Equitable grading elements, which include no zeros, no late penalties, unlimited retakes and no credit for homework or class participation, are increasingly being implemented in schools, according to a report from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute and RAND Corp. that is based on a national survey of teachers. The report shows that while 36% of teachers have adopted more than one of these policies, only 2% have implemented all of them, with many teachers expressing concerns about the potential negative impact on student achievement, with some suggesting that the policies could lead to a sense of entitlement among students.

Back-to-school night can be a powerful tool for building partnerships with families, National Board Certified Teacher Miriam Plotinsky writes. Plotinsky, an instructional specialist, suggests that teachers can enhance the event by providing digital and hard-copy information, showcasing classroom learning through immersive mini-lessons and focusing on their professional purpose rather than personal details.

Michael Gaskell shares strategies for dealing with difficult parents, emphasizing the importance of persuasion and collaboration over confrontation. Gaskell recounts a personal experience during the pandemic where he diffused a tense situation by showing compassion and agreeing to support the parent's child, ultimately leading to a positive outcome. He advises educators to listen actively, acknowledge parents' concerns and express genuine care for their children to build trust and shift the dynamic from adversarial to cooperative.

Music education plays a crucial role in early childhood development and literacy, experts say. Stephanie Benischek from the National Association for Music Education and Ryan Greene from the Music Teachers National Association highlight that learning music helps students with vocabulary, attention span and social skills, while also boosting self-confidence and pattern recognition.

Robyn Neilsen, a former high-school English teacher who writes a blog on teacher mental health, offers four tips for educators on creating healthy work-life boundaries. Neilsen advises teachers to let go of the idea of a perfect classroom, schedule personal time, build in daily check-ins and use simple teaching systems to prevent burnout.

The Trump administration has rescinded a 2015 guidance that directed schools to accommodate English learners, raising concerns among advocates about the potential decline in support for the five million students who are not fluent in English. The move aligns with President Donald Trump's executive order declaring English the official language and aims to promote assimilation, but critics say it undermines decades of legal understanding and could lead to discrimination based on national origin.