1️⃣ The Big Picture
Classrooms are full of strong teaching and innovation, but outdated communication leaves families hearing more about failures than successes. Experts urge districts to shift from reactive press releases to proactive storytelling through efforts such as:
Sharing daily stories of student achievement, innovative programs, and dedicated educators
Using clear data and transparency to build trust, showing program effectiveness with numbers that speak for themselves
Creating real two-way conversations with families through tools like messaging apps or AI chatbots for common questions
2️⃣ District Spotlight
A school in Indiana is grounding its work in four promises: joy, connection, growth, and future success, and trusting teachers to shape lessons and activities in ways that bring those promises to life. Instead of following a rigid script, teachers adjust in real time to meet student needs, which Superintendent George Philhower says has boosted retention, drawn families from neighboring districts, and built trust while still keeping expectations high.
A district in North Carolina is shifting from preparing students for one set path to building the skills to adapt as careers and industries change. Their “4 E’s” framework (Enlisted, Enrolled, Educated, Entrepreneur) emphasizes flexibility, real-world learning, and student ownership so graduates can thrive wherever the future leads.
3️⃣ AI News
A ninth grade teacher describes catching a student using AI to turn in writing that did not reflect his own skills. She argues authentic struggle builds academic resilience like patience, memory, and frustration tolerance, while AI shortcuts take away chances for students to practice the skills they need for real-world decision-making and active citizenship.
4️⃣ Research Review
Daily pleasure reading has plunged. 13-year-olds who read almost every day fell from 35% in 1984 to 14% in 2023, and 31% now rarely read. Phones, overscheduling, and short, disconnected assignments have reduced time for deep reading. Experts suggest schools can help by:
Strengthening early reading instruction
Setting aside time for sustained silent reading
Limiting phone use during the school day
Offering high-interest books such as graphic novels to spark motivation
5️⃣ Tech Watch
More than 80% of schools reported cyber incidents in the past 18 months, with AI-powered phishing making even the most tech-savvy staff vulnerable. Districts are responding by treating cybersecurity as a cultural priority, training staff and students, rewarding vigilance, and building resilience through state support and local partnerships.
6️⃣ Equity in Action
Bus driver shortages and tight budgets are forcing schools to cut routes and pull staff from classrooms, leaving students late, missing meals, or skipping activities. Nearly half of parents report their children have been late to school and believe schools can help with safer bike routes and school-arranged transit. Meanwhile, administrators are pushing fixes like centralized bus stops and safer walking routes.
Nearly 700 educators weighed in on an EdWeek poll about dress codes, splitting sharply on their impact. About half said dress codes improve focus and prepare students for the workplace, while others argued dress codes reinforce sexism, bias, or conformity, leaving districts to navigate a policy that remains as divisive as ever.
7️⃣ Quick Hits
[From Reflection to Action for Leaders] A new “Layering Learning” protocol helps school leaders turn big ideas like a Portrait of a Graduate into concrete next steps. The five-step process moves teams from pausing to reflect, to connecting personal experiences, engaging with media, considering technology’s role, and finally synthesizing insights into leadership goals that drive deeper learning
[Pandemic Set Back Girls in STEM] Before COVID, girls were starting to catch up to boys in math, but that progress slipped during the pandemic. Boys’ scores have rebounded faster, so schools are now trying to re-engage girls with earlier, hands-on STEM opportunities and confidence-building programs.
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