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The Pros and Cons of Live Gradebooks
Is it good for teachers and students to report and see grades in real time?
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by Erin Werra
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Don’t let looming retirements slow down district progress!
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Facilities Challenges During Low Occupancy
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Don't sleep on the power of your student information system.
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Learn three ways good edtech can help your district become a destination for substitute teachers and staff.
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By grasping where students stand through comprehensive, accessible data, district leaders can improve the education experience for students.
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As students work toward a brighter future, which credentials can help? And how can schools support them?
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Celebrate the wins.
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Simplify Audits with View-Only Users Accounts
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Are applicants following a well-marked, automated path to hiring success? Analyze your application process to see where improvement is needed.
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Making Plans for Virtual School? You're Not Alone.
Planning ahead can make all the difference for students, families, and equity.
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The Impact of Technology on the Homework Debate
Remote school and work have blurred the lines between work and home. How does this shape the debate over homework?
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by Casey Thompson
5 Ways to Plant the Seeds of Sustainability
Schools have the unique opportunity to instill a sense of stewardship in Earth’s future caretakers. Here are five ways to get started.
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by Caroline Gilchrist
3 Ways Virtual Onboarding Strengthened One Team
If onboarding a new employee from afar sounds like a nightmare, read on to discover the hidden benefits.
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by Erin Werra
6 Edtech Tools Schools Used to Navigate a Pandemic
These six tools have proven useful—and the good news is, you may already have them.
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10 Ways to Prevent Eyestrain During eLearning
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Get Your Board On Board
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Zoom fatigue is real, but one thing’s for sure: Virtual options are a win for parent/teacher conferences.
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Leaders, Spark New Joy
Start fresh with the most-missing piece of the school culture puzzle: joy!
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Intervention Needs an Abundance Mindset
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Youth Activism in Schools
The next generation of heroes is walking the halls of schools today, and you’re uniquely poised to help them along.
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by Erin Werra
What Does School Look Like Around the Globe?
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Keep the conversation flowing between school and home.
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by Jacob Baumann
3 Conversations to Follow in 2021
Goodbye 2020. Let’s prepare for whatever comes next
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by Erin Werra
An Intro to Single Sign On Security
Ever wondered how this super convenient feature protects your district? Let’s explore SAML and SSO.
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by Erin Werra
Break Down the Walls: Achieving Approachable Leadership
Approachable leaders break down the walls that separate them from those they lead. Here’s why this strategy is important and how you can master it.
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A Rural Internet Glossary
There are no simple answers for rural connectivity. For families looking for options, learning some baseline lingo can help guide the way.
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by Erin Werra
Less Paper, Not Paperless
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Let's Take a Phishing Trip
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#Leadership
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Tell Me Something Good
Just four words might turn the tide of school culture.
#Culture
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Making Blended Learning Accessible
Remote learning is hard. A few quick tricks help ease the experience for students using assistive technology.
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Pandemic-Era Safety and Security in School Buildings
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Mission: Impossible just got more... impossible.
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A year like none other.
#Leadership
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What K12 Leaders Can Learn from Late Night TV
Night owls appreciate long-running hosts and a solid, familiar format. What can you learn from late night shows?
#Leadership
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Treat others’ private data the way you’d want yours to be protected.
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Future-Proof Record Retention
As districts update SIS and ERP solutions, how can they ensure long-term records are retained and safe?
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How Assessment Squelches the Summer Slide
COVID-19 followed immediately by a couple months off has the potential to make the summer extra slide-y. Assessment to the rescue.
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
Radio Check: 5 Tactics for "Loud and Clear" Communication
What can “radio talk” protocol teach us about quality communication? Turns out, a lot! Here are 5 takeaways from this tried and true method.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
Arena Scheduling from Home
Even if remote learning is a contingency, it’s wise to plan ahead for remote options—including arena scheduling.
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
Should Your School Use a Crisis Text Line?
May is mental health month, but students struggle all year round. Here’s how technology can play a role in compassionate care.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
Solidifying a Distance Learning Strategy
Uncertainty demands school leaders consider all angles of reopening schools—including teaching students who cannot return to the building.
#Technology
by Casey Thompson
Introducing the Careers of the Future Quiz
Peer into the crystal ball to see which jobs might suit your skills in 2050!
#Achievement
by Emily Katz
What K12 Leaders Can Learn from Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday morning used to represent golden hours of freedom and indulgence for kids. What can you learn from the heyday of kid freedom?
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
When Your Team Struggles with Working from Home
Troubleshooting and coaching the challenges of the new normal: remote work.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
Beware These 5 Threats During COVID-19
Hackers are capitalizing on vulnerabilities due to COVID-19-prompted remote work. Here’s how to stay safer in cyberspace.
#Data
by Casey Thompson
How eLearning Can Empower Kids
Learning doesn’t stop. But it will be different, and that’s okay.
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
Why Emotional IQ Skills Are Essential for Students
One of the most impactful ways to improve job performance is to brush up on emotional intelligence. What if we gave kids a jump on it?
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
Computer Science: What's Turning Women Away?
It’s common knowledge that men have a greater presence in programming than women—but how did this trend arise? And what can we do to help girls overcome bias?
#Technology
by Caroline Gilchrist
When's the Last Time Vendors Asked for Your Feedback?
