The case will determine whether a state violates the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause by excluding privately run religious schools from the state’s publicly funded charter school program. It will also decide whether a private religious school’s curriculum and practices are considered “state action” because the state funds the school’s free education.
St. Isidore — which is to be run by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa — was set to open for the 2024-25 school year as a virtual school, but did not do so due to the ongoing litigation around its constitutionality. Had it opened, it would have been the nation’s first religious charter school.
The Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board approved the school’s contract in 2023 in a 3-2 vote. At the time, board members acknowledged the decision to be controversial and said they expected litigation whichever way their vote went.
That contract was ultimately severed in August 2024 following an Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling that found the school would violate the state’s constitution and the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. The contract could, however, be reinstated depending on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett plans to recuse herself from the case. No date has been set for oral arguments.
Jill Norton, an education policy adviser in Massachusetts, has a teenage son with dyslexia and ADHD. Shelley Scruggs, an electrical engineer in the same state, also has a teenage son with ADHD. Both students go to the same technical high school.
But last fall, Norton and Scruggs advocated on opposite sides of a Massachusetts ballot referendum scrapping the requirement that high school kids pass a standardized state test to graduate.
Norton argued that without the high bar of the standard exam, kids like hers won’t have an incentive to strive. But Scruggs maintained that kids with learning disorders also need different types of measurements than standardized tests to qualify for a high school diploma.
Voters approved the referendum last November, 59% to 41%, ending the Massachusetts requirement. There and in most other states, Scruggs’ position against testing is carrying the day.
Just seven states now require students to pass a test to graduate, and one of those — New York — will end its Regents Exam as a requirement by the 2027-28 school year. Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Virginia still require testing to graduate, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, a group that opposes such mandates.
In Massachusetts, teachers unions favored getting rid of the exam as a graduation requirement. They argued it forced them to teach certain facts at the expense of in-depth or more practical learning. But many business leaders were in favor of keeping the test, arguing that without it, they will have no guarantee that job applicants with high school diplomas possess basic skills.
State by state, graduation tests have tumbled over the past decade. In 2012, half the states required the tests, but that number fell to 13 states in 2019, according to Education Week. The trend accelerated during the pandemic, when many school districts scrapped the tests during remote learning and some decided to permanently extend test exemptions.
Studies have found that such graduation exams disadvantage students with learning disabilities as well as English language learners, and that they aren’t always a good predictor of success in careers or higher education.
An oft-cited 2010 article by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin may have ignited the trend to scrap the tests. Researchers’ review of 46 earlier studies found that high school exit exams “produced few of the expected benefits and have been associated with costs for the most disadvantaged students.”
Some states began to find other ways to assess high school competency, such as grades in mandatory courses, capstone projects or technical milestones.
“Minimum competency tests in the 1980s drove the idea that we need to make sure that students who graduate from high school have the bare minimum of skills,” said John Papay, an associate professor of education at Brown University. “By the mid-2000s, there was a reaction against standardized testing and a movement away from these exams. They disappeared during the pandemic and that led to these tests going away.”
Despite the problems with the tests for English learners and students with learning disabilities, Papay said, the tests are “strong predictors of long-term outcomes. Students who do better on the tests go on to graduate [from] college and they earn more.”
Papay, who remains neutral on whether the tests should be required, pointed out that high school students usually have many opportunities to retake the tests and to appeal their scores.
Anne Hyslop, director of policy development at All4Ed, a think tank and advocacy group for underserved communities, noted that in many states, the testing requirements were replaced by other measures.
The schools “still require some students or all students to demonstrate competency to graduate, but students have many more options on how they could do that. They can pass a dual credit [high school/college] course, pass industry recognized competency tests. …
“A lot of states still have assessments as part of their graduation requirements, but in a much broader form,” she said.
Massachusetts moves
Scruggs said her son took Massachusetts’ required exam last spring; he passed the science and math portions but fell 1 point short in English.
“He could do well in his classes, but if he didn’t pass the three tests, he wouldn’t get his regular diploma,” Scruggs said. “How do you go out into the working world, and you went to school every day and passed your classes, but got no diploma?”
Her son has taken the English test again and is awaiting his new score, she said.
Norton, by contrast, said the exam, called the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, or MCAS, gave her son an incentive to work hard.
“I worry that kids like him … are going to end up graduating from high school without the skills they will need,” Norton said. “Without the test, they will just be passed along. I can’t just trust that my kid is getting the basic level of what he needs. I need a bar set where he will get the level of education he needs.”
Students in Massachusetts still will have to take the MCAS in their sophomore year of high school, and the scores will be used to assess their overall learning. But failing the test won’t be a barrier to graduation beginning with the class of 2025. The state is still debating how — or whether — to replace the MCAS with other types of required courses, evaluations or measurements.
High school students in Massachusetts and most states still have to satisfy other graduation requirements, which usually include four years of English and a number of other core subjects such as mathematics, sciences and social studies. Those requirements vary widely across the country, however, as most are set by individual school districts.
In New York, the State Education Department in 2019 began a multiyear process of rethinking high school graduation requirements and the Regents Exam. The department decided last fall to phase out the exit exam and replace it with something called a “Portrait of a Graduate,” including seven areas of study in which a student must establish proficiency. Credit options include capstone projects, work-based learning experiences and internships, as well as academic achievement. Several other states have moved recently to a similar approach.
Harry Feder, executive director of FairTest, an advocacy group that works to limit standardized testing, said course grades do a better job of assessing students’ abilities.
