and efficacy.

    One of the most transformative aspects of integrating AI into education is its potential to improve educational equity. AI can bridge the gap between diverse educational environments, including students in remote areas or those with specific needs who may otherwise lack access to human educators, by providing resources that were traditionally available only to students in well-funded schools.

    For instance, AI-driven platforms can offer personalized tutoring sessions, language translation services, and adaptive learning paths that cater to students from various backgrounds and with different learning abilities. This democratization of access can significantly level the playing field, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location. Moreover, AI can assist thousands of students simultaneously, offering consistent educational quality across various subjects without suffering from fatigue.

    However, AI instruction also has its limitations. AI lacks emotional intelligence, often struggling to engage in empathetic interactions, motivate students during challenging periods, or adapt its teaching style based on emotional cues. Its content generation, while informative, typically lacks the creativity and nuanced explanations that skilled educators provide, which are crucial for teaching complex or abstract concepts. Additionally, the use of AI in education raises significant ethical issues, including concerns about data privacy and the potential for algorithmic bias.

    The strengths of human educators and cheir Challenges

    Human educators are unparalleled in their ability to provide emotional support and foster an environment conducive to social learning. They excel at motivating students, managing classroom dynamics, and offering personalized feedback based on nuanced observations. Teachers’ adaptability and creativity allow them to modify their instructional strategies dynamically, providing creative and contextually rich explanations that resonate with diverse student groups. Furthermore, human interaction plays a vital role in instilling values and ethics in students, an area where AI cannot contribute effectively.

    Despite these strengths, human educators face several challenges, including scalability issues and variability in teaching quality. Human resources are finite, and educators can only engage with a limited number of students at a time, which may affect the consistency and reach of educational delivery. Moreover, the quality of instruction can vary significantly between educators, influenced by factors such as training, experience, and personal attributes.

    Proposing a hybrid model

    To maximize the benefits of both AI and human educators, a hybrid approach is recommended. AI should be used as a support tool to handle administrative tasks such as grading and scheduling, and to provide supplementary personalized learning aids like simulations and adaptive quizzes. Human educators should remain the primary facilitators of learning, using their unique skills to deliver complex content, inspiring students, and building relationships. The curriculum should be designed to integrate AI tools seamlessly with human-led sessions, enhancing interactivity and engagement through multimedia resources and real-time analytics. This hybrid model aims to create a more inclusive, efficient, and effective educational system that not only imparts knowledge but also fosters a holistic developmental environment.

    The future of education lies not in choosing between AI and human educators but in effectively integrating both to serve the diverse needs of students. By embracing a balanced approach, we can create a more inclusive, efficient, and effective educational system that not only imparts knowledge but also fosters a holistic developmental environment that prepares students to succeed in an increasingly complex world.

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  • Renaissance Launches Powerful New Teacher Experience for the 2024‒2025 School Year

    Renaissance Launches Powerful New Teacher Experience for the 2024‒2025 School Year

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    BLOOMINGTON, MN – Renaissance, a global leader in pre-K–12 education technology resources and insights, announces the launch of Renaissance Next, a uniquely powerful new teacher experience that aims to transform classroom instruction and empower educators with in-the-moment recommendations to support their most critical decisions.

    “We started out by asking the question that is on the mind of every educator as they consider what’s next in their classroom: ‘How do I provide each learner with the right support, help, or acceleration?’” said Todd Brekhus, Chief Product Officer at Renaissance. “That’s what led us to create Renaissance Next, which gives teachers actionable insights and quality instructional resources to meet their students’ needs.”

    Renaissance Next provides teachers with real-time recommendations in the classroom, combining accurate assessment, purposeful practice activities, and instructional data in a single view.

    Integrating key products from the Renaissance ecosystem, including Star Assessments, Freckle, Accelerated Reader, myON, and Lalilo, while surfacing recommended Nearpod resources based on math and ELA assessment performance, Renaissance Next harnesses the power of these tools to offer educators in-the-moment insights to guide teaching and learning. Teachers can quickly view students’ performance, understand each student’s progress and skill mastery, and review relevant lesson plans and activities to adapt, amplify, or adjust.

    “Renaissance Next gives me a quick glimpse of where my kids are, where they need to go, and what I need to do,” said Julia Witges, a third-grade teacher at Carbondale Elementary School District 95 in Illinois, and a Renaissance Next beta tester. “It provides all of these tools that make my job so much easier, including the ability to differentiate down to individual student needs.”

    Thousands of teachers with access to Renaissance products beta tested the new platform, which presents data that schools can use to inform decisions ranging from individual student learning to the district as a whole. The teachers’ feedback helped to shape the design of Renaissance Next, ensuring that it meets a wide variety of classroom needs.

    “We plan to embed insights from Renaissance Next across our district and systems,” said Janice Pavelonis, the superintendent of Carbondale Elementary School District 95. “Renaissance Next complements our strategic plan for the 2024–2025 school year, which involves students understanding their own data and progress, and setting their own goals, with support from and in consultation with their teachers.”

