(Lexia) - As the infants and toddlers of the COVID-19 pandemic era enter kindergarten, many educators report unique challenges in this cohort, according to results of a survey conducted by Lexia, a leader in science of reading-based literacy solutions.

The survey included more than 200 educators from across the United States who worked with kindergarteners in the fall of 2025.

Overall, approximately three-quarters of the survey respondents said that this year’s kindergarten students were behind in early literacy skills compared to those of five years ago. Among those who described their students as behind, most cited phonemic awareness, the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words, as the biggest gap. Others mentioned that children struggle with recognizing letters and writing their names.

In addition, almost 90% of teachers reported that children’s attention spans during reading-related activities are shorter than previous classes, and more than half said their students are less confident when asked to participate in reading activities.

However, social and emotional delays were even more striking than the academic delays. Eighty-two percent of educators said their students are less socially and emotionally ready for kindergarten than past years. Educators also reported that children are less practiced in sharing, self-regulation, and cooperation on arrival in kindergarten -- the first group experience many whose early childhoods were relatively isolated.

When young children lack opportunities to play with peers or listen to stories in groups, they lose not only vocabulary, but also the social-emotional skills of waiting one’s turn, following a sequence, and engaging with other minds.

Despite the pandemic-induced challenges, teachers also reported that these kindergarteners can adapt. They remain curious, empathetic, and eager to learn, but some may need scaffolds that reflect their unique early childhood experience.

The educators surveyed agreed that more engagement in reading at home is key to helping children catch up; reading aloud with children is an opportunity not only for bonding but also for promoting literacy.

The survey also asked educators which school-based interventions most help support today’s kindergarteners. Some takeaways for schools include using data-driven tools to pinpoint skill gaps in phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension, structuring small-group interventions that target those gaps with playful, multisensory practice, embedding social-emotional learning into literacy instruction, helping students persist through frustration and take pride in progress, and offering teachers professional development focused on understanding and responding to the unique needs of post-pandemic learners.

Overall, the educators surveyed expressed determination; they see the current group of kindergarteners as individuals with resilience, empathy, and curiosity who need consistent support, connection, and time in order to thrive.

(K12) - Snowflakes, cozy blankets, and hot cocoa—images of winter often evoke a cheerful glow. Yet for many children, the season’s dimmer days and limited outdoor play can leave them feeling irritable or tired and can even affect their schoolwork.   

To help beat the winter blues, school counselors across K12-powered online schools offer practical tips for parents to help their children feel more balanced as we wait for the days to turn warmer and brighter. 

Maintain a normal routine  

Low sunlight can affect serotonin and melatonin levels, leading to sluggishness and low energy. Sticking to a consistent daily routine—waking up and going to bed at normal times, eating healthy meals, and building in time for family, friends, homework, and play—can help kids feel productive, centered, and more alert.  

Get outside   

Even in colder months, time outdoors matters. Studies show that small doses of sunlight and outdoor play can boost kids’ spirits and energy. A short walk, stretching, or playing in the snow can provide beneficial exposure to daylight while encouraging movement.   

Make screentime intentional   

Heavy social media use can intensify feelings of sadness and may affect school performance. Screen time should lean toward purposeful use. Educational gaming platforms like the K12 Skills Arcade transform practicing math, English language arts, science, and history into a fun gaming experience. Research shows that game-based learning can produce measurable academic improvement—plus, it keeps kids engaged.  

Learn and build new skills  

When boredom hits, look for opportunities to build practical skills indoors. Let your child help make dinner, learn a basic sewing stitch, or try a simple science experiment. Board games, puzzles, and audiobooks also help pass the time while encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and family connection.  

Stay focused on schoolwork   

Low energy and sadness can take a toll on schoolwork, and falling behind may intensify those feelings. Help your child stay on track by reinforcing daily routines and seeking extra support when needed. Online options like K12 Tutoring allow students to get homework help without braving cold or icy roads. Sessions are delivered virtually by state-certified teachers. 

These challenges are often temporary, but you know your child best. If sadness or fatigue feels more serious or begins to affect daily life, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider.   

With encouragement and guidance, your child can learn to navigate overwhelming feelings—skills that support well-being for years to come. 

(NewsUSA) - A Michigan university unveils SOAR^™, a new smartphone-based degree program that brings college within reach for busy adults — at half the cost.

For millions of adults, finishing college was never about ability — it was about circumstances. Jobs, family responsibilities and rising tuition costs often forced higher education onto the back burner.

About 750 adults leave college every day in the United States. Most don’t fail academically; they simply run out of time, money, or both. For those who still dream of completing their degrees, the barriers can feel insurmountable.