“Standardized tests are poor ways of incentivizing and measuring the kinds of skills and knowledge we should have high school kids focusing on,” Feder said. “You get ‘teaching to the test’ that doesn’t bear much of a relationship to the kinds of things that kids are being asked to do when they go on to college or the workplace.”
Max Page, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association union, said phrases such as “teaching to the test” disrespect teachers and their ability to know when students have mastered content and competency. The high school tests are first taken in the 10th grade in Massachusetts. If the kids don’t pass, they can retake the exam in the 11th or 12th grade.
“Educators are still evaluating students,” he said. “It’s a mirage to say that everything that a student does in education can be measured by a standardized test in the 10th grade. Education, of course, goes through the 12th grade.”
He added that course grades are still a good predictor of how much a student knows.
Colorado’s menu
Several of the experts and groups on both sides of the debate point to Colorado as a blueprint for how to move away from graduation test requirements.
Colorado, which made the switch with the graduating class of 2021, now allows school districts to choose from a menu of assessment techniques, such as SAT or ACT scores, or demonstration of workforce readiness in various skill areas.
A state task force created by the legislature recently recommended some changes to the education accreditation system to “better reflect diverse student needs and smaller school populations.” They include creating assessments that adapt to student needs, offering multilingual options, and providing quicker results to understand student progress.
The state hopes the menu of assessment options will support local flexibility, said Danielle Ongart, assistant commissioner for student pathways and engagement at the Colorado Department of Education.
“Depending on what the student wants for themselves, they have the ability to show what they know,” she said in an interview. In particular, she said, the menu allows for industry certificates, if a student knows what type of work they want to do. That includes areas such as computer science or quantum computing.
“It allows students to better understand themselves and explain what they can do, what they are good at, and what they want to do,” she said.
Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: [email protected].
Social media has connected kids like never before, but what they get in likes and shares, they lose in real, meaningful engagement with their peers and classmates. Lunch hours are spent hunched over smartphones, and after-school time means less sports and more Snapchat.
The adverse effects of this excessive screen time have significantly impacted students’ social- emotional health. Forty-one percent of teens with the highest social media usage struggle with mental health issues, and between 2010 and 2020, anxiety among adolescents skyrocketed by 106 percent.
At Spokane Public Schools (SPS), educators and administrators are reversing the side effects of social media by re-connecting with students through school-based extracurricular activities. Through its transformative Engage IRL (Engage in Real Life) initiative, the district is encouraging kids to get off their devices and onto the pickleball court, into the swimming pool, and outside in the fresh air. With more than 300 clubs and sports to choose from, SPS students are happier, healthier, and less likely to reach for their smartphones.
An innovative approach to student engagement
Even before the pandemic, SPS saw levels of engagement plummet among the student population, especially in school attendance rates, due in part to an increase in mental health issues caused by social media. Rebuilding classroom connections in the era of phone-based childhoods would require district leaders to think big.
“The question was not ‘How do we get kids off their phones?’ but ‘How do we get them engaged with each other more often?’” said Ryan Lancaster, executive director of communications for SPS. “Our intent was to get every kid, every day, involved in something positive outside the school day and extend that community learning past the classroom.”
To meet the district’s goal of creating a caring and connected community, in 2022, school leaders formed a workgroup of parents, community members, coaches, and teachers to take inventory of current extracurriculars at all district schools and identify gaps in meeting students’ diverse interests and hobbies.
Engaging with students was a top priority for workgroup members. “The students were excited to be heard,” explained Nikki Otero Lockwood, SPS board president. “A lot of them wanted an art club. They wanted to play board games and learn to knit. No matter their interests, what they really wanted was to be at school and be connected to others.”
Working with community partners and LaunchNW, an Innovia Foundation initiative focused on helping every child feel a sense of belonging, SPS launched Engage IRL–an ambitious push to turn students’ ideas for fun and fulfillment into real-life, engaging activities.
Over the past two years, Engage IRL has been the catalyst for increasing access and opportunities for K-12 students to participate in clubs, sports, arts activities, and other community events. From the Math is Cool Club and creative writing classes to wrestling and advanced martial arts, kids can find a full range of activities to join through the Elite IRL website. In addition, five engagement navigators in the district help connect families and students to engagement opportunities through individual IRL Plans and work with local organizations to expand programming.
“All day, every day, our navigators are working to break down barriers and tackle challenges to make sure nothing gets in the way of what kids want to be involved in and engaged in,” said Stephanie Splater, executive director of athletics and activities for SPS. “For example, when we didn’t have a coach for one of the schools in our middle school football program, our navigators mobilized for really good candidates in a short amount of time just from their personal outreach.”
In only two years, student engagement in extracurriculars has nearly doubled. Furthermore, according to Lancaster, since the Engage IRL launch, SPS hasn’t experienced a day where it dipped below 90 percent attendance.
“That’s an outlier in the past few years for us, for sure, and we think it’s because kids want to be at school. They want to be engaged and be part of all the cool things we’re doing. We’ve had a really great start to the 2024-2025 school year, and Engage IRL has played a huge role.”
Engage IRL also helped SPS weather student blowback when the district launched a new cell phone policy this year. The policy prohibits cell phone use in elementary and middle school and limits it to lunch and periods between classes for high school students. Because students were already building personal connections with classmates and teachers through Engage IRL, many easily handled social media withdrawal.
Creating opportunities for all kids
Key to Engage IRL’s success was ensuring partnerships and programs were centered in equity, allowing every child to participate regardless of ability, financial or transportation constraints, or language barriers.