    The insights and recommendations for differentiated instruction offered through Renaissance Next are made possible, in part, through the strategic use of AI. During development, Renaissance leveraged AI to better catalog its large library of pre-K‒12 instructional resources and practice activities, so that this content would be more readily accessible to educators in the classroom.

    “The Renaissance database is a rich resource that incorporates over 38 years of real student and teacher data and insights,” said Brekhus. “The Renaissance Next platform brings those insights to teachers so they can truly see every student, and it leverages lesson and activity recommendations to accelerate learning for all.”

    Renaissance Next is now available for the 2024–2025 school year. To learn more, visit renaissance.com/renaissance-next.

    About Renaissance
    As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 100 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

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  • Annual Survey Highlights Educators’ Embrace of ST Math, Created by MIND Education

    Annual Survey Highlights Educators’ Embrace of ST Math, Created by MIND Education

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    IRVINE, Calif. — MIND Education, an organization dedicated to ensuring that all students are mathematically equipped to solve the world’s most challenging problems, today released the results of its annual ST Math Teacher Survey, conducted by MIND Research Institute, its social impact organization specializing in education and neuroscience research.

    Each spring, MIND sends out an annual survey to educators who use ST Math, a program created by MIND Education, to find out how the tool is delivering value, to guide future research and development, and to benchmark the understandings and beliefs of the teachers they serve. ST Math’s evidence-based approach uses visual, interactive play-based learning through problem-solving to deepen students’ understanding of foundational mathematical concepts. 

    This year’s survey found that ST Math stands out to teachers for its ability to achieve what traditional, language-heavy math instruction cannot. It reaches all types of students, engages them deeply in math lessons they genuinely enjoy, and motivates them to persist, succeed, and grow in confidence, all while enhancing their understanding of mathematics and improving their academic scores.

    This year, 5,400 educators from across the U.S. responded to the survey, and the overwhelming majority of them cited the positive impact ST Math has on their students. Some highlights include: 

    • 85.8% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that ST Math increases their students’ engagement in math learning; 
    • 81.2% agreed or strongly agreed that ST Math deepens their students’ understanding about how math works;
    • 80.8% said they agreed or strongly agreed that ST Math helps their students of diverse backgrounds and abilities improve their math understanding;
    • 81.9% agreed or strongly agreed that ST Math improves their students’ attitudes about math and math learning; and
    • 81.1% said they agreed or strongly agreed that ST Math improves their students’ confidence in their mathematical abilities.

    “I’m very pleased to share our annual spring survey’s results back to teachers and the market for the first time,” said Andrew Coulson, chief data science officer for MIND Research. “Getting a feel for where the vast majority of their fellow teachers are seeing value, validates the confidence of our experienced users. The most satisfactory finding to me in 2024 is the overwhelming agreement that ST Math is helping students of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Our non-conventional approach is designed for every human brain and how it learns. All brains, full stop. It’s very gratifying to see this ST Math value earn the second highest ‘strongly agree’ response, after our hallmark student engagement!”

    For more information, please visit STMath.com.

    About MIND Education

    MIND Education engages, motivates, and challenges students towards mathematical success through its mission to mathematically equip all students to solve the world’s most challenging problems. MIND is the creator of ST Math, a pre-K–8 visual instructional program that leverages the brain’s innate spatial-temporal reasoning ability to solve mathematical problems; and InsightMath, a neuroscience-based K-6 curriculum that transforms student learning by teaching math the way every brain learns so all students are equipped to succeed. During the 2022-23 school year, MIND Education and ST Math reached more than 2.28 million students and 115,000 educators across the country. Visit mindeducation.org 

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  • NJ unveils resources for using AI in schools as state aims to pioneer innovations

    NJ unveils resources for using AI in schools as state aims to pioneer innovations

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    This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

    As part of Gov. Phil Murphy’s call to create an “artificial intelligence moonshot” in New Jersey, the state’s department of education unveiled a set of resources last week aimed at helping educators understand, implement, and manage artificial intelligence in schools, state education officials said.

    The resources range from articles about teaching and learning on artificial intelligence to a webinar that explains the history of the technology and how it is used in education. The materials do not outline strict regulations on how to use AI in education but they are New Jersey’s first guidance for school districts to “responsibly and effectively” integrate AI-powered technology in the classroom, and incorporate tools to facilitate administrative tasks in schools, according to a state department of education press release.

    But as the technology gains popularity, education experts continue to note that safety and privacy concerns should remain a top priority as AI expands in schools. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, says states should consider protections for AI in classrooms that take into consideration educators and parents.

    “We know that school districts can’t just say privacy matters,” Weingarten said. “There has to be a tech translator, there have to be parent information sessions, and there has to be classroom guidance.”

    The state’s new artificial intelligence resources come as Newark Public Schools takes steps to incorporate more AI in classrooms and surveillance systems.

