Leadership

Report outlines trends and challenges shaping K-12 in 2025

ERDI's summer report finds many challenges are interconnected, the pace of change is accelerating, and the pressures on district leaders are increasing.

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The inconvenient success of New Orleans schools

How the most dramatic education transformation in modern America became too uncomfortable for anyone to talk about.

Students from George Washington Carver High School’s 2025 graduating class. Last year, the school earned an A for academic growth from the state. (G. W. Carver High School/Facebook)

The differentiation coach: How principals can lead teachers to Tier 1 excellence

Four critical coaching questions every principal should ask their teachers to help build a winning team.

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Kids need soft skills in the age of AI, but what does this mean for schools?

Part of the answer lies in understanding what AI cannot – and perhaps will not – be able to do.

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Student Achievement and Assessment

Plenty of schools have no-zeroes policies. And most teachers hate it, a new survey finds

The findings come as many schools are rethinking what students should have to do to get a high school diploma, and how much emphasis should be put on grades.

Many teachers say giving students partial credit for work they didn't do is harmful to student engagement, a new survey found. Some teachers say it's especially complicated in math classes where students need to master certain skills to progress. (Ariel J Cobbert for Chalkbeat)

HR and Benefits

Seeking to attract and retain teachers, districts offer new workplace benefits and hiring incentives

K-12 leaders are hoping perks including childcare, fertility benefits, stipends and signing bonuses can reduce talent shortages.

Richardson ISD has recently opened two early learning childcare centers for the families of teachers and other employees, and is planning a third. RISD Superintendent Tabitha Branum says the benefit has served as a recruitment and retention tool.

7 insights about chronic absenteeism, a new normal for American schools

Even high-income students are skipping more school, but absenteeism rates are highest among low-income students.

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Researchers predict K-12 trends for the 2025-2026 school year

NWEA’s experts describe what they expect will be key issues and challenges facing educators and district leaders.

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When “no effect” doesn’t mean no impact: Rethinking how we judge school

A new study illustrates the fact that many schools are measuring the wrong things.

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Literacy/Reading/Language Arts

Five ways to support adolescent literacy at home

Family engagement is critical for schools to build long-term, trusting partnerships and help improve academic outcomes, particularly in literacy.

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As far as academic and non-academic factors go, the pandemic is not over—it's halftime

An urgent call to address the ongoing crisis facing the Class of 2032.

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Let's help students feel seen, not tracked

How to embrace the capabilities of AI while protecting what matters most.

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