Teachable moments on school bullying Nancy Willard It is essential that schools switch from bullying prevention to ensuring positive climate by collaborating with students to promote the positive social norms displayed by the majority of school population. But we should also be prepared to offer more intensive interventions and support to chronically targeted and marginalized students who behave hurtfully. Read more>> Eight ways to close the achievement gap Sponsored by Istation Boost student achievement and inspire educational gains with eight steps schools can take to bridge the gap. This e-book from Istation covers progress monitoring, motivational strategies, strengthening school-to-home connections and more. Read more>> Giving students time and opportunity to explore interests beyond school The Daily Reveille Though elementary-age students learn a great deal through traditional schooling, many valuable lessons are gleaned from recreation time and free play. So children shouldn’t be expected to develop skills like decision-making, creativity and independence if nearly every moment of their time is already shackled by homework. Read more>> Utilizing bus tracking Sponsored by First Student, Inc. When will the buses show up? When will students be picked up or dropped off? FirstView is a comprehensive and secure school bus tracking, communications and engagement tool for parents, school administrators and transportation management teams. Read more>> How smart tax reform can boost early education for our children The Hill The current state of early care and education in this country falls short of where it should be. Congress should incorporate a workforce investment credit model as part of tax reform to help ensure healthy childhood development and a strong talent pipeline in the future, as was done in Louisiana. Read more>> School leverages book studies to increase proficiency Sponsored by Solution Tree Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts opened its doors in 2012. In its first year of operation, nearly all of the school’s staff were new teachers. When almost 80 percent of students scored “below proficient” on the district’s first common assessment, the school knew they needed to take immediate action. Read more>> Many good teachers are retiring earlier The Atlanta Journal-Constitution What’s scary about the education profession now is not that there are enormous numbers of bad teachers but enormous numbers of good teachers who have recently retired or soon will. We need more people helping teachers be effective teachers. Read more>> Discover a timely story about illegal immigration, a national issue Sponsored by Penguin Random House “[Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario] is a harrowing odyssey that depicts one young man’s attempts to reunite with his mother and the social and economic issues involved in illegal immigration,” says Booklist. A free teacher's guide is available. Read more>> Most states plan to use student absences to measure school success NPR The fact that 36 states and the District of Columbia are paying attention to chronic absence as a measure of student success is promising. The trick will be to do it right, with realistic, consistent goals, and empower schools and districts to get kids to come to schools. Read more>> | 