Blog

  • Preparing Teens for College and Career: Tips for Boosting Executive Function

    by Kara Canale M.Ed., NCSP, Clinical Assessment Consultant at Pearson

    A female graduate in a blue cap and gown hugs another woman outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery, expressing joy.

    College attendance is up. While total postsecondary enrollment was down the past few years, it finally rebounded above pre-COVID levels in the Fall of 2024, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Undergraduate enrollment rose 4.7% YoY, while freshman enrollment rose 5.5% YoY, meaning more high school students are contemplating postsecondary education. At the same time, students in this age group are grappling with more mental health issues than ever.

    High school educators have a golden opportunity to help students prepare for the transition, whether they are heading to a community college, attending a four-year school or training for a full-time career.

    Read more
  • How to start the new year on the right foot (and right mindset)

    by Kara Canale M.Ed., NCSP, Clinical Assessment Consultant at Pearson

    Do you ever feel like you need a vacation from your vacation?

    It’s a common lament — and a reality educators may experience as they return from winter break. That’s because the holiday season can bring both excitement and exhaustion. Between checking off first-semester action items (like finalizing grades and organizing end-of-year activities) and managing personal obligations (like planning celebrations or travels), it’s easy to feel drained from wrapping up the school year. The holiday season can also magnify and compound personal struggles, which can lead to a heightened risk of depression or anxiety. Due to the “busyness” of the holidays, it can be difficult for educators to prioritize their own mental health. Yet, it can be tough to “pour” into others when one’s own mental health is compromised.

    While the time off during the holidays can be a source of much-needed rest and rejuvenation, the start of a new year can also bring its own set of pressures, from setting new goals to tackling unfinished work. Here are some tips to help start the year right with mental health as a priority. 

    Read more
  • From Subtle Signs to Support: How to Help Girls with ADHD and Dyslexia

    by Kara Canale M.Ed., NCSP, Clinical Assessment Consultant at Pearson

    According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 11% of U.S. children ages 3 to 17 years have ever been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Boys were overwhelmingly more likely to be diagnosed than girls, at 15% to 8%, respectively. Similarly, dyslexia affects approximately 20% of the world population, and some studies find that males are more often diagnosed with the disorder than females. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that ADHD and dyslexia occur more often in boys. The more likely situation is that girls are underdiagnosed.

    Read more
  • 4 Tips for Managing Classroom Disruption During the Holiday Season

    by Elizabeth Shanley, M.Ed., Pearson Education Assessment Consultant

    Children seated at a table in a classroom, working on colorful papers and drawings with pencils and crayons scattered around.

    ‘Tis the season for sparkles, snowflakes and...squirmy students? As the holiday countdown begins, classrooms can quickly turn into winter wonderlands of distractions. While many kids are anticipating downtime and holiday fun with friends and family, some may harbor hidden worries about complex family dynamics, stretched budgets and other adversities. They may also have underlying anxieties about the disrupted routines that accompany school vacations.

    While educators are undoubtedly looking forward to decompression time of their own, they also have to consider the impact the upcoming break from classes will have on students’ hard-won learning progress. The great news is that there are some easy strategies you can implement today to help keep your students involved while arming them with critical skills to manage holiday stress. Since we know the kids likely have their minds on the holidays, giving these exercises some holiday dazzle is sure to get their attention and interest. 

    Here are four strengths you can focus on to maintain momentum in positive and engaging ways.

    Read more
  • Empowering girls to face body image and social media pressures

    by Lorri Jensen, Senior Product Manager - Behavior Portfolio at Pearson

    A diverse group of three girls smiling while looking at a smartphone in a close setting.

    Growing up in today’s digital era can be a pressure cooker for all kids, but it can be a particular strain for girls as they navigate societal expectations, media influences and peer dynamics — all under the relentless glare of the social media spotlight. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat can often promote unrealistic beauty standards, and the barrage of messages can negatively impact girls’ sense of self-worth and identity. 

    While advertising and social media can have a seemingly 24/7 presence, educators can create a safe place within their school community to help counteract these potentially harmful inputs and to support all students in feeling comfortable with being their authentic selves. 

    Read more
  • Six Elements of a Well-Managed Classroom

    Teacher and 4 students looking at computer screen

    While it is certainly true that no two students are alike, the same can be said for teachers! Every classroom has its own set of expectations and routines, which can make for a difficult adjustment for everyone involved going into each new school year. To help kickstart your year, our behavior experts have put together a list of six nearly foolproof tips for starting (and keeping) your classroom on the right track.

    Read more
  • Ready, Set, Go! How Educators and Caregivers Can Improve Kindergarten Readiness

    by Selina Oliver, NCSP and Senior Assessment Consultant for Pearson

    A man and child drawing pictures together

    In many ways, the kindergarten experience builds the foundation for a child’s future success in school and in life. Unfortunately, as we move beyond the pandemic, and our “pandemic babies” reach kindergarten age, we’re finding that the readiness for structured schooling of some of our youngest learners has been affected by limited social engagement in their earliest years of life. 

    But kindergarten readiness comprises many different skills, and by working together, educators and caregivers can close gaps in children’s readiness. I had the chance to discuss this topic in-depth on the latest episode of Pearson’s podcast, “Building Bridges: Strengthening the Educator-Caregiver Relationship.”

    Read more