Blog

  • Understanding ADHD in the K–12 Classroom: A Practical Guide for School Practitioners

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    Key takeaways for school practitioners:

    • ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood.1  
    • Since 2000, the percentage of American students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has jumped from 6.9% to 11.4% — a 65% increase.2,3  
    • ADHD manifests itself in three key ways, including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. 
    • Students with ADHD can also bring numerous strengths, including creative and innovative thinking, as well as high energy and enthusiasm. 
    • Effective school-based supports for students with ADHD typically fall into three main categories: behavioral classroom management, organizational skills training, and environmental and instructional supports. 
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  • Executive Functions and Academic Achievement: Where the Rubber Hits the Road

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    Picture a student who aces class discussions but rarely turns in homework on time, or one who understands the material but freezes or acts out when the routine changes. Instead of jumping to conclusions about a student’s ability or motivation level, it’s good to take a step back to see what might be happening behind the scenes, such as an underdevelopment of executive function skills. Executive function skills are the brain’s self-management tools — like planning, organization, time management, and self-control — that help students stay on task and reach goals. When a student needs to deliver academically, executive functions get them started, keep them on track, and help them cross the finish line. By contrast, when students struggle with executive functions, the impact on academics and overall school success can be widespread.

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  • Revibe Wins Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: Best of 2025!

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    HOBOKEN, N.J. — February 23, 2026 — Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s lifelong learning company, today announced that Revibe®, its AI‑enabled wearable designed to support focus and self‑regulation, has been named a winner in the Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: Best of 2025 in the Primary Education category. 

    The Best of 2025 recognizes educational technology products released in the past year that have demonstrated a meaningful impact on teaching and learning. Judged by a panel of industry experts, winning products are evaluated on criteria including data privacy and governance, integration and interoperability, and outcomes and impact. 

    Developed by Pearson Clinical Assessment and powered by Samsung, Revibe supports learners by providing discreet, personalized prompts that encourage self‑awareness and on‑task behavior. While recognized by Tech & Learning for its impact on primary education, Revibe is designed for people of all ages and can be used across a range of learning and everyday settings. 

    Delivered via a Samsung Galaxy Watch7 configured to minimize distractions, Revibe uses gentle vibration reminders to help users refocus—without disruption or stigma. 

    Using AI and advanced modeling to learn individual patterns over time, Revibe translates signals related to attention and activity into timely prompts and insights. Educators can view engagement trends through a companion app dashboard, supporting more informed conversations and decisions about how best to support learning. 

    “Revibe reflects Pearson’s commitment to developing fit‑for‑purpose AI tools that not only enhance learning experiences, but address real‑world barriers to learning,” said Clay Richey, Managing Director for Pearson Clinical Assessment. “By combining assessment expertise with educational technology, Pearson applies AI in ways that support confidence, independence, and meaningful engagement in learning.” 

    Commenting on the awards, the Tech & Learning editorial team shared that "the awards brought a huge number of high‑quality entries. Our panel of industry experts judged the winning products to be those that were most impactful in helping schools improve teaching and learning during 2025. Every winner should be really proud of their accomplishments.” 

    About Pearson 

    At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com. 

    Media Contact: allison.bazin@pearson.com 

    Pearson and Revibe are trademarks, in the US and/or other countries, of Pearson plc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   

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  • Navigating Youth Mental Health Challenges in Today’s World: How To Determine & Support Dual Diagnoses

    by Chris Huzinec, Senior Education Consultant at Pearson

    Today’s clinicians play a critical role in supporting the mental health and well-being of young people amid growing awareness and need. According to the September 2025 issue of Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 13% to 20% of children live with a mental health, emotional and behavioral challenge. An additional 19% exhibit symptoms that cause impairment or distress, but don’t meet diagnostic criteria for a specific disorder. Kids and teens are also increasingly receiving multiple diagnoses — e.g., depression and anxiety or autism and ADHD.

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  • Get Ready for BASC-4: What the Authors Want You to Know About the Latest Edition

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    Mental health screening and assessment tools are more important than ever, and one of the most foundational tools — the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) — is about to be released by Pearson in its fourth edition. As we discussed in a recent episode of “Healthy Minds, Bright Futures: How to Navigate Mental Health and Build Support,” the BASC-4 includes key updates for clinicians and educators while also retaining the evidence-based focus that has made it an effective suite of materials for nearly 40 years.

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  • The 2025 Research Call is open for submissions!

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    Hiker with backpack facing water and mountains

    We are proud to announce the new Call for Research published by Pearson Clinical Assessment. Our goal is to ensure that Pearson assessments comply with the highest standards of quality and support research that investigates the validity or efficacy of our products. We are inviting United States-based faculty members, graduate students, and qualified researchers to submit their proposals no later than August 15, 2025.

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  • 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.

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