By Betsy Hill and Roger Stark Editor’s Note: This is part one in a three-part series Wellbeing at the Center of Education “Wellbeing” is the term on everyone’s lips—and with good reason. It is the foundational state that supports many desirable outcomes: happiness, health, productivity, gratitude, contentment, enjoyment, and optimism. Yet wellbeing remains elusive for … Read more

SAT Prep Scores for Students: Q & A with Shaan Patel Wondering how to raise your SAT score? Here is an interview with Shaan Patel, founder of Prep Expert (formerly 2400 Expert SAT Prep) and a featured entrepreneur on ABC’s Shark Tank. Shaan closed a deal with Mark Cuban and has expanded his test-prep business … Read more

By Kristina E. Greene Financial aid fraud has become a major problem across California community colleges, with recent data from the state Chancellor’s Office indicating that roughly one in four financial aid applications are fraudulent. In the past year alone, more than 460,000 submissions to the state’s online application system were flagged as suspicious or … Read more

By Zach Vander Veen Part Three: Data Is Crucial Effective Community Schools depend on robust data systems and clear protocols to ensure access to relevant individual and aggregate information and to make decision-making transparent. The standards developed by the Institute for Educational Leadership outline practical expectations for data use in Community Schools. In practice, this … Read more

By Zach Vander Veen We often spend a great deal of time in education debating the promise of technology in the classroom. Terms like “personalized learning,” “AI-driven instruction,” and “adaptive learning” become buzzwords. Educators and policymakers alike gaze at algorithms with a mix of hope and wonder, imagining how software might reshape how students think. … Read more

This is our fourth interview in a series featuring teachers from 51Talk. Here we share Katie’s perspective — a seasoned educator living in South Africa who teaches children in China online. If you have questions about teaching with 51Talk, feel free to contact us. To apply to teach, see the 51Talk Application information at the … Read more

By Betsy Hill and Roger Stark When educators discuss “gamification” in the classroom, they most often frame it as a tool to boost student engagement and motivation. Given how many students report feeling disengaged from schoolwork, that benefit alone is welcome. But research and classroom experience show additional advantages: gamification can foster persistence and resilience, … Read more

By Tamara Fyke Over the last week I’ve heard myself and many others say, “I’m tired of Zoom. I want to be with real people.” At the same time, I’ve led several professional trainings and student workshops online this past month. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share time and space virtually, but building genuine … Read more

Guest article written by: Corinne Jacob Math has long been a key part of children’s early education. Although many students react to math with anxiety or boredom, educators and parents are increasingly turning to creative methods—like games, hands-on activities, and playful practice—to change that perception. The rise of online math games and interactive resources reflects … Read more

Youth Health Crisis and Empowerment: Practical Steps for Young People Written by Peter Berg Young people today face a growing and unusual health challenge. Conditions once largely confined to adults—such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease—are increasingly diagnosed in children and adolescents. According to the Centers for Disease Control (2013), rates … Read more