Key points:
Back-to-school season comes with highs and lows, and along with those mixed emotions come trends and predictions around edtech tools, digital learning resources, and important curricular objectives.
Here are some back-to-school tips, advice, and valuable insights from educators, stakeholders, and industry experts:
As I reflect on two decades of work in the clean energy education space, I become increasingly convinced that the key to impacting students is people. Inspiring educators is critical to moving a clean energy economy forward. We must find and support high-quality teachers so we can help them bring engaging content to students to help them see their pathway into these ever-growing sectors of the U.S. economy. Our goal this year is to support any teacher who is interested in bringing a robust understanding of the power grid or wind, solar or storage technologies to all of their students!
–Michael Arquin, Founder, KidWind
The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has presented districts everywhere with new teaching and learning opportunities. This year at St. Vrain Valley School District, we will continue to provide our teachers with ample opportunities to collaborate, discuss, and share resources and strategies to enhance their understanding of AI and the potential benefits of AI tools. To support their professional growth, teachers will also have continued access to the AI Coach platform, which enables them to watch and reflect on videos of their classroom instruction, set professional goals, and receive personalized observation tips, coaching, and resources from a virtual, computerized AI coach. This helps our teachers strengthen their practices and participate in ongoing, reflective coaching at their own pace.
–David Baker, Professional Development Coordinator. St. Vrain Valley School District
Career-connected learning will become more important than ever. The workforce has undergone significant changes, and today’s jobs require advanced skills and specialized training, particularly in STEM fields. However, many high school classrooms still use outdated college and career preparation models, which can leave high school graduates feeling unprepared for their future. This highlights the increasing need for high schools to incorporate career-connected learning. In the upcoming school year, we can expect more educators and counselors to focus on aligning their students’ educational experiences with the demands of the job market so that they are better prepared to pursue college and/or career pathways that will empower them to succeed.
—Edson Barton, CEO, YouScience
The Science of Reading continues to gain momentum in changing how educators approach reading instruction, particularly in foundational skills for Grades K-3. To realize our common goal to help all students become engaged, proficient readers and learners, educators are asking for evidence-based practices across all grades. The importance of identifying and instructing students at any grade who cannot reach fluency and comprehension because of gaps in foundational skills cannot be overstated. Furthermore, engaging these students in effective, efficient, and structured practice to fill these gaps will propel them to word-level, sentence-level, and passage-level fluency, essential for comprehension.
–Dr. Carolyn Brown, Chief Academic Officer and Co-Founder, Foundations in Learning and Creator, WordFlight
There continues to be a disconnect between how students are doing academically and how parents think their children are doing in school. In the 2024-2025 school year, we will need to bridge gaps between school and home to engage parents in academic recovery efforts. By engaging with families to help them understand their children’s academic progress and what the data means for their child, we can partner with families on interventions and help students get back on track. There will be an increased focus on making data accessible and applicable so that parents not only understand what the data means, but also have actionable next steps to take to help support their children’s progress.
—Jacob Bruno, SVP of Professional Learning, NWEA
Now more than ever, the need to focus on educating the “whole child” is a top priority for our schools. Educational experiences extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. For instance, in Baldwin School District, we continue to expand on our emotional wellness efforts through our very own Wellness Center, allowing our students and their families seamless access to the support services needed to help their child succeed in school and beyond. Learning and experiencing outside the four walls of the classroom is essential. We continually focus on creating industry partnerships and new opportunities for students to explore future career prospects in high-demand fields. Creating a relevant and robust learning environment and always doing what is best for our children is successful because of the dedication of our administrators, teachers, and staff. This is why we offer a number of innovative as well as empowering professional development opportunities for our faculty, such as our 4-year New Teacher Cohort Program, so our educators know how to most effectively teach students in today’s world and into the future while feeling supported by our district.
