Lessons in social and emotional learning have been associated with testing gains, but a recent study of elementary-school students in Pennsylvania found less-impressive results. Researchers at Penn State found some testing gains for students who participated in an SEL program, but overall gains were not statistically significant.

Pupils who ask lots of questions get better results, especially those from poorer homes.

A school's principal can play a large role in helping to curb high rates of chronic absenteeism among students, according to a study of Tennessee principals by Brendan Bartanen, an assistant professor at Texas A&M University. Data shows the "principal effect" can reduce absenteeism rates by 4 percentage points on average -- and 6 percentage…

To understand why excessive turnover exists, researchers have investigated the relationship between principal turnover and various features of the principalship; which principals are most likely to leave; and which schools are more vulnerable to principal turnover. (pdf)

Principals are a key in-school factor associated with student achievement. When principals leave, it can disrupt school progress, increase teacher turnover, and stall student achievement. A new study reviews existing research to identify why school leadership matters and the impacts of principal mobility on student achievement.

Principals have a lot on their plates. According to recent research, the job's challenges have led to an 18% average turnover rate in public schools. Yet, many leaders have found workable solutions to juggle the responsibilities. Principals on Twitter shared their tips and tricks for staying cool under - well, you know the rest.

Research shows the benefits of phonics lessons in early-literacy instruction, but data shows that teacher training programs may be offering mixed messages about best practices. An Education Week survey of about 530 early-reading professors finds that 22% focused on explicit, systemic phonics, while 57% teach a more balanced literacy philosophy.

Legos, toothpicks and toy cars are key to teaching science and math early.

Erin Maier, a reading interventionist at Pasadena Park Elementary School, noticed that struggling readers often benefit from audiobooks, especially if they follow along with a printed version of the same book. Maier secured a grant for her school that will pay for as many as 120 Playaway audiobooks, making it easier for struggling readers to…

A decline in knowledge could be reversed with new approaches to vocabulary instruction.

It's possible to incorporate coding and programming into core subject areas--here's how to get started.

Caring for a garden can be incorporated into lessons for most subjects, providing opportunities for science experiments, art projects and social-emotional learning, among other things.