Laura Ascione, Author at eSchool News

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Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.

With VR goggles, students in detention centers gain career training

May 6, 2025 by Laura Ascione

When students have access to career training modules through VR goggles, they can focus on building successful career paths in school.

Education is a cornerstone for personal growth and economic success, but for students in juvenile detention facilities, it serves a deeper purpose, equipping students with the skills they’ll…

Curriculum & Assessment

The key to boosting math achievement? Neuroscience

May 6, 2025 by Laura Ascione

$School district leaders need a solution that targets what's really behind lagging math scores--and neuroscience may hold the answer.$

After results from the 2024 NAEP were released, it became evident that students are struggling with math achievement. Amid disappointing and stagnant scores, district leaders are looking for…

AI in Education

How will AI impact students’ biggest challenges?

May 1, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Educators ranked supporting students' mental health and social skill development among the areas where AI has the lowest potential.

AI is becoming increasingly integrated into the classroom, but according to a new report, most educators don't believe AI is the answer to the biggest challenges they or…

AI in Education

The 5 dimensions of AI literacy

April 30, 2025 by Laura Ascione

The framework focuses on AI literacy for all, as well as specialized literacy that can be adapted to different disciplines and jurisdictions.

AI skills are evolving from a "nice to have" to a necessity for students who hope to enter the workforce as competitive prospective employees.

AI in Education

More districts eye AI training for teachers

April 30, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Teachers are integrating AI into instruction, but little is known about how districts are supporting them during the rollout of AI in schools

Roughly half of districts in a nationally representative survey reported that they have provided training to their teachers about generative AI-powered tools as of fall 2024, according to…

College and Career Readiness

How 3 districts reimagined high school and the future of work

April 29, 2025 by Laura Ascione

When districts implement student-driven learning and personalized pathways, high school students understand their strengths and aspirations.

If students are to graduate prepared to succeed as they pursue higher education or join the future-ready workforce, high schools must evolve--and innovative districts are ready to meet…

AI in Education

White House order prioritizes AI in schools

April 28, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Incorporating AI into education and providing AI training for educators will help equip the next generation of American AI innovators.

A new executive order signed by President Trump takes aim at AI policies in K-12 education by "fostering interest and expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) technology from an…

Digital Learning Tools

‘Too many apps for that’ in schools

April 28, 2025 by Laura Ascione

A survey of teachers, parents, and curriculum leaders points to necessary changes for apps and their management in schools districts.

A "patchwork of apps" in schools often leads to app fatigue, frustrating parents and educators who have to use multiple apps weekly, or even daily, according to new…

AI in Education

How 4 districts use AI tools to transform education

April 25, 2025 by Laura Ascione

When it comes to innovative education, AI tools are helping teachers and students take teaching and learning to a new level.

Simply put, AI can do a lot--it can personalize learning, help students expand on ideas for assignments, and reduce time spent on administrative tasks, freeing up educators to…

AI in Education

Can AI help reduce math anxiety?

April 24, 2025 by Laura Ascione

$A majority of students said they think math students may worry less about feeling lost in a crowded classroom with the help of AI.$

As AI becomes more widespread in education, more than half of high school students (56 percent) polled think it can go a long way in reducing math anxiety,…

Coding and Robotics

How to teach K-12 coding without computers

April 23, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Beyond individual lessons, it’s important to build a K-12 coding culture that encourages problem-solving and critical thinking.

Teaching K-12 coding without computers may seem like a daunting task, but it can be a powerful way to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of computer science…

AI in Education

Data shows growing GenAI adoption in K-12

April 18, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Educators and administrators remain optimistic about GenAI's potential and the positive impact it can have on K-12 learning.

Almost 3 in 5 K-12 educators (55 percent) have positive perceptions about GenAI, despite concerns and perceived risks in its adoption, according to updated data from Cengage Group's…

AI in Education

5 AI tools for classroom creativity

April 17, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Students can strengthen creativity skills and self-expression through engaging, AI-powered platforms in various subjects.