–Dr. Shari L. Camhi, Superintendent of Schools, Baldwin School District
As someone who has been in education long enough to be considered vintage and to see major pedagogical shifts, I always wonder when the next big change will come. After the major shifts of the Covid era, the question still remains: What’s next? Here are a few trends I see from working with teachers and students. Artificial intelligence/augmented reality: It seems everywhere we look companies and products are announcing their new integrations with AI or AR/VR. For some, this may be a struggle to embrace due lack of access or belief that paper is better. In the current iterations of AI, teachers who explore their options are able to find tools that make their daily task loads easier. The most time consuming or emotionally taxing items can be processed via prompts. Some of these tasks might include replying to parent emails without emotional interference, creating differentiated assignments with ease and expertise, and creating interactive lesson components and higher order questions that probe thinking patterns. With the rise of AI comes AR/VR. The use of AR allows students to interact and problem solve in a space that is free of the constraints of budgets and in some instances time. Students are able to manipulate very large items or very small items a typical classroom would not have access to (the sun and stars, for example). With the use of VR, students are able to create, repair, and manipulate items that have been and will continue to be out of reach for many students. With a sincere focus on college/career/military Readiness, access to VR training is allowing students to gain and perfect skill sets prior to their entrance into the post-high school phase of life. For anyone who might be curious what teachers are doing with these amazing tools, I encourage you to look at the halls around you in your district or region. You might be surprised to find creative AI/AR solutions to problems not being addressed anywhere else. Happy new school year!
–Jessica Campos, Instructional Technology Coach, Mesquite Independent School District
In the 2024 to 2025 school year, districts will be asking more questions about evidence of impact when they’re evaluating and selecting education technology solutions. It’s important to be able to answer not only if a solution works, but for whom, and under what conditions. Some of the most used edtech products that have bold claims about their effectiveness only base their research on a very small fraction of students and on schools where implementation was exactly right. That might only be 5 percent of the students. When districts are thinking about effectiveness claims, they will need to think about implementation and local context. There is a growing movement across the education space to raise the bar on edtech evidence. By raising the bar on edtech evidence, we can make sure districts are investing in solutions that will make a meaningful difference for K-12 students.
–Auditi Chakravarty, CEO, Advanced Education Research and Development Fund
Networking and security will continue to be a priority for districts, especially after a summer of updating or replacing classroom technology and student devices. There are questions surrounding what should or shouldn’t be added to the network and why, how a district handles network bandwidth and performance, and what kind of training staff needs in order to manage new devices and displays on the network. Vendors play a crucial role in helping districts answer these questions, and, because of this, we’ll see more collaboration among vendors, integrators, and administrators this year.
–Remi Del Mar, Senior Product Manager for K-12 Projectors, Epson America
As students head back to school, anxiety and stress can be through the roof. To help schools and educators navigate these challenges along with parents, these tips can help: When a child is resisting going to school: Try to understand why a child doesn’t want to go to school, collaborate with parents and other school resources and problem-solve with the child. Approaches to handle bullying: Enforcing rules around behavior in schools, establishing communications between families and schools, and having open conversations about bullying with children have been shown to decrease bullying. Improving after-school conversations with parents and caregivers: Remind parents to be specific about what they’re asking a child. Instead of “How was your day?” You might ask questions like, “Who’s one friend you played with that you liked? What’s one cool toy you saw in your classroom?” Understanding why a child might be “good” at school but “bad” at home: School has lots of structure, but families and homes may not. Kids may also be experimenting with roles or may let their guardrails down at home.
—Dr. Helen Egger, Chief Medical & Scientific Officer, Little Otter Health
We’re seeing a growing interest in AI-powered weapons detection systems among schools as educators realize their ability to help create safer spaces without turning schools into fortresses. The buzz is around how AI can spot potential threats more quickly and accurately than traditional metal detectors, and do it without needing every backpack turned upside down or long lines at the front door. The coming years will be crucial in shaping how these AI-driven measures are implemented. With careful planning and community involvement, these technologies have the potential to significantly contribute to school safety while supporting education’s broader mission. The goal remains to create secure learning environments where students can focus on learning, not looking over their shoulders.
–Peter Evans, CEO, Xtract One Technologies
This school year we will see a continued focus on nurturing 21st century skills in the classroom. The COVID effect has impacted students’ communication, critical thinking, and motivation. As educators, giving students a safe place to fail, to learn, and practice these skills to better prepare them for college and professional environments is crucial. It’s crucial to give students a safe environment to learn these skills, practice them, and be okay with potentially failing, in order to better prepare them for college or professional environments. Resources like iCEV’s Career Exploration or Professional Communication courses offer lessons for students that are practical and will be so helpful for their future careers.