Establishing a no-cut policy in athletics by creating additional JV and C teams ensured kids with a passion for sports, but not college-level skills, continued to compete on the court or field. Partnering with Special Olympics also helped SPS build new unified sports programs that gave children with disabilities a chance to play. And engagement navigators are assisting English language learners and their families in finding activities that help them connect with kids in their new country.
For Otero Lockwood, getting her daughter with autism connected to clubs after years of struggling to find school activities has been life-changing.
“There are barriers to finding community for some kids,” she shared. “We know kids with disabilities are more likely to be underemployed as adults and not as connected to the community. This is something we have the power to do that will have a lasting impact on the children we serve.”
Through Engage IRL, SPS has redefined student engagement by expanding access and opportunity to 6,000 students across 58 schools. In just two short years, the district has seen attendance increase, student wellness improve, and dependence on smartphones diminish. By continuing to listen to the needs of students and rallying the community to partner on out-of-school activities, Spokane Public Schools is successfully fostering the face-to-face connections every child needs to thrive.
Sean Duke, Washington State School Directors’ Association
Sean Duke is the communications officer for the Washington State School Directors’ Association, where he has served for over six years.
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Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: colleges struggle to connect with their most important audience—students. Fresh data RNL’s research studies show a big disconnect between what higher education offers and what students need. A new report from the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education is waving red flags about dropping enrollment numbers and workforce gaps if colleges can’t step up their game and prove their worth.
But what’s going on here?
Show me the money: The cost crisis
Here’s what keeps students up at night: money. Nearly all (93%) of prospective students are stressing about college costs (RNL & Halda, 2024). Let that sink in—we’re talking about almost every student thinking about college.
The money story gets even more complicated:
82% say they might not even apply because they’re worried about costs (RNL & ZeeMee, 2024)
73% aren’t sure if their family can foot the bill (RNL & Halda, 2024)
Many don’t even try for financial aid because they assume they won’t qualify (RNL, Ardeo & Halda, 2024)
“Is it worth it?”—The million-dollar question
Students aren’t just worried about paying for college—they’re questioning whether it’s worth the investment. The stats tell us:
60% wonder if college is worth the time, money, and effort
Only 63% see a job offer after graduation as their main goal
Half of students think they can make good money without a degree (RNL & Halda, 2024)
Lost in the college maze
In 2024, you’d think finding college info would be easy. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Check this out:
72% say applying to college is just too hard (RNL, Ardeo & Halda, 2024)
63% can’t figure out how to choose the right school (RNL & ZeeMee, 2024)
53% don’t know where to get help with college planning
51% are stuck at square one, not knowing where to start (RNL & Halda, 2024)
Transforming the college experience: A blueprint for change
The days of one-size-fits-all higher education are over. How can offer what students need?
1. Simplify the journey
Colleges must strip away the bureaucracy that scares away promising students. This means:
Creating a streamlined, user-friendly application process
Building intuitive websites that guide rather than confuse
Offering clear, step-by-step roadmaps to enrollment
Providing personalized application support based on each student’s background and needs
2. Talk money from day one
No more financial surprises or hidden costs. Colleges should:
Present total costs upfront, including living expenses and materials
Break down financial aid options in clear, everyday language
Show concrete examples of return on investment
Create customized financial planning tools that account for individual circumstances
3. Show Real Results
Students deserve to see the real impact of their investment:
Share detailed job placement data by major and career path
Report actual salary ranges for recent graduates
Feature diverse alumni success stories across different fields
Match potential career outcomes to students’ individual interests and goals
3. Innovate the Learning Experience
Education shouldn’t be rigid. Modern colleges must:
Design flexible learning paths that fit different lifestyles
Develop focused credential programs for specific career goals
Create clear pathways from certificates to full degrees
Offer personalized learning tracks based on student strengths and career objectives
The future of higher education isn’t just about making things easier—it’s about making them work better for each individual student. Colleges that embrace these changes won’t just survive; they’ll thrive by truly serving their students’ needs.
The future of higher education: A student-first revolution
Let’s be honest: the old college playbook isn’t cutting it anymore. Students are drowning in debt, juggling full-time jobs with classes, and questioning whether a degree is worth the sacrifice. They’re not asking for less rigor—they’re asking for a system that acknowledges their reality.
The WICHE report plainly states, “Demography need not be destiny.” But this isn’t just about numbers.
It’s about Darla raising two kids while pursuing her nursing degree.
It’s about Javier, the first in his family to consider college and has no roadmap to follow.
It’s about Sophia working two jobs just to afford textbooks.
It’s about Tyler, a baseball standout from rural Iowa whose guidance counselor is stretched too thin to help him navigate the recruiting process his parents never experienced.
It’s about Emma, whose well-meaning parents have taken over her college search entirely, leaving her silent and stressed about expressing her own dreams.
These students aren’t looking for handouts. They’re looking for:
A system that respects their time and responsibilities
Clear paths that connect their education to real careers
Flexible options that don’t force them to choose between life and learning
Proof that their investment will pay off in tangible ways
The colleges that will thrive aren’t the ones with the fanciest buildings or the most prestigious names. They’re the ones who dare to ask: “What do our students need to succeed?”
Because here’s the truth: higher education isn’t just about preserving institutions. It’s about transforming lives. And right now, too many bright, capable students are being left behind by a system that wasn’t built for them.
The future belongs to colleges brave enough to change. Not just with fancy words and mission statements but with real, student-centered solutions that make education accessible, achievable, and worth every dollar and hour invested.
