As AI becomes more prevalent in education, a "smart use divide" could emerge, similar to past technological advancements, warns Liz Cohen, vice president of policy at 50CAN and a research fellow at the Johns Hopkins University Institute for Education Policy. Schools in affluent areas are more likely to use AI effectively, while high-poverty schools may struggle due to lack of resources and training, she writes.

A report from the University of California at San Diego highlighting a rise in students needing remedial math has sparked debate over university admissions standards and grade inflation in high schools. However, research by economist Zachary Bleemer challenges the "mismatch theory," which suggests that underprepared students are harmed by attending selective schools, showing it is largely unsupported by evidence and suggesting that limiting access may actually hinder students' success.

It's good to get your teams out of their comfort zone, but the goals you set for them can become toxic if you don't provide the necessary resources, frequently change them or team members feel criticized, no matter how hard they work to achieve them, writes leadership development expert Tim Jackson. Focus instead on fewer, bolder goals and provide team members with the resources and encouragement they need to reach them, Jackson advises.

Technology is a crucial tool for closing learning equity gaps, especially for students facing challenges such as dyslexia, limited English proficiency or socioeconomic barriers, writes Brandi Solis, a computer teacher at Anna Kirchgater Elementary School in Sacramento, Calif. Solis shares her personal experience with dyslexia and emphasizes the importance of integrating technology with traditional teaching methods to foster a growth mindset and motivate students. She highlights the benefits of game-based learning and AI tools such as Prodigy Education, Read Along and Brisk to engage students and address diverse learning challenges.

The Salisbury Police Department in Maryland has donated a refurbished police vehicle to Parkside High School as part of a partnership with Wicomico County Public Schools. Students in Parkside High School's Career & Technical Education program played a central role in the project, refurbishing the donated police vehicle through their Collision Repair and Criminal Justice classes, gaining hands-on experience in both automotive and law enforcement fields.

A study in the European Child Adolescent Psychiatry found that boys ages 6 to 10 who consistently participated in organized sports had fewer symptoms of oppositional-defiant disorder at ages 10 and 12. "Sport may serve as a natural and influential context for learning self-regulation, cooperation and respect for rules," said lead researcher Matteo Privitera.

In today’s politicized climate, centering student questions—rather than teacher opinions—makes for more defensible pedagogy. Read tips for powerful classroom conversations from columnist Matthew Kay in the December issue of Educational Leadership.

In the latest issue of EL magazine, expert educators and columnists Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey explore how teachers’ roles in assessment change for the better when students learn to evaluate their own work.