–Rhonda Evatt, Health Science Educator, Anderson Institute of Technology
Our education system is still grappling with the ongoing challenges of incomplete learning and lower student achievement. We in the education community should caution against creating edtech just for the sake of more edtech–and create innovation that serves the needs of diverse students in all American schools, not not just those in the most affluent areas. Expect increased pressure for more purposeful edtech solutions that are proven-effective and evidence-based to support teachers with interventions aimed at helping students regain their academic footing. These solutions will prioritize the relationship between teacher and student, enabling teachers to serve as motivators and facilitators of student learning, which is critical to student engagement and success.
–Matthew Mugo Fields, General Manager of Supplemental and Intervention Solutions, HMH
I believe we are entering a golden age of edtech, with emerging technologies giving us so many new opportunities to power teaching and learning. Leaders in education now have the opportunity to leverage GenAI to accelerate the transformation of data into feedback for students across subjects. This new age of teaching and learning will be more integrated into the day-to-day, more interdisciplinary, and more based on the lived experience of the teacher and student. Supplementing teacher-student relationships with technology will reduce the administrative burden on educators and allow them to personalize instruction like never before to enable growth for every student. I am excited to see what’s to come as educators continue to embrace these new tools.
–Andrew Goldman, EVP, HMH Labs
As an engineering teacher who runs a hands-on laboratory class, I like to start the year off by exposing my students to all the industry equipment and industry-certified credentials that they will have access to throughout the year. Leading a career and technical-focused class allows me the opportunity to inspire and prepare students for their future careers. Informing students about industry trends and showing how current practices are incorporated into the curriculum gets them excited and eager to learn. By demonstrating the various types of training equipment–from mechatronics to robotic arms, 3D printers, pneumatic trainers, AC/DC electricity trainers, and more–students understand the big picture of how this dynamic and engaging learning environment equips them with the skills they need to succeed. By implementing these strategies, CTE educators can expect a vibrant, engaging learning environment where students can obtain skills and knowledge for a successful future.
–Stefany Gurgel, NC3 Master Instructor, Festo and Instructor, Jewish Leadership Academy
In the last few years, we have seen a change in workforce needs–there is strong emphasis on skills-based education, technological proficiency, and adaptability. Microcredentials and certifications that offer students practical, high-demand skills and that can be immediately applied in the workplace are increasingly complementing high school and post-secondary degrees. We anticipate partnerships between school systems and the business community will continue to grow, ensuring that curriculum and course offerings are aligned with real-world skills and applications. Thus, preparing the next generation of STEM-literate citizens has never been more critical. It is imperative our education systems prioritize equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in an economy that values critical thinking, problem solving, and technological fluency. Implementing high-quality, hands-on science and technology solutions can help bridge the gap between the classroom and workforce, ensuring our students are not only ready for the future but also inspired to shape it, regardless of the path they choose after high school or college.
–Jill Hedrick, CEO, Vernier Science Education
Personalization of the student’s learning experience is becoming a necessity to make it meaningful, engaging, affirming, and rigorous. We adopted and implemented a new instructional framework with a keen focus on these aspects. Now, we are building a program to braid in the appropriate technology to drive it forward. One way we do this is through the implementation of interactive projection technology from Epson. Students can interact with content being projected on the board or cast the screen from their device to model for their peers. This brings engagement and personalization in a whole new way.
–Lisa Irey, Director of Technology, Des Moines Public Schools
Teachers are increasingly seeking out innovative technologies like virtual reality to engage students in content and support instruction, and I believe this trend will continue this school year–although with a subtle shift. Instead of doing mostly what I call “event-based VR”–using the technology primarily for virtual field trips, on special occasions, or confining it to STEM labs–teachers will increasingly use the technology to introduce and expand lessons in all subject areas, making it a core part of everyday instruction. We will consequently see schools adjusting professional development to support teachers in making this shift.
–Chris Klein, Vice President of Educational Services, Avantis Education, Creators of ClassVR
As we head into the 2024-25 school year, districts must be equipped to help older students with foundational literacy skills. We see older readers struggle with foundational literacy skills, which are often only taught up until the third grade. More students than researchers previously thought struggle to decode or, use their knowledge of letter sounds to sound out complex, multisyllabic words. Older students with low decoding skills had consistently low reading comprehension scores, while the students whose decoding scores were above a threshold value had much better comprehension scores. Many teachers in older grades are not taught how to teach foundational literacy skills. To help older readers, we will need to equip teachers for older grades with technology-enabled solutions to address this gap in foundational literacy skills. In the 2024-25 school year, I believe we will see more of a focus on helping students cross the “decoding threshold” by using research-backed protocols and solutions.