Reports cited in this blog—available for free download
COSTA MESA, Calif. — BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of visual display and collaboration solutions, today announced that Marian High School in Omaha, Nebraska, selected and installed two BenQ LK936ST 4K HDR short-throw golf simulator projectors for its golf sim Golf Training Lab at the Marian Athletic Center. In 2024, the Marian girls’ golf team became the undefeated Nebraska State Champions in Class A golf. Designed to help analyze and improve the golfers’ swings and give them the ability to practice in all weather conditions, the Marian Golf Training Lab provides the girls’ high school and junior teams with an immersive and realistic golf course environment. Based on research and recommendations from golf simulation experts, Marian High School chose the BenQ LK936ST for its exceptional color accuracy, powerful brightness, and maintenance-free operation.
Head Coach Robert Davis led the effort to build the Golf Training Lab, which includes two golf simulator bays featuring Carl’s Place 16×10 impact screens and ProTee VX launch monitors. Seeking a high-performance projector that could deliver realistic course visuals, bright images in a well-lit environment, and long-term, maintenance-free operation, Davis consulted with golf simulator manufacturers and reviewers. After thorough research, BenQ’s LK936ST emerged as the top choice.
“Our athletes benefit from an experience that’s as close as you can get to being on an actual course,” said Davis. “When we pull up courses, you can see distinct leaves on the trees. That level of realism not only makes training more effective but also more enjoyable.”
The BenQ LK936ST’s 4K UHD resolution, combined with BenQ’s exclusive Golf Mode, ensures a highly detailed, true-to-life golfing experience. Its 5,100 lumens of brightness allow it to perform exceptionally well in the Marian Athletic Center’s brightly lit environment, ensuring clear visuals even without dimming the lights. Additionally, its short-throw lens and advanced installation tools — such as digital shrink, lens shift, and keystone correction — allow for a flexible and seamless setup within the limited space of the simulator bays.
“The golf simulation market has grown rapidly as more schools, athletes, and enthusiasts seek ways to improve their game year-round,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ America Corp. “With the LK936ST, we’ve provided everything a golf simulator needs to deliver a truly immersive experience. Its 4K resolution, high brightness, and laser-powered color accuracy ensure that golfers can see every detail with precision, whether it’s the grain of the greens or the clear blue sky. By combining these features, we’ve created a projector that meets the high standards required for today’s golf training environments.”
The BenQ LK936ST is engineered to provide a truly immersive and precise golf simulation experience, making it an ideal choice for Marian High School’s Golf Training Lab. With a 4K UHD resolution powered by Texas Instruments’ DLP chip technology, it delivers razor-sharp visuals and a stunning 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio, which allows for enhanced graphics and a lifelike recreation of the world’s top golf courses. Its exclusive Golf Mode, designed specifically for golf simulation, reproduces the vivid greens and brilliant blues of fairways and skies, offering 92% of the Rec. 709 color gamut for true-to-life color accuracy. This unprecedented visual fidelity helps golfers maintain their focus and engagement, simulating real-world conditions to perfect their game.
In addition to its color and image quality, the LK936ST is designed to excel in challenging environments. The projector’s short-throw lens (0.81-0.89) and 1.1x zoom capacity make it easy to install outside of the swing zone, projecting a large image without casting shadows on the screen. Digital shrink, offset, lens shift, keystone correction, and corner fit provide advanced installation flexibility, enabling perfect alignment with the screen, even in tight or unconventional spaces like garages, basements, or smaller training rooms.
Built for long-lasting, maintenance-free operation, the LK936ST features a sealed IP5X-rated dustproof optical engine, eliminating the need for filter changes and ensuring optimal performance even in dusty environments. Its laser light source guarantees 20,000 hours of use with consistent color and brightness, far outlasting traditional lamp-based projectors. The projector also offers instant power-up without the need for warm-up or cool-down times, allowing golfers to jump straight into their training. With multiple HDMI inputs and networking options, it integrates easily with other entertainment or training components, making it a versatile centerpiece for not only golf simulations but also home theater and gaming setups.
More information on the BenQ LK936ST 4K HDR short-throw golf simulator projector is available at bit.ly/3na585n.
About BenQ America — Business & Education Solutions The No. 1 selling global projector brand powered by TI DLP technology, according to Futuresource, the BenQ digital lifestyle brand stands for “Bringing Enjoyment and Quality to Life,” fusing ease of use with productivity and aesthetics with purpose-built engineering. BenQ is a world-leading human technology and professional solutions provider serving the enterprise, education, and entertainment markets. To realize this vision, the company focuses on the aspects that matter most to users, redefining traditional technology with innovative capabilities that increase efficiency, enhance learning, and amplify entertainment — all while ensuring a healthy, safe, and intuitive user experience. BenQ’s broad portfolio of professional installation solutions includes digital, laser, and interactive projectors; premium flat panels; and interactive large-format displays that take visual enjoyment to new heights in corporate offices, classrooms and lecture halls, and home theaters. The company’s products are available across North America through leading value-added distributors, resellers, and retailers. Because it matters. More information is available at www.BenQ.com.
All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
eSchool Media staff cover education technology in all its aspects–from legislation and litigation, to best practices, to lessons learned and new products. First published in March of 1998 as a monthly print and digital newspaper, eSchool Media provides the news and information necessary to help K-20 decision-makers successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and colleges and achieve their educational goals.
Students who graduated from an Illinois high school, no matter where they’re currently enrolled, will soon be guaranteed transfer admission to any University of Illinois system institution—including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which has a regular acceptance rate below 50 percent.
Illinois’s new policy, set to take effect this fall, builds on its previous transfer guarantee, which applied only to current Illinois community college students. Typical state transfer guarantee programs apply only to those currently enrolled in another state institution; Illinois’s more expansive approach may help bring back former residents who left the state for college.
To be eligible, students must have graduated from an Illinois high school, earned at least 36 transferable credit hours toward their transfer institution and maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA in all transferable courses. Students will still have to apply, but if they meet the requirements, they’ll be automatically accepted. Admission to specific programs and majors, however, is not guaranteed.
By Michelle Morgan, Dean of Students at the University of East London.
In the UK, we have a well-established education system across different levels of learning including primary, secondary, further and higher education. For each level, there is a comprehensive structure that is regulated and monitored alongside extensive information. However, at present, they generally function in isolation.
The Government’s recent Curriculum and Assessment Review has asked for suggestions to improve the curriculum and assessment system for the 16-19 year study group. This group includes a range of qualifications including GCSEs, A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and apprenticeships. The main purpose of the Review is to
ensure that the curriculum balances ambition, relevance, flexibility and inclusivity for all children and young people.
However, as part of this review, could it also look at how the different levels of study build on one another? Could the sectors come together and use their extensive knowledge for their level and type of study, to create an integrated road map across secondary, further and higher education where skills, knowledge, competencies and attributes (and how they translate into employability skills) are clearly articulated? We could call this a National Learning Framework. It could align with the learning gain programme led by the Office for Students (OfS).
The benefits of a National Learning Framework
There would be a number of benefits to adopting this approach:
It would provide a clear resource for all stakeholders, including students and staff in educational organisations, policymakers, Government bodies, Regulators and Quality Standard bodies (such as Ofsted, the Office for Students and QAA) and business and industry. It would also help manage the general public perception of higher education.
This approach would join up the regulatory bodies responsible for the different sectors. It would help create a collaborative, consistent learning and teaching approach, by setting and explaining the aims and objectives of the various types of education providers.
It would explain and articulate the differences in learning, teaching and assessment approaches across the array of secondary and further education qualifications that are available and used as progression qualifications into higher education. For example, A-Levels are mainly taught in schools and assessed by end-of-year exams. ‘Other’ qualifications such as BTEC, Access and Other Level 3 qualifications taught in college have more diverse assessments.
It would help universities more effectively bridge the learning and experience transition into higher education across all entry qualifications. We know students from the ‘Other’ qualification groups are often from disadvantaged backgrounds, which can affect retention, progression and success at university as research highlights (see also this NEON report). Students with other qualifications are more likely to withdraw than those with A-Levels. However, as this recent reportPrior learning experience, study expectations of A-Level and BTEC students on entry to universityhighlights, it is not the BTEC qualification per se that is the problem but the transition support into university study that needs improvement.
It would also address assumptions about how learning occurs at each level of study. For example, because young people use media technology to live and socialise, it is assumed the same is the case with learning. Accessing teaching and learning material, especially in schools, remains largely traditional: the main sources of information are course textbooks and handwritten notes, although since the Covid-19 Pandemic, the use of coursework submission and basic virtual learning environments (VLEs) is on the increase.
If we clearly communicate to students the learning that occurs throughout each level of their study, and what skills, knowledge, competencies and attributes they should obtain as a result, this can help with their confidence levels and their employability opportunities as they can better articulate what they have achieved.
What could an integrated learning approach across all levels of study via a NationalLearning Framework look like?
The Employability Skills Pyramid created for levels 4 to 7 in higher education with colleagues in a previous university where I worked could be extended to include Levels 2/3 and apprenticeships to create a National Learning Framework. The language used to construct the knowledge, skills and attribute grids used by course leaders purposely integrated the QAA statements for degrees (see accompanying document Appendix 1) .
By adding Levels 2 and 3, including apprenticeship qualifications and articulating the differences between each qualification, the education sector could understand what is achieved within and between different levels of study and qualifications (see Figure 1).
Key stakeholders could come together from across all levels of study to map out and agree on the language to adopt for consistency across the various levels and qualifications.
Integrated National Learning Framework across Secondary, Further andHigher Education
Alongside the National Learning Framework, a common transition approach drawing on the same definitions across all levels of study would be valuable. Students and staff could gain the understanding required to foster successful transitions between phases. An example is provided below.
Supporting transitions across the National Learning Framework using similar terminology
The Student Experience Transitions (SET) Model was designed to support courses of various lengths and make the different stages of a course clearer. It was originally designed for higher education but the principles are the same across all levels of study (see Figure 2). Students need to progress through each stage which has general rules of engagement. The definitions of each stage and the mapping of each stage by length of course are in the accompanying document in Appendix 2.
Figure 2: The Student Experience Transitions Model. Source: Morgan 2012
The benefits for students are consistency and understanding what is expected for their course. At each key transition stage, students would understand what is expected by reflecting on what they have previously learnt, how the coming year builds on what they already know and what they will achieve at the end.
Taking the opportunity to integrate
The Curriculum Review provides a real opportunity to join up each level of study and provide clarity for all stakeholders. Importantly, a National Learning Framework could provide and help with the Government’s aims of balancing ambition, relevance, flexibility and inclusivity for all learners regardless of level of study.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season represents the perfect time to reflect on all that your school community has accomplished and celebrate it. What better way to look back on 2024 with your staff, students, and families than a highlight video?
For years now, we’ve been compiling lists of our favorite holiday highlight videos from schools, sharing fun and compelling ideas that you can try to connect with your audience. Keep reading to discover the benefits of creating and distributing a holiday highlight video for your school and get inspiration from our list. Let’s get started!
Why Create a Holiday Highlight Video in 2024?
