1️⃣ Leadership Lens
To help teachers feel confident using AI, school leaders are rethinking professional development with playful, practical ideas. One standout: an AI cook-off where educators generate and try recipes using tools like ChatGPT. The bigger takeaway: when PD sparks curiosity and experimentation rather than compliance, teachers are more likely to explore and adopt AI in meaningful ways.
2️⃣ Teaching & Learning
Nearly half of middle and high schoolers report losing interest in math, often starting in elementary school. Students say they stay engaged when math feels relevant to real life, with face-to-face instruction and hands-on examples working better than tech tools. Experts recommend building confidence early and improving teacher prep in core math content.
3️⃣ District Spotlight
One elementary school shifted from grade-based reading instruction to skill-based groups, pairing students across grade levels based on where they are in their reading journey. The result: stronger engagement, better progress monitoring, and a boost in student confidence and proficiency. Grouping by ability took flexibility, collaboration, and clear systems, but it made reading instruction more effective for all.
To ease burnout and improve retention, one district adopted a four-day schedule with Mondays for planning and prep. Teacher satisfaction soared, absenteeism dropped, and students gained access to job training opportunities while maintaining instructional time.
4️⃣ Policy Watch
Some states now allow longer suspensions and quicker removals for violent behavior. Others are limiting preschool suspensions and clarifying restraint rules to protect vulnerable students. Leaders should stay alert to these changes and avoid conflating discipline with school safety.
A federal school choice tax credit proposal is gaining momentum, with supporters saying it empowers families. Critics warn it could shift billions away from public schools, worsening inequities for students with disabilities and low-income families.
5️⃣ Quick Hits
[Why Cutting PBS Hurts Early Learning] Federal funding cuts threaten PBS Kids, one of the few media platforms grounded in decades of education research. For schools, this means fewer trusted tools to support early learning, fewer community partnerships with local stations, and more students arriving without access to foundational, research-backed content that supports school readiness.
[Phone Bans Alone Won’t Boost Wellbeing] A Florida survey of over 1,500 students suggests that banning phones in schools may not drastically improve mental health, academic performance, or cyberbullying. While heavy users could benefit from limits, students at phone-free schools were actually more likely to report depression symptoms and cyberbullying. The findings point to the need for thoughtful, long-term strategies rather than blanket bans.
6️⃣ Keeping a Pulse on AI
As student use of AI grows, educators are encouraged to treat detection scores as a conversation starter, not automatic evidence of misconduct. Talking with students, reviewing drafts, and setting clear policies can help schools distinguish between acceptable support and academic dishonesty.
7️⃣ Planning for Next Year
Strong mentorship, clear expectations, and access to high-quality curriculum and ongoing professional learning are essential to a successful first year. Without them, new teachers often feel overwhelmed and are more likely to leave, making retention a key leadership priority. Give teachers time during the school day to plan, reflect, and collaborate instead of adding more to their plates.
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