Author: studyblog
Key points: In schools across the country, teacher turnover and burnout have reached crisis levels. Educators are stretched thin, often working in isolation, and many professional learning communities (PLCs) fail to deliver meaningful results. After decades of studying and implementing PLCs, we realized that the model from the 1990s no longer meets the needs of today’s classrooms. That’s why we developed PLC+, the next generation of professional learning communities. The traditional PLC model emphasized student learning outcomes but often overlooked adult learning, instructional practices, and the spread of innovation. Teams frequently addressed surface-level goals, such as “raise reading scores,” without…
Key points: A purposeful commitment to responsible edtech use–and to professional development for teachers–is necessary to ensure edtech is innovative and transformational, according to CoSN‘s annual 2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report. The report identifies the top Hurdles (challenges) schools must overcome, Accelerators (mega-trends) driving innovation, and Tech Enablers (tools) transforming teaching and learning this year. Informed by an international Advisory Board of more than 130 education and technology experts, the report reflects the realities and opportunities education systems face in 2026, such as using AI responsibly, ensuring cybersecurity and safety online, and providing intentional professional development for educators that is…
Key points: As a paraprofessional for over 3 years and going on my 5th year as a certified special education resource teacher, I’ve learned that no two learners are ever quite the same. Each student brings unique strengths, challenges, and ways of processing the world around them. Each student has their own learning path and rate. That’s why differentiation is not just a teaching strategy–it’s the heart of student engagement and student success. When students feel that lessons are designed for them, they become more confident, motivated, and curious learners. Research supports this, too. Studies show that differentiated instruction can…
(GREENVILLE, Wis.) February 16, 2026 – School Specialty, a leading provider of learning environments, instructional solutions, and supplies for preK-12 education, is proud to celebrate outstanding educators with its 12th annual Crystal Apple Awards. Starting today, students, parents, administrators, and peers are encouraged to nominate educators who embody inspiration, leadership, and a tireless passion for teaching. Each year, students, parents, administrators, and fellow teachers nominate teachers who, like last year’s inspiring finalists and winners, go above and beyond to touch the lives of students every day. This year, School Specialty will award 16 finalists from the nominees, five of whom…
Key points: We live in an ever-evolving world, powered by advancements across STEM fields. Today, STEM has become increasingly intertwined with how we live our daily lives–from how we learn, to how we work, to entertainment and more. STEM innovations are a major force driving society forward, as we’ve most recently seen with the AI explosion that is generating a growing demand for STEM talent in the workforce. In fact, STEM employment is set to increase nearly 3x the rate of non-STEM employment by 2033. As teachers, our job is to equip students to excel in our dynamic world–not only…
Key points: This weekend, I’m taking my little guy for an indoor activity using the free game of bowling he got for meeting our first family reading goal LAST summer! When sub-zero temperatures and snow days plague our country, summer reading probably sounds a LONG way away. But this is the time public librarians are designing and planning for their big summer reading program! This year, some librarians are creating their own summer reading programs to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America. Others are relying on established national programs like: Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP): A multi‑state consortium that creates…
Key points: With the growing movement to limit technology in schools, parents and educators are right to question how much time students spend on screens. But, as schools reconsider the role of technology in the classroom, an important distinction is often getting lost in the public conversation: Not all screen time is equal. For example, there is a clear difference between students interacting with an AI bot versus engaging in meaningful learning using an intentionally-designed online program that delivers personalized learning experiences. The right technology can expand the capabilities of a teacher while helping students engage in research-backed practices that…
McHenry, Ill., Feb. 19, 2026 – Building on its September 2025 introduction into the public library market, Follett Content today announced a significant next step in its growth strategy: the addition of widely respected library-market veterans and a series of new technology investments designed to strengthen support for public library systems nationwide. As the public library book distribution landscape continues to evolve, Follett Content is moving quickly and deliberately to scale its capabilities, deepen its expertise, and bring additional choice and stability to public libraries. To fuel this next phase of growth, Follett Content has brought on 10+ experienced professionals…
Key points: School buildings quietly shape everything that happens inside them. When systems work as intended, learning moves forward uninterrupted. When they fail, instruction, safety, and trust can unravel quickly. Across the country, education leaders are grappling with facilities built decades ago that have not kept pace with today’s expectations for safety, accessibility, and resilience. Federal data shows that many public schools report building conditions in need of major repair or replacement–a challenge that continues to grow as maintenance is deferred. Many districts face the same tension. Budgets are finite, buildings are aging, and the list of needs feels endless.…
Key points: Who among us has never copied a homework answer in a hurry? Borrowed a friend’s paragraph? Accepted a parent’s “small correction” that eventually became a full rewrite? Long before generative AI entered the classroom, homework relied on a quiet, fragile assumption that what was submitted reflected independent understanding. In reality, homework has always been open to outside influence. While some students had parents who edited essays or tutors who guided every response, others worked entirely alone. This unevenness was tolerated for decades because it was manageable and largely invisible. Generative AI has made that invisibility impossible. Tools such…