That’s where the SOAR™ by Cornerstone University app comes in. 

Launched in 2025, SOAR is the nation’s first fully accredited bachelor’s degree designed to be completed entirely on a smartphone. The program currently offers a Bachelor of Science in strategic business management, preparing students with leadership and business skills employers consistently demand.

SOAR stands out for three reasons. It’s half the cost of the average accredited business degree, making it one of the most affordable in the nation. It’s flexible, with new classes starting every two weeks and lessons delivered in short, smartphone-ready modules so students can learn on the go. And it’s respected, carrying full accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

For adults in the workforce, that means finishing a degree without stepping away from their jobs or families. For many parents, SOAR also removes the difficult choice between investing in their children’s tuition and finally finishing their own. With radically affordable tuition, both become possible.

“For too long, adults who wanted to go back to school were forced to choose between their education and their responsibilities,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone University. “SOAR was built to remove those barriers — it’s a degree that works with your life, not against it.”

Take Alicia, a single mom in Michigan who enrolled this year. “I like to SOAR when I’m getting ready in the morning and driving to work,” she said. “I often log into the SOAR app after dinner when my little one is settled or in bed.”

Her story reflects the core mission of SOAR. It makes higher education accessible to those who thought the door had closed.

With looming retirements creating leadership gaps in the workforce, programs like SOAR aren’t just helping individuals — they’re preparing the next generation of business leaders. And this is just the start. New disciplines and advanced degrees are already in development, expanding options for learners who wish to continue their studies beyond a bachelor’s degree.

For adults ready to reclaim their dream of finishing college, SOAR offers a path forward: half the cost, fully accredited, and designed for real life.

Learn more about SOAR^™ by Cornerstone University at go.cornerstone.edu/SOAR1.

(K12) - It’s testing season—and students are feeling the pressure. Between midterms, SATs, coursework, and activities, staying focused and confident can be a real challenge.  

Today’s students have access to a new kind of test prep helper: AI. On its own, AI can be a smart study tool, offering personalized quizzes, instant feedback, and tailored plans. But what’s missing is the human touch—the kind that understands when a student’s losing steam, feeling stuck, or needs a pep talk. That’s where a tutor makes all the difference. AI may be smart and responsive, but it can’t replace the encouragement and insight of a real person. 

Used together, AI and tutors can make studying more effective. The key is knowing how to balance them. AI can create practice tests and recognize learning patterns, while a tutor uses that information to personalize instruction and keep students motivated. Here are a few ways to help your child use both resources this testing season: 

Build a schedule with AI.

AI can build a personalized plan with review days, quizzes, and rest time, just by sharing your test date, topic, and preferred study hours. You can even upload the syllabus or study guide to further customize a plan. 

Create practice tests.

Some AI tools can generate full-length exams with multiple choice, essay, and short-answer questions that may closely match the style of the real test. Whether it’s the SAT or a midterm, the more details you give, the better the results. 

Look for trends.

Ask AI to identify patterns in practice results, including repeated misconceptions, errors, or weak spots in written answers. 

Bring AI data to your tutor.

A tutor can use these insights to personalize instruction and feedback. They can focus on the areas that need improvement and check in along the way to ensure your student is following along. Encourage your child to ask questions that deepen understanding and make tutoring an active learning experience. 

Repeat 

Between tutoring sessions, AI can be used to practice the concepts your child needs the most help with. 

If your child doesn’t yet have a tutor, now is a great time to find the right match. Whether you choose a private tutor, a tutoring center, or a virtual option like K12 Tutoring, combining AI with expert support creates a powerful test prep program that helps your student face testing season with confidence and ease. 

(NewsUSA) - Los avances acelerados en inteligencia artificial (IA) y otras tecnologías emergentes están transformando rápidamente el mercado laboral, con aproximadamente 170 millones de nuevos empleos previstos en la próxima década, y el 50 % de la Generación Z planeando emprender.

Ya sea que escales posiciones en una empresa o fundes tu propia compañía, triunfar en el mercado actual requiere liderazgo con dominio tecnológico, visión, conocimientos empresariales y agilidad. La buena noticia: no tienes que esperar hasta la universidad para adquirir estas habilidades—puedes comenzar en la secundaria.

Las escuelas de negocios de muchas universidades, incluyendo la Escuela de Administración del Instituto Tecnológico de Nueva York (New York Institute of Technology), ofrecen cursos, talleres y seminarios que permiten a estudiantes de secundaria iniciar su carrera universitaria. Algunas oportunidades incluso permiten obtener créditos universitarios.

