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Concord teacher hopes to inspire kids to explore computer science as part of Christa...
Christa McAuliffe School teacher Heather Droulet was awarded the 2017 Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. As a part of the...
Commitment to 21st century skills at Sanborn Regional School District makes national news
New Hampshire has recommended that schools make 21st century skills like communication, collaboration, creativity and self-direction part of the regular curriculum. Educators call them "work study practices" and many schools have woven them into their curricula. EdSurge looks closely at how the Sanborn Regional School District has done it.
Nashua middle schoolers build robots, holograms, and more as a part of pre-engineering program
Nashua is full of hackers, coders, and structural engineers. They're working with 3D printers, developing sensors for robots, and developing new apps. But they're...
Strategies to help anxious and defiant students
Anxiety can be a massive roadblock for all types of learners. The moment anxiety hits and the body is flooded with cortisol, students' brains shut down:...
Don’t underestimate students’ ability to reflect on their own work
The benefits of reflection and goal-setting that student-led conferences provide valuable skills that go beyond the classroom.
Nashua student: grades should represent learning
The new grading scale emphasizes student growth and learning rather than how well they meet individual teacher expectations.
Don’t lose sight of the true purpose of classroom tech tools
Using technology shouldn't pull focus away from the real goal of class time: deeper learning.
Empowering students to become active participants in their education
One of the pillars of student centered learning is encouraging students to "own" their learning goals, meaning that they become active participants in their...
This Maine teacher shows how multiple chances to demonstrate competency can be a learning...
Courtney Belolan, a teacher and teaching coach in Maine's RSU 2 school district, which serves communities north of Augusta, explains how student-centered learning can...
Building writing skills by giving students more and better feedback
What's the best way to improve student writing and literacy skills? Most educators would say practice. Encouraging students to write in a variety of...
Commitment to 21st century skills at Sanborn Regional School District makes national news
New Hampshire has recommended that schools make 21st century skills like communication, collaboration, creativity and self-direction part of the regular curriculum. Educators call them "work study practices" and many schools have woven them into their curricula. EdSurge looks closely at how the Sanborn Regional School District has done it.
Souhegan HS Teacher Jenny Deenik on PACE: Performance Assessment is a way for students...
Jenny Deenik, a biology teacher at Souhegan High School, reflects on her work with New Hampshire's pilot Performance Assessment of Competency Education (PACE) program...
The 3 essentials of competency-based learning: progression, opportunity, support
Competency-based learning could hold the key to helping students succeed by using their strengths to show what they know.
Don’t underestimate students’ ability to reflect on their own work
The benefits of reflection and goal-setting that student-led conferences provide valuable skills that go beyond the classroom.
New Hampshire leads the way in teaching students 21st Century skills
New Hampshire schools have become a model for learning that is rigorous, personalized, and meaningful, giving them the tools to succeed in 21st century life.
NG2 program trades the status quo for flexible, responsive learning pathways
California-based education technology organization EdSurge featured a piece on New Hampshire's pilot "No Grades, No Grades" (NG2) program in 7 of the state's elementary schools.
With...
Study finds performance assessments show gains for students with disabilities
The Concord Monitor ran a piece on UNH researcher Carla Evans's findings on PACE. She found promising results for students with disabilities. Here's an excerpt:
PACE, or...
Sanborn Regional School district tells the state board about their PACE experience
Three school leaders and a parent from the Sanborn Regional School Districts spoke about their participation in New Hampshire's Performance Assessment for Competency Education (PACE) initiative...
State Board hears from Pam Wicks, Concord School Board, about her son’s PACE experience:
There is a positive change happening in our classrooms; we’re seeing students engaged in meaningful learning, giving all students a greater opportunity to reach their potential. I believe that PACE, along with competency based education, will help our students gain 21st century skills, that will guide them on their path to life after high school.
Sanborn Regional School district tells the state board about their PACE experience
Sanborn Regional is one of the original PACE school districts. Three school leaders and a parent attended the April 6, 2017 state board meeting to talk briefly during public comments about the impact of PACE on their students. There's a short video of their presentation.