If you’re racking your brain right now, we have bad news.
#Technology
by Casey Thompson
To Educators: Thank You
We're so grateful for your service.
#Culture
by Erin Werra
Position Control and Traveling Staff
As staff travel between buildings, how are you tracking their time spent in each? Is each building sharing an equal part of the position budget? These are just a couple questions that may affect the salary negotiations, budget considerations, and time tracking for these traveling employees.
#Business
by Casey Thompson
School Librarians Make a Difference—Here's How
Librarians provide additional opportunity to support students with positive adult relationships, share representation, and bridge tech skills.
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
Vetting Apps Across the District
6 red flags for applications used in classrooms with students.
#Data
by Casey Thompson
Project-Based Learning is a Perfect Developmental Match for Teens
Adults, we’re witnessing a revolution.
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
20 Things We'll Be Into This Decade
A mix of perennial and emerging topics we’re looking forward to witnessing as time marches on.
#Culture
by Erin Werra
The Great Homework Debate
Could “the dog ate my homework” someday be retired? Let’s look at both sides of this debated topic.
#Achievement
by Lauren Gilchrist
Prioritizing Accessibility in EdTech
A big-picture guide for CTOs exploring the importance of accessibility in school technology.
#Technology
by Nou Chee Her
7 Dimensions of Wellness: How to Incorporate Each in 2020
Take a look at each of the seven dimensions of wellness and dive into how you can help your students be well in each category in 2020.
#Achievement
by Chris Harrison
Branding Is An Inside Job
Education Dive's Superintendent of the Year Dr. Joe Sanfelippo shares how to get your entire team involved in telling your school's stories with pride and energy.
#Leadership
by Dr. Joe Sanfelippo
4 Strategies to Manage Educator Empathy
Empathetic educators focus so much on keeping their spirits up to care for others—the quick refill cycle can lead to burnout. Here's how to stay healthy.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
3 Conversations to Follow in 2020
As we welcome a brand-new year and decade, we'll explore the connection between technology and soft skills, ransomware, and measuring software efficacy.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
On the Road with Lauren: Cranberry Science and a Splash of Red
We traveled to Central Wisconsin to join a Splash of Red cranberry tour, led by students in the only cranberry science class in the country.
#Achievement
by Lauren Gilchrist
One-Page Pitch: Positive Attendance
The Advancing K12 One-Page Pitch Series is designed to help you lead from within. This month's pitch: Postive attendance!
#Leadership
by Avery Faehling
Setting Up An eLearning Day
Look out, kids, there's a new snow day ritual in town.
#Achievement
by Casey Thompson
The State of K12 Coding
Computer science is rapidly growing—and we're making progress. Check out this recap and learn about bringing the Hour of Code to your school.
#Technology
by Erin Werra
Leading Different Generations in a School District
Leading multiple generations is all about striking balance between recognizing (and celebrating) differences and keeping all people focused on the same goals, regardless of age or experience.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
On the Road with Lauren: Race Cars Meet High School
At Ashwaubenon High School, students are trading lectures and laptops for the chance to design, build, and race their own cars.
#Achievement
by Lauren Gilchrist
Battling Unseen Causes of Chronic Absenteeism
These four barriers can stand in students' way of getting to school. Here's how you can help.
#Culture
by Casey Thompson
How to Prepare Students for the Jobs of Tomorrow
The workforce is changing—how do we manage the gap between today’s skills and the impossible to predict future?
#Technology
by Erin Werra
Teaching our Teachers: The Value of Teacher Mentorship
We sat down with a veteran teacher to talk about the crucial role mentorship plays in an educator’s success.
#Leadership
by Lauren Gilchrist
Mobile Education Tug of War
Technology has evolved the modern workplaces for maximum flexibility. But is blurring the boundaries of classroom learning healthy for students (and teachers)?
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
3 Ways to Keep Your Credit Cards Out of The News
How can administrators stay vigilant against all types of fraud? By being good stewards of reimbursement approvals. Here's how.
#Business
by Erin Werra
Take the EdTech Careers Quiz
Have you ever wondered what your ideal role would be if you worked at an edtech company? We put together this career quiz to help you discover where your talents could be put to the best use.
#Leadership
by Casey Thompson
One-Page Pitch: Data Security
The Advancing K12 One-Page Pitch Series aims to help team members lead from within. This month's topic: data security.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
How Ed-Fi Standards Simplify Student Data Management
How do school leaders keep track of minute student data points in their district—then turn those numbers into action to improve instruction?
#Data
by Erin Werra
Brace for Impact: School Data and Disasters
Losing access to student data is its own brand of disaster. Prepare by devising an airtight recovery plan.
#Data
by Casey Thompson
7 Things You Don’t Have to Print This Year
Which processes can you shift online to move closer to a paperless office? Here are 7 ideas to consider.
#Business
by Lauren Gilchrist
Empowering Students with UX Classroom Design
Studies show classroom design affects student learning. Why get students involved in the process? And how?
#Achievement
by Lauren Gilchrist
Do You Have a Crisis Communication Plan?
If an emergency occurs today, how prepared is your district to communicate with the community?
