All Education
First LookStriking LA teachers reach deal, return to schoolAfter a 21-hour bargaining session, a Los Angeles teachers union and school officials voted to ratify a deal. The compromise ended a six-day strike in the nation’s second-largest district, with commitments to raise the educators’ pay and reduce class size.
First LookMore US classrooms adopt game-based learning to engage studentsApps, websites, and software that contain video game elements help teachers connect with students whose lives are increasingly intertwined with technology. Although the game-based approach may be effective, some worry that the emphasis on pursuing rewards may be harmful.
First LookTrump panel recommends roll back of Obama-era school discipline rulesPresident Trump's federal school safety commission was tasked with improving security in America's schools, and on Dec. 18 it issued its recommendations – among them, suggestions for arming teachers and 'hardening' school buildings against attackers.
First LookAre parent visits to elementary schools nurturing or disruptive?After the Darien, Conn., school system banned parents from visiting their elementary schoolers during lunch, a debate has arisen about the role of parents in children's schooling, and what "collaboration" between schools and parents truly means.
First LookDeVos proposes adding protections to students accused of sexual misconductEducation Secretary Betsy DeVos wants to overhaul how cases of sexual misconduct are handled on school campuses as a way to simplify existing policies and grant those accused of misconduct a presumption of innocence throughout the disciplinary process.
A border, a bus, then school begins in New MexicoSchools in some US border towns have long enrolled Mexican-American students living on the other side. This humanitarian policy reveals complexities often missed in the national debate on immigration.
First LookUS colleges face scrutiny for financial links to Saudi ArabiaUS colleges and universities have received more than $350 million from the Saudi government this decade, according to an AP investigation. But after the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, some schools have decided to cut ties.
First LookGuilty verdicts will help NCAA prosecute unethical recruitment practicesThree men were found guilty of fraud in a federal court for making secret payments to families of top recruits. The verdict gives the NCAA greater ability to enforce its bylaws related to recruitment.
First LookIn the wake of hurricane Harvey, Houston students power onWhen hurricane Harvey ripped through Texas, it closed Houston-area schools for weeks on end and displaced thousands of families. Despite these enormous setbacks, students worked hard to improve test scores and make other significant gains.
First LookSchool security companies sell 'school hardening' to prevent shootingsAfter the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., there has been a resurgent interest in school security systems such as blast-proof doors and smoke cannons. Some advocates insist this approach is the answer, while others cite a lack of research supporting these efforts.
First LookBoston judge permits lawsuit against Harvard to go forwardIn a closely watched case that could influence affirmative action practices in college admissions decisions, a federal judge on Friday rejected a motion from Harvard University to rule in its favor. The university faces a lawsuit on the basis of discrimination against Asia-American applicants. The trial is set to begin on Oct. 15.
First LookUtah green-lights program to help high schoolers reach collegeA pilot of the Utah College Access Corps found that students who met with a program counselor six times were 140 percent more likely to enter college. Now the program will expand to every high school in Utah.
First LookDeVos to roll out new rules for college sexual misconduct casesUS Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is expected to issue new rules for governing sexual harassment and assault cases on college campuses. Last year, the Trump administration reversed Obama-era guidelines, saying the policies lead to too many false accusations.
First LookAsian-Americans divided over race-based admissionsThe US Department of Justice is backing a 2014 lawsuit against Harvard University by Asian-American applicants that claims the college unlawfully suppresses the number of Asians admitted. The lawsuit goes to trial in October.
First LookFor-profit colleges face fraud complaints as DeVos weakens rulesStudents filed nearly 24,000 federal fraud complaints over the past year, almost entirely against for-profit colleges, as enrollment falls. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has proposed changes to Obama-era regulations that would bolster the struggling industry.
First LookHigh schooler designs site on deportation for immigrant childrenThe website offers children age 8 to 18 accessible resources on how to prepare for the possible deportations of parents and guardians. The practical advice ranges from making sure children have keys to their houses to how to find legal and financial help.
First LookBig Bird and Elmo are taking Sesame Street into the classroomSesame Workshop is partnering with McGraw Hill, a billion-dollar textbook company, to create learning materials for the classroom. The new classroom materials include videos featuring social-emotional and literacy lessons delivered by its iconic characters.
First LookHow food deliveries could change lunchtime at schoolAcross the country, more food catering programs are making it easier for students to enjoy healthy lunches at school and easing the stress of packing lunches on parents by providing alternatives to what is offered at the cafeteria.
First LookHow faith and creativity are transforming Pennsylvania youth into leadersStudents in Erie, Pa., – many from Erie's inner city – will spend their summer exploring horsemanship, theater, and more through Urban University, a youth leadership program. It aims to provide mentorship, hands-on skills, and guidance on how to practically apply faith to daily life.
First LookWisconsin schools to roll out gunshot detection sensorsSo far, Wisconsin has awarded nearly $6 million to 53 school districts to install the sensors and other security upgrades. Schools hope the sensors will lead to faster response times if there's an active shooter, but the technology hasn't been universally embraced and isn't widely used yet.