    Last month, the school board approved a $12 million project to install more than 7,000 AI cameras districtwide this summer. District leaders said the high-tech surveillance system is meant to make schools safer, but security experts warned that such capabilities could result in an invasion of privacy or could potentially misidentify items or students.

    The district is also considering the expansion of Khanmigo, an AI program designed for the classroom and meant to tutor students and assist teachers. So far, there is little research on whether tools like Khanmigo are effective but experts have also said school districts should consider the learning goals for their students. .

    New Jersey’s resources do not set parameters for student privacy but the department of education created an artificial intelligence webpage that provides an overview of AI and its systems, terms, and concepts, and guidance tailored for school leaders and teachers. The page will be updated regularly to keep up with the “fast-paced” changes to AI, the state said.

    The state also released a webinar that introduces the fundamentals of AI technology and explains how the technology can support and enhance teaching and learning and provide personalized feedback to students depending on the type of technology. AI systems that use machine learning, such as facial recognition software or email spam filters, employ algorithms to make decisions based on data, while systems like chatbots use deep learning to identify complex patterns and relationships in data, the webinar explained.

    The state’s webinar also prompts school districts to think about how new technology can support student learning and suggests that districts should review policies as AI evolves and integrates into learning. It also encourages school leaders to think through guidelines for acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI and discuss how the new tools are best implemented.

    AFT President Weingarten says “there is tremendous potential for AI use in schools” but school districts and their tech departments should review programs and materials before allowing students access to them. She also warned that with any new technology, the safety and privacy of students should be protected.

    AFT released its own set of AI guard rails on Tuesday that focus on educators and provide resources for teachers as they grapple with the new integration of AI in schools. The report lists six core values that focus on maximizing safety and privacy, empowering educators to make decisions on AI, and advancing fairness and equity of the technology among other values.

    Through its Innovation Fund, AFT is also providing over $200,000 to 11 school districts across the country to find solutions to incorporate, understand, and regulate AI with input from educators. The United Federation of Teachers in New York City, Cranston Teachers Alliance in Rhode Island, Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association in Florida, and other union locals will work with their school districts to create AI summits to understand and establish guidelines, provide hands-on training for educators, and establish workshops, panels, and community events.

    “I’m not saying that there’s not a way to do it, but who’s responsible for data privacy, who’s responsible for student protection?” Weingarten said.

    The state department’s office of innovation plans to meet with educators to obtain feedback, learn how AI is being used in classrooms, and discover existing needs to inform new guidance, resources, and professional development, according to the state’s press release. The department is also part of the Teach AI initiative, a consortium of state departments of education and international organizations that work to create guidelines for AI policy and resources.

    Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.

    Related:
    Stay updated on all things involving AI in education
    Why AI in the classroom needs its own ‘doll test’ 70 years post-Brown
    For more on AI in education, visit eSN’s Digital Learning hub

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  • PBLWorks Announces its 2024 Award Winners

    PBLWorks Announces its 2024 Award Winners

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    Novato, CA – The Buck Institute for Education (dba PBLWorks), a national provider of professional development for high quality Project Based Learning (PBL), has revealed the winners of its 2024 PBL Champions award program, as well as the three educators selected for its John Larmer “JL” Lifelong Learning Award. The winners, which were announced at the non-profit organization’s 2024 PBL World conference in Napa Valley, were selected for their commitment to PBL.

    The 2024 PBL Champions:

    The PBL Champions awards program recognizes an individual, a school and a school district that have demonstrated a commitment to PBL; have done quality, lasting work; and have shown evidence of impact on students. The 2024 recipients are:

    • District PBL Champion: University Prep Schools (Detroit, Michigan)
    • School PBL Champion: Paul Culley Elementary School (Clark County School District, Las Vegas, Nevada)
    • Individual PBL Champion: Keisha Tyson-Johnson, district math and science coach (Atlanta Public Schools, Georgia)

    John Larmer “JL” Lifelong Learning Award

    The John Larmer “JL” Lifelong Learning Award is named after PBLWorks’ former director of publications and editor-in-chief, John “JL” Larmer. The award acknowledges educators who are impacting and expanding the work of Project Based Learning. The 2024 recipients are:

    • Katrice Dixon, Lake Worth Community Middle School (School District of Palm Beach County, Florida)
    • Jeromy Payne, John P. Freeman Optional School (Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Tennessee)
    • Marivi Hardy, Mission Achievement Success Charter School (Albuquerque, NM)

    The winners were highlighted at PBLWorks’ 2024 PBL World conference, a multi-day Project Based Learning conference bringing together K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, and school and district leaders who want to begin or advance their Project Based Learning practice and connect with a community of their peers.

    “Project Based Learning is transforming classrooms, schools and districts across the country thanks to the commitment and dedication of passionate educators and administrators,” said PBLWorks CEO Bob Lenz. “We created these awards programs to recognize these individuals, as well as the schools and districts, that have embraced PBL and are leading the way in implementing it with students. Congratulations to all of the recipients, this honor is well deserved.”