#Leadership
by Casey Thompson
Midyear Check-in: Conversations to Follow in 2019
How's the year going so far? Let's check in on our three important conversation topics for 2019.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
5 Great Education Debates
Let's explore both sides of a handful of education's perennial debates.
#Culture
by Erin Werra
On the Road with Lauren: Can Kindergartners Learn to Code?
How do kids develop computational skills at the elementary level? We traveled to West Bend, WI, to find out from teachers who presented at ISTE.
#Achievement
by Lauren Gilchrist
Staging the School
No budget for fancy landscaping, signs, sculptures, or fountains? No problem.
#Leadership
by Casey Thompson
Rethinking the Traditional School Schedule
As we gaze into the future of K12 education, what scheduling changes do we see budding? How do these changes affect kids?
#Culture
by Erin Werra
The 5-Step EdTech Integration Checklist
Here's a customizable template of the five main tasks leaders can follow to start an interoperability journey.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
EdTech Playbook: Interoperability
Though the benefits add up quickly, interoperability takes careful planning to achieve. We'll explore the components in this four-part video playbook.
#Technology
by Rebecca Gaboda
One-Page Pitch: Edubranding
The Advancing K12 One-Page Pitch Series is designed to help you lead from within. This month's pitch: Edubranding in the era of school choice!
#Leadership
by Lauren Gilchrist
What Do We Really Know About Screen Time?
What used to be a matter of parenting opinion has moved into the realm of vocational requirement. We know kids are going to be using screens in and out of classrooms. So where can we draw the line between enough and too much?
#Technology
by Erin Werra
A K12 Funding Primer for Parents
Do you find yourself answering questions about funding from parents? Here's a quick, share-worthy breakdown of the basics of funding to bookmark.
#Business
by Advancing K12 Staff
10 Digital Badges Worth Pursuing
Which digital badges can make the greatest impact on teaching and learning? These 10 cover parent communication, digital skills, mentoring, and more!
#Leadership
by Advancing K12 Staff
3 Contradictions Between Research and Practice
Schools (and vendors) love to tout research-based solutions, processes, and practices. But is “research-based” really all it’s cracked up to be?
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
Talking to Parents About Digital Citizenship
Parents may have various qualms about technology. Most of them boil down to one thing: protecting kids. Digital citizenship skills can help.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
10 Districts Leading the Way in Video
These districts discovered the secrets (and value!) of producing awesome videos. Learn from their approach and pick up some tips and tricks to crafting a video strategy.
#Technology
by Lauren Gilchrist
The Data Security Starting Five
It takes a wide range of roles and skills working together to keep data safe. How does your district’s lineup compare to this security all-star squad?
#Data
by Lauren Gilchrist
One-Page Pitch: Digital Badging
The Advancing K12 One-Page Pitch Series is designed to help you lead from within. Our inaugural pitch: Digital badging for professional development!
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
High-Tech HR: One-Way Video Interviews
Imagine interviewing every single applicant while speeding up the first-round process. Unbelievable? Believe it! Here's how.
#Business
by Erin Werra
6 Surefire Cures for Initiative Fatigue
Or, how to keep your eyes on the prize and refrain from chasing the latest, shiniest trend.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
3 Steps for Building an Awesome Brand
Ace school branding, with bonus advice from the superintendent who (literally) wrote the book on it.
#Culture
by Erin Werra
Guest Post: Our Journey to Mass Customized Learning
"This wasn’t a small shift in mindset. We were completely reexamining how school has been 'done' to kids for the last century." Join us for a deep dive into the future of public education in Central York, Pennsylvania.
#Leadership
by Ryan Billet
Parent Engagement: Beyond the Homework Helper
What factors make parents into your biggest advocates?
#Leadership
by Advancing K12 Staff
6 Roles Technology Can Play in the Hiring Process
These six tools, from emerging tech to tried-and-true strategies, can save time and effort in the recruiting process.
#Technology
by Erin Werra
Fact Check: 3 Examples of Data Gone Wrong
How far should you trust the data? About as far as you can throw it, if these examples are any indication.
#Data
by Advancing K12 Staff
Guest Post: Amping Up Your School Security
When you hear the phrase “school security,” what comes to mind? Locked entrances? Cameras? Metal detectors? Resource officers? While these visual, recognizable features are great, there are other important facets of security to be considered.
#Technology
by Dan Hoerl
7 News Literacy Strategies for All Ages
How do we build a healthy skepticism to navigate the Internet’s endless content offerings? Most importantly, how do we share our strategies with students?
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
Meritorious: The Gold Standard for School Budgets
Budgets: A necessary task, or an art form?
#Business
by Erin Werra
The Perils and Promise of K12 Crowdfunding
What if you could skip the sales and go directly to donations for classroom supplies, edtech, or other initiatives?
#Business
by Erin Werra
EdTech Playbook: Moving to a New Student Information System
The move to a new SIS is one of the largest, most challenging projects faced by school technology leaders. Learn how to do it right in this five-part video playbook.
#Technology
by Advancing K12 Staff
10 New Year's Resolutions for School Leaders
A collection of initiatives (and supporting materials) to consider after the clock strikes midnight.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
3 Conversations to Follow in 2019
What’s on the horizon for the New Year? We’re keeping a weather eye on boosting computer science for early learners, digital badging for PD, and the future of hiring.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
5 Creative Uses for Digital Signage in Schools
Plenty of schools have put up screens to share content, but using them creatively is still a challenge. Here are 5 ideas for sharing creative content.
