Will more states eliminate the Common Core?
Some states, including Florida and Alabama, have taken steps to stop using the Common Core State Standards. Theodor Rebarber, CEO of the nonprofit AccountabilityWorks, expects additional states will follow suit, largely because of lower test scores under the standards.
Full Story: Education Dive
Can classroom design affect learning?
Some schools across the country are revamping the design of their classrooms to include flexible seating — to promote more collaboration and creativity among students. Robert Dillon, director of innovation for a St. Louis, Mo., school district, says, “Brain research tells us that movement in a classroom matters, choice matters.”
Full Story: The Hechinger Report
Does boredom help students learn?
Boredom can stimulate creativity and support learning, according to journalist Manoush Zomorodi, who shared the details of her “Bored and Brilliant” challenge during the International Society for Technology in Education conference. Zomorodi said that when people limit their time with digital devices, they can allow their minds to wander — supporting creative thought and problem-solving.
Full Story: EdSurge
Research: New teachers need more edtech support
While novice teachers may have grown up using technology as “digital natives,” two new studies discussed at the International Society for Technology in Education conference find they still may need support in using education technology in the classroom. Karla Karr, an assistant professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, says her research found that teacher training on technology did not always align with the skills new teachers need on the job.
Full Story: Education Week (tiered subscription model)
Sanders wants to tax Wall Street to wipe out student-loan debt
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is proposing a tax on Wall Street that would eliminate $1.6 trillion in student-loan debt. He also is proposing that community colleges, public universities and trade schools be free.
Full Story: The Hill
Audrey Altmann is an editorial assistant at SmartBrief.
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This “most read” feature reflects the most read items in ASCD SmartBrief from the previous week. Sign up for ASCD SmartBrief to get news like this in your inbox, or check out all of SmartBrief’s education newsletters, covering career and technical education, educational leadership, math education and more.