In recent years, mindfulness in the classroom—sometimes referred to as “contemplative pedagogy”—has gained traction as a way to reduce stress and anxiety in students as well as to improve academic and behavioral outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge our learning systems, with school closures, remote learning, physical distancing guidelines, and other unexpected changes negatively affecting children's mental health. Now more than ever, it is prudent for educators to apply evidence-based strategies that counterbalance the negative emotions that might otherwise thwart student progress.

With a Scantron test—multiple-choice, fill-in-the-bubble form scoring system common in standardized testing—and a sharpened No. 2 pencil in hand, what could go wrong for a student ready to demonstrate their knowledge on a standardized test? Quite a few things, according to education experts who believe that exams don’t successfully prove student mastery of a subject.

Reaching the 100th day of school is a huge milestone for younger students—creative classroom projects using “100” as the theme are featured and celebrated. That same time frame represents a different yet equally meaningful milestone for school leadership.

With cold weather, shorter days, and a lack of sunshine usually comes decreased energy, sadness, and irritability. Known as the “winter blues,” these moods, common during the winter months, can negatively impact your school community.

When school employees model positive physical and mental health behaviors, they are more equipped to support students’ health and well-being and academic success. Conversations about and methods of seeking wellness were given a new perspective and prominence emerging from the pandemic. Wellness programs are more important than ever in the workplace and especially in schools.

Your faculty has huge credibility as promoters or detractors of your school. They’re on the front line, working with your students; and their feelings about your school affect everything you do. To determine if your faculty is successfully promoting your school, start by evaluating faculty culture.

The use of technology in the classroom skyrocketed during the pandemic and countless programs were developed and quickly implemented. During the 2020–21 school year, districts with more than 1,000 students accessed about 1,449 edtech products online per month.

Professional athletes have long benefited from commercial endorsements, lending their famous faces (or other body parts) to promote anything from pantyhose to roach traps. But until July 1, 2021, college and high school student-athletes could not profit from their own popularity.

The onset of the pandemic ushered in a new and unwelcome era for international student programs. As weeks turned into months, lockdowns and travel restrictions dashed many hopes of a comeback.

As 2021 comes to an end, talk of goal-setting and planning for next year begins. But after a year of continued changes—evaluating and adjusting school COVID-19 protocols, and trying to prevent burnout—setting new objectives for your school might seem daunting and exhausting.