Blog

  • The 2025 Research Call is open for submissions!

    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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  • 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. 

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  • Beyond the badge: Understanding the mental health challenges faced by police officers

    Two police officers in bulletproof vests stand beside a patrol car, one holding a coffee cup, both equipped with radios and badges.

    Despite the high levels of stress and trauma, discussing mental health with their supervisors, families, or healthcare professionals remains a stigma within the public safety industry. Officers often fear that admitting to mental health struggles could be perceived as a sign of weakness or negatively impact their careers. This stigma frequently prevents officers, and others suffering from mental health issues, from seeking the help they need.

    Given the unique challenges faced by police officers, it's crucial to have effective tools to identify and support their mental health needs so that they can maintain fitness for duty.

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  • 4 Tips for Managing Classroom Disruption During the Holiday Season

    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.

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  • Empowering girls to face body image and social media pressures

    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. 

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  • Take Advantage of “Nature’s Therapy” Through Outdoor Mental Wellness

    by Natalie Barnard, Educational Diagnostician and Assessment Consultant at Pearson

    A teacher and four children engaged in a science activity at a wooden table outdoors.

    We all know the rejuvenating effect of stepping into the warm sunshine and breathing deeply. There’s something about being outside that just makes us feel refreshed and inspired — and there’s no better time than spring for educators and students alike to take a welcome respite from the confines of the classroom (and the ubiquity of screens) to embrace outdoor education. 

    The great news is that being outside doesn’t just feel good; it’s also good for us. That’s why spending time outside should be an integral part of a school’s or district’s comprehensive approach to holistic student health. 

    Here are some tips for getting your class out of the classroom and taking advantage of nature’s nurturing power. 

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