—Rebecca Kockler, Executive Director of the Reading Reimagined Program, Advanced Education Research and Development Fund
Current assessments tend to just ask students to regurgitate information, which doesn’t prove they’ve internalized the content. Performance-based assessments, on the other hand, ask students to demonstrate their learning by showing how they would apply it to the world beyond school–for instance, through creating a product. When students are asked to show what they learned and when they are able to articulate what worked, what didn’t work, what they might change next time, and how they would replicate success, it shows they truly understand the concept and it helps prepare them for the world beyond school. We anticipate more districts will adopt performance-based assessments this year to better understand what students know and can apply.
–Bob Lenz, CEO, PBLWorks
Generative AI continues to dominate the conversation in education, and I don’t see that changing this Back to School season. We already know that districts and educators are continuing to explore new technology to elevate the learning experience, and the use of AI is a growing part of that increase. This isn’t anything to fear. When thoughtfully implemented, Generative AI is a transformative technology that will elevate student success, empower educators, and enhance the ways we teach and learn. By focusing on AI literacy and empowering teachers and students to understand and leverage this transformative technology, we’ll be preparing them both for the future of learning and the workforce.
—Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Strategy, Instructure
As an educator, you have a unique opportunity to support your students’ mental well-being alongside their academic success. Here are five strategies to help your students stay balanced and thrive in the virtual classroom: 1. Encourage a balanced routine: Remind students to structure their days with a mix of study, exercise, and relaxation. Help them understand that maintaining a consistent routine, including regular sleep patterns, is key to avoiding burnout and staying focused, even in an online learning environment. 2. Incorporate mindfulness into lessons: Introduce brief mindfulness or meditation activities during online classes to help students manage stress and improve concentration. Even short, guided sessions can enhance their ability to cope with academic pressures. 3. Promote physical activity: Encourage students to stay physically active, even when learning from home. Suggest short exercise breaks or simple activities they can do between classes to boost their mood and cognitive function. 4. Facilitate social connections: Create opportunities for students to connect with each other, even in a virtual setting. Use breakout rooms, group projects, and online discussion boards to foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Highlight mental health resources: Ensure students know where to find help if they’re struggling. Share information about school counseling services and online resources that offer additional support. By focusing on these strategies, online educators can create a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health, helping students achieve both personal and academic success.
–Nhon Ma, CEO, Numerade
Educator burnout will continue: Districts with high rates of open teaching positions are likely to face continued challenges, deepening educator burnout. However, those that have focused on supporting new and novice teachers through high-quality curriculum and content-based professional learning are positioned to thrive. AI won’t revolutionize learning… yet: While generative AI will bring some minor quality-of-life improvements for teachers and students such as saved time, it won’t revolutionize the profession or the industry in general just yet. The continued proliferation of AI in education technology could expose many teachers to subpar content. Districts that adopt smart AI policies and invest in high-quality materials will be best positioned to navigate these challenges and ensure meaningful, grade-level aligned learning experiences for all students. Investment in high-quality instructional materials will pay off: As the new school year begins, districts that made deliberate investments in high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and curriculum-aligned professional learning last year will see the benefits, with more students entering at grade level.These districts are expected to continue this success by aligning their assessment systems with daily instruction, supported by technology and coaching systems for implementing HQIM.
—Abbas Manjee, Co-Founder and Chief Academic Officer, Kiddom
Coding is a new literacy in today’s technology-centered world. Learning to code is an essential 21st century skill that should be part of every child’s education, as it can unlock new interests and pave the way for future jobs both in and out of the tech sector. Even in the face of new generative AI tools that can write code, understanding how computers work and how we can communicate with them through code will still be vitally important. Plus, learning to code supports children’s growth as problem solvers who can decompose big problems, persevere in the face of challenges, and develop then implement solutions to address them. While some parents may worry about the additional screen time that comes with learning to code, research has shown that productive screen time, where children are actively creating with technology, is far better than time spent passively consuming media and content online. Coding education lets children to learn to code in a fun, collaborative environment with engaging programs that teach coding through game development and set them up for future success as logical thinkers and creative problem solvers.