#Technology
by Mark McDermott
What is Arena Scheduling?
If you're looking to increase student engagement, accountability, time management, and much more, why not give arena scheduling a try?
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
The 6-Step Fraud Test
Few things can be more devastating to a school district than a major fraud scandal. In this article, we explore six areas worthy of the occasional audit.
#Business
by Erin Werra
3 Ways for Students to Steal Your Password
Kids are craftier than ever these days, but with a little awareness you can stay one step ahead. Featured: Three 1-Minute Security Drill videos.
#Technology
by Erin Werra
What School Choice Means for Edubranding
In the age of choice, what can educational leaders do to turn their schools and districts into desirable destinations for families and job candidates?
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
Let's Change the Integration Conversation
Is product x compatible with product y? More importantly, is that even the right question to ask anymore?
#Data
by Advancing K12 Staff
What is Whole-Child Education?
Schools are nurturing multiple facets of child development. But how does whole-child education work?
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
10 Districts with Awesome Brands
These 10 school districts identified why their district is awesome, then structured everything they do around it to produce a noteworthy brand.
#Culture
by Erin Werra
The Attendance Nudge
By analyzing studies conducted in school districts using attendance letters, we can learn the best ways to nudge parents into becoming attendance allies fighting chronic absenteesim.
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
Why Can't We Get Teacher Evals Right?
What does the research say about teacher evaluation, and what are some of the most common takeaways from recent studies?
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
4 Paths to Student Accountability
Explore four strategies to maximize students' opportunities to develop accountability, practice self-management, and gain essential skills they’ll use long after they graduate.
#Culture
by Erin Werra
Introducing the EdLeader Personality Test
We've assembled the first ever personality test designed specifically for educational leaders. What's your archetype?
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
The 4 Stages of Filling Big Shoes
Few leadership challenges are more difficult than following in the footsteps of a local legend. Grab the torch and run with this four-step blueprint.
#Leadership
by Advancing K12 Staff
Who is Responsible for Mental Health?
Staff responsibilities overlap, data goes unanalyzed, and students (or teachers) line up at overwhelmed counselors’ doors. How do schools address mental health? A school psychologist and social worker describe their team's approach.
#Culture
by Erin Werra
10 Do's and Don'ts for Effective Teacher Mentorship
Looking to boost teacher retention, build a strong school culture, and contribute to new teachers' professional growth? Learn 10 tips for improving your teacher mentorship program.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
Micro-credentials: A One-Year Reflection
One year after the rollout of the Future-Ready Teachers badge group, we reflect on slow starts, implementation hurdles, and the state of micro-credentials today.
#Technology
by Advancing K12 Staff
Midyear Check-In: 2018 Conversation Topics
We've been closely following 3 key education topics in 2018. See what the past six months have revealed and what to keep an eye on in the second half of the year.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
FERPA and Your Student Information System
Student information systems are the default location for most educational records, but how do you balance the need for speed and access with legal privacy obligations?
#Data
by Advancing K12 Staff
Maslow and the Modern Learning Environment
What can psychology tell us about creating a motivating learning environment? Explore the connections between Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs and students' needs in classrooms and schools.
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
4 Paths to Safer Schools
Without a foolproof formula for school safety, how do you tackle such a serious topic? Find action items in four areas of opportunity, including advice from a lieutenant who works in a school district.
#Culture
by Erin Werra
The Elusive Coaching Culture
Imagine a work environment where transparency outweighs fear, growth defeats insecurity, and positivity reigns supreme. This is what a coaching culture looks like.
#Culture
by Advancing K12 Staff
The Right Fit: SEL and Technology
Social-emotional learning and technology: Two inescapable topics in education today. But how do the two overlap to improve outcomes for students?
#Technology
by Erin Werra
It's Ok to Have No New Projects
Is innovation always the right answer, or are we just spinning our wheels? Give yourself a breather to build on what you're already doing.
#Leadership
by Casey Thompson
Guest Post: Behind the Curtain with Predictive Analytics
How can we possibly account for unexpected, yet inevitable, expenses that happen within districts? Predictive analytics offer school business officers one powerful tool for peering into the future.
#Business
by R.J. Gravel, Ed.D.
On the Road: Chickens, Crops, and Community
“Everyone put your chickens away!” It was, without a doubt, the first time I’d heard these words spoken in a classroom. Find out more about my trip to New Holstein and what you can learn from their community-driven curriculum.
#Culture
by Lauren Gilchrist
The 3 Leading Causes of EdTech Breakups
When you stop and look around, how many of your edtech partnerships are still fulfilling? Here are some common reasons why they fail and some ideas to turn them around before it's too late.
#Technology
by Erin Werra
Why We Need Computational Thinking
“Teaching kids to code” has been a rallying cry for a number of years, but the desired outcome has more frequently evolved into “teaching kids to think like coders.” Here's what that means.
#Achievement
by Advancing K12 Staff
5 Tech-Friendly ESSA Plans
Which states have the clearest plans to fuel innovation in teaching and learning in the years to come? These five ESSA plans stand out from the rest.
