• Collaborative Learning
• Learning Styles
• Ergonomics
• Trends

What Is Ergonomics?

“Ergonomics” is a body of knowledge about human abilities and limitations and how these abilities and limitations should be applied to the design of equipment, machinery, and other devices to ensure safe, comfortable and effective use. Most homes and schools today are equipped with computers for student use. Backpacks have become the most popular means by which students carry books and other articles to and from school. If used improperly, both computers and backpacks can cause unnecessary body strain. Children are especially at risk. This fact sheet provides basic information to parents and school staff on using ergonomics practices to prevent computer and backpack-related stresses or injuries.

Study Links Academic Setbacks to Middle School Transition

While policymakers and researchers alike have focused on improving students' transition into high school, a new study of Florida schools suggests the critical trasition problem may happen years before, when students enter middle school.

Green Ribbon Schools Program Has State Agencies Working in New Ways

In September, Secretary Arne Duncan announced the Green Ribbon Schools program, which honors schools for reducing environmental impact, promoting health and wellness, and providing effective environmental education. In seeking to identify and celebrate schools’ achievement in these areas, the recognition award has also encouraged state agencies to work together on behalf of schools in new ways.

Another Case on the Importance of Early Childhood Education

A new report by the Center for Public Education looks at the effect of various combinations of pre-k and kindergarten on third grade reading skills — a key predictor of future academic success. The study, "Starting Out Right," shows that students who attend pre-k and half-day kindergarten are more likely to have higher reading skills by the third grade than students who attend full-day kindergarten alone.

Projections of Education Statistics to 2020

Projections of Education Statistics provides projections for key educations statistics, including enrollment, graduates, teachers, and expenditures in elementary and secondary public and private schools, as well as enrollment and degrees conferred at post-secondary degree-granting institutions.