Sin importar la carrera que elijas, aprender los fundamentos de negocios y emprendimiento impulsará tu desarrollo académico y profesional. Esto es lo que obtendrás:

• Conocimiento de tecnologías empresariales emergentes. Series de talleres como la Academia de Negocios para Secundaria de nuestra Escuela de Administración permiten a los estudiantes explorar aplicaciones reales de IA, tecnología financiera (FinTech), análisis digital y otras innovaciones en campos clave del negocio. A través de proyectos prácticos y debates dinámicos, los estudiantes descubren cómo las tecnologías de próxima generación están transformando industrias y trayectorias profesionales.
   
• Habilidades de alfabetización financiera. Según la Oficina de Estadísticas Laborales, la demanda de habilidades financieras aumentará un 15 % para 2034. Los programas empresariales a nivel universitario, incluyendo los de New York Tech, preparan a los estudiantes para evaluar costos, analizar riesgos, realizar investigaciones forenses, gestionar portafolios e identificar inversiones estratégicas. Los estudiantes también son capacitados para tomar decisiones inteligentes en sus finanzas personales.
   
• Exposición a diversas trayectorias profesionales. Los estudios empresariales introducen a los estudiantes con aspiraciones universitarias a una amplia gama de carreras en emprendimiento, mercadeo, finanzas, contabilidad, gestión y otros campos. Por ejemplo, nuestra Academia de Negocios para Secundaria, impartida por profesores expertos, incluye talleres sobre emprendimiento y desarrollo profesional, entre otros temas. Además, programas como New York Tech Advance permiten a los estudiantes de secundaria comenzar su educación universitaria obteniendo créditos a tarifas significativamente reducidas.
   
• Habilidades blandas competitivas. A medida que la IA y la automatización se utilizan cada vez más para tareas rutinarias, la capacidad humana de innovar, comunicarse y pensar críticamente se vuelve aún más valiosa. Los programas empresariales universitarios fomentan habilidades de comunicación esenciales (tanto digitales como interpersonales) desde temprano, mientras capacitan a los estudiantes para negociar, colaborar y resolver conflictos en entornos laborales culturalmente diversos.

La Escuela de Administración de New York Tech ofrece oportunidades de aprendizaje virtuales y presenciales para preparar a estudiantes de secundaria interesados en la experiencia universitaria en negocios.

Conoce nuestros programas de grado integrados con IA, incluyendo licenciaturas en inteligencia artificial empresarial y análisis, contabilidad forense e investigación de fraude financiero, entre otros.

(NewsUSA) - Swift advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are rapidly changing the labor market, with approximately 170 million new jobs expected over the next decade, and 50 percent of Gen Z planning to pursue entrepreneurship.

Whether you climb the corporate ladder or found your own company, succeeding in today’s market requires tech-savvy leadership, vision, business acumen, and agility. The good news: you don’t have to wait until college to gain these skills—you can start in high school.

Business schools at many universities, including New York Institute of Technology’s School of Management, offer courses, workshops, and seminars enabling high school students to jumpstart their college careers. Some opportunities even allow you to earn college credits.

No matter which college major you pursue, learning the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship will advance your academic and professional careers. Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Knowledge of emerging business technologies. Workshop series, like our School of Management’s High School Business Academy, allow students to explore real-world applications of AI, Financial Technology (FinTech), digital analytics, and other innovations across key business fields. Through hands-on projects, group challenges, and lively discussions, students uncover how next-generation technologies are reshaping industries and career possibilities.

• Financial literacy skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for finance skills will rise 15 percent by 2034. College-level business programs, including those at New York Tech, prepare students to evaluate costs, assess risks, analyze forensics, manage portfolios, and identify strategic investments. Students are also empowered to make smart personal finance decisions.

• Exposure to diverse career paths. Business studies introduce college-bound students to a wide range of careers in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, accounting, management, and other fields. For example, our High School Business Academy, taught by expert faculty, includes workshops on entrepreneurship and career development, among other topics. In addition, programs like New York Tech Advance allow high schoolers to get a head start on their college education by earning credits at a steeply discounted rate.

• Competitive soft skills. As AI and automation are increasingly used for routine business tasks, the human ability to innovate, communicate, and think critically has become ever more valuable. College-level business programs instill vital communication skills (both digital and interpersonal) early on, while training students to negotiate, collaborate, and resolve conflicts in culturally diverse work environments.

New York Tech’s School of Management offers virtual and in-person learning opportunities to prepare interested high school students for the business school experience.