#Technology
by Erin Werra
What is ePayables?
What if you could turn accounts payable into a revenue generator for your district? ePayables is emerging as a preferred payment method, and for good reason.
#Business
by Advancing K12 Staff
Guest Post: Records Retention 101
To keep or to purge student records? It's crucial to learn and practice your state's guidelines. Learn how one data manager practiced smart purging and retention processes.
#Data
by Sarah Paul
5 School District Data Center Mistakes
Based on true stories; this is what happens when technology leaders don't get final say on where their data center goes or how it's maintained.
#Technology
by Casey Thompson
Hanging Out with the Chrome Squad
Royse City ISD’s Connected for Learning (C4L) leader Cody Holt and his student-led IT team, the Chrome Squad, share their story about the difference they’ve made in their district and beyond.
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
Guest Post: Introducing #EdFinChat
In this guest post, #EdFinChat co-creator Chris Wildman breaks down the making of a Twitter chat and discusses Twitter’s potential as a global networking tool for helping school business leaders shift to a more strategic role.
#Business
by Chris Wildman, CPA CGMA SFO
3 Top-Tier RTI Districts
Response to Intervention has been around for a while and is widely recognized, but not every implementation is created equal. Three districts with strong RTI programs share what works, what didn’t, and how they keep the momentum going strong.
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
4 Ways to Build a Better Schedule
Scheduling is one of the most time-consuming yet rewarding tasks in school operations. These student-centered and flexible scheduling methods are trending up.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
Playing Nice: The EdTech Interoperability Landscape
Someday we may see an edtech system that can do everything. Until that happens, interoperability is the new standard.
#Data
by Advancing K12 Staff
What is Decaying Average?
When it comes to standards-based grading, what's the best way to measure growth and proficiency? Many districts are turning to the Decaying Average for a more complete picture.
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
5 Ways to Track SEL Efforts
How do you measure the important business of social-emotional growth and wellbeing without falling back on emojis and sticker charts? Here are five data-driven strategies for social-emotional learning in your district.
#Data
by Erin Werra
Is EdTech Ready for Multi-Factor Authentication?
The push for multi-factor authentication is becoming stronger every year. But what does this security approach even look like in a school district setting?
#Technology
by Advancing K12 Staff
15 Advanced Metrics for Superintendents
Knowing what to look for is half the battle. These 15 datapoints and four overarching categories can boost any superintendent's ability to effectively analyze data.
#Data
by Advancing K12 Staff
The Yin and Yang of Augmented Reality
Augmented reality: trendy or troubling? Let’s take a look at the potential for AR in education and the potential pitfalls it poses.
#Technology
by Erin Werra
4 Ways to Improve the Substitute Teaching Experience
How do you attract and keep good substitute teachers in your classrooms? By adjusting your processes to deliver a better experience, of course!
#Culture
by Erin Werra
EdTech Playbook: Twitter for Educators
If you're doing it right, Twitter is one of the most valuable professional development resources for any education professional. Here's how you can get more from the Twitterverse.
#Technology
by Advancing K12 Staff
The Road to Connected Schools
Broadband is a necessity for learning in a digital world, but remote, rural schools are being left in the dust. Read on for an examination of progress made and ongoing opportunities on the horizon.
#Technology
by Erin Werra
3 Conversations to Follow in 2018
Goodbye, 2017! The new year sets the stage for fresh ideas. Here are three topics sure to make an impact in 2018.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
The 5 Most Popular Articles of 2017
This year, Advancing K12 readers were all in on school PR, data stewardship, and the ever-expanding role schools play in our children's lives. Here are the five most-read posts of 2017.
#Culture
by Erin Werra
Student Apprenticeships: Working For a Brighter Future
Through apprenticeship programs, students are earning school credits, gaining real-world experience, and getting paid. Watch the video to learn more!
#Achievement
by Lauren Gilchrist
The Right Fit: Hiring a New Superintendent
If recent trends are any indication, these four central themes will dominate superintendent job postings, interviews, and hiring decisions in the years to come.
#Leadership
by Advancing K12 Staff
EdTech Playbook: School Data
Data-driven is just a catchphrase, until it's not. In the world of education, learning how to turn data into insight is one of the most valuable changes you can make at the classroom, building, and district level.
#Data
by Advancing K12 Staff
The Quest for Parent Portal Buy-In
Parent portals give teachers a central location to manage communication. But do parents really log in to continue the conversation? If not, how can teachers and school leaders encourage them to do so?
#Technology
by Erin Werra
How Can We Fix Professional Development?
Two years removed from one of the most eye-opening professional development studies ever published, what's changed?
#Leadership
by Advancing K12 Staff
Keeping Top Teachers in the Classroom
Are teachers left with little choice but to “outgrow” the classroom to pursue admin roles? Find out how to identify and invest in your district’s future leaders.
#Leadership
by Erin Werra
8 Great Data-Sharing Districts
Data shapes the day-to-day operations of schools. How can you improve and clarify the conversation? Check out 8 great examples of data visibility.
#Data
by Erin Werra
The School Culture Survey Template
Want to take the pulse of your district's culture? Start from this free, research-based template.
#Culture
by Casey Thompson
The 3 Places Your Candidates are Looking
Job seekers are doing the bulk of their research online before reaching the application stage. What does your digital presence say about your school district?