–Bill Marsland, Director of Education and Training, Code Ninjas
For students with low vision or blindness, going back to school can be an especially challenging time. With new guidelines from the U.S. Department of Education and tremendous growth within the assistive technology industry over the last few years, I believe we’re in for a big change. Heading into the 2024-2025 school year, I think we’ll see an increase in the funding and focus on meeting the needs of students with disabilities, like low vision and ADHD, through innovations in technology. School systems are also now obligated to ensure that students, their parents, and their educators are trained to use the needed assistive devices, possibly opening the gateway for additional staff dedicated to assistive tech education and troubleshooting. Assistive technologies and devices are not only crucial to helping students with disabilities approach their curriculum but also beneficial in participation in extracurriculars and social interaction with their peers.
–Roland Mattern, Director of Sales and Marketing, eSight at Gentex Corporation
In this post-COVID and ESSER funding era, single point in time data will lose its relevance if it is not connected to the fuller picture of student academic health. With COVID academic recovery still in progress, access to quality, connected data that provides educators with meaningful, nuanced information will be critical. Today, an average teacher has hundreds of data and curricular tools at their disposal. It’s overwhelming. Not to mention, those tools may often provide conflicting information, often are hard to navigate between and make it hard to truly understand how best to help each student. We can do better. We must continue to innovate, use technology wisely, and provide cohesive, holistic platforms that truly simplify educators’ lives and drive student growth. That’s what you should expect to see from HMH and NWEA.
–Chris Minnich, President, NWEA
In order for districts to monitor and grow the success of their career and technical education (CTE) programs, they need real-time access to data. That includes data about industry-based certifications, work-based learning, and participation in career and technical student organizations (CTSOs). As CTE continues to grow across the country, we will see administrators look for innovative ways to access timely and relevant CTE data to help meet the demand for CTE programming in their school districts.
–Dusty Moore, CEO, iCEV, Providers of Eduthings
We’ll see more classes stepping away from strictly virtual content this school year. Teachers are ready to have students put away their Chromebooks and engage in discussions and hands-on activities. Technology will still play a role in classrooms, with teachers and students collaborating using tools like interactive projectors, but after a few years of students looking at screens all day, there will definitely be a shift to technology’s role being supplemental and not the end-all be-all.
–Nate Moore, executive Director of Technology, Kearsley Community Schools
We all know that teaching is more than a job; it’s a deeply human endeavor. And right now, with the weight of staff shortages and burnout pressing down, the ability to read the room, to sense when a colleague is nearing their breaking point, or when you yourself need a breather, is invaluable. EQ isn’t just about being aware; it’s about knowing when to step in and offer support and when to step back and take care of yourself. It’s the difference between a team that’s just getting by and one that genuinely supports each other through the ups and downs. Schools that focus on developing EQ this year will be better equipped to handle the challenges ahead. Building an environment where emotional awareness is a shared responsibility, educators can create a stronger, more connected community–one where everyone is attuned to each other’s needs and ready to face whatever comes next.
—Darrin Murriner, Co-Founder and CEO, Cloverleaf
Educators and students should prioritize protecting their digital identities this school year. Cybersecurity, like real-world security, is all about assigning trust to someone based on what you know about them. Just like how schools verify parents’ identities before releasing their students, networks verify a user’s identity through passwords, cryptographic keys or biometric tokens. Unfortunately, these digital identity tools can be compromised much easier than stealing someone’s real-world identity. One way to prevent hackers from accessing your school’s systems with your information is through multi-factor authentication. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification steps, such as entering a code sent to your email or scanning a fingerprint. Another way is to have long, random and unique passwords for each account. Because managing multiple strong passwords can be difficult, using a password manager to generate and store them can be easier. Students and educators can better guard their digital identities from potential threats by taking these safety precautions.
—Corey Nachreiner, Chief Security Officer, WatchGuard Technologies
Artificial intelligence will continue to be a significant focus for K-12 education this year, and the discussion will increasingly focus on not whether to teach it, but how to teach it. Students need to know how to use AI so they can be prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. Our role is to teach them how to use it appropriately, ethnically, and responsibly, and how to help them discern real data from what’s fake. I use the analogy of milking a cow. The milk is available, but in order to access it, there are certain steps you must take. It’s the same with AI. The information is there and AI will point you in the direction you need to go. But you have to put some work into the process in order to use AI effectively to get what you need. The discussion in schools this year will focus on teaching students how to do this work.