Learn about our AI-infused degree programs, including bachelor's degrees in business AI and analytics, forensic accounting and financial fraud investigation, and more.   

(NewsUSA) - With the holidays just around the corner, many families find that the season of giving often turns into a season of overflowing toy bins. From stuffed animals to action figures, it doesn’t take long before every surface is covered with toys. But with a little planning and teamwork, families can declutter and make room for what matters most: time together.

Start with a simple system

Sort toys into four piles: things to keep, donate, recycle, or toss. Involve your child in the process. When kids help decide which toys stay and which can find a new home, they learn responsibility and generosity.

“Turn cleaning into fun and kindness,” said Ariel Bronson, KinderCare Individualized Education Specialist. “By explaining [to kids] that their toys will be donated or shared with other children, you help them see that their toys can make new friends and bring happiness elsewhere, often making it easier and more meaningful for them to let go.”

Think minimalist

Fewer toys can actually lead to more play. Children often get overwhelmed by too many choices and end up playing less. A smaller collection encourages creativity, focus, and imagination.

Once you’ve decluttered, organize what remains with labeled bins or baskets by category, like puzzles, art supplies, dolls or blocks. Keep the baskets or bins within your child’s reach so cleanup feels like part of playtime. If you want to, temporarily remove some things and rotate toys every few weeks to keep things fresh. Your child will feel like they have something “new” without adding more clutter.

Minimalism isn’t about taking joy away; it’s about making space for it. A tidy, peaceful play space helps kids settle into deeper, more imaginative play and helps parents breathe a little easier, too.

Teach lasting values

Beyond organizing, this tradition of decluttering and donating teaches lasting values. Children discover that giving feels good and that less can truly be more. And while gifts bring joy, time together brings connection, whether you’re building a fort, baking cookies, or reading a favorite story. That time to connect is what kids (and families) really want.

A little organization today can help your family focus on what the holidays are really about: joy, gratitude and togetherness.

Learn more about helping children build lifelong habits of kindness, confidence and care at KinderCare.com.

(K12) - Kicking a red rubber ball across the blacktop. Waving to a friend in a busy hallway. Trading snacks over a lunch table. These simple moments between children may seem small, but they matter more than we think.  

It’s in these everyday interactions that children learn some of life’s most important skills like sharing, resolving conflict, showing empathy, and managing their emotions. These skills help shape emotional growth and set kids up for long-term success. In essence, socialization isn’t just “nice-to-have" in childhood; it’s a developmental necessity. 

But today, many children aren’t getting the consistent, meaningful social interaction they need. Even before the pandemic, research showed that kids were spending less time together than previous generations. 

There are a number of reasons for this–but one primary factor is that not all students have the same access to social opportunities during the school day. 

Some move frequently because of military service, which means starting over often. Others experience bullying, exclusion, or safety concerns that make in-person schools feel unwelcoming. Some live in rural areas, are homebound due to illness, or learn remotely and can miss out on informal, everyday interactions. And others simply haven’t found a community where they feel they belong.  

Thankfully, families can take simple steps to help children feel connected, build friendships, and strengthen social skills. 

Niyoka McCoy, Chief Learning Officer at K12, shares some ideas for getting started in your community: 

• Volunteering at local food banks, animal shelters, or churches 

• Library activities like reading clubs or STEM camps 

• Community activities including theater, martial arts, choir, or pottery 

• Recreational centers with pools, camps, classes, and sports teams 

• Youth esports leagues where children can experience teamwork 

For students who struggle to feel connected at school, whether due to frequent moves, safety concerns, or health challenges that keep them at home, McCoy offers a solution that might seem unexpected: virtual learning. 

“Many families share that online school was what their child needed to feel part of a community,” shares McCoy. “Students at K12-powered online schools attend live classes, participate in group projects, chat with friends in a virtual campus, attend in-person field trips, and compete in national competitions. Here, they can find a place where they feel safe and belong.” 

For many families, that sense of belonging was what their child needed. And every child deserves the chance to feel connected, no matter their circumstances.  

(NewsUSA) - A Michigan university unveils SOAR^™, a new smartphone-based degree program that brings college within reach for busy adults — at half the cost.

For millions of adults, finishing college was never about ability — it was about circumstances. Jobs, family responsibilities and rising tuition costs often forced higher education onto the back burner.

About 750 adults leave college every day in the United States. Most don’t fail academically; they simply run out of time, money, or both. For those who still dream of completing their degrees, the barriers can feel insurmountable.

That’s where the SOAR™ by Cornerstone University app comes in. 