What should we consider when reviewing our state standards?
The State Board of Education is considering whether to review the state’s academic standards for math and English Language Arts. They’re seeking public comment...
A Primer on New Hampshire’s College and Career Ready Standards & Review Process
At its last meeting on May 11, the New Hampshire State Board of Education (SBOE) discussed and heard public input on a proposal from...
State Board of Education Seeking Public Input on State Math and English Standards
The State Board of Education is seeking public comment on the state's Math and English Language Arts standards at their upcoming meeting on June...
At State Board Meeting, Outpouring from Public in Support of State Standards and Public...
The State Board of Education meeting room was filled to capacity on May 11, as were the hallways outside, with parents, students, teachers, and...
Tom Raffio reflects on State Board of Ed’s last ten years
Tom Raffio, outgoing State Board of Education chair, penned a farewell op-ed in the Concord Monitor yesterday. He outlined the work the board has...
Union Leader editorial: Cline to replace Raffio
The Union Leader Editorial Board featured this piece on their former editor's appointment to the State Board of Education:
...Democrats ginned up false outrage over...
Governor Sununu: Drew Cline is “a great resource” for State Board of Education
Governor Chris Sununu has nominated former Union Leader editorial page editor Drew Cline to the State Board of Education, reported the Union Leader. Cline will...
Governor Sununu replaces Chairman Tom Raffio on State Board of Education
The Associated Press reported that Governor Chris Sununu has replaced State Board of Education chairman Tom Raffio this week. Raffio has served on the State...
News Review: Amendment to Reorganize NH Dept. of Ed
Senator John Reagan proposed an amendment on April 11th in the Senate Education Committee, that would substantially increase the authority and power of the Office of the Commissioner...
Sanborn Regional School district tells the state board about their PACE experience
Three school leaders and a parent from the Sanborn Regional School Districts spoke about their participation in New Hampshire's Performance Assessment for Competency Education (PACE) initiative...
State Board hears from Pam Wicks, Concord School Board, about her son’s PACE experience:
There is a positive change happening in our classrooms; we’re seeing students engaged in meaningful learning, giving all students a greater opportunity to reach their potential. I believe that PACE, along with competency based education, will help our students gain 21st century skills, that will guide them on their path to life after high school.
State Board rejects DOE proposal to review many academic standards immediately
At the April 6th meeting of the New Hampshire State Board of Education, The department of education proposed that the board agree to review six major academic standards over the next year. The State Board of Education rejected the proposal, telling the department to return with a full plan, including timeline and budget, to review English and math standards.
“No science standards review” says State Board in clear and unambiguous resolution
At its April 6, 2017 meeting, the State Board of Education directed the department not to undertake a review of the New Hampshire College and Career Ready Science Standards. Here are the board discussions and the final resolution, passed unanimously by the board.
State Board disagrees with the new commissioner’s proposed assessment change
The New Hampshire Department of Education has issued an RFP for a statewide assessment. The State Board of Education wanted to know why this happened so quickly with no notice or input from the field, especially when the ELA and math standards could be reviewed at the same time.
Commissioner Edelblut’s concerns about Smarter Balanced
At the April 6, 2017 State Board of Education meeting, commissioner Edelblut said that schools did not receive Smarter Balanced data until the following school year and that Smarter Balanced did not have longitudinal data. We discuss these concerns in greater detail here.
State board hears about PACE from Concord school leader Donna Palley: We can see...
Assistant superintendent Donna Palley tells the New Hampshire State Board of Education about Concord's experience with PACE, "You only have to look at the student work to get it. Watch a group of very satisfied teachers sitting around a table looking at one after the other of their students' work. Listen to students talk about their learning and you’ll hear some impressive student voices."
Mom and school board member Pam Wicks tells SBOE about her son’s PACE experience:...
There is a positive change happening in our classrooms; we’re seeing students engaged in meaningful learning, giving all students a greater opportunity to reach their potential. I believe that PACE, along with competency based education, will help our students gain 21st century skills, that will guide them on their path to life after high school.