When it comes to visual creativity, AI tools let students design posters, presentations, and digital artwork effortlessly. Students can turn their ideas into professional-quality visuals, sparking creativity and…

STEM & STEAM Trends

Strategies to help girls stay engaged in STEM learning

April 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Role models, mentorship, and resources help bridge the gender gap and ensure that girls have opportunities to succeed in STEM learning fields.

Ensuring that girls feel supported and empowered in STEM from an early age can lead to more balanced workplaces, economic growth, and groundbreaking discoveries.

COVID in Schools

Educators reflect on post-COVID learning

April 9, 2025 by Laura Ascione

COVID left its mark on education--and educators say some impacts were good, others were bad, and still others remain frustrating.

The COVID-19 pandemic left an indelible mark on K-12 education, placing immense pressure on teachers as they adapted, literally overnight, to new methods of instruction.

Profiles in Innovation

With AI coaching, a math platform helps students tackle tough concepts

April 15, 2025April 2, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Math is a fundamental part of K-12 education, but students often face significant challenges in mastering increasingly challenging math concepts.

AI in Education

Report details uneven AI use among teachers, principals

March 28, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Teachers most commonly reported using AI to generate lesson materials, assess students, and differentiate instruction.

English/language arts and science teachers were almost twice as likely to say they use AI tools compared to math teachers or elementary teachers of all subjects, according to…

Profiles in Innovation

Fighting chronic absenteeism with data-driven insights–and a little fun, too

April 15, 2025March 26, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Chronic absenteeism remains a widespread challenge in schools across the country, but in Wisconsin, Racine Unified School District’s Julian Thomas Elementary and Jerstad-Agerholm Middle School are demonstrating that…

CoSN Corner

CoSN 2025: Humans in an AI world

March 21, 2025 by Laura Ascione

IT leaders, superintendents, and district teams are gathering in Seattle to explore the latest in innovative edtech and IT at CoSN 2025.

Like it or not, AI is evolving, and it is cementing its place in education. And the CoSN 2025 Conference is preparing attendees to meet the AI challenge…

K-12 Cybersecurity

K-12 cyberattacks threaten data–and students

March 20, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Through proactive cybersecurity strategies and collaboration, K-12 schools can improve cyber defenses against evolving cyberattacks.

The long-term impacts of K-12 cyberattacks, including lost learning time and disruptions to school operations, are just as damaging as stolen data, according to a new report from…

SEL Trends

7 sites to boost SEL in the classroom

March 21, 2025March 19, 2025 by Laura Ascione

SEL skills are critical for students in the classroom, and they also help students navigate different situations and challenges in the future.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a crucial component of education, helping students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills. SEL is essential for students of all ages, improving academic…

AI in Education

5 practical ways to integrate AI into high school science

March 18, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Thoughtful AI integration can help educators boost engagement and improve learning outcomes in the science classroom.

STEM learning is critical for all students, regardless of their postsecondary path, but by high school, engagement often drops and students lose interest in critical subject matters.

Digital Learning Tools

Post-pandemic, a new era of teaching and learning

March 17, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Schools are embracing innovation and AI for teaching & learning to meet students' needs in equitable and accessible ways after the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on K-12 education, reshaping how students learn and educators teach. As schools closed their doors, remote learning became the primary mode…

STEM & STEAM Trends

What’s the state of STEM?

March 12, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s AI projects are outpacing education’s ability to keep up with necessary AI and STEM training.

AI is becoming increasingly critical in STEM education, and 96 percent of teachers say they believe AI will become an intrinsic part of education within the next decade,…

Education Policy & Funding

Linda McMahon is confirmed as education secretary–DOGE and a department overhaul await her

March 12, 2025March 5, 2025 by Erica Meltzer, Chalkbeat

Linda McMahon described a final mission for the Department of Education that would profoundly impact staff, budgets, and agency operations.

Linda McMahon was confirmed March 3 as education secretary to lead a department that President Donald Trump has said he wants to dismantle.

Digital Innovation

CoSN outlines trends, challenges in K-12 innovation

February 26, 2025 by Laura Ascione

It's time for leaders to reflect, collaborate, and take steps in K-12 innovation to create learning environments where all students thrive.

