Getting a school’s message across in the new media landscape Jason R. Olsen Tweets now attract more attention from the media than does a lengthy district press release. Facebook posts can garner thousands of comments. The whole notion of media relations is different. While the environment has changed, our goals still remain the same—create a simple, accurate and relevant message for quick delivery to parents, employees, students and community. Read more>> Unbroken: The Young Adult Adaptation Sponsored by Penguin Random House In this captivating young adult edition of her award-winning bestseller, Laura Hillenbrand tells the story of a former Olympian's courage, cunning and fortitude following his plane crash in enemy territory during World War II. Educators can request a free exam copy or teacher's guide. Read more>> The case for contentious curricula The Atlantic Laws, school officials and community opinion have conspired to discourage teachers from discussing controversial issues in their classrooms. However, some evidence suggests teachers overestimate these constraints. Despite the paucity of professional training and shrinking legal protections, veteran instructors do openly discuss divisive public questions with their students. Read more>> Walk through for innovation: six questions for transformed learning Sponsored by itslearning "Test your own level of innovation. If you answer no to all Six Questions when evaluating the design of assignments and student work, than chances are that technology is not really being applied in the most innovative ways," says Alan November. Read more>> How to extend the reach of great teachers in turnaround (or any) schools The 74 With school, district and policy support that makes multi-classroom leadership possible, more students have access to talented teachers, supported by teacher-leaders. And the additional collaboration, guidance and empowerment that teachers receive from a multi-classroom leader serve to recruit and retain effective teachers. Read more>> Successful language learning in out-of-school time Sponsored by Rosetta Stone In a live webinar, we explore the value of language-learning programs during out-of-school time. Limited time and resources during the school day reduce access to language learning that develops skills students need to engage in a global society. Educators can develop after-school programs to increase students’ access to language learning. Read more>> Never mind the students; homework divides parents The New York Times Last spring, when a New York City elementary school banned mandatory traditional homework assignments for children up to fourth grade, you might have expected universal acclaim. Instead, war broke out among the parents. Some privately called the plan economically and racially insensitive. Read more>> The impact of poverty on education Sponsored by AdvancED More than 45 million people live in poverty in the United States—that’s 14.5 percent of all Americans. Struggling schools are highly populated with students living in poverty. It is not simply an issue of addressing struggling schools; it is about how do we now effectively educate kids who live in poverty. Read more>> Climate denial in schools VICE News Currently, six states have legislative measures pending or already on the books that would allow anti-science rhetoric, including the rejection of global warming, to seep its way into schools’ curricula. While these types of proposals have become fairly routine in certain states, some of the most recent crop have advanced farther than in the past. Read more>> | 