–Ulysses Navarrete, Executive Director, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS)
As the artificial intelligence integration continues to develop in schools, I expect to see more use of individualized AI student tutoring as well as a greater emphasis on personal connection and creativity. The AI technology boom in education, includes some well known issues as well a great deal of potential. The ability to offer students personalized coaching is one of the more exciting areas of opportunity as long as it’s safe and supports student privacy. I’ve seen a number of different tools on the market in recent educational conferences at different stages of development and I believe we will see the beginning of more widespread usage. The nature of artificial intelligence tools is that they are able to improve the more they are used so the price points have lowered on many of these tools as companies try to gain a larger stake in the growing market and improve the tools they have to offer. I’ve seen a number of tools that pass the privacy tests and offer tutoring on specific national and state standards and exams which are very attractive to schools if the price is right. In talking to these companies, there seems to be a moment of opportunity and flexibility as the number of educational AI tools that are out there multiply. There is still a great deal of trepidation among educators about AI now but there is also opportunity and many schools don’t want to fall behind. At this point much of the AI used in schools serves as a replacement for traditional tests and assessments but new tutoring and teaching tools are beginning to emerge. As AI begins to be utilized more in education the focus on the areas where humans are necessary such as making connections, developing creativity, and versatile storytelling gain more importance in the classroom. An unexpected effect of the AI boom is that it heightens the focus on innovation and creative problem solving and relationship building.
—Tim Needles, Technology Integration Specialist, Smithtown Central School District & Author of STEAM Power
Cybersecurity preparedness will continue to be a critical challenge for K-12 schools in the 2024-2025 school year. K-12 schools house many kinds of valuable student data that appeal to bad actors–everything from personally identifiable information like social security numbers to medical histories. Schools can reduce their risk of data breaches by fostering a culture of cybersecurity best practices among students, parents, educators, and staff. These include good password hygiene and remaining vigilant of phishing attempts via traditional methods like email and less well-known means like phony QR codes. School IT teams should implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to protect their systems from identity-based attacks. MFA adds a step to the login process and a layer of protection while still prioritizing the end user experience. Tackling technical debt is crucial for a strong cyber posture. As more and more schools are targeted with cyberattacks each year, IT personnel must prioritize observability and detection in their systems. Some school districts have dozens of campuses and sites and tens of thousands of devices to manage. Without proper visibility into these networks and endpoints, schools can’t protect themselves. Being able to quickly detect and respond to a cyberthreat is a critical factor in preventing a threat actor from accessing multiple systems and in stopping an incident from becoming a more serious data breach.
—Helen Patton, Cybersecurity Executive Advisor, Cisco
As the new school year begins, it’s important to stay safe while using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often less secure than private ones and attractive targets for hackers and scammers. Common attacks include man-in-the-middle, malware, phishing, and data breaches. In a man-in-the-middle attack, hackers intercept your communications, accessing passwords and sensitive data. Malware attacks occur when hackers distribute malicious software through infected websites or emails, which can steal data or control your device. Phishing attacks use deceptive emails or texts to lure you into entering personal information on fake websites. Data breaches on public Wi-Fi can expose your information to hackers. To protect yourself on public Wi-Fi, follow these tips: Connect only to personal hotspots and trusted networks, avoid entering sensitive information, use a VPN, and keep your software updated. By taking these precautions, you can focus on your studies without worrying about cybersecurity threats.
–Eric Plam, President, SIMO
During the upcoming school year in New York, we’re anticipating significant discussions around new graduation measures, particularly with the work of the Blue Ribbon Commission, which is re-evaluating how we define and assess student success. Teacher evaluation reform is also on the agenda, aiming to create more effective and supportive systems that align with the evolving demands of education. Additionally, the debate around banning cell phones in classrooms continues to be a hot topic, balancing the need for focus with the realities of digital citizenship. Nationally, we’re seeing an increased focus on integrating AI into the classroom. This isn’t just about using AI as a tool but also about preparing students for a future where AI literacy will be crucial. There’s also a growing emphasis on wellness and addressing the complex needs of students as they navigate a challenging world. This holistic approach is reshaping how we engage students, pushing us to rethink traditional models and deliver teaching and learning in more relevant, responsive ways. To truly improve student engagement and achievement, we must start by valuing the conversations and dedicated time needed to measure and adjust the adult behaviors that directly impact these areas. This reflective process is essential for driving meaningful improvements. As we think about this work, it’s crucial to shift the conversation from merely tracking student attendance to focusing on how students are showing up: how they engage with complex problems, interact with their peers, and connect with adults. It’s not enough for students to simply be present; they need to be actively involved in learning experiences that challenge them and foster critical thinking. Moreover, we must move away from a mindset of informational compliance–where students complete tasks for the sake of completion–and instead focus on engaging them in authentic problem-solving. By providing opportunities for students to work on real-world problems and present their solutions to experts and audiences outside their schools, we not only make learning more relevant but also empower students to see their work as meaningful contributions to their communities and the broader world.
