How to coach strong school principals Chris Wolk Principal preparation programs continue to place more demands on candidates, in some cases requiring a yearlong internship. When the time comes to assume the role, no amount of preparation can prepare a person for what lies ahead. The constant demands, interruptions, rules, pressure and stress can wear down even the most resilient person. Read more>> Closing the gap for English language learners Sponsored by VocabularySpellingCity.com A new study found English language learners using VocabularySpellingCity had a 46.5 percent increase in reading comprehension, compared to peers not using the game-based literacy program. Introducing words with engaging activities was effective in retaining vocabulary to close the literacy gap between native speakers and English learners. Read more>> How education-funding formulas target poor kids The Atlantic Despite the fact that the majority of states have education funding formulas meant to target low-income students, the effectiveness of this targeting varies widely around the country. In states where districts are more economically segregated, policymakers have an easier time targeting funding to the neediest students. Read more>> Special offer to educators with Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer Sponsored by Penguin Random House In a compelling book that evokes the writings of Thoreau, Muir and Jack London, Krakauer recounts the haunting and tragic mystery of a young man who disappeared into the Alaskan wilderness in search of a raw, transcendent experience. Request a free exam copy or CCSS guide. Read more>> Solving the rural education gap The 74 About half of all U.S. public school districts are considered rural, and they enroll some 12 million students, or one-quarter of the total public school population. Whether these students graduate from high school and college, and how they fare in the workforce, is linked inextricably to their rural education experiences. Read more>> Why is it so hard to stop suspending kindergarteners? Hechinger Report Physical and behavioral incidents in the classroom—and the progression of disciplinary steps that can culminate in removing a child from school without addressing underlying problems at home—have prompted Philadelphia to take a hard look at student discipline. Districts across the country and even states are starting to ban suspensions and expulsions in the early grades. Read more>> | 