1️⃣ Leadership Insights
A school leader shares how focusing on a few key metrics such as attendance, reading growth, and discipline can turn data from a burden into a compass. The most effective leaders keep data visual and simple, schedule short check-ins, pair numbers with stories, and share responsibility across teams. The goal is not to track everything, but to use data strategically to guide instruction, strengthen collaboration, and celebrate progress.
2️⃣ AI in Schools
A new national survey finds nearly one in five high school students say they or someone they know has had a romantic relationship with AI, and 42% report using it for companionship. Students in schools with higher AI use are also more likely to face data breaches, deepfakes, and trust issues tied to device monitoring. Researchers warn that while AI can personalize learning, it can also blur emotional boundaries and increase risks to student wellbeing without stronger training and safeguards.
3️⃣ Success Spotlight
Rockwood School District in Missouri is closing reading gaps by keeping students together for whole-class instruction instead of grouping them by ability. Every child receives daily grade-level phonics and comprehension lessons, followed by flexible small groups for reteaching or enrichment. The district’s approach, grounded in strong Tier I instruction and movement-based learning, has lifted proficiency well above national averages and built confidence across classrooms. Leaders say the key is shared learning, not separation.
4️⃣ Curriculum & Instruction
Many students are struggling with focus and self-regulation, creating barriers to learning and added stress for teachers. Research shows executive function skills stalled during the pandemic and have yet to rebound. Giving students daily chances to plan, reflect, and manage emotions in real-life situations helps them build the habits that lead to calmer classrooms and stronger learning.
5️⃣ Research Review
A national survey of 20,000 teachers found that the tighter a school’s cellphone policy, the better teachers feel and the more engaged students become. The most effective rules keep phones out of reach, such as locked away or left at home, while “no show” policies that let students keep their devices rarely work. Researchers say the key is clear structure, and many states are already moving in this direction to restore focus and calm in classrooms.
A new survey finds that many teachers lack basic tools and support to do their jobs well. One in four report shortages of furniture, computers, or printing supplies, and two-thirds say they don’t have enough aides or mental health staff. The study links access to resources and meaningful professional development to higher job satisfaction, with teachers valuing choice, collaboration, and peer-led training over top-down sessions.
6️⃣ Family Engagement
A Stanford study found that more than 40% of preschoolers diagnosed with ADHD are prescribed medication within a month, skipping the recommended first step of behavior therapy. Experts warn that parent training can greatly reduce symptoms and improve relationships, yet many families lack access or guidance. Researchers call for more support to help families use proven strategies like positive reinforcement, structured routines, and strong adult-child connections before turning to medication.
7️⃣ Quick Hits
[Tutoring as the Next Teacher Pipeline] High-dosage tutoring is turning out to be more than a way to help students catch up. Teach For America’s Ignite Fellowship shows that with solid training and support, tutoring not only boosts learning but also inspires future teachers. A Stanford study found tutors in the program are almost three times more likely to go into teaching, especially men and people of color. With the right structure and relationships, tutoring can help students grow and bring new talent into the classroom.
[SEL Boosts Academic Performance] A new meta-analysis of 40 studies across 12 countries found that students in schools with universal social-emotional learning programs earned higher grades and test scores in both reading and math. The strongest gains came from programs lasting longer than a semester. Despite political backlash and rebranding efforts in some districts, researchers from USC and Yale say SEL remains essential to student growth and should be embedded in daily instruction, not treated as an add-on.
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