—Jonah M. Schenker, Ed.D., District Superintendent, Ulster BOCES
Last school year, the edtech space saw the beginning of what we at Discovery Education are calling “The Great Rationalization and Consolidation.” During the pandemic, school districts made unprecedented investments in education technologies. Now, districts are carefully analyzing their edtech spending, evaluating its ROI, and rationalizing their purchases through a careful review of the usage data, alignment to outcomes, and evidence of student learning. With in-hand, efficacy data that highlights which resources are working and which are not, school systems are consolidating their edtech spending and selecting fewer, higher-impact services. This phenomenon will have a tremendous impact on school systems and the edtech market. The ongoing period of rationalization and consolidation is making edtech providers look carefully not only at how they can demonstrate greater value for school-based partners, but also how they can continue to innovate and provide the highest-quality digital products to the systems they serve. This is good news, as I believe teachers and students will benefit the most from this new era. Rationalization and consolidation mean that an array of new easy-to-use digital resources will support teaching and learning in multiple disciplines. The development of these resources has been guided by large doses of educator and student input, meaning they are directly aligned to their unique needs of today’s classrooms. The resources I am most excited about are suites of complimentary products that work in harmony with one another, providing school systems high-quality content, adaptive technologies, and formative assessments that are easy for teachers to use and drive higher student achievement. These products will deeply engage all students in learning, diagnose areas for intervention, and provide appropriate content to support remediation. I think these types of products are truly the future of edtech.
—Brian Shaw, CEO, Discovery Education
With books like The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt spreading across districts, and as we move further out of the pandemic era, there’s a natural desire for more student-to-student interaction. I think we’ll see a very welcomed move towards more face-to-face collaboration. While some classrooms may reduce or remove screen time, I believe many educators are now re-evaluating digital technologies with a discerning eye, recognizing that not all digital tools are created equal. In the math classroom, tasks like games or puzzles–where kids naturally engage in mathematical problem-solving without coaxing–are beginning to become essential, rather than just nice to have. Those of us on the content design side have the opportunity to breathe life into this shift by providing some classroom-worthy content that aligns with brain-based principles. If we do, then I think there’s a real chance that, within a decade, the math class of today will feel like the distant past. Kids will be active, engaged, and productively struggling, and learning at a scale we just don’t currently see. Teachers’ approach will align with brain-based learning principles, fostering deep understanding and critical thinking. Moving beyond traditional methods of math education creates inclusive, engaging learning environments that encourage students to become innovative problem-solvers, making math not only accessible to all, but a joyful experience–the deep enjoyment that comes from effortful play. Play, by its very nature, invites us to embrace challenges and uncertainties. Just like a student attempting a half-court buzzer beater or riding a bike sitting on the handlebars. The excitement comes from the possibility of both success and failure. When there’s a chance that it won’t work (but a chance it will), light-hearted, effortful tasks are exhilarating. This kind of playful experimentation is essential in the classroom. It’s not about making math “easy,” but about transforming math into an exhilarating and meaningful experience that fosters deeper engagement and achievement. Often, in an effort to cover standards, mistakes become something to avoid instead of embraced. That’s not playful. Humans have tremendous capacity to synthesize creativity and play. The key is that it’s not educators who make math exciting. When we provide experiences and an environment for math to be engaging, it’s the students who create fun.
–Brandon Smith, Lead Mathematician and Product Director, MIND Education
An overwhelming majority of schools have shifted to 1:1 technology, and K-12 IT teams have the tremendous responsibility of preparing devices for distribution at the start of each year. Take these 7 best practices to start: Create a comprehensive plan to serve as a blueprint for your distribution process. Tag devices for inventory and assignment purposes and make sure they’re all properly charged. Identify specific pick-up dates, times and locations (I recommend two separate distribution periods for teachers and students). Check your staff–is your IT team big enough to support on distribution day? If not, be sure to recruit extra help beforehand. Acknowledge who is authorized to pick up devices–students under 18 must have a parent/guardian sign forms to check out a device. Develop thorough device agreements for each unique scenario such as teachers, remote learners, or IEP students. Lastly, make sure to communicate these device distribution steps to students and parents/guardians. Device management can be a tedious process, but it’s directly linked to student success and with the proper planning it can be done efficiently to ensure a successful technological kick off to the new school year.
