ISTE+ASCD SmartBrief
Less stress, more presence
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December 9, 2025
 
 
ISTE+ASCD SmartBrief
News for the Education ProfessionSIGN UP ⋅   SHARE
 
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Teaching and Learning
 
How to use slides to enhance student engagement
 
How to use slides to enhance student engagement
Teachers can promote deep thinking and learning without extra preparation by reusing presentation slides in innovative ways. Teacher Rob McEntarffer suggests adding blank slides after key points to encourage students to reflect before taking notes, incorporating old slides to connect past and current lessons, and creating reflection slides for all students to make their thinking visible.
Full Story: Edutopia (12/8)
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Are seat-time rules limiting meaningful student growth?
George Philhower, superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana, challenges the effectiveness of seat-time mandates, saying that real learning happens asynchronously. Philhower notes that while laws often prioritize synchronous instruction, students learn at different rates, and asynchronous learning allows students to revisit materials at their own pace.
Full Story: eSchool News (12/8)
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Misconceptions about what engagement really means in classrooms
Education Week (12/5)
 
Does MTSS have a place in middle & high schools?
Students entering secondary schools often face diverse challenges and skill gaps. Learn how a strong multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) can help close learning gaps at every tier, ensuring all students receive the targeted assistance they need to succeed. Read the whitepaper.
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Transformational Leadership
 
Small details make a big difference in creating excellence
 
Small details make a big difference in creating excellence
(Chadchai Ra-ngubpai/Getty Images)
Leaders who excel are those, Paul Thornton writes, who remember that "excellence isn't usually lost through one big mistake -- it slips away when small details are ignored." Thornton suggests that leaders make time to experience their own products and services firsthand -- such as making a call to the help line or going through customer processes -- to identify which details truly impact satisfaction.
Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (12/4)
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Stop Double Entry Between Your SIS and LMS
Flow automatically syncs classes, rosters, assignments, and grades between your Student Information System and Learning Management System. No more manual updates or duplicate work. Learn more about Flow.
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Technology in the Classroom
 
High-school senior encourages girls to pursue STEM
A club at Thomas Dale High School in Virginia, led by student Ava Malone, focuses on motivating middle-school girls to explore and pursue careers in STEM fields. The Women in STEM Club emphasizes peer-driven mentorship and aims to build confidence among younger girls, encouraging them to select STEM courses as they continue their education.
Full Story: WTVR-TV (Richmond, Va.) (12/4)
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Can educational apps be as engaging as TikTok?
EdSurge (12/8)
 
A Closer Look at the Success of AP Precalculus
Celebrate success with AP Precalculus! Early results show strong engagement and achievement, with teachers reporting that the course better prepares students for what comes next. Explore the results.
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The Whole Child
 
Court ruling adds uncertainty for mental health grants
A federal appeals court has temporarily maintained funding for 49 school mental health projects after the Trump administration announced plans to end them, citing a shift in priorities. The ruling has created uncertainty for districts expecting new grants, as the Education Department has expressed doubts about issuing new awards by the end of the year.
Full Story: Education Week (12/8)
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The 2025 Improving Career Transition Report
Sometimes layoffs are necessary, but brand damage isn't. Discover how top companies use career transition services to protect morale, culture, and reputation. Get the 2025 Improving Career Transition report and lead with empathy and impact. Download now »
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New from ISTE+ASCD
 
Less stress, more presence
Intention setting and mindful breathing don’t add to your plate—they help you carry it. Check out some simple practices that can help you meet your challenges with steadiness, presence, and choice in the December issue of Educational Leadership.
 
Coach today, save time tomorrow
In the latest issue of EL magazine, leadership coach Melinda Glowacki discusses how a coaching mindset brings calm to busy schools, strengthens relationships, and promotes problem-solving among staff.
 
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Policy Watch
 
SCOTUS orders review of school vaccine exemption case