Launched in 2025, SOAR is the nation’s first fully accredited bachelor’s degree designed to be completed entirely on a smartphone. The program currently offers a Bachelor of Science in strategic business management, preparing students with leadership and business skills employers consistently demand.

SOAR stands out for three reasons. It’s half the cost of the average accredited business degree, making it one of the most affordable in the nation. It’s flexible, with new classes starting every two weeks and lessons delivered in short, smartphone-ready modules so students can learn on the go. And it’s respected, carrying full accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

For adults in the workforce, that means finishing a degree without stepping away from their jobs or families. For many parents, SOAR also removes the difficult choice between investing in their children’s tuition and finally finishing their own. With radically affordable tuition, both become possible.

“For too long, adults who wanted to go back to school were forced to choose between their education and their responsibilities,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone University. “SOAR was built to remove those barriers — it’s a degree that works with your life, not against it.”

Take Alicia, a single mom in Michigan who enrolled this year. “I like to SOAR when I’m getting ready in the morning and driving to work,” she said. “I often log into the SOAR app after dinner when my little one is settled or in bed.”

Her story reflects the core mission of SOAR. It makes higher education accessible to those who thought the door had closed.

With looming retirements creating leadership gaps in the workforce, programs like SOAR aren’t just helping individuals — they’re preparing the next generation of business leaders. And this is just the start. New disciplines and advanced degrees are already in development, expanding options for learners who wish to continue their studies beyond a bachelor’s degree.

For adults ready to reclaim their dream of finishing college, SOAR offers a path forward: half the cost, fully accredited, and designed for real life.

Learn more about SOAR^™ by Cornerstone University at go.cornerstone.edu/SOAR1.

(NewsUSA) - One in four students in the United States today is Hispanic. Yet, despite this growing presence, Latino families are still underrepresented in many states' public and private school choice programs. In most cases, we don’t even know by how much.

From the limited demographic data available, including a recent analysis by Conoce tus Opciones Escolares and Child Trends, we can see one clear trend: where states do report, Hispanic families are often underrepresented. When it comes to private school scholarships and education savings accounts, Hispanic students typically participate at lower rates than their share of the overall student population. But in most states, demographic breakdowns don’t exist. The data are incomplete, outdated, or never collected, leaving us with only a partial picture.

That lack of reporting is the real issue. Without consistent state-level data, we can’t know whether programs are reaching Hispanic families fairly, or whether barriers like language access, outreach, or eligibility rules are keeping them out. The gaps we do see suggest inequities, and the gaps in the data itself make it impossible to know the full story.

Still, we know Hispanic families are exploring their options. Today, one in three charter school students nationwide is Hispanic. At the same time, families are turning to homeschooling in new ways. About 18% of families who reported homeschooling in 2023-2024 were Hispanic. Those are not small numbers; they show that Latino families are active participants in school choice, even if official reporting doesn’t fully capture them.

In a national survey conducted in June, nearly three out of four Hispanic parents surveyed (73%) said they had considered a new school for their child last year, and more than half said they expect to do so again this year. The reasons were familiar: moving to a new community, children entering school for the first time, or transitioning between grade levels; others pointed to dissatisfaction with their child’s current school, but the results make clear that Hispanic parents are engaged in exploring school choices for their children.

But when participation data are missing, the story told to the public is incomplete.

As a Latina, I know how much families sacrifice to give their children opportunities they never had. My parents believed education could change the course of our lives, and they showed me that school could open doors that once seemed out of reach. Today, I see that same determination in Hispanic families across the country. Parents are making tough choices and searching for schools where their children will be safe, supported, and inspired. The least the system can do is make sure those opportunities are visible and that participation is reported effectively.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the contributions of Latino communities. It should also be a time to recognize how much families are shaping the future of American education. Every parent wants the same thing: to see their children grow, succeed, and dream bigger. That means making sure programs are not only available but understandable to the families who need them.

Free resources are available to help parents explore their options in Spanish through Conoce tus Opciones Escolares at opcionesescolares.com, and in English at myschoolchoice.com. Sometimes one of the most powerful things we can do is share those resources with a neighbor, a friend, or a family member. For many Latino families, simply having access to clear, trusted information in Spanish can change the path their children take in school.

The next step is simple: states must report participation clearly and consistently. Until they do, the full role of Hispanic families in shaping education will remain underestimated and unseen.

Krissia Campos Spivey is the senior director of navigation programs and partnerships at Conoce tus Opciones Escolares, a National School Choice Awareness Foundation project that helps U.S. families who speak Spanish explore their K-12 education options and choose a great school for their children. Krissia is Salvadoran-American and lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina.