As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, fostering international interactions in education offers invaluable cultural understanding and language acquisition, writes Sarah Elia, who teaches at Saugerties Central School District in Saugerties, N.Y. Elia writes that educators can use technology to facilitate global exchanges, providing students with firsthand experiences of different cultures and perspectives.

Tooele County School District students in Utah had an out-of-this-world experience when they interviewed astronaut Mike Barratt aboard the International Space Station during the eclipse on Monday. Facilitated by the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program, the event showcased students' enthusiasm for STEM and radio technology.

Students in Ashtabula Area City Schools in Ohio, a city in the path of totality for today's eclipse, experienced a range of lessons across all subjects. Math students calculated the path of totality and frequency of eclipses, language classes examined vocabulary of and cultural connections to the occurrence, younger students used globes and flashlights to better understand the event, and art students dabbled in various media to interpret the eclipse.

For formative assessments to effectively communicate information about student progress during instruction, educators should ensure that any grades for formative assessments are not heavily weighted and must accurately reflect student progress, writes instructional specialist Miriam Plotinsky. A formative assessment with a clear rubric helps students engage in the process of learning and assess their own progress rather than merely checking off a box for completing an assignment, Plotinsky writes.

The best leaders know that no one will follow them unless they are leading themselves by constantly working on their weaknesses, clarifying their values, setting goals and charting a path to achieve them despite obstacles, writes Stedman Graham, CEO of S. Graham and Associates. "The continuous journey of self-actualization can become a never-ending development process. That's why it is so important to build in time for ourselves to become more productive and contribute more to ourselves and others," Graham writes.

Math homework that is too difficult for students to do despite their parents' assistance can have detrimental effects on families, according to a recent study from the University of South Australia and St. Francis Xavier University in Canada, particularly when parents are unfamiliar with new and different approaches to math. The research, involving families with third-graders, reveals that such homework also can encroach into bedtimes and family time and prompt frustration and feelings of inadequacy.

Instructional leaders are key to helping teachers shift to a more phenomenon-based approach.

How can schools be assured that the dollars they are investing in coaching will lead to sustained impact after the coach leaves? On the ASCD Blog, learn about five strategic shifts that will help schools ensure instructional coaching leaves an enduring impact.