Focus On
Education Week’s Focus On reports highlight an important topic in the education field each week.
Science
Engineering Building a Foundation in K-12 Curricula
Often the neglected part of STEM education, engineering is making inroads into the precollegiate sphere.
School Climate & Safety
'Green Schools' Go on National Display
A new exhibit at the National Building Museum highlights design features of sustainable schools.
Early Childhood
Obama Proposal Raises Issue of Pre-K Teacher Prep
The president's call for "qualified" teachers stirs questions about the level of education that would be required to teach preschool.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Character Education Seen as Student-Achievement Tool
Character education is on the upswing as research points to its effectiveness and policymakers seek ways to curb improper behavior.
Student Well-Being & Movement
USDA Wants Healthy Fare in School Vending Machines
The agency's proposed rules would also limit junk food sold a la carte on school lunch lines.
Early Childhood
Students Must Learn More Words, Say Studies
Without better instruction, children starting school with small vocabularies will struggle with common standards, scholars say.
College & Workforce Readiness
Internships Help Students Prepare for Workplace
The push to improve college and career readiness is increasing the pressure on schools to build partnerships with businesses.
Standards & Accountability
Charters Adjusting to Common-Core Demands
Educators in charter schools are making changes to meet new professional development, curriculum, and technology needs.
School & District Management
School Project Blurs Line Between Public, Private
An unusual school improvement partnership in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg, N.C., district is drawing attention and raising hopes.
Standards & Accountability
Educators Tout IB's Links to Common Core
International Baccalaureate ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog say their program offers a base for designing curriculum units that align with the new Common Core State Standards in mathematics and English/language arts.
Teaching
School Absences Translate to Lower Test Scores, Study Says
Teachers also report assigning more homework to students, according to a new NAEP time-use study.
School & District Management
States Pledge to Expand Time in School
In an attempt to close the achievement gap, at least 300 hours a year will be added to school calendars in five states.
School Choice & Charters
A+ Schools Infuse Arts and Other 'Essentials'
The networks, soon to be in four states, are guided by such "essentials" as the arts, teacher collaboration, and experiential learning.
College & Workforce Readiness
'Soft Skills' Pushed as Part of College Readiness
Resiliency, grit, and self-efficacy are among the so-called "soft skills" increasingly being viewed as vital for college success.