A study by Paul Morgan and Eric Hu from the University at Albany finds that male teachers do not significantly improve boys' academic performance or behavior in elementary schools. The analysis, which used data from 8,000 students tracked from kindergarten through fifth grade, finds no differences in reading, math, science achievement or behavioral measures based on the teacher's gender.

A study by NWEA reveals that only 58% of US schools offer algebra by eighth grade, with access significantly lower in rural, high-poverty and predominantly Black or Latino schools. The study highlights that high-achieving Black students are less likely to be placed in eighth-grade algebra compared to their peers, attributing this to biased placement practices.

Students from Wetumpka Elementary School in Alabama participated in a STEM field trip to a local roller skating rink, where they engaged in hands-on activities designed by retired teacher Tina Perdue. The program, STEMTASTIC, aligns with the state curriculum and includes lessons on potential and kinetic energy, Newton's third law of motion and engineering.

Middle-school science teacher Lindsay Kervan shares strategies to maintain engagement and connection as the school year progresses, including greeting students by name, using icebreakers, rotating random groups and encouraging passion projects. She emphasizes revisiting expectations and modeling respectful interactions to sustain a supportive, inclusive classroom culture focused on learning.

The Bentonville School District in Arkansas has integrated AI into its Ignite career-pathway program, responding to industry demands for AI skills. The program offers juniors and seniors hands-on experiences in fields such as technology, healthcare and digital media, and students have used AI to develop projects including a meal-planning app for expectant mothers and a digital doula platform.

Schools in the Kansas City, Mo., area are working to support families affected by the recent federal government shutdown, which caused financial strain due to missed paychecks and disruptions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Kansas City Public Schools has launched the KCPS Cares Fund to provide food and other essentials, and the Lee's Summit School District is promoting its free and reduced-price lunch program.

With generative AI, school leaders can easily find patterns in survey comments and feedback to understand the needs and priorities of their school’s community. Read more from education leadership professor Andy Szeto on the ISTE+ASCD Blog.

The November 2025 issue of Educational Leadership explores how educators and leaders can leverage advancements in technology and new thinking on measurement and feedback to create assessments that are more authentic, growth-oriented, and relevant to teaching and learning.