Concord Monitor: State board, Edelblut clash on science standards
The Concord Monitor gives says that, although commissioner Edelblut testified that he was "the implementation guy," he wanted to review the science standards without SBOE authority. The board stated clearly that there would be no review.
NHPR: State Board of Ed says ‘99.9 percent’ of public commentary on Edelblut negative
Earlier this week, the State Board of Education met with Governor Chris Sununu, where he fielded questions about his now-confirmed pick for Education Commissioner,...
A Primer on New Hampshire’s College and Career Ready Standards & Review Process
At its last meeting on May 11, the New Hampshire State Board of Education (SBOE) discussed and heard public input on a proposal from...
NH Dept. of Ed unveils draft plan to comply with new federal education law
The New Hampshire Department of Education released its draft plan to comply with the federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), according to...
House Education Committee recommends passing amended “Croydon bill”
The House Education Committee recommended passing SB 8, the "Croydon bill," as amended, by a vote of 13-6. “This is Frank’s bill,” House Education...
Edelblut champions STEM and CTE
NHPR reported yesterday that DOE Commissioner, Frank Edelblut is requesting funding to support centers for Career Technical Education (CTE), expand internet service to schools...
Weekly Legislative Update: School choice on hold, full-day kindergarten in play, Senate gets public...
This week, the Senate Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on the state budget on Tuesday starting at 1 p.m. in Representative's Hall. And the House will vote on the kindergarten bill, requiring civics in high school, and expanding dual enrollment programs like Running Start.
Commissioner Edelblut Discusses Policy Priorities at Town Hall Meeting
On Friday, April 28th, NH Commissioner of Education Frank Edelblut, held a moderated town hall at New England College (see Reaching Higher’s live stream...
New Hampshire’s science teachers “urge our policy makers to stay the course” | OurTurn...
The New Hampshire Science Teachers' Association took a lead role in vetting the Next Generation Science Standards early on and has supported science teachers...
Key takeaways from the Senate Committee’s hearing on amendments to reorganize the Department of...
On Tuesday (4/25) the Senate Education Committee held a public hearing on amendments to HB 356, a bill to establish a committee to study...
UNH physicist: “Edelblut fundamentally misunderstands how to train scientists” | MyTurn Concord Monitor
UNH physicist David Mattingly explains why practicing science, as the NGSS requires, is the best way to learn the material and become a problem solver.
More letters: Supporting NGSS and full day kindergarten and opposing DOE reorganization
Letters to the Union Leader and the Concord Monitor on the key New Hampshire education issues.
House lawmakers hit pause on sweeping school choice bill | AP
Kathleen Ronayne writes for the AP in the Concord Monitor,
House lawmakers hit pause Tuesday on a sweeping school choice bill over concerns it would improperly...
Bonnie Dunham on the Edelblut plan to reorganize Education Department, “There is no real...
David Solomon reports that the Senate Education Committee voted down the Edelblut request for open ended authority to reorganize the New Hampshire department of education because Republican Sen. Ruth Ward heard so much opposition from constitutents.
State Senate panel recommends killing bill to give education commissioner Edelblut broader management authority...
WMUR reports that the New Hampshire Senate Education Committee sent a major department of education reorganization proposal to study committee.
Make Private School Free or Die: The Fight Over Education Savings Accounts in New...
"The 74", a national web site that covers education from a conservative viewpoint, reported on SB 193. Here are some excerpts:
Soon may prevail...
Three opinions on Commissioner Edelblut
Letters to the Seacoast Media papers and the Union Leader express varying opinions about New Hampshire Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut.
Concord Monitor: Voucher bill probably to be retained over the summer and state employees...
The Monitor provides background on the lack of sufficient Republican support for the ambitious voucher bill and reports that the State Employee Association has weighed in heavily against Commissioner Edelblut's proposed reorganization plan.
Governor Sununu on SB 193: I have concerns about putting public funds towards non-public...
On NHPR's The Exchange this morning, Josh Rogers ran a clip of a statement given by Governor Sununu on SB 193. The bill would create...
Amendments would give Commissioner some latitude, but would look at DOE structure in depth...
