Districts preparing students for careers, not just college Tony Glockler Traditionally, many school districts have focused on learning, testing, and meeting educational standards to prepare their students for college. Schools have cut many practical programs like shop class, which build valuable skills and work experience, and replaced them with advanced academic courses like AP Calculus. Many forward-thinking educators, however, are now renewing interest in helping their students obtain the necessary knowledge and experience for a career, not just college. Read more>> 9 successful outcomes of blended learning programs Sponsored by Fuel Education Interested in implementing or expanding your district's course catalog? Learn about the best practices of successful online and blended learning programs direct from our clients. How did they achieve positive academic results and increase graduation rates? Download our latest white paper to learn more. Read more>> College is the goal. The problem? Getting there. The New York Times For young people with college-educated parents, the path to higher education may be stressful, but there is a road map. Working-class students, however, simply lack the knowledge of how to manage the increasingly complex college applications process. Read more>> Student desks that don’t get in the way of learning Sponsored by Ergotron Teachers too commonly report that daily lesson plans are restricted and dictated by classroom furniture that is not flexible enough to meet students’ and teachers’ needs. See how schools and teachers are using LearnFit mobile and adjustable standing desks to give their students the best opportunities to learn. Read more>> School suspensions have plunged: We don't yet know if that's good news NPR In the past five years, 27 states have revised their laws with the intention of reducing suspensions and expulsions, which has happened. An analysis of the available evidence, however, argues that school climate in cities, on the whole, has gotten worse. Read more>> Empower coaching to drive student learning Sponsored by Math Solutions When teachers partner with good coaches their work becomes more effective and confident in the classroom. Developing math coaching expertise provides coaches with the skills and tools to help teachers unlock their potential and apply new content knowledge and effective instructional practices. Read more>> Without school librarians, we're on a dystopian path Chicago Tribune Superintendents administrators and staff with the ability to slash jobs need to understand that school librarians are the ushers who light the path for our children. They guide students toward knowledge, understanding and empathy. They foster a sense of curiosity and teach young people the tools necessary to research effectively and think critically. Make no mistake—librarians are teachers. Read more>> Measuring student growth without overtesting Sponsored by Istation Educators share eight ways to save time and reduce testing fatigue. Learn how to get a clear picture of student progress with a free e-book that explores the benefits of data-driven instruction. Read more>> Schooled by politics U.S. News & World Report The defeat of the Republican plan to overhaul President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act offered a stark reminder about how much coalitions, persuasion and raw self-interest matter in politics. It's hard to miss how education reformers are making the same strategic mistakes in their approach to politics. Read more>> | 