Creating a holiday highlight video for your school this year can be a fun project but also a strategic way to strengthen your connection with your community, showcase your school’s unique culture, and leave a lasting impression during the festive season. Here’s why it’s worth the effort.
1. Build Stronger Community Connections
A holiday highlight video allows you to bring your entire school community together. You highlight the collective spirit that defines your school by capturing moments from seasonal events, concerts, classroom celebrations, or volunteer initiatives.
Sharing these moments with parents, alumni, and local supporters creates a sense of belonging and pride, reinforcing that your school is a vibrant, supportive learning environment for students.
2. Showcase Your School’s Values and Culture
What better way to showcase what makes your school unique than through a professionally crafted holiday highlight reel? A holiday video can encapsulate those values in action whether your school emphasizes creativity, inclusivity, or academic excellence.
It’s an opportunity to demonstrate how your students and staff embody the spirit of giving, kindness, and celebration during the holidays, making your school stand out to prospective families and partners.
3. Engage Your Audience in a Memorable Way
Videos are one of the most engaging forms of content, especially on social media. A holiday highlight video captures attention far more effectively than static posts or written updates.
By combining visuals, music, and heartfelt moments, your video can evoke emotion, spark joy, and encourage viewers to share it with others, amplifying your school’s reach and impact.
4. Celebrate the Achievements of the Year
The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on the milestones your school has reached throughout the year.
A holiday highlight video can incorporate achievements from sports teams, academic competitions, or memorable events. This celebrates success and motivates students, staff, and families to look forward to what’s to come in the new year.
5. Create a Lasting Keepsake
A holiday highlight video can become a keepsake that students, parents, and staff can look back on for years.
These videos preserve memories of special moments that might otherwise be forgotten, becoming a cherished reminder of the holiday magic your school creates every year.
6. Boost School Spirit and Morale
For students and staff, a holiday highlight video can be a source of pride, reinforcing the positive energy and teamwork that make the school a great place to learn and work. It’s a morale booster that helps everyone end the year on a high note.
Investing in a holiday highlight video this season isn’t just a creative endeavour—it’s a meaningful way to connect, celebrate, and share the heart of your school with your community. Whether you’re looking to attract new families, strengthen existing relationships, or simply spread holiday cheer, a video is the perfect way to make your school’s message resonate this holiday season.
Wondering how to take your school’s digital marketing strategy to the next level with video content? Reach out to learn about our customized services.
How to Create a Holiday Highlight Video
Now, you might be wondering: how do I create a holiday video? Be sure to check all of these boxes:
Remember to plan ahead
Involve your school community in the process
Use high-quality visuals and audio
Add a festive, celebratory touch
Edit for quality and interest
Share your school’s holiday video on multiple platforms
What platforms are best for sharing a holiday video? Or, if we’re thinking of cost efficiency, what is the best app to create holiday videos for free?YouTube and TikTok are favorites among schools looking to use video content to communicate with their existing student body and boost enrollment due to their huge audiences and ease of use.
By planning thoughtfully, fostering collaboration, and putting a creative twist on your school’s holiday celebrations, you can create a video that delights your community and leaves a lasting impression. Now, for what you’ve been waiting for. Let’s see what schools all over the world have come up with.
The University of Louisville – Get the Whole Community Involved
The University of Louisville made a great holiday video this year. The star of the show? Their mascot Louie the Cardinal handed out Christmas cards to several members of the school community (Get it? Louie… Cardinal? We love a good pun!) The video wrapped up with a heartfelt holiday message from a school administrator, reflecting on the year’s achievements and sharing an inspiring outlook for 2025.
The key to an impactful school holiday video is involving as many members of your community as possible. Why is that? First of all, the holiday season is all about coming together. Including students, staff, and faculty members is both an excellent way to celebrate and an effective way to showcase your close-knit community to current and prospective students.
Remember that a strong school community garners trust and credibility, and encourages online engagement which in turn broadens your reach, humanizes your brand, and instills a sense of pride.
GSU Arts – Add a Creative Touch With Animation and Editing
This year, true to its identity as an art school, Georgia State University College of the Arts delighted its viewers with a festive animation project created by its very own current and former students.
Your holiday video highlight does not have to be complicated–just a joy to watch. It’s an excellent idea to leverage the talent within your student body, providing students with the opportunity to add something to their resumes and encouraging them to do their best work.
University of Vermont – Foster Inspiration, Gratitude, and Excitement for the New Year
This year, the University of Vermont went for a reflective, meaningful message, highlighting the positive impact that each department has on the planet.
Your school community members like to know that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Give them a sense of belonging by reminding them of all the amazing things they can accomplish now as your students and in the future as graduates.
Trent University – Remember to Infuse Some Holiday Magic!
Trent University’s holiday video is full of holiday magic starring students and faculty members across various departments who open an enchanted book that sparkles brightly, creating a whimsical visual effect.
The use of a powerful slogan – “Bright minds gather at Trent University” fits perfectly with the theme of the simple yet festive subject matter within the video. Remember that a little bit of effective video editing can create a magical holiday feel.
Source: Trent University | YouTube
University of Toronto – Provide Some Needed Support During Exam Season
Though holiday cheer is in the air, so is the stress of exam season. Here, the University of Toronto acknowledges this stress and provides a solution! This TikTok video features fellow students assembling Exam Ready Kits for stress-free studying.
A video like this, particularly for post-secondary institutions, showcases a caring, supportive learning environment, which is appealing at any time of the year. Show how you care for the needs of students in your holiday highlight video.
Glenbard North High School – Share Highlights From Holiday Spirit Week
Leading up to the holiday break, many schools, particularly K-12, invite staff and students to participate in holiday-themed spirit weeks.
