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School Libraries as Essential Infrastructure for Student Well-Being

School Libraries as Essential Infrastructure for Student Well-Being

School libraries are increasingly recognized as vital spaces for student well-being and learning. Beyond housing books, modern libraries offer environments where students can explore, create, and decompress. They provide a sense of belonging and support social-emotional learning, helping students manage anxiety and stress. Despite their importance, many school libraries face budget cuts and staffing reductions, which threaten their ability to serve students effectively.

Teacher Appreciation Contest Offers Buffet as Prize

Teacher Appreciation Contest Offers Buffet as Prize

A new contest is offering a unique way to show appreciation for teachers by allowing people to vote for their favorite educators, with the winning teachers receiving a delicious buffet as a prize. This initiative aims to recognize the hard work and dedication of teachers, especially after the challenges faced during the school year. Molly Riehl is exploring the details of this giveaway, which is set to provide a delightful treat for educators following the winter break.

Education Experts Critique Groupthink in Reform Efforts

Education Experts Critique Groupthink in Reform Efforts

In a recent opinion piece, education experts Rick and Jal Mehta discuss the prevalence of groupthink in educational reform. They highlight the challenges of standing up for unpopular truths in a field dominated by buzzwords and ideological conformity. The authors critique past and present educational policies, such as the No Child Left Behind Act and value-added teacher evaluations, for their flawed designs and the social pressures that discourage open criticism. They emphasize the importance of truth-telling in education to ensure policies genuinely benefit students and teachers.

Coachella Valley Farm Educates Students on Local Agriculture, Expanding Farm-to-School Efforts

Coachella Valley Farm Educates Students on Local Agriculture, Expanding Farm-to-School Efforts

Aziz Farms in Coachella Valley has developed a program to educate students about local agriculture, stemming from a pandemic-era initiative. Initially, the farm redirected surplus produce to local schools, which has now evolved into a comprehensive farm-to-school effort serving 18 school districts. The program, led by Mark Tadros and his wife Nicole, aims to provide students with hands-on learning experiences about agriculture and the importance of local food systems. This initiative not only addresses food security but also integrates agricultural education into the school curriculum, fostering a deeper understanding of where food comes from.

Behavioral Consultant Advocates for Alternative Discipline Methods in Schools

Behavioral Consultant Advocates for Alternative Discipline Methods in Schools

A behavioral consultant, Scott Ervin, has criticized traditional disciplinary methods in schools, particularly the practice of suspending students for violent threats. In a recent article, Ervin argues that such methods are outdated and ineffective, likening them to 'Dark Ages thinking.' He suggests that schools should adopt more constructive approaches that involve students in resolving the problems they create. Ervin emphasizes the importance of teaching students responsibility and problem-solving skills, rather than relying solely on administrative actions like suspensions. He proposes that teachers should be empowered to take action and work with students to develop plans that address the harm caused by their behavior.

Reevaluating Teacher Professional Development: Emphasizing Engagement and Relevance

Reevaluating Teacher Professional Development: Emphasizing Engagement and Relevance

A recent discussion highlights the need for a shift in teacher professional development (PD) practices, emphasizing the importance of engagement, relevance, and teacher empowerment. Traditional PD sessions often involve passive learning, where educators sit through lengthy presentations with minimal interaction or practical application. This approach has been criticized for failing to inspire or effectively develop teachers' skills. Instead, the article advocates for professional learning that mirrors effective teaching practices, such as inquiry-based learning, personalized sessions, and collaborative opportunities. The Rhode Island Writing Project and Edcamp are cited as successful models that prioritize teacher involvement and active participation, fostering a more dynamic and impactful learning environment.

Spuree and Rideback Partner to Develop 'Magic Tree House' Animated Series

Spuree and Rideback Partner to Develop 'Magic Tree House' Animated Series

Spuree and Rideback Partner to Develop 'Magic Tree House' Animated Series

Naperville Library Launches Winter Reading Challenge for Youth with Prizes

Naperville Library Launches Winter Reading Challenge for Youth with Prizes

The Naperville Public Library is hosting a 30-Day Winter Reading Challenge titled 'Ride Into Reading!' from December 15 to January 31. The program is designed for children and teens from birth through grade 12, encouraging them to read daily for 30 days. Participants can choose their reading format, whether it's a book a day, a few pages before bed, or listening to stories as a family. The challenge aims to foster a love for reading and improve literacy skills among young readers. Participants can register online or at any library location and will receive a Winter Reading Kit. Prizes are awarded at different levels, with a brand-new book as the final reward. The library also offers special storytimes and programs throughout the winter.

Aziz Farms Expands Farm-to-School Program in Coachella Valley, Enhancing Agricultural Education

Aziz Farms Expands Farm-to-School Program in Coachella Valley, Enhancing Agricultural Education

Aziz Farms, owned by Mark Tadros in Thermal, California, has significantly expanded its farm-to-school program in the Coachella Valley. Initially started as a pandemic response to distribute surplus dates to local schools, the initiative has grown to serve 18 school districts. The program now sources a variety of produce for K-12 schools, aiming to educate students about local agriculture and provide fresh food options. This effort is part of a broader educational model developed by Mark and Nicole Tadros, which integrates agricultural education into school curriculums, helping students understand the importance of local farming and sustainability.

Naperville Public Library Launches Winter Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens

Naperville Public Library Launches Winter Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens

The Naperville Public Library is hosting a 30-Day Winter Reading Challenge titled 'Ride Into Reading!' from December 15 to January 31. This initiative is open to children and teens from birth through grade 12, regardless of whether they have a library card. Participants are encouraged to read daily, with the flexibility to choose their reading material and schedule. The challenge aims to foster a habit of daily reading, which is known to enhance vocabulary, imagination, focus, and confidence in writing and speaking. Participants can register online or at any library location and will receive a Winter Reading Kit. As they progress through the challenge, they can earn prizes, including a new book upon completing the final level. The library also offers additional winter activities, such as special storytimes and a mascot hunt.

CoSN Identifies 2026 Top Topics in K-12 Innovation, Highlighting Key Challenges and Opportunities

CoSN Identifies 2026 Top Topics in K-12 Innovation, Highlighting Key Challenges and Opportunities

The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) has released its 2026 'top topics' for K-12 education innovation, focusing on hurdles, accelerators, and tech enablers. The initiative, part of CoSN's Driving K-12 Innovation project, involves a global advisory board selecting the challenges and trends that will shape the future of education. Key hurdles include attracting and retaining educators, ensuring cybersecurity, and promoting critical media literacy. Accelerators identified are building leadership capacity, changing attitudes toward learning, and fostering learner agency. Tech enablers include generative AI, data visualization, and tools for online privacy and safety.

Accelerated Reader and J.J. McCarthy’s 2025 Season: A Comparison

Accelerated Reader and J.J. McCarthy’s 2025 Season: A Comparison

Speaking from past experience