    To learn more about the awards programs visit:

    PBL Champions: https://www.pblworks.org/pbl-world-pbl-champions-awards.

    John Larmer “JL” Lifelong Learning Award: https://www.pblworks.org/pbl-world-jl-lifelong-learning-award.

    About PBLWorks

    The Buck Institute for Education/ PBLWorks believes that all students, especially Black and Brown students, should have access to high quality Project Based Learning to deepen their learning and achieve success in college, career, and life. Its focus is on building the capacity of teachers to design and facilitate quality Project Based Learning, and on supporting school and system leaders in creating the conditions for these teachers to succeed with all students.

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  • Casio America Relaunches Casioeducation.Com

    Casio America Relaunches Casioeducation.Com

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    Dover, New Jersey – Casio America, Inc., a pioneer in education technology, announced the relaunch of its dedicated educational website, CasioEducation.com. This initiative reflects Casio’s enduring commitment to the transformative power of education and its mission to provide comprehensive resources for effective teaching and engaging learning experiences.

    “Our redesigned Casio Education website marks a significant milestone in our journey to support educators,” said Jim Gross, General Manager of Casio’s EdTech Division. “We are thrilled to provide a platform that not only showcases our advanced calculators but also serves as a resource hub for enhancing educational outcomes.”

    The Casio Education website features:

    • Interactive Tools and Resources: Designed with input from educators, Casio’s calculators and educational resources address the real-world complexities of teaching and learning mathematics.
    • Professional Development Workshops: These workshops are crafted to empower teachers with innovative strategies and tools, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of their students.
    • Community Forums: A space for educators to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other, fostering a global community of educational professionals.
    • Environmental Stewardship: Committed to sustainability, Casio designs energy-efficient and durable products, minimizing their environmental footprint.

    “By relaunching the Casio Education website, we aim to reiterate our dedication to making quality education accessible and effective. We believe that with the right tools, every classroom can be transformed into a dynamic learning environment that encourages curiosity and critical thinking,” added Gross.

    To explore the new features and resources available, visit www.CasioEducation.com.

    About Casio America, Inc.

    Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution” through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com.

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  • Optoma Unveils 3rd Generation Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Displays With EDLA Certification

    Optoma Unveils 3rd Generation Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Displays With EDLA Certification

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    LAS VEGAS, NV – Optoma, the No. 1 4K UHD projection and DLP® Laser brand in the Americas,* announced at InfoComm 2024 its advanced Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Displays. With new tools and added functionality, educators and professionals can create and connect their way to enhanced learning and remote collaboration in classrooms, lecture halls, boardrooms, and other professional environments. 

    With Google Enterprise Device Licensing Agreement (EDLA) certification, users can experience the full Google Suite, offering real-time collaboration from locations worldwide. Without compatibility issues or the hassle of connecting to an external PC, users can easily access the entire suite of Google-based applications they are accustomed to – including Google Drive, Google Docs, YouTube, and more – from their Chromebooks, computers, and other devices.  

    The education market has experienced a shift back to in-person learning with a need for innovative solutions that allow students and educators to work together seamlessly, regardless of location. Offering versatility for virtual learning, Optoma’s Interactive Displays were designed to support educators in classroom environments and are equipped with two subwoofers, eight built-in microphones, WiFi 6e, and a built-in Android system compatible with popular operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Chrome for improved multitasking and compatibility​. The Interactive Displays offer an optional sensor box that measures air temperature, humidity levels, and harmful particles like mold and fungi in a room. The box also includes PIR sensors to detect motion and an NFC reader for secure login using a designated pass. 

    Optoma Solution Suite (OSS) 

    The OSS platform offers innovative software solutions to enhance the user experience. 

    Whiteboard: Unleash creativity through a digital whiteboard packed with annotation tools that make learning and sharing ideas engaging – facilitating collaboration in real time from anywhere.  

    • Floating Toolbar: Offers seamless switching between tools to suit your task.  
    • Infinity Canvas Feature: Use a virtually limitless writing space. 
    • Innovative Annotation & Highlighter Tools: Make your mark with ease. Whether underlining key points or annotating complex diagrams, these tools make it a breeze.  
    • Pressure Sensitivity: Experience the natural feel of writing and drawing, with a high level of fluidity and precision.  
    • Handwriting Recognition: Convert handwritten notes to text with just a few taps, perfect for keeping your ideas organized and readable.  
    • Smart Sketch for Shape Recognition: The Smart Sketch tool recognizes shapes and drawings and converts them into a clipart image, making it perfect for drawing diagrams or creating structured layouts. 

    File Manager: Easily save files, organize, or move them from local storage to networkable storage or to popular cloud services in seconds. 

    Display Share: Connect any device to wirelessly broadcast, share, or stream your content to the big screen. Bringing your own device has never been easier. 

    Customization is front and center with the new 5-Series Interactive Displays featuring several intuitive tools that allow users to modify the display and tailor to their specific needs. The quick launch pen features a dual-tip and dual color enabling teachers to switch between note taking and highlighting in nearly any color, ensuring lessons flow with ease. Simply take the pen from the holder and the Whiteboard app or annotation mode will launch automatically. 

