4 Models for Competency-Based Education

The challenge for CBE proponents, according to a new report, is that districts and schools are making the transition to this model of instruction and learning "through different entry points and roll-out strategies," resulting in "significant variation" in the education itself. "To a degree, these differences can be traced to regional priorities and needs," the report noted. Others, however, are a result of how well or poorly people understand what they're doing.

As Demand for Online Schools Grows, So Does Need for Accurate Evaluation

In light of the scathing NEPC report on virtual schools, Kevin P. Chavous of K12 Inc. — whose partner schools account for more than a third of all online schools in the United States — argues for the need for meaningful measures of effectiveness ... and sets the record straight on student diversity.

Computational Thinking: A Powerful Idea Whose Time Has Come!

In this week's blog post, we explore the value of computational thinking, first as it helps to explain a 30-year old, "cold case," empirical finding, and second as it may well be a "disruptive education intervention!"

STEM: At the Crossroads of Traditional and Online Learning

In this guest viewpoint, FIRST President Donald E. Bossi argues that online and blended learning offer tremendous potential for enhancing STEM education and hands-on learning opportunities for all students.

NEPC: Virtual Schools Aren't Working

A new study from the National Education Policy Center offers "overwhelming evidence" that virtual schools don't work. The research from NEPC found that these schools have high student-to-teacher ratios and are "excessively large." They also continue to underperform academically. However, those virtual schools operated by districts performed "far better" than charter-operated schools in performance ratings.

Digital Shift in Education Escalating Rapidly

Currently, 29 states have defined instructional materials to include digital versions; 30 allow the implementation; and six have required the use of digital curriculum.

People with More Education Have a More Positive View of the Internet

Among those who view the internet as a "bad" thing for society, the most common issue that stood out (cited by 25 percent) was how it isolates people or pushes them to spend too much time on devices. Sixteen percent talked about the spread of fake news; 14 percent were concerned about its impact on children; and 13 percent suggested that it "encourages illegal activity."

Mississippi Becomes Latest State to Reduce Cut Score for Math Certification

The state of Mississippi is hoping to fill openings for math teachers by lowering the cut score for its certification exam.

Report Promotes Pell Grants for High Schoolers in Early College Courses

A new report has recommended continuation of a pilot to allow high school students to use Pell grants to cover the costs of college courses. The Alliance for Excellent Education is pushing Congress to consider the test involving early college high schools and dual-enrollment programs because it believes the move could boost college enrollment and completion.

Online Non-Profit University Offers Teacher Training Scholarships

Western Governors University made the offer for people who want to earn their bachelor's or master's degree in education and aren't already enrolled there.

Minecraft EDU Takes Coding, STEAM Lessons Underwater

A new update for Minecraft: Education Edition, called Update Aquatic, is adding underwater science to the educational version of the popular world-building game.

Digital Promise Digital Badge Platform Offers 282 Micro-Credentials

Micro-credentials, also known as digital badges, allow people to express their competency in a specific skill. In the education arena, schools and districts have begun promoting the credentials as a way for teachers and others to gain professional learning in discrete topics and practices.

Virtual School Expands Career Pathway and AP Courses Statewide with Help from Vegas PBS

In a touch of déjà vu a public broadcasting system in Las Vegas is helping an online school to deliver courses that lead to certifications. Vegas PBS, formerly known as KLVX, was the original source in 1991 when Clark County School District first began offering distance education to its adult learners. The format then was videotape on TV.

Mobile Devices See Upswing in K–12

Competition for the under-$300 market in the U.S. is heating up, with Microsoft and Apple focusing more on lower-cost devices in an effort to compete with Google's Chromebooks.

New Nonprofit Will Focus on Flipped and Active Learning

A new nonprofit has formed to focus on "identifying and supporting global standards for flipped learning and related active learning instruction." Known as the Academy of Active Learning Arts and Sciences, the organization was created out of the Flipped Learning Global Initiative's Global Standards Project, an effort to establish an international framework for flipped learning.

Report: Smartphones Swing Up Following Recent Decline

Worldwide shipments of smartphones grew 1.3 percent, year over year, in the first quarter of 2018 following a decline in sales the previous quarter, according to a new report from Gartner.

$1,000 for STEM Education with a Community Service Twist

Project Learning Tree is offering grants of $1,000 for STEM education projects that focus on the environment and community engagement.

VR Interface Lets Students Explore Civil Engineering

An open immersive virtual reality interface for pre-university and first-year students allows them to explore engineering disciplines, such as structural or hydraulics, as part of engaging their interest in STEM careers.

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