Rules for Engagement
The Rules for Engagement blog explored the nonacademic issues that bear on students’ learning. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: social-emotional learning, student well-being, and school climate.
Education
Virginia District's Plan to Start School Later Will Cost $5 Million
While research supports moving start times to allow teens to sleep longer, the Fairfax County, Va., district's move shows it's not always an easy decision.
Student Well-Being & Movement
For Success in Life, Character Matters as Much as Academic Skill, Study Says
A new study suggests non-cognitive skills like drive and prudence may matter for success in school as much as academic skills.
School Climate & Safety
New Federal Guidance Addresses Bullying of '504' Students With Disabilities
The information offers anti-bullying advice to schools regarding students covered by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which may include those with impairments such as depression or severe food allergies.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Smart Snacks in School: Oklahoma Takes the Lead in Fundraising Exemptions
Oklahoma's state board of education voted to exempt 30, 14-day fundraisers per semester from new federal nutrition rules, rendering the rules virtually irrelevant.
Education
The Absolute Best School Climate Blogging (This Week): 'Turnip for What?' Edition
This week, we watch Michelle Obama's viral video featuring a turnip, and we read about the effects of poverty, cybercivility, school cell phone rules, and more.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Ebola: Some Schools Shut Down; Others Screening for Virus
School districts in Ohio and Texas have closed some schools after learning that students or staff were on a commercial flight with a nurse who has tested positive for the Ebola virus.
Education
After Criticism, School Boards Association Ends Tobacco Company Partnership
The move to end the youth anti-smoking program came after criticism from Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who said it would only postpone smoking, not prevent it entirely.
Equity & Diversity
Civil Rights Agreement Addresses Treatment of Transgender Student
A California district failed to respond to complaints of verbal harrassment of a transgender student, punished her for wearing makeup, and discouraged her from speaking about her gender identity, a complaint alleged.
Education
The Absolute Best School Climate Blogging (This Week): Malala Edition
This week, we talk about newly named Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, and we read about sexting, bullying, school lunches, dress codes, and more.
Equity & Diversity
Teach For America LGBT Initiative Will Address School Climate, Teacher Training
The director of Teach For America's new initiative for LGBT students explains how it might lead to changes in the program's training for new teachers.
Equity & Diversity
LGBT and Gender-Nonconforming Youth Target of Unfair Discipline, Groups Say
Civil rights and student groups are pushing for changes to school discipline that they say would make it more even-handed for gender-nonconforming students and LGBT students of color.
School Climate & Safety
School Climate for Native American Students Is Focus of Federal Tour
Representatives from the White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education and the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights will hold listening sessions with a special focus on school climate issues in Native American communities.
Education
The Absolute Best School Climate Blogging (This Week): Awesome Yearbook Edition
What can a principal's decision to appear in a goofy photo with a student teach us about school climate? Plus, a round-up of good reads about school climate and student well-being.
Equity & Diversity
Minnesota Transgender Athlete Proposal Draws Intense Support, Opposition
Transgender student-athletes in Minnesota will have to wait a few more months before new rules are considered regarding their participation in high school athletics.