    Optoma and Mozaik joined forces to bring users the best in education content. With every purchase of an Optoma Interactive Display, education institutions receive a complimentary 1-year mozaBook subscription upon registration.** This powerful education platform provides a wealth of interactive resources, including whiteboard tools, quizzes, 3D content, and multimedia materials, such as 3D animations or laboratory tools to elevate your learning experience; www.optomausa.com/products/interactive-flat-panel-displays/mozabook 

    “The education and corporate markets are constantly changing, so to meet the dynamic needs of these sectors, we are introducing our newest Interactive Displays that are the ideal solution for in-person, hybrid, or remote scenarios,” said Brian Soto, Director of Product Management at Optoma. “The next generation of Creative Touch 5-Series IFPDs offers educators and business professionals increased customization options and advanced remote tools, fostering collaborative learning environments where lessons and ideas flourish.” 

    A value-added solution, Optoma Management Suite (OMS)® Cloud is available on the 5-Series Interactive Displays, offering IT administrators and technicians a real time remote platform to monitor, manage, and diagnose multiple displays simultaneously that are either on the same network or connected through the cloud. OMS enables technicians to check the status and make configurations to optimize performance and broadcast emergency messages, alerts, or announcements across displays worldwide. 

    The Optoma 5653RK, 5753RK, and 5863RK Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Displays are available for an estimated street price of $2,599, $3,799, and $4,999, respectively.   

    To learn more, please visit: www.optomausa.com/products/interactive-flat-panel-displays. 

    OMS is a registered trademark of Optoma Corporation. 

    DLP is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments 

    *No.1 DLP Laser Brand in Americas 

    Data source: PMA Research: Worldwide Projector Census, 2023 

    *No.1 4K UHD Brand in Americas 

    Data source: PMA Research: Worldwide Projector Census, 2023 

    **The 1 year free license offer is available exclusively to educational institutions with every purchase of an Optoma 5-Series and 3-Series interactive display. Each license grants access to one device and permits unlimited usage by users on that device. 

    About Optoma Technology, Inc.   

    Optoma combines cutting-edge technology and innovation to deliver remarkable visual display products designed to connect audiences with engaging video experiences. From the company’s ProScene projectors to its Creative Touch interactive flat panel displays, Optoma’s suite of products can meet the demands of nearly any professional environment, including conference rooms and classrooms, digital signage, corporate, houses of worship, retail, simulation environments and control rooms. Optoma Technology is the U.S. headquarters for The Optoma Group, with continental headquarters also in Europe and Asia. For more information, visit optomausa.com.    

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  • Savvas Learning Company CEO Bethlam Forsa Named Most Influential Thought Leader in EdTech

    Savvas Learning Company CEO Bethlam Forsa Named Most Influential Thought Leader in EdTech

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    PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY — Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is proud to announce that CEO Bethlam Forsa has been named the “Most Influential Thought Leader in EdTech” by the 2024 SIIA CODiE Education Technology Awards.

    The CODiE Leadership Award for “Most Influential Thought Leader in EdTech” honors an individual who empowers and inspires the industry through the communication of their insight, expertise, and critical thinking.

    “I am truly honored to receive this prestigious CODiE Award and want to thank the SIIA for recognizing the importance of edtech innovation in supporting educators and engaging students,” said Forsa. “At Savvas, we are committed to developing the highest-quality instructional solutions that are powered by cutting-edge technology in order to personalize teaching and learning and help all students succeed.”

    In selecting her for this honor, the award judges commended Forsa for “her commitment to improving K-12 education through technology, [which] has not only transformed Savvas but has also made a lasting impact on the industry, earning her widespread recognition and respect.” The judges lauded her “visionary leadership and innovative approach that have positioned Savvas Learning Company as a frontrunner in the edtech sector, driving the company towards significant growth and setting a high standard for quality educational technology solutions.” They concluded, “Her contributions to the industry have been transformative, challenging traditional paradigms and shaping new perspectives on teaching and learning.”

    Administered by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the principal trade association for the software and digital content industries, the CODiE Awards is the only peer-reviewed program to celebrate the vision, talent, and advances of people and companies producing the most innovative education technology products.

    “The winners of the 2024 Education Technology CODiE Awards represent the pinnacle of creativity and excellence in providing products and services that connect diverse learners with educational resources and instructors,” said Chris Mohr, president of SIIA. “We are thrilled to honor this year’s recipients – the elite in their field – who offer solutions to crucial challenges in education today.”

    ABOUT SAVVAS LEARNING COMPANY

    At Savvas, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting, we design engaging, next-generation K-12 learning solutions that give all students the best opportunity to succeed. Our award-winning, high-quality instructional materials span every grade level and discipline, from evidence-based, standards-aligned core curricula to supplemental and intervention programs to state-of-the art assessment tools — all designed to meet the needs of every learner. Savvas products are used by millions of students and educators in more than 90 percent of the 13,000+ public school districts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as globally in more than 125 countries. To learn more, visit  Savvas Learning Company. Savvas Learning Company’s products are also available for sale in Canada through its subsidiary,  Rubicon.

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  • Ozobot Announces New Robot Recycle and Replace Program 

    Ozobot Announces New Robot Recycle and Replace Program 

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    NEWPORT BEACH, CA, USA – Ozobot, a global leader in programmable robotics and STEAM-based learning solutions that empower the next generation of creators from K-12 to higher education and beyond, today announced the upcoming launch of its Bit Robot Recycle & Replace Program, in celebration of Earth Day. 

    “We’re proud to launch this long-awaited program, answering the call from our loyal customers and valued educators for a solution to upgrade their legacy robots,” said Kristin Archer, Vice President of Marketing at Ozobot. “This program not only provides a pathway to enhanced learning experiences in the classroom but also reflects our commitment to customer satisfaction and a greener future.” 

    The program’s initiative aims to offer users with legacy Bit robots the opportunity to upgrade to the latest technology and features the Evo robot offers while also contributing to environmental sustainability. Users will send in their eligible Bit robot, free of charge, to receive a $15 credit per robot toward the purchase of a new Evo robot. There is no limit to the number of Bit robots that can be returned.* 

    As part of Ozobot’s commitment to sustainability, returned robots will undergo dismantling, with usable components upcycled and repurposed. Any remaining components will be recycled to the fullest extent possible. To sign up for more information about the program, launching in May 2024, and verify eligibility, please visit Ozobot.com. 

    *Additional terms and conditions apply. The program applies to U.S. customers only. 

    About Ozobot

    Ozobot is redefining the role of robotics in education with award-winning programmable robots, patented screen-free coding programs, and STEAM-based learning solutions that transform the way students learn and create across all grades, subjects, and environments. Led by a world-class team of educators, engineers, and computer scientists, Ozobot delivers award-winning solutions by integrating innovative product design with leading LMS platforms and emerging technologies, including Augmented Reality-based learning, powered by Ozobot’s coding platform, Ozobot Blockly, that supports its proprietary JavaScript and Python editors that run native code on connected devices. 

    Together with students, educators, and parents around the world, Ozobot has become the #1 most trusted robotics platform in education and continues to empower the next generation of creators to discover new and exciting ways to learn. For more information on Ozobot, please visit ozobot.com. 

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  • Friday 5: Virtual field trips

    Friday 5: Virtual field trips

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    Key points:

    While virtual field trips are not a new phenomenon, they gained popularity shortly before COVID due in part to their ability to expose students to places and experiences they may not otherwise access due to funding barriers or geographical limitations.

    When COVID mandated at-home and hybrid learning, many educators turned once again to virtual trips to keep students engaged in learning during pandemic-related instructional challenges.

    Virtual field trips

    In a nutshell, virtual field trips are digital experiences and explorations through places such as landmarks, museums, or even outer space. They employ animations, images, videos, sound clips, and 3D technologies to give students an authentic-as-possible opportunity to explore pyramids, underwater ecosystems, the Grand Canyon, well-known landmarks, and more. Some virtual trips for kids are accessible with a simple device, while others employ virtual reality headsets for a more immersive experience.

    Virtual field trips and STEM learning

    Hands-on STEM subjects are challenging to teach when students aren’t in the classroom all the time, and student engagement remains a challenge even after COVID. Virtual field trips address both of these persistent roadblocks. These trips can help students get a front-row look at STEM outside of the classroom. Where can those engineering concepts you learn during school take you in adulthood? Is it possible to be creative in a STEM career? Here’s how to boost STEM learning with virtual field trips for students.

    Bringing real-world issues into the classroom with virtual trips

    Climate change is an increasingly important subject in school curriculums. Today’s students will almost certainly inherit a climate-affected world and will need to understand the mechanisms of global warming if they are to grow into climate-conscious, civic-minded members of society. However, many students are dissuaded from pursuing environmental science due to mundane textbooks and complex diagrams. This is a serious issue, as students will need an in-depth understanding of greenhouse gases and ecological damage in the future. Educators can engage students and build excitement around environmental science using the latest virtual reality (VR) technology. This tech can take students on free interactive virtual field trips, meaning they can virtually visit climate-affected areas from the safety and comfort of the classroom. Make real-world issues more relevant for students.

    Virtual field trips through augmented reality

    Augmented reality gives educators the opportunity to bring the world to life. But first we need to see the world. For example, educators might enrich students’ learning by taking field trips to the heart of their capital city and asking students to draw landmarks, interview tourists, use iPad voice recorders, and make films using the camera on iPad, editing them in iMovie to bring those landmarks to life.  Then, using augmented reality apps, educators can link the children’s artwork to their videos and embed it all in a Google Map. This means that anyone can point their camera at the trigger image and find out more about the landmark they are visiting that day–all narrated by students. Here’s how to do it. 

    Why virtual field trips work

    This upcoming generation of students grew up with internet-connected smart devices. For them, information comes instantaneously. Unfortunately, a barrage of apps are constantly combating their attention economy and impacting their focus and retention in class. Interactive virtual trips for elementary students can really help boost engagement. Virtual field trips with technologies such as AR and VR provide new learning opportunities that can keep students engaged and make lessons stick.

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  • Educators Honored with YouScience® Innovative Educator Award

    Educators Honored with YouScience® Innovative Educator Award

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    AMERICAN FORK, Utah –  YouScience®,the leading technology provider dedicated to solving the skills gap crisis for students and employers, is proud to announce the recipients of the esteemed  YouScience Innovative Educator Award. This award celebrates educators who have implemented innovative approaches to empower the next generation of professionals through academic and career exploration. 

    After reviewing nominations received from around the country, YouScience is excited to congratulate the following educators as the winners:

    • Darren Zink, Paige Kanaly, and Megan Holloway, a teaching team from Mountain View High School in Mesa, Arizona
    • Jessica McAllister from Lewis-Palmer School District in Monument, Colorado
    •  Zach Knapp from Vale Middle School in Vale, Oregon

    Shaping Future Pathways at Mountain View High School

    Members of the Freshman Academic Success Team (FAST) at Mountain View High School —Darren Zink, Paige Kanaly, and Megan Holloway – have been recognized for their collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to education. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Darren Zink, along with Megan Holloway (3 years) and Paige Kanaly (5 years), share a group of 90 students and help them connect what they’re learning in the classroom with the real world. By integrating YouScience into their curriculum, they have helped students explore their aptitudes and envision future career pathways. Their teaching philosophy revolves around fostering communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, while elevating student choice and voice in the classroom.

    Highlights of Accomplishments:

    • Integration of aptitude-enabled education and YouScience data to create personalized and relevant classroom curriculum and instruction for their students.
    • Utilizing interdisciplinary teaching systems to make core concepts, including English, biology, and mathematics, relevant for real-world applications and future career pathways.
    • Elevating student choice and voice for understanding and exploring career pathways based on their unique YouScience results. 

    “On behalf of ElevateEdAZ and our partnership with Mesa Public Schools, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mountain View’s extraordinary ninth-grade academy teachers, Darren Zink, Megan Hollaway, and Paige Kanaly, on receiving the prestigious YouScience Innovative Educator Award. Thank you for your exceptional contributions to education and for setting a high standard for others to follow. Well deserved! A special thank you to those in the District who make this partnership possible: District Superintendent, Dr. Andi Forlis; Mountain View Principal, Mike Oliver; District Director of CTE and Innovative Partnerships, Marlo Loria; and College and Career Coach, Vicki Schomaker.” said Amir Law, EdD, District Director, Mesa Public Schools, ElevateEdAZ.

    Pioneering Innovation in Lewis-Palmer School District

    Jessica McAllister, the Secondary Programs Coordinator at Lewis-Palmer School District, has been lauded for her entrepreneurial leadership and forward-thinking approach. With over 23 years working in education, McAllister has spearheaded innovative practices, including the implementation of YouScience, to support students in finding their passions and preparing for future careers. Under her leadership, the district, encompassing three district-operated secondary schools, has embraced innovative programs to elevate career and college readiness, work-based learning opportunities, and community partnerships.

    Highlights of Jessica McAllister’s Accomplishments:

    • Integration of career and technical education (CTE) courses with academic programs, providing a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for both employment and college.
    • Applying and winning numerous grants to meet the unique needs of her student population, including hiring critical staff and counselors for each of their schools as well as providing access to career exploration programs for the Innovative Learning Opportunities Program she oversees.
    • Focusing on a student-centric approach to education, she led the renovation of an existing building, leveraging district carpentry classes to get hands-on experience in renovation and rallying community members for support, to create a space for student-run businesses. The space now hosts several businesses including the production of goods and services available to our school district departments and eventually, the broader community. Each business is run like a real corporation with students fulfilling the roles of the C-suite, marketing, sales, customer service, and finance teams. 

    “Jessica’s forward and thoughtful thinking is impacting the futures of our students through career and college readiness, work-based learning opportunities, and community partnerships for lasting impact,” said Amber Whetstine, Assistant Superintendent of Lewis-Palmer School District 38.

    Empowering Students at Vale Middle School

    Zach Knapp, a CTE educator at Vale Middle School, has been recognized for his dedication to empowering students to explore career pathways and make informed decisions about their future. With 20 years of teaching experience, Knapp has integrated YouScience into his curriculum, guiding students to discover their aptitudes and interests and align them with relevant educational opportunities. His commitment to student success has led to increased career awareness and readiness among his students.