A new annual report from CoSN outlines the challenges, mega-trends, and tools set to impact education innovation in 2025--and for the first time, the report also highlights key…

Innovation in Education

Navigating Special Education with Open Communication

February 20, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Expert IEP founder Antoinette Banks outlines how special education has been chronically underfunded for decades—and how the potential dismantling of the Department of Education adds new complications.

STEM & STEAM Trends

12 lesser-known K-12 STEM education resources

February 18, 2025 by Laura Ascione

STEM education is shaping the workforce and is equipping students with the tools to question, innovate, and lead in a rapidly-changing world.

As society becomes increasingly driven by and focused on innovation, the demand for critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity has grown significantly. Introducing STEM education at an early age…

STEM & STEAM Trends

Reaching peak engagement in K-12 science education

February 14, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Hands-on engagement and exploration in science classes builds students' curiosity, unlocks new possibilities, and sparks innovative solutions

More than half of science teachers believe the most important value of science education is how it contributes to students’ curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity, according to a…

Edtech Trends

TCEA 2025 spotlights innovation, collaboration

February 11, 2025February 11, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Session presenters and speakers shared a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience with their fellow educators at TCEA 2025.

During the first week of February, TCEA 2025 served as a collaboration center for teachers, administrators, IT leaders, and all educators as they shared ideas, instructional strategies, leadership…

Durable Skills

This district champions media literacy to combat “brain rot”

February 10, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Teaching critical thinking skills helps to ensure students are active and engaged--and that they aren't falling victim to brain rot.

It’s critical that students know how to use digital content, but as students have more access to information, it’s also critical that they know how to evaluate that…

Edtech Trends

Collaborate and celebrate at TCEA 2025

February 7, 2025January 29, 2025 by Laura Ascione

At TCEA 2025, embark on a learning journey with your fellow educators and find inspiration with keynote speakers, sessions, and more.

Educators, IT leaders, tech professionals, and everyone in between will find inspiration and connection at the 2025 TCEA Convention & Exposition in Austin, Texas.

Live @ FETC 2025

Show Floor News–From flexible devices to AI-assisted learning

January 24, 2025January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Lenovo announced new hardware solutions that makes it easy for students and teachers to connect, collaborate, and engage from anywhere. The ... Read more

Live @ FETC 2025

Show Floor News–Tried and true edtech solutions

January 24, 2025January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Leading the way for LG at this year’s FETC is LG’s new Google-compatible CreateBoard Pro TR3PN Series of interactive digital ... Read more

Live @ FETC 2025

Show Floor News–Supporting Teachers with AI

January 17, 2025January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

AI can’t replace teachers, but it can support them. Merlyn, a voice-controlled AI classroom assistant from Merlyn Mind, is designed ... Read more

Live @ FETC 2025

The State of STEM

January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Once again, Pitsco Education has come to FETC with cutting-edge content that includes preK-12 core science, CTE, and hands-on STEM ... Read more

Live @ FETC 2025

Breaking Classroom Barriers with Advanced AV

January 17, 2025January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

The Forney Independent School District sought to break away from traditional classroom setups, aiming to enhance teacher mobility and foster ... Read more

Live @ FETC 2025

How to Keep Edtech Fresh

January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

eSchool News scored a backstage tour of the latest Chromebooks, workstations, and peripherals offered by CTL, and was able to ... Read more

AI in Education

Best practices for an AI-infused classroom

January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Instead of avoiding AI, embrace it with best practices for more impactful teaching and ensure teachers and students have AI literacy.

Avoiding or banning AI in the classroom does students a disservice, and if teachers aren’t familiar with AI tools and how to use them, who is really in…

Teaching Trends

6 educator predictions about teaching and learning in 2025

January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Teaching and learning trends include fostering essential skills like critical thinking and adaptability to prepare students for the future.

With 2025 barely in its infancy, educators are looking to new technologies and strategies to meet the needs of students. AI, digital learning tools, and personalized supports have…

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