Podcast Series: Innovations in Education

Explore the full series of eSchool News podcasts hosted by Kevin Hogan—created to keep you on the cutting edge of innovations in education.

New Research Reveals Vital Professional Learning Insights

DENVER ( BUSINESS WIRE)–MindSpark Learning®, a nonprofit organization specializing in extraordinary learning experiences, conducted vital market research to understand evolving needs for professional growth and development. The research, titled “The State of Professional Learning”, reveals valuable insights into professionals’ learning goals and preferences.

The State of Professional Learning reveals crucial insights that could significantly impact a company’s retention, productivity, and innovation. Three key trends emerge from the research: collaborative professional development (PD) encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing, adaptive PD fosters quick adaptation to changing environments, and stewardship PD promotes proactive problem-solving for community challenges. MindSpark offers tailored recommendations to address these trends, providing practical advice for unique professional development needs.

For years, MindSpark has served professionals with learning experiences that help them solve their most urgent problems. The State of Professional Learning is a testament to their commitment to understand and solve market needs.…Read More

Missouri Makes the Most of Student Data

Last week, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), in partnership with SAS, launched the Missouri Data Visualization Tool (MO DVT), a web-based application that offers easy-to-use reports and analysis on academic performance, including achievement and growth data aggregated by subject, year, and grade. MO DVT was created in response to stakeholder questions about interpreting and using Missouri Growth Model data.

I was able to get into the weeds with Missouri Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven & Dr. John White, VP of SAS Education Visualization and Analytics Solutions (EVAAS) to discuss the genesis and strategic goals of the MO DVT, the integration with Missouri’s broader educational strategies, and how quality data is improving decision-making in Missouri schools.

According to both Margie and John, the tool allows educators to access longitudinal data on student performance, track progress over time, and identify areas for improvement. It provides insights at both individual student and group levels, enabling teachers to tailor instruction to meet diverse student needs. Additionally, it supports decision-making at the policy level by analyzing academic impacts, such as the effectiveness of a four-day school week.…Read More

5 tech, AI tools to enhance teacher team success

Key points:

Technology plays a crucial, and expanding, role in today’s schools. The availability of tech tools, including those with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, continues to grow – as do their potential applications in the classroom. 

Schools can also use tech and AI tools to enhance the success of teacher teams and professional learning communities (PLCs). When teacher teams set collective goals, their intended results – such as improved student outcomes – often occur in the classroom. But working toward their goals relies on effective peer-to-peer collaboration, which requires different skills and structures than classroom instruction. Technology is here to help bridge the gap.…Read More

Friday 5: Teaching strategies for classroom success

Key points:

All classrooms are different and require different teaching strategies to address various concerns, goals, and learning trends. Plus, it takes a dedicated teacher to employ the right teaching strategies for desired outcomes.

What teaching strategy is the best?

Various types of learning strategies are needed to boost student engagement and bring it to its highest levels.…Read More

65 predictions about edtech trends in 2024

As we wave farewell to 2023, we’re looking ahead to edtech trends in 2024 with optimism for education as a whole.

Moving away from the pandemic, educators still grapple with learning loss and academic disparities and inequities.

In 2023, a new popular kid in town, better known as AI, dominated headlines and prompted debates around how students could abuse–and should use–the generative tool for learning. …Read More

65 predictions about edtech trends in 2024

As we wave farewell to 2023, we’re looking ahead to edtech trends in 2024 with optimism for education as a whole.

Moving away from the pandemic, educators still grapple with learning loss and academic disparities and inequities.

In 2023, a new popular kid in town, better known as AI, dominated headlines and prompted debates around how students could abuse–and should use–the generative tool for learning. …Read More

65 predictions about edtech trends in 2024

As we wave farewell to 2023, we’re looking ahead to edtech trends in 2024 with optimism for education as a whole.

Moving away from the pandemic, educators still grapple with learning loss and academic disparities and inequities.

In 2023, a new popular kid in town, better known as AI, dominated headlines and prompted debates around how students could abuse–and should use–the generative tool for learning. …Read More

VHS Learning Earns MSA-CESS Reaccreditation 

Boston – VHS Learning has once again received accreditation from the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. A peer review team from Middle States member schools recommended VHS Learning for reaccreditation, and Middle States voted on the recommendation at its biannual meeting in Philadelphia. VHS Learning has been accredited by MSA-CESS since 2008.

For over 130 years, MSA-CESS has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development, and advance student achievement. The institution accredits preK-12 public, private, parochial, and charter schools as well as non-degree granting career and technical post-secondary institutions and learning services providers. Receiving accreditation is a multifaceted evaluation process that schools and school systems voluntarily use to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of research-based performance standards.

“This reaccreditation reflects VHS Learning’s commitment to supporting its school community.  Accreditation by MSA-CESS is a validation of the dedication and expertise that our faculty and staff have in teaching and learning best practices,” said Carol DeFuria, President & CEO of VHS Learning. “Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools accreditation is the gold standard for measuring and advancing school improvement, and our reaccreditation shows that VHS Learning is committed to excellence and continuous improvement.” …Read More

Helping students navigate college majors

Key points:

  • Choosing a college major is one of the biggest decisions for most students
  • Future earnings and career satisfaction should be carefully balanced
  • See related article: A smarter way to think about college
  • For more news on college readiness, see eSN’s Innovative Teaching page

Deciding on a college major is a tricky decision for even the most dedicated of students. Before enrolling, students have to consider their own skills, their career prospects, and their ability to thrive within the department at large.

As a parent, guidance counselor, or teacher, you can help students navigate college majors by doing a little research of your own. Focus on learning more about the student’s goals and motivations, and look into potential professors before the semester starts. This will help you guide students toward a major that is both enjoyable and financially rewarding. …Read More

Teacher helps implement the science of reading ‘one bite at a time’

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

Indiana is in the midst of an enormous undertaking to improve literacy rates. The approach: Align state standards, curriculum, and teacher training programs with practices rooted in the science of reading, which emphasizes phonics to help students decode words.

Literacy coach Mika Frame has a memorable mantra for accomplishing big goals. …Read More