Ditch the Term ‘Failing Schools’ (Opinion)
To the Editor: My optimism faded to disappointment while reading “Mapping the Future of Education” (April 26, 2023), an opinion collection with the Aspen Institute Education & Society program. While the road map’s noble ambiguities allow varying perspectives to work together, I was surprised at…
Schools Can Use COVID-19 Relief Money for Vaccinations and Teacher Bonuses, Feds Say
School districts can use money from the American Rescue Plan and other COVID-19 aid packages to provide “premium pay” to educators—provided that it’s “reasonable” and consistent with federal and other requirements—as well as to prevent layoffs, new guidance from the U.S. Department of Education states….
Don’t Bewail Summer Vacation for Students, Rethink It (Opinion)
The school year is about to end, beginning summer vacation. As always, this will surface the annual spate of commentary on the “problem with summer vacation.” The idea is that students need to spend more time in school, whether via a longer school year, year-round…
Critical Race Theory Puts Educators at Center of a Frustrating Cultural Fight Once Again
The fight over how schools are handling America’s history with race and discrimination continues to heat up. But what does it mean when people say it’s part of a seemingly endless culture war? The assertion that educators are increasingly using or somehow inspired by critical…
Women in K-12 Leadership Don’t Get Enough Support. Here’s What Needs to Change
Fairer family-leave policies. Sponsorships. Pay transparency. Those are some of the policy shifts and practical changes a national organization says are critical to boost the number of women and women of color serving as K-12 superintendents. The five-point advocacy letter—a kind of “playbook” for increasing…
Principals, Here Are 4 Simple Tips to Communicate Better (Opinion)
Effective communication is vital for any organization, and schools are no exception. In fact, communication is arguably more critical in schools because it affects the well-being and academic success of students. From communicating with parents to collaborating with colleagues, school leaders must master various communication…
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