Glenbard North made a short, fun TikTok video where students and a staff member introduced the themes of each day: cozy, candy cane coloured, family photo themed, Grinch vs. Whos, and festive. How fun! Try fun short videos like this on TikTok to create excitement.
University of Michigan – Highlight Holiday Events for a Good Cause
The University of Michigan shared heartwarming highlights from their annual tree lighting ceremony. The guests of honour were the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital’s ‘calendar kids’ who enjoyed special guest appearances from Batman and Captain Marvel.
Think about how your school gives back to the community and showcase that to demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact as an institution. How fitting for the season of giving.
McTavish High School – Give Students Something to Look Forward To!
The holidays are a time for celebration! Many schools host dances and events around this time. Make a fun video providing the details of your upcoming winter celebrations to give students something to look forward to.
In their video, McTavish High School provides essential event details in the video content and the description and creates hype around the upcoming dance with a high-energy mini-skit performed by students.
University of Bristol – Show off Your Holiday Decorations
Just the sight of a well-lit tree can elicit excitement for lovers of the holiday season. Have you been decorating on campus? If so, why not show it off?
This simple video by the University of Bristol puts their beautiful tree on display and encourages students to stop and appreciate the beauty of their campus in the winter time. Your holiday highlight video is the perfect opportunity not only to display your decorations but also to show off amenities on campus. Take advantage of this!
University of Essex – Showcase the Diversity Within Your Community
One of the most beautiful parts of the holiday season is learning about the many traditions kept across the world.
Particularly as a diverse school community like the University of Essex, highlighting the diversity of your student body can be a heartwarming and interesting way to celebrate as an institution. Try an authentic interview-style video like this one to learn more about the individuals that make your community special.
The holiday season offers schools a unique opportunity to celebrate their community, showcase their values, and engage with their audiences in meaningful ways. Whether through heartfelt messages, creative animations, or exciting event highlights, a holiday video can capture the essence of your school while fostering pride and connection.
By drawing inspiration from the examples we went through and tailoring your approach to reflect your school’s spirit, you can create a memorable and impactful holiday highlight video that resonates with your students, staff, and families. Here’s to celebrating the achievements of 2024 and setting the stage for a bright and inspiring 2025!
Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for improving your school’s online visibility, ensuring that when local families search for educational options, your school is among the first they see. SEO helps your website rank higher in search engine results, making prospective parents more likely to find you before other schools in your area. SEO gives your school a competitive edge in reaching families who are actively seeking information on local educational options.
Knowing the value of SEO, most people ask how to do SEO for a school? To begin implementing SEO, schools can focus on three primary areas: On-page SEO, technical SEO, and Local SEO. In this blog, we’re focussing on local SEO.
An optimized online presence is crucial for K-12 schools to attract and engage prospective families within their local communities. By focusing on Local SEO, schools can increase their visibility in search engine results, connect with families nearby, and build trust as a leading choice for local education. With our 15 years of experience driving results for schools like yours, we know the unique challenges K-12 schools face in reaching prospective parents and students. This guide will walk you through the essential strategies to enhance your school’s local SEO, even if you’re new to search engine optimization.
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Understanding Local SEO for K-12 School Websites and Why It Matters
Local SEO optimizes your school’s website and online presence to rank higher in local search results. This optimization specifically targets potential families searching for schools in your area, making it an essential component for K-12 schools looking to expand their visibility.
When someone searches “best private school near me” or “elementary school in [City],” the results that appear are influenced by local SEO practices. Google and other search engines analyze local relevance factors such as your school’s address, the presence of local keywords, online reviews, and overall domain authority to decide which websites to show at the top. Mastering local SEO for K-12 schoolwebsites can make a difference in being found online by families in your community.
Are you trying to implement effective digital advertising for parents of students? Reach out to learn more about our digital marketing services.
Claiming and Optimizing Your Google My Business Profile
What is the most effective strategy for local SEO? One of the most powerful steps you can take when marketing to K-12 students’ families in your area is to claim and optimize your Google My Business (GMB) profile. This profile is essential for local SEO because it provides search engines and families with critical information about your school, such as its location, contact information, and operating hours.
Begin by verifying your school’s GMB profile. When editing the profile, ensure all details are accurate, including the school’s name, address, phone number, website URL, and a brief description of the school’s values and offerings. Google also allows you to add photos, which can be a fantastic way to showcase your school’s facilities, activities, and unique educational experiences. Families browsing through profiles will be drawn to authentic visuals, which can help them feel connected to your school before they even step foot on campus.
Adding relevant categories (e.g., “Elementary School” or “Private School”) and attributes to your GMB profile increases your chances of appearing in local searches specific to your school type. Regularly update your GMB profile with fresh photos, events, and posts, as Google favors active profiles, enhancing your school’s local SEO ranking.
Example: This is how Google presents your institution to searchers when you create and optimize your Google My Business account. Your GMB profile provides critical information about your institution in an easy-to-consume layout.
Source: Randolph-Macon Academy | Google
Optimizing Your Website for Location-Based Keywords
Your website’s content should reflect keywords families might use when searching for schools in your area. Instead of generic phrases like “top K-12 school,” incorporate keywords that feature your location, such as “top K-12 school in [City]” or “private high school in [Suburb].” These location-based keywords help search engines understand that your school serves families in a specific area, increasing your chances of appearing in relevant searches.