    Highlights of Zach Knapp’s accomplishments:

    • Introducing YouScience to help students identify their best-fit career paths and quantify their skills, empowering them to make informed decisions about their futures—whether that’s a traditional college pathway or an alternative route.
    • Recognizing the gap in Health Science education, Zach encouraged and supported the high school to pioneer a new high school CNA course, ensuring that students with aptitudes in this career cluster have continued education opportunities after they leave middle school.
    • Creating unique career exploration opportunities for his students, Zach organized a school-wide, full-day field trip, allowing his students to explore eight different local industries and paving the way for early career exposure in middle school.

    “As the Vale Middle School CTE teacher, Mr. Knapp’s innovative approach not only inspires but also empowers our students to reach their full potential. By incorporating YouScience into his curriculum for all 7th and 8th-grade students, he assists them in identifying their aptitudes and strengths, guiding them toward career and educational pathways that align with their skills. Thanks to his dedication, students transition to high school equipped with individualized 4-year academic plans tailored to their aspirations,” said Lisa Andersen, VMS Principal, Vale School District.

    Celebrating Innovation in Education

    The YouScience Innovative Educator Award celebrates educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and creativity in preparing students for the ever-evolving professional landscape. These educators exemplify the essence of innovation in education, leveraging technology and creative teaching methods to empower the next generation of professionals.

    “We are thrilled to recognize these exceptional educators for their dedication to innovation in education,” said Edson Barton, CEO of YouScience. “Their commitment to student success and readiness for the future is truly commendable, and we celebrate their accomplishments.”

    Educators, students, and parents are encouraged to nominate deserving candidates for subsequent awards by completing the submission form on the YouScience website.

    To learn more about YouScience, please visit  youscience.com.

    About YouScience

    YouScience® is the leading technology provider dedicated to solving the skills and exposure gap crisis for students and employers. Its end-to-end platform, YouScience® Brightpath, connects education with career applications designed to help students unlock their potential for future pathways. YouScience leverages proven research, artificial intelligence, and industry input to help individuals identify their aptitudes, validate their skills and knowledge, and get matched with real-world educational and career pathways in high-demand occupations.

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  • SchoolStatus Launches SchoolStatus Boost, an Innovative Educator Development Solution for Enhanced Teacher Growth and Development

    SchoolStatus Launches SchoolStatus Boost, an Innovative Educator Development Solution for Enhanced Teacher Growth and Development

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    RIDGELAND, Miss./PRNewswire/ —  SchoolStatus, a leader in K-12 data-driven solutions that empower student success, announced the launch of  SchoolStatus Boost, a collaborative platform for guiding and documenting equitable professional growth programs for educators, via goal-setting, coaching, and observations, to support schools in improving educators’ career growth and student success.

    SchoolStatus Boost is the latest addition to the  new SchoolStatus K-12 success platform , a user-friendly, fully integrated platform that includes  SchoolStatus Connect for personalized communications and  SchoolStatus Attend for attendance management. Together they empower families, administrators, and educators with data-driven insights for positive growth and student outcomes.

    With SchoolStatus Boost, K-12 school districts can promote educator growth through customized, collaborative development platform using:

    ●  Intuitive tools to record observation notes and provide timely, actionable feedback while saving ½ a day per week in paperwork
    ●  Centralized observation notes and rubric data customized for the district’s needs
    ●  Educator-driven goal-setting and documenting evidence portfolios that enable them to feel supported by their administrators
    ●  District and school level data-views to allow leaders to identify trends and opportunities for additional development

    “The most important people in a student’s educational journey are their educators. Our team wants to ensure that we are supporting educators so that they feel appreciated by their employer and are able to grow in their career,” said Russ Davis, SchoolStatus Founder and CEO. “It is critical that we invest in our educators through an educator-centric career growth platform, such as SchoolStatus Boost. We will always applaud the work of educators and continue to create ways to support them.”

    “Educators today are juggling many priorities within a limited amount of time. They’re working hard to provide the best instruction they can for all students, to connect with families, and to grow in their instructional practices. The influence teachers have on students’ educational journeys can’t be overstated—so any opportunity we have to save them time directly impacts classroom instruction. SchoolStatus Boost helps us support educators’ growth based on transparent collaboration and goal tracking that also meets state requirements. And that ultimately results in better outcomes for students and our school community. Our mission statement emphasizes a commitment to lifelong learning. Our partnership with SchoolStatus Boost greatly supports that mission,” said Patrick Burns, Principal, Robert A. Van Wyck M.S. 217Q.

    For more information on SchoolStatus Boost, SchoolStatus Connect, and SchoolStatus Attend, visit  www.schoolstatus.com. 

    About SchoolStatus
    SchoolStatus provides a comprehensive suite of communication and attendance solutions that enhance educator-to-family connectedness and support student success. Instant insight into student information and district attendance trends gives educators and administrators full visibility into all levels of the education ecosystem. Data-informed, multi-touch communications include calling, texting, video, and print materials centered around proactive intervention that improves student outcomes and family engagement. With millions of successful school-home interactions, SchoolStatus is improving student achievement by facilitating meaningful engagement between educators, districts, and families across the U.S. For more information, visit  schoolstatus.com.

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