Consider using verbs to clarify the purpose of project-based lessons, suggests instructional coach Andrew Miller. In this blog post, he offers tips for choosing verbs and showcases how they can improve and focus project-based learning.

The implementation of improvement models funded by school-improvement grants provided under the Obama administration led to "no significant impacts on math or reading test scores, high school graduation or college enrollment," according to a report by the Institute of Education Sciences. Researchers considered data from 270 schools implementing a SIG model.

A high-school teacher in Pennsylvania started the Knot Me program, in which male students are taught to tie a tie and are gifted a tie as part of "Male Leadership Day." Officials say the event helps prepare students for college and career and boosts their confidence.

Data analytics have helped some school districts improve attendance rates and engagement, but not all districts have the resources to purchase a data-analytics program. To help solve budget issues, some schools have created data-sharing partnerships with local government and organizations.

Physical-education class at Lynn Classical High School in Massachusetts included a field trip to Title Boxing Club, where students of all fitness levels took part in a one-hour boxing class. Teacher Colleen Peterson said the school's PE program uses a fitness-based curriculum, so the boxing class is a good fit that offers a lifetime exercise option for students who are not athletes.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos recently addressed the Council of Great City Schools, where she expressed her support of school choice and local control. "Let's continue to move power away from Washington, D.C., and into the hands of parents and state and local leaders," she said.

President Donald Trump's budget proposal could include $6 billion in cuts to the US Department of Education, according to sources familiar with the draft. The final budget proposal is expected this week.

Recent research shows fewer teenagers are using illicit drugs, a trend Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, plans to study further. Volkow's research will consider the possible role interactive media such as smartphones and computers play in the trend.

Specific, positive feedback can not only influence student achievement, but it can also lay the groundwork for good relationships. A teacher shares how her classroom is using Class Dojo to establish classroom norms, reward positive behavior, communicate with parents and create smooth transitions outside of the classroom. Follow these tips for using the app to be consistent and strategic about feedback. Read now.

ASCD Case Studies celebrate your successes, highlighting goals attained and progress made by a school, a district or a university working side-by-side with ASCD. Through these success stories, ASCD promotes the achievements of students and educators in their arenas and help show other districts how that success was achieved. Learn more.