–Emily Stapf, Customer Success Manager, Incident IQ
Staying up to date with the latest fire safety, egress, and accessibility codes in schools goes beyond compliance–it ensures people can safely evacuate during dangerous situations. Some hardware, like door barricade devices, can be more harmful than helpful to a school’s security and accessibility in emergencies like active shooter events, fires and more. While fear can increase focus on security, it’s essential to critically evaluate products that exploit this fear instead of offering proven safety solutions. Recent updates in codes emphasize ADA compliance, fire protection, and egress, which marks a significant shift toward improved safety standards. Looking ahead, there is hope for further advancements in code requirements, such as stronger door/window glazing and more consistent compliance across states, to enhance safety and accessibility in all educational facilities. Online resources from PASS (Partner Alliance for Safer Schools) and the Changing Face of School Security Podcast can help schools understand and navigate these regulations to create a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone in our schools.
–Paul Timm, PSP, Director of Education Safety, Allegion
In 2024, STEM and STEAM education are more critical than ever, with technologies like AI, drones, 3D printing, and virtual reality becoming integral to our daily lives and future careers. AI is transforming education by enabling personalized learning experiences and more effective assessment methods. Drones are revolutionizing industries such as construction and agriculture, offering innovative ways to interact with and understand our environment. Meanwhile, 3D printing is unlocking new possibilities in creation, from home projects to large-scale industrial applications. Virtual reality is reshaping how we learn, work, and play, providing immersive experiences that push the boundaries of traditional education. To prepare students for this rapidly evolving technological landscape, schools and educators will be required to prioritize STEM and STEAM education. Even if schools are not fully equipped to teach these emerging topics, there are numerous free resources available to help bridge the gap. Nvidia offers free courses on AI, making cutting-edge knowledge accessible to students and educators alike. Additionally, platforms like YouTube host a wealth of educational content, with experts providing in-depth explanations of these technologies and insights into the jobs of the future. By taking advantage of these resources, we can ensure that the next generation is ready to innovate and thrive in a tech-driven world.
–Bobby Torres, Chief Relationship Officer, 302 Interactive
With an increasing number of schools limiting personal device usage during the school day, I foresee a shift in education toward teaching more interpersonal skills and incorporating more hands-on activities. One of my favorite activities is having students make powered paper airplanes with the POWERUP 2.0 Airplane Kit. It’s a great hands-on activity with a technology element that helps students learn STEM-related concepts, the engineering process, and collaboration skills.
–Josh Underwood, Physics and Aviation Teacher, Mason County High School
As educators prepare for the new school year, we must incorporate scientific probeware into STEM classrooms to enhance student engagement and learning. Probeware, which combines sensors and software to collect and analyze data in real-time, offers a practical approach to teaching science and technology. I plan on using probeware in all my courses, from AP Chemistry to Organic Chemistry to Forensics, as students conduct captivating experiments in colorimetry, melting-point analysis, gas pressure inquiry, gas chromatography, and more. The use of this technology will enable students to engage in active learning and real-time data collection, visualize with graphs, explore complex phenomena, and develop important scientific skills.
–Diane M. Vrobel, Ed. D., Science Teacher, Archbishop Hoban High School and Member, Vernier Trendsetter Community
As we look towards the 2024-2025 school year, there’s a pressing need to integrate career exploration and employability skills into core academic subjects, starting as early as middle school. This change is crucial given the rapidly evolving job market, where an estimated 375 million workers worldwide will need to switch occupational categories by 2030. Educational systems should focus on developing students’ career adaptability skills and future time perspective, fostering a more holistic approach that balances academic knowledge with practical workplace competencies. However, significant challenges remain in equipping teachers with the necessary tools and resources to effectively incorporate these elements into their daily instruction across all subject areas, highlighting the gap between current practices and the imperative for change to ensure students are truly prepared for their futures.
—Ian Zhu, CEO and Founder, SchoolJoy
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