#Business
by Advancing K12 Staff
Is This the End of Grades?
Classrooms, schools, and districts are abandoning the traditional method of grading with letters and percentages. Find out why and learn what's next for gauging student success.
#Achievement
by Erin Werra
The Self-Fulfilling School Culture
What do the lessons in
Outliers
tell us about the self-perpetuating cycle taking root in the education job market?
#Culture
by Casey Thompson
5 Signs of a Tech-Friendly District
How does one identify which districts have taken steps to modernize and improve the experience of their stakeholders? Here are 5 processes worth looking at.
#Culture
by Advancing K12 Staff
Design Thinking for School Leaders
What does it mean to be a "visionary" leader? Here's what happens when we apply design thinking to three common school scenarios.
#Leadership
by Advancing K12 Staff
Making Budgets Beautiful
School finances can be complicated, but savvy school business leaders are using design to present information in a way that makes better sense. Check out our sample budget infographic for inspiration!
#Business
by Nickey Pietila
School Districts for Ransom
Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to battling ransomware. Cover your bases by securing effective backups, training (and retraining) your staff, and considering secure cloud storage.
#Data
by Casey Thompson
The Future-Ready Teachers Badge Group
We've teamed up with our friends at Badge List to offer a unique professional development opportunity for teachers. It's fun, it's free, and it's ready!
#Culture
by Advancing K12 Staff
EdTech Playbook: Parent Portals
The parent portal is one of the most valuable tools in your edtech arsenal. In this four-part playbook, find out how administrators, school PR pros, teachers, and parents can all get more out of it.
#Technology
by Advancing K12 Staff
The Evolution of SIS Purchasing
Your district is unique, and your SIS should be, too. Spec lists are only part of the story – consider these 5 non-traditional aspects of modern SIS purchasing.
#Business
by Advancing K12 Staff
When Teachers Don't Take Attendance
Will future generations still be able to relate to the concept of roll call? Not if positive attendance continues to flourish.
#Culture
by Advancing K12 Staff
Security Drill: 3 Threats to Watch For
When you get proactive about security, you’re protecting more than just your network. Learn how to stay protected against phishing attacks, share Google documents safely, and reduce the risks of local data storage by password-protecting your folders.
#Data
by Casey Thompson
5 Ways to Get Better RFP Results
I responded to K12 enterprise software RFPs for more than a year. Here's what I learned.
#Business
by Advancing K12 Staff
3 Ways to Up Your EdTech Game
The people who get the most out of their edtech investments are the same people who refuse to play the role of passive consumer. Here's how they're doing it.
#Technology
by Advancing K12 Staff
Guest Post: Demystifying PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) is a business framework designed to protect cardholder data. Learn about 5 important points for PCI DSS compliance.
#Business
by Ann Dunaway
Wanted: Soft Skills for Tech Jobs
Hard skills might get you in the door, but soft skills help high performers shine. Here’s a look at 5 tech jobs and the soft skills necessary for success in each.
#Achievement
by Advancing K12 Staff
How Much Tech is Too Much Tech?
More isn't always better. We've got 3 steps for tech leaders looking to set and maintain healthy boundaries on tech use in your schools.
#Technology
by Advancing K12 Staff
Guest Post: A Different Approach to IT Leadership
Excellent leaders are essential. In this guest post, Klein ISD’s Vicki James shares her unconventional path to IT leadership and how a student-centered culture shift is making a difference.
#Leadership
by Vicki James
The Future of Mentoring: Say Hello to Hybrid
Mentoring isn’t an all-or-nothing, in-person endeavor. The future of mentoring is hybrid – learn about the tech tools that enable continuous support while still allowing relationships to take center stage.
#Culture
by Advancing K12 Staff
5 Themes for STEAM
A move to STEAM doesn’t have to mean a complete schedule change or curriculum overhaul. Here’s a look at 5 interdisciplinary topics you could infuse into classes that exist today.
#Achievement
by Lauren Gilchrist
8 Social Media Accounts to Learn From
Social media is no gimmick; it's a direct line to audiences you wouldn't otherwise reach and mediums better served to deliver your message than any traditional approach. These districts are getting it right.
#Leadership
by Advancing K12 Staff
The New Business Office
Can you bridge the divide between the old guard and the new and future version of the school business office? Make time for what keeps you closer to the mission and the reason for your work.
#Business
by Nickey Pietila
4 Ways to Save Money in EdTech Purchasing
Edtech purchasers are tasked with getting the most bang for the district's buck. These four strategies are tried and true.
#Business
by Advancing K12 Staff
3 Smartphone Uses for Administrators
From district leadership to building principals, there's an app (or several) for all levels of administration. Learn to simplify approvals, automate notifications, and move evaluations to the cloud.
#Technology
by Lauren Gilchrist
The Top 10 Literacies in Education Today
Literacy encompasses a lot more than just reading and writing. How does your school district nurture the top 10 literacies in education today?
#Achievement
by Advancing K12 Staff
EdTech Battle Lines: Specs vs. UX
Is it time to look beyond features and functionality? When making smarter edtech purchases, user experience is the best place to begin.