The Concord Monitor reported on two amendments proposed by Senator David Watters (Dover), one of which creates a committee to study the structure of the...
Governor Sununu: Drew Cline is “a great resource” for State Board of Education
Governor Chris Sununu has nominated former Union Leader editorial page editor Drew Cline to the State Board of Education, reported the Union Leader. Cline will...
Governor Sununu replaces Chairman Tom Raffio on State Board of Education
The Associated Press reported that Governor Chris Sununu has replaced State Board of Education chairman Tom Raffio this week. Raffio has served on the State...
Commissioner Edelblut questions science standards on NHPR’s Morning Edition
On NHPR's Morning Edition, Commissioner Frank Edelblut criticized the Next Generation Science Standards, on which the State Board of Education adopted last year. Here's an...
Seacoast papers: “NH education chief must be kept in check”
The Portsmouth Herald, Foster's and the other Seacoast papers highlighted Commissioner Edelblut's positions on climate change and vouchers to caution readers that big changes are happening in New Hampshire public education and people should, "Speak up now. The action in the Legislature is moving fast."
Commissioner Edelblut on NHPR: “I’m an advocate for the education of all our students”
Commissioner Frank Edelblut sat down for an interview with NHPR to discuss his passion for education and SB 193, the bill that would create a...
Union Leader: Public hearing scheduled for amendment to restructure DOE amid “mounting pressure”
The Union Leader reported on yesterday's Senate Education Committee meeting yesterday, where they announced a public hearing on the amendment to restructure the Department of Education:
At...
Senator David Watters to propose alternative to restructuring Department of Education
According to the Union Leader, Senator David Watters (Dover) plans to introduce an amendment that would potentially create a study committee to reorganize the...
Cornerstone Action liason: Current science standards fall short
Ann Marie Banfield, the education liason for Cornerstone Action, submitted this opinion piece to the Concord Monitor:
What is everyone afraid of? Better science standards?...
Union Leader: “Not so fast, Frank: Edelblut should outline reforms”
The Union Leader, in its lead editorial today urged the legislature to reconsider Senator John Reagan's (R-Deerfield) amendment to restructure the Department of Education:
Education Commissioner Frank...
WMUR: “New proposal would study possible reorganization of state education department”
The Senate Education Committee has set April 25 (probably 9:00 AM) for a public hearing on Education Commissioner Edelblut's proposed reorganization plan. WMUR reporter John DiStaso details the competing proposals.
News Review: Amendment to Reorganize NH Dept. of Ed
Senator John Reagan proposed an amendment on April 11th in the Senate Education Committee, that would substantially increase the authority and power of the Office of the Commissioner...
Union Leader: Edelblut power play in DOE reorganizing?
The Union Leader featured an article on the amendment to HB 356, which would restructure the Department of Education:
It hasn't taken Frank Edelblut much time to...
WMUR: NH education chief says new proposal would give him ‘fidelity to law,’ management...
WMUR reported on the recent draft amendment proposed by Senator Reagan to expand the authority of the NH Commissioner of Ed:
New Hampshire Commissioner of Education...
Concord Monitor: Edelblut seeks to restructure education department
The Concord Monitor reported on Senator John Reagan's amendment to HB 356, which would give the Commissioner Frank Edelblut "broad discretion" over the Department of Education:
New Hampshire Education...
NHPR: Education Commissioner Edelblut Dismisses Claims of a ‘Power Grab’ at the Department
Commissioner Frank Edelblut spoke with NHPR on the amendment to HB 356, which would give him more flexibility and control over the Department of Education:
Department of Education Commissioner...
Sen Reagan: Proposal to give Ed Commissioner more authority is a “modest housekeeping issue”
NHPR reported on Senator Reagan's draft amendment to expand the power of the state education commissioner:
A proposal to reorganize the state department of education is attracting...
In school tours, Commissioner Edelblut is learning every day
Foster's Daily Democrat spent the day with Commissioner Frank Edelblut and Somersworth educators during his tour of the Hilltop City's schools:
The State Commissioner of Education spent...
