PBS KIDS Launches “You Choose 2016” — A Kid-Friendly Guide to the Presidential Election PBS KIDS has introduced You Choose 2016, an engaging, nonpartisan online experience designed for children roughly ages 6–8. The site uses interactive activities, videos, and playful design to introduce young learners to the basics of the presidential election process and civic … Read more

By Charles Sosnik No sooner do we settle into the rhythms of fall than it’s already time to look ahead to spring — and to the Learning Counsel’s Spring Learning Leadership Symposia for 2023. The Learning Counsel has released its regional schedule of one-day Symposia designed to help education leaders adapt and innovate in an … Read more

By Jamie Bricker Targeted teaching focuses on preparing students to succeed by designing learning that is purposeful, practical, and personally meaningful. Instead of hoping a lesson will resonate, targeted teaching uses a layered framework that moves learners from memory to meaning to personal relevance. When these layers align, instruction becomes deeply engaging and long-lasting. Informational … Read more

Meet the Authors: Jenna Shinners — Elementary Author for Dynamic Science The strength of the Dynamic Science curriculum lies in collaboration with authors and editors across Texas. To highlight the people behind the program, we’re sharing our Meet the Authors series so educators and districts can learn more about the experts who developed the unique … Read more

Virtual Digital Discussion Series How can you tell if your students are truly learning in a virtual environment? During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools and districts accelerated their use of remote and blended instruction. However, adding more virtual lessons does not automatically mean students are learning more or retaining knowledge better. In this episode of the … Read more

By Dan Ringo Understanding the Job of a Facilities Manager In modern schools, facilities managers should be viewed as an extension of the educational team. The facilities manager (FM) shapes the physical environment where learning takes place, and their decisions have a direct effect on student safety, staff morale, attendance, and overall academic performance. When … Read more

By Tamara Fyke As we move into the third year of pandemic life, one positive outcome has been a growing public awareness of mental health. From social media to morning news programs, conversations about mental well-being have become increasingly common. Mental health shapes how we manage stress, form relationships, and make decisions, and understanding it … Read more

By Tamara Fyke As an educator and parent, I have been navigating the challenges of screens and digital devices for more than a decade. In classrooms and at home, technology can either distract or connect us. Students and adults alike can find it difficult to remain present when apps and notifications compete for attention. Rather … Read more

By LeiLani Cauthen Traditional responses to enrollment declines and budget pressures in K–12 systems have typically focused on program cuts, consolidations, or adding specialized offerings. Leaders often try to trim courses because there are fewer students and less funding, or they create special programs to serve niche populations. These are program-level fixes that rarely change … Read more

Whether you are a new teacher or someone with many years in the classroom, teaching is a profession of continuous growth. Below are five practical strategies to help you teach more effectively, deepen your satisfaction with the work, and advance your career. Communicate with colleagues and mentors Colleagues are one of the most valuable resources … Read more