#Technology
by Advancing K12 Staff
10 School District Websites to Learn From
The web may be a place of constant change, but most district websites are frozen in time. As digital presence becomes a higher priority for administrators, take a page from these ten, ahead-of-the-curve districts.
#Leadership
by Advancing K12 Staff
EdTech Playbook: The District Website
The worlds of marketing and education have never been as closely entwined as they are today. School choice, family mobility, and a growing need to attract and retain high performers are just some of the reasons why.
#Technology
by Casey Thompson
Technology is Transforming Special Education
From custom-designed solutions to common devices, technology empowers students in special education to reach new heights...
#Technology
by Advancing K12 Staff
Guest Post: Communications Done Right
The School District of Milton's commitment to comms excellence can be traced back to the collaboration of its leadership team. Here's an inside look at how they got there.
#Leadership
by School District of Milton
EdTech Playbook: Digital Badging
We're pleased to introduce this multimedia launch kit for digital badging. Included: A four-part video series on how to launch your badging program, an infographic featuring nine badges you can implement today, and a downloadable library of badge designs to help you get started.
#Technology
by Advancing K12 Staff
The New Role of the School Counselor
Today's school counselors touch almost every corner of the school system. How is their role changing, and what can leadership teams do to support these invaluable district resources?
#Achievement
by Advancing K12 Staff
The Carrot and the Stick: 2 Treatments for Absenteeism
With a carrot-and-stick approach, you can attack your district’s absenteeism problem from more than one angle.
#Achievement
by Lindsey Canny
Weighing the Benefits of Project-Based Learning
The benefits of project-based learning start in the classroom and spread throughout the community and beyond. If you haven’t considered this alternative learning approach yet, take some time to explore its potential.
#Achievement
by Advancing K12 Staff
3 Conversations to Follow in 2017
With 2016 coming to a close, here’s a look at three topics that will feature in education conversations in 2017.
#Culture
by Lauren Gilchrist
Can Encouragement be Quantified?
Too many qualified students are missing out on college due to a lack of support. Research has helped us understand the correlation between encouragement and college enrollment, but what can you do to start a new cycle of college success?
#Achievement
by Advancing K12 Staff
Guest Post: Why We Do What We Do in the School Business Office
The business office and the classroom might seem miles apart, but they are united by a shared purpose. Read about one school business leader's quest to rediscover meaning in his day-to-day work.
#Business
by Brian Adesso
Where is the Middle Leadership in Our Schools?
How could another level of leadership between principals and teachers change our schools? Middle leadership is catching on in high-performing schools around the world, and it can lead to big benefits in student achievement and staff effectiveness.
#Leadership
by Lindsey Canny
Get to the Heart of Disruptive Behavior
Even though most administrators and educators agree that behavioral issues impede learning, few are consistently recording and analyzing behavioral data. In this article, we explore the strategies that will help you get to the heart of disruptive behavior.
#Data
by Leah Kruger
Libraries: The New Epicenters of Technology
It’s time to turn the page on the library as we know it. Here are some tips for turning your school libraries into the heart and soul of your technology initiatives.
#Technology
by Lauren Gilchrist
Is Email Dying?
If email is on its way out, what is taking its place? Here's a look at four communication tools vying to fill the gap.
#Technology
by Advancing K12 Staff
Flex Mod Scheduling Makes a Comeback
Looking for an alternative to the 7- or 8-period daily schedule? We’re taking a closer look at the Flex Mod schedule and the possibilities and challenges of this growing scheduling trend.
#Achievement
by Advancing K12 Staff
How to Win a Millennial’s Loyalty
Your millennials want to be your biggest cheerleaders. We want to wear your t-shirts, puff out our chests, and say, "Yeah, I work there." How can we find common ground on a workplace culture we can all live with?
#Culture
by Lindsey Canny
Where Have All the Subs Gone?
Schools around the country are facing a dire shortage of substitute teachers, and the causes are as diverse as the solutions.
#Culture
by Leslie Strong
The Mobile Health Office
Are you thinking about breaking free from brick-and-mortar school health offices? Do budget concerns or a lack of nurses have you looking for alternatives? Let's take a ride on the school health bus!
#Technology
by Leah Kruger
Would Beethoven Shine in Your District?
Are you doing enough to keep your advanced students invested in their education? Gifted and talented supports are making a comeback, and the research looks promising. Try out some of these alternative approaches to discover and nurture the genius in every kid.
#Achievement
by Leah Kruger
Is College Success a K-12 Problem?
There's no denying the fact that college readiness is a K-12 concern, but what about college success? Leaders rise to this challenge not just out of a sense of duty, but also because they're committed to the success of students after graduation.
#Achievement
by Advancing K12 Staff
The Future of Onboarding: Say Goodbye to Sink or Swim
Will they sink…or will they swim? Once you’ve hired the right candidates, it's important to make them comfortable and get them up to speed. Research shows that your onboarding approach makes all the difference.
#Business
by Lindsey Canny
Hand-Picked: Tips for Hiring
Ah, the hiring process... It can be time consuming, difficult, and inconvenient. But it’s also one of the most important elements of a successful school district. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you look to fill those open positions for next year.
#Business
by Leslie Strong
1974: A Brief History of Student Data Privacy
A lot can change in 40 years, but the guiding piece of legislation protecting the privacy of student education records remains the same. Do you have a clear understanding of FERPA? How about the rest of your team? Get caught up in less than five minutes with this video.
