K-12

Bob Fishtrom used the downtime of COVID-19 to rethink the use of ed-tech tools across 230 classrooms. Now, as schools enter a new era of uncertainty, the district technology director shares how careful planning can pay off.

Since reorienting so much class time around screens, schools have seen lower student proficiency and fostered increasingly isolated childhood experiences, which studies show correlate with rising anxiety and depression.

K-12 educators and parents are invited to an online event March 28 in which technology leaders from three school districts will explain AI-enhanced instruction, professional learning and student-driven AI policies.

In lieu of federal leadership on ed-tech issues from the digital divide to cybersecurity to AI governance, state education technology offices will have to step up with investments, training, advocacy and partnerships.

The University of Arizona and the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics partnered with Chandler Unified School District on educational programs in which students will help district IT staff assess cyber risk.

One of two Advanced Placement classes developed with input from industry partners via a new career-driven model, dubbed AP Career Kickstart, is a cybersecurity course being piloted in 200 schools this year.

The Minnesota Department of Education created an online portal Thursday where people can report whether President Trump’s executive order to close the U.S. Department of Education affects local school communities.

A high school in Connecticut will require students to display Yondr pouches and ensure they are locked before entering the building. If a student is found to be lying about not having a phone, consequences will follow.

House Bill 241 would bar new enrollment limits on virtual schooling programs until 2028. Critics say the legislation is another way to devote taxpayer funds to programs other than public schools.

A pair of high school students in Pennsylvania created a program called Girls Need Space to host events and discussions that would encourage other female students to pursue STEM fields and careers.

Contrary to promises that the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) would not be affected by cuts, the data-collecting agency was stripped of the vast majority of its workforce.

To improve reading and math proficiency, K-12 schools should make deals with ed-tech vendors that calculate payments based on results, so purchases are accountable and vendors make more money if their tools are effective.

Safety concerns from families and staff prompted Harford County Public Schools to buy 11 Opengate weapons detection systems, but the district intends to use them primarily for events, not daily screening.

The Georgia Senate is considering a bill that would ban cellphones in elementary and middle schools. Lawmakers say restrictions for high schools may follow once today's younger students are used to going without phones.

Most K-12 ed-tech leaders are responsible for overseeing student data privacy in their districts even though it’s not part of their job descriptions, and the Consortium for School Networking has resources to help them.

In response to students hiding vape pens, a school district in Pennsylvania is considering allowing staff to use handheld security devices to scan students suspected of hiding contraband.

The Gen Z representative who authored the bill, which would give local district leaders some control over their own policies, told colleagues she remembered how distracting phones were when she was in school.

The College Board is issuing refunds and rescheduling the SAT exam for about 10,000 students after a glitch caused the Bluebook app, which hosts the exam, to submit their tests too soon.