Integrating video games into K-12 education can foster student engagement and create a student-centered classroom, says William Watson, a Purdue University professor of learning design technology. Watson suggests that educators can use narrative-based games and even board games to achieve learning outcomes.

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.

Trust is a fundamental yet complex aspect of educational leadership, writes school principal Jen Schwanke, who says that while it is often seen as a one-sided expectation, it actually requires both being trustworthy and willing to trust others. She offers insights into how trust can be built or undermined in relationships with teachers, parents and students, drawing on historical context and personal experiences.

Brooklyn Raney, founder of One Trusted Adult, offers school leaders a template for a back-to-school letter to parents. The letter emphasizes the importance of relationships, trust and collaboration, outlining expectations for both staff and parents to create a supportive environment for students.

Alabama's new law banning phones in classrooms has led to immediate positive changes, says history teacher Jonathan Buchwalter, who notes students are more engaged, taking notes, completing assignments and socializing more. The law is part of a broader trend, with 33 states enacting similar legislation to address concerns about mental health and academic performance related to smartphone addiction.

Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans' education system remains heavily influenced by the post-storm reforms that converted all public schools into charter schools. Vera Triplett, founder of Noble Minds Institute for Whole Child Learning, reflects on the ongoing challenges and successes, noting improved student performance but also increased teacher turnover and higher costs.

Read instructional coach Anna Bernstein's honest account of how AI disrupted the way her school looked at assessments—and sparked a much-needed shift—on the ISTE+ASCD Blog.

District and school leaders must prioritize creating a culture where all students feel safe, seen, and heard. In the latest issue of Educational Leadership, Arkansas superintendent and ISTE+ASCD Board President Jeremy Owoh shares how aligning his district's educational practices with the Transformational Learning Principles nurtures belonging, guides curiosity and expertise, and empowers all learners.

Michigan and Colorado are facing financial challenges in maintaining their universal school meal programs as student participation rates have surged, straining budgets. Michigan Superintendent Michael Rice has urged schools to continue offering free meals despite funding uncertainty, as the state awaits approval of its 2026 school aid budget, while Colorado voters will consider measures to increase funding for the program through higher taxes on high-income earners.