BREAKING NEWS: Draft amendment proposes to increase power and authority of NH education commissioner
At the 4/11/17 Senate Education committee meeting, Senator Reagan (R-District 17), introduced a draft amendment that proposes to substantially increase the authority and power of the...
News Review: Amendment to Reorganize NH Dept. of Ed
Senator John Reagan proposed an amendment on April 11th in the Senate Education Committee, that would substantially increase the authority and power of the Office of...
Union Leader: Edelblut power play in DOE reorganizing?
The Union Leader featured an article on the amendment to HB 356, which would restructure the Department of Education:
It hasn't taken Frank Edelblut much time...
WMUR: NH education chief says new proposal would give him ‘fidelity to law,’ management...
WMUR reported on the recent draft amendment proposed by Senator Reagan to expand the authority of the NH Commissioner of Ed:
New Hampshire Commissioner of...
Concord Monitor: Edelblut seeks to restructure education department
The Concord Monitor reported on Senator John Reagan's amendment to HB 356, which would give the Commissioner Frank Edelblut "broad discretion" over the Department of Education:
New Hampshire...
Sen Reagan: Proposal to give Ed Commissioner more authority is a “modest housekeeping issue”
NHPR reported on Senator Reagan's draft amendment to expand the power of the state education commissioner:
A proposal to reorganize the state department of education is attracting...
In school tours, Commissioner Edelblut is learning every day
Foster's Daily Democrat spent the day with Commissioner Frank Edelblut and Somersworth educators during his tour of the Hilltop City's schools:
The State Commissioner of...
BREAKING NEWS: Draft amendment proposes to increase power and authority of NH education commissioner
At yesterday’s (4/11/17) Senate Education committee meeting, Senator Reagan (R-District 17), introduced a draft amendment that proposes to substantially increase the authority and power of...
State Board rejects DOE proposal to review many academic standards immediately
At the April 6th meeting of the New Hampshire State Board of Education, The department of education proposed that the board agree to review six major academic standards over the next year. The State Board of Education rejected the proposal, telling the department to return with a full plan, including timeline and budget, to review English and math standards.
“No science standards review” says State Board in clear and unambiguous resolution
At its April 6, 2017 meeting, the State Board of Education directed the department not to undertake a review of the New Hampshire College and Career Ready Science Standards. Here are the board discussions and the final resolution, passed unanimously by the board.
State Board disagrees with the new commissioner’s proposed assessment change
The New Hampshire Department of Education has issued an RFP for a statewide assessment. The State Board of Education wanted to know why this happened so quickly with no notice or input from the field, especially when the ELA and math standards could be reviewed at the same time.
Commissioner Edelblut’s concerns about Smarter Balanced
At the April 6, 2017 State Board of Education meeting, commissioner Edelblut said that schools did not receive Smarter Balanced data until the following school year and that Smarter Balanced did not have longitudinal data. We discuss these concerns in greater detail here.
Concord Monitor: State board, Edelblut clash on science standards
The Concord Monitor gives says that, although commissioner Edelblut testified that he was "the implementation guy," he wanted to review the science standards without SBOE authority. The board stated clearly that there would be no review.
Valley News points to a working relationship between Ed Commissioner and Croydon School Board
Valley News reported on a working relationship between NH Department of Ed Commissioner, Frank Edeblut and Croydon School Board member:
Croydon — Records obtained through a...
Weekly Legislative Update: Legislature to battle over full-day kindergarten funding, one of two voucher...
In a bold statement, the Senate passed a bill last Thursday that reinstates Governor Sununu's targeted funding program for full-day kindergarten. It was removed from...
EC to debate Commissioner Edelblut’s Croydon donation before voting on 4-year appointment
Commissioner Frank Edelblut's undisclosed, $1,000 donation to the Croydon School Board's legal fund will be a central topic at the next Executive Council meeting,...
Valley News: New Hampshire Education Commissioner Donated to Croydon School Board’s Legal Defense
The Valley News reported that Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut donated $1,000 to the Croydon School Board's legal defense fund several months ago. Read the...