Consider adding a dedicated “Location” or “About Our Community” page that details your school’s surrounding area, landmarks, or neighborhoods. This page could highlight the community values and amenities available, reinforcing that your school is embedded within the local community. Mentioning nearby cities, neighborhoods, or districts can also strengthen your local SEO, especially for families who want their children to be educated within specific geographic boundaries.
Each page of your website should also include the school’s full name, address, and phone number (often referred to as NAP – Name, Address, Phone Number) in a consistent format. Placing your NAP details in the footer ensures they appear across the entire site, building user trust and Google’s confidence in your school’s legitimacy and location.
Example: WillowWood School’s metadata uses the title WillowWood School | K-12 Private School | Toronto. In your metadata, include your school’s city to rank for location-based searches.
Source: WillowWood School
Creating High-Quality, Locally Relevant Content
Content marketing is an excellent way to boost your school’s visibility in search results. Develop blog posts, articles, and resource pages that speak to local concerns, events, and topics families in your area care about. Writing blog posts on subjects like “Why Choose a Private School in [City]” or “The Benefits of Small Class Sizes in [Neighborhood] Schools” can help attract local searches and establish your school as a knowledgeable voice within the community.
Another powerful content idea is to publish posts about school events, open houses, and seasonal programs like summer camps. These posts can generate interest from families looking for activities within your area, leading to higher engagement on social media platforms.
Local content can also come as testimonials and success stories from parents and students within the community. Encourage current families to share their experiences and post their stories on your blog or testimonials page. Positive testimonials boost your school’s reputation, and add keywords and phrases that resonate with other families in your area.
Example: Here, Nanjing International School shares culturally and geographically relevant content on its YouTube channel, helping it to attract prospects. When creating content, particularly visual, highlight your school’s location and discuss any advantages it offers students.
Source: Nanjing International School | YouTube
Encouraging Positive Online Reviews
Online reviews play an important role in local SEO, particularly for schools. Families considering your school will likely check online reviews to gauge what other parents and students think of your programs, culture, and overall quality. Reviews posted on Google, Yelp, Facebook, and niche educational sites help build trust and credibility while boosting your local SEO ranking.
One way to encourage reviews is by setting up an easy process for parents to leave feedback. After key events like open houses, school performances, or parent-teacher meetings, follow up with an email inviting parents to share their experience on Google or other review sites. Always respond to reviews in a timely, professional manner, whether positive or negative. This responsiveness shows that your school values feedback and is engaged with its community, which search engines recognize positively.
Example: Western Heights Montessori School’s website displays several positive reviews. These personal and specific reviews highlight the school’s unique selling points. When encouraging parents to write reviews, try to prompt them toward a similar result.
Source: Western Heights Montessori
Building Citations and Directory Listings
Citations, or mentions of your school’s name, address, and phone number on other websites, are a key component of local SEO. Citations help search engines confirm your school’s existence and location, ultimately building your website’s authority. Common places for citations include online school directories, community websites, and local educational resources.
Research reputable, relevant directories specific to education or your geographic area, and ensure your school’s information is listed accurately. Local chambers of commerce, community pages, and educational sites often provide directory listings or profiles where your school can be featured. Each additional citation strengthens your local SEO, contributing to a greater chance of appearing in local search results.
Example: This is GLCT’s listing on the International School Database. By appearing on directories like this, you’re expanding your online presence, making it easier for prospects to find your school.
Source: Great Lakes College of Toronto | International School Database
Building Local Backlinks
Backlinks, or links from other websites to your school’s website, are essential for establishing credibility in SEO. Local backlinks are even more valuable, as they signal to Google that your school is an authority in the community. Consider contacting local organizations, libraries, businesses, or news outlets that could mention or link to your school.
For example, if your school partners with local businesses for community events, ask them to link to your website in their event descriptions. Participating in community service projects or sponsoring local events can provide backlink opportunities. Press releases about notable achievements or events at your school, published on local news sites, can generate valuable backlinks.
Implementing Schema Markup
Schema markup is a form of structured data that helps search engines understand specific information on your website. For K-12 schools, schema can highlight important details such as your school’s name, location, contact information, and even specific features like tuition or grade levels offered.
Adding schema markup helps Google better understand the context of your website, often leading to enhanced search result displays with additional information like ratings, contact details, or event dates. Schools that use schema have a competitive advantage in local search results, as this markup can make your listing stand out.
For example, implementing schema to highlight upcoming events, open house dates, or application deadlines allows families searching for local school options to identify important details quickly. Schema markup may require technical assistance, but it’s worth considering to boost your local SEO efforts further.
Tracking and Adjusting Your Local SEO Strategy
After implementing these local SEO practices, tracking your progress is essential. Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor key metrics such as organic search traffic, click-through rates, and the keywords driving traffic to your site. These insights can help you understand which strategies are working and where adjustments are needed.
Regularly updating and refreshing your website’s content, profile listings, and SEO practices is vital to staying competitive. Local SEO is an ongoing process, and search engine algorithms frequently change, so periodically revisiting and refining your strategy can ensure your school continues to attract and engage the local community effectively.
Implementing local SEO for your K-12 school’s website may initially seem complex, but by focusing on the essential practices we’ve discussed today, you’ll soon see its value. By investing in local SEO, you’re building a more robust digital foundation and positioning your school as a valuable resource in your community.
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FAQs
How to do SEO for a school?
To begin implementing SEO, schools can focus on three primary areas: On-page SEO, technical SEO, and Local SEO. In this blog, we’re focussing on local SEO.
What is the most effective strategy for local SEO?
One of the most powerful steps you can take when marketing to K-12 students’ families in your area is to claim and optimize your Google My Business (GMB) profile.
