Laura Baker

1 month ago | edweek.org | Laura Baker |Sarah Sparks

Physical activity is more than just playtime—it’s a key factor in children’s health, well-being, and academic achievement. Research shows that students who engage in regular movement throughout the school day tend to have better focus, stronger cognitive skills, and improved academic performance. Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, boosting concentration and helping them stay on task in the classroom.

2 months ago | edweek.org | Elizabeth Heubeck |Laura Baker |Gina Tomko |Vanessa Solis

Girls, on average, find more success at school than boys. The data are clear; the reasons behind it, less so. Are boys today simply less likely than girls to see the value of succeeding academically? Or do boys find school and the way educators deliver learning to be uninspiring? There’s no simple answer to these questions. The good news is that the problems that plague boys at school are beginning to get attention—from child advocates, mental health professionals, educators, and even policymakers.

Jan 13, 2025 | edweek.org | Caitlynn Peetz |Laura Baker

Maximizing the amount of time students spend in class and focused on learning can have long-term benefits. But that’s a tall order for teachers for reasons largely outside of their control. During a typical school year, teachers contend with potentially thousands of interruptions to classroom time as students arrive late for class, administrators or other staff pop in for something seemingly quick, an announcement blares over the intercom, or the classroom phone rings.

Aug 9, 2024 | edweek.org | Olina Banerji |Laura Baker

A growing number of school and district leaders are grappling with a daunting question: Should they ban cellphones at school? Cellphones are a certified nuisance for some educators. They sap them of their as they fight a losing battle with social media and incoming text messages for their students’ attention spans. A growing number of studies have linked smartphone and social media use to deteriorating mental health among young children.

May 31, 2024 | edweek.org | Lesli A. Maxwell |Laura Baker

Dear school leaders,It’s summer. 😎 Even if you’ve got two weeks left to go, the break is in sight. You can let your mind wonder to the days ahead when you can sleep in. Ignore email. And not think about next school year (that’s a July problem!)You’ve earned this downtime. So in the glorious days of June, unplug, decompress, divert your mind, and dive into a curated list of good reads and podcast listens the EdWeek staff has curated, just for you.