#Data
by Advancing K12 Staff
3 Proven Ways to Defeat Fraud
Imagine discovering that while you've been agonizing over pennies in the budget, hundreds or thousands of dollars were being inaccurately reported or rerouted with malicious intent. It happens all the time. But it doesn't have to.
#Business
by Advancing K12 Staff
Depth Charts and the District Office
It's the year of the backup. Just as NFL teams have been forced to deal a slew of star player injuries, so too do school district offices struggle to stay competitive when turnover strikes their MVPs. Cue the Employee Disaster Recovery Plan. Includes i
nfographic
.
#Culture
by Tom King
3 Conversations to Watch in 2016
With another year coming to a close, it’s time to look ahead. Here are three topics that will dominate the education circuit in the coming year.
#Culture
by Lauren Gilchrist
3 Easy Ways for Your District to Go Green
As you ring in the New Year, look for ways to go green and save your district time and money. Get started by electronically distributing W-2s, employee offer letters, and custom forms.
#Business
by Advancing K12 Staff
Defined Autonomy: A Proven Approach to EdLeadership
Are school district administrators an undervalued source of leadership or a bureaucratic roadblock on the way to progress? According to one study, the answer lies in the leader's approach.
#Leadership
by Ray Ackerlund
5 Education TED Talks You Should See
TED talks have taken the world by storm. But what are they and how can they benefit you? We’ve got the answers. Plus we’ve included five can’t-miss edu-related talks to kickoff your TED endeavors.
#Culture
by Lauren Gilchrist
Is "Discipline" an Outdated Word?
Discipline continues to be a tenuous topic in education discussions. Some semblance of order has to be maintained, but at what cost? Are suspensions actually helping students get on the right track, or speeding up the inevitable transition to the court system? Meanwhile, countless studies are showing the powerful effects of positive behavior management.
#Achievement
by Leah Kruger
Standards-Based Grading: The New Benchmark
Have you considered how weighted averages can result in the inaccurate reporting of comprehension levels? Or how less-than-rigorous extra credit opportunities might actually be hampering achievement? Our obsession with points, percentages, and letter grades appears to be on its way out thanks to the rise of standards-based grading at the secondary level.
#Achievement
by Leah Kruger
Too Much Access: The FERPA Compliance Gap
What does the "legitimate educational interest" clause of FERPA have to do with your SIS? Here's how you can avoid the kind of audit failures that have plagued school districts throughout the country.
#Data
by Advancing K12 Staff
Videos: The New Standard for PD
It's well past time to reimagine professional development. From internal tech training to deep pedagogical growth, video is proving to be a more efficient, convenient, and economical avenue for the development and collaboration of educators.
#Culture
by Lauren Gilchrist
Test Scores: The RBI of Student Data
For the first 100+ years of baseball's existence, the run-batted-in (RBI) stood in the pantheon of baseball card statistics. Only recently did we come to the realization that the RBI was more a product of luck, environment and opportunity than a definining attribute of a hitter. Sound familiar?
#Data
by John Jennings
The Golden Minute: Reduce Dropout Rates in One Easy Step
Can spending
one additional minute
each week on parent-teacher communication really have a profound impact on student outcomes? Researchers from Harvard and Brown universities think so...
#Achievement
by Leah Kruger
Improve Community Outreach over the Summer in 4 Easy Steps
As competition for enrollment increases, community relations continue to be a key component of successful school districts. The summer months offer a great opportunity to get proactive with your outreach programs - here are 4 ways to improve your public perception while students are out.
#Leadership
by Ray Ackerlund
A Future Ready Primer for Superintendents
One of the major takeaways from the 2014-15 school year was the Future Ready Schools initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Education and Alliance for Excellent Education.
#Leadership
by Advancing K12 Staff
10 Questions for a Leading Superintendent
Superintendents play a critical role in establishing school district leadership strategies and pursuing achievement goals. We talked to Dr. Joseph Burns about some emerging K-12 trends and the specific steps he has taken to position his district for long-term success.
#Leadership
by Dr. Joseph Burns
Is Your Budgeting Process Overly Complicated?
As your budget begins to take shape for the upcoming fiscal year, take a moment to consider the process itself. Are you able to focus your time and effort on making sure that everything is adequately funded without getting bogged down in logistics?
#Business
by Advancing K12 Staff
Hot Take: Automated Classrooms
Instructional hours have always been at a premium, but never more so than today. Here's a look at how new advancements in technology can help school districts cut operating costs and keep students safe.
#Technology
by Advancing K12 Staff
3 Ways to Improve Community Relations in Your District
School districts and their communities are too often at odds with each other despite the shared goal of helping students achieve success. Here are three emerging strategies that you can use to promote partnership over confrontation by nurturing the symbiotic relationship between district and community...
#Leadership
by Ray Ackerlund
The Possibilities of Blended Hiring
Blended learning has taken off in classrooms, and the same elements being used to support instruction can also be applied to district hiring. In this article, we examine 5 steps to help you attract and identify better teacher candidates through a combination of
strategy
and
technology
.
#Business
by Advancing K12 Staff
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#Achievement
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