Commissioner Edelblut: “We all want what’s best for the kids”
Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut started his "brown-bag" tour of New Hampshire's schools in Windham last week, even before his swearing-in ceremony, reported the Eagle Tribune. He acknowledged...
NHPR: State Board of Ed says ‘99.9 percent’ of public commentary on Edelblut negative
Earlier this week, the State Board of Education met with Governor Chris Sununu, where he fielded questions about his now-confirmed pick for Education Commissioner,...
Executive Council confirms Frank Edelblut as Education Commissioner, SBOE issues letter regarding nomination
The Executive Council confirmed former State Rep. and businessman Frank Edelblut as Commissioner of the Department of Education. The Council confirmed Governor Sununu's nominee...
New Hampshire responds to Commissioner Edelblut’s confirmation
The Executive Council confirmed former State Rep and businessman Frank Edelblut's nomination as the Commissioner of the Department of Education yesterday. Here are some...
Volinsky in Concord Monitor: Edelblut’s extreme views would harm state’s public school children
Executive Councilor Andru Volinksy submitted this piece to the Concord Monitor regarding Frank Edelblut's confirmation as Education Commissioner:
New Hampshire’s Executive Council is a unique institution...
Letter: Edelblut well qualified to lead Dept. of Education
New Hampshire resident and radio personality Jeff Chidester submitted the following letter to Seacoast Online about former State Rep Frank Edelblut's nomination as Commissioner of...
Letter: Council should vote against Mr. Edelblut
Wilton resident Ron Brown submitted the following letter to the Nashua Telegraph regarding Mr. Edelblut's nomination as Education Commissioner:
I encourage the Executive Council to vote...
Keene resident: Edelblut nomination is not nonpartisan, just bad
Keene resident Nicole Demarest submitted a letter to the Keene Sentinel about former State Rep Frank Edelblut's nomination as Commissioner of Education. Here's the...
Letter: No good reason against Edelblut
Barrington resident Randal Heller submitted this letter to Foster's Daily Democrat regarding the nomination of Frank Edelblut as Education Commissioner:
I have been following Mr. Frank...
Letter: Edelblut is a great choice
Meredith Resident Don Ewing submitted a letter to the Concord Monitor supporting Mr. Edelblut's nomination as Education Commissioner:
For decades the American people have put their...
Letter: Edelblut not right for Education Commissioner
Dover resident Chuck Rhoades submitted the following letter to Foster's Daily Democrat about Frank Edelblut's nomination:
I oppose the nomination of Frank Edelblut as Education...
Letter in NT: Edelblut wrong for schools
Dan Weeks, Nashua resident and former Executive Director at Open Democracy, wrote this letter featured in the Nashua Telegraph about Mr. Edelblut's nomination:
I like...
CM: Reasons to reject Edelblut
The Concord Monitor published an editorial about Mr. Edelblut's nomination and his hearing last week. Here's the full text:
Frank Edelblut, the governor’s choice to lead...
Concord resident: Withdraw Edelblut nomination
Here's a letter to the editor that Concord resident Joan Blanchard submitted to the Concord Monitor:
An open letter to Gov. Sununu: I respectfully request...
Kensington resident: Say ‘no’ to Edelblut nomination
Here's a letter to the editor by Kensington resident Susan Varn, featured in Seacoast Online:
As a longtime New Hampshire resident and grateful parent of...
Rep. Kurk: A fresh approach
Rep. Neal Kurk (Hills-02) submitted this letter to the editor, featured in the Concord Monitor:
A better education for New Hampshire’s children? That’s what might happen...
Education at the State House: Legislative Update for February 4
Last week was a busy one at the state's capitol. The House had it's first session of the year (the Senate meets for the...
Hearing for Ed Commissioner runs over six hours as packed room listens to testimony...
By 1 pm, when the hearing for Ed Commissioner nominee, Frank Edelblut was set to begin, the room was not only packed with people...
Londonderry: One district's efforts to reach all its students
It's easy to underestimate what goes on in our schools every day. You can see some of what the Londonderry School District is doing...