Cellphones remain a top concern for educators in 2024, as teachers and principals grapple with their disruptive impact on student learning, sleep, and mental health. Education Week’s coverage highlighted the behavioral issues tied to cellphones, including unauthorized photo-taking, recording fights, and engaging in social media-driven dares. State policymakers have started addressing this challenge, creating policies…

Ian Knox, principal of Hamagrael Elementary School in New York, shares key strategies for school leaders to strengthen communication and collaboration between district offices and teachers. Based on his experiences, Knox emphasizes understanding the rationale behind district decisions, building trust across all levels, and assessing the impact of policy changes on teachers’ daily routines. He…

New York City’s school board voted Wednesday to approve a $17m, five-year contract with Pearson to digitize the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), which determines admission to elite public high schools like Stuyvesant. The decision ends months of uncertainty over the test’s future and ensures compliance with state law mandating the SHSAT for admissions….

Camino Nuevo Charter Academy in Los Angeles is addressing California’s bilingual teacher shortage through its AVANCE teacher residency program, a partnership with Loyola Marymount University. The program trains diverse bilingual educators while removing traditional barriers like high tuition, unpaid student teaching, and multiple credentialing exams. AVANCE residents receive a $50,000 compensation package, including a salary,…

Oakland USD in California is aiming to set a national example with its proactive support for immigrant and refugee students, overcoming language barriers and paperwork challenges. Students speaking diverse languages, from Spanish to Pashto, receive tailored assistance. Specialized offices like the Refugee and Asylee program aid older students and those lacking documentation. Beyond enrollment, the…

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) significantly impact students, as illustrated by Anjali Verma’s experience. After suffering a concussion during a lacrosse game, she struggled with memory and focus during her Advanced Placement exam. Each year, over 50,000 children are hospitalized for acquired brain injuries, which can lead to various cognitive and physical symptoms. Despite laws protecting…