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People are taking a stand against plastic straws. On July 1, they were banned in Seattle, Washington. Then Starbucks announced plans to phase out plastic straws by 2020. More plastic-straw bans have followed. Plastic is harmful to the environment.…
Playing video games can be a fun way to unwind or spend time with friends. In schools, teachers use games like Minecraft to encourage teamwork and critical thinking. But for some players, gaming is an unhealthy habit. At night, they…
Texting while driving is illegal in 47 states. But what about texting while walking? A 2013 study reported that more than 1,500 people in the U.S. ended up in hospitals for injuries resulting from walking with a mobile device. Honolulu,…
In July 2017, families in Marion County, Florida, got some surprising news. “Traditional homework as we know it will disappear, at least for elementary students,” Heidi Maier said in a voice message to parents. Maier is the school superintendent. “Instead,…
TFK asked two experts to weigh in on homework. Janine Bempechat teaches human development and psychology at Wheelock College, in Massachusetts. Below, she explains why homework serves an important purpose for students of all ages. Etta Kralovec teaches education…
Some schools are giving letter grades an F. In their place, students will get detailed progress reports. Critics argue that grades don’t say much about which skills a student has mastered. That C in math could mean you’re struggling with…
For most Americans, plastic bags are a necessary part of any shopping trip. Many of us give little thought to the bags' impact on the environment. But plastic bags that end up in oceans and on beaches are harmful to…
Cupcakes and brownies are out. Carrot sticks and granola are in. In Massachusetts, selling sugary treats at fundraisers during the school day is banned. Massachusetts is one of 24 states that have adopted the federal Smart Snacks standards. The rules…
Target made headlines last year when it announced that its stores would no longer post signs to direct customers to buy some toys for girls and others for boys. Much of the push to separate toys by gender has come…
Technology is making it easier for schools to collect information about students. Much of the data is collected and stored by technology companies, and not by the schools or the families. Supporters say the programs make it easier for teachers…
