News

Time is Running Out on 2023-2024 Budgets

June 21st, 2024

The end of the fiscal year is quickly approaching for many schools which also means the start of a new budget on July 1st. The "use it or lose it" thinking is now kicking in for administrators as schools decide how to spend their remaining budget before the June 30th deadline passes. . . .
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How ChatGPT is Changing Today's Classroom

Jan 20th, 2023

Since its release in November 2022, ChatGPT has gained tremendous popularity. The latest artificial intelligence (AI) writing tool has unprecedented capabilities, quickly scouring the Internet for all available information on a topic provided by the user. But it is how ChatGPT presents the information that sets it apart and caused warranted concern among educators.

Post-Pandemic Math and Reading Test Scores Drop at Unprecedented Levels

Sept 2nd, 2022

Learning disruptions were expected after the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools and completely changed the model of classroom learning in the US. Just how far student achievement scores fell in math and reading is what is alarming educators and parents.

Designing a Calming Room for your Students

August 12th, 2022

A growing number of schools across the U.S. are introducing calming rooms (alternately called wellness centers) to address the mental health crisis facing our nation's teens. Calming rooms give students a place to take a break when they're feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

Creating a Customized Classroom

July 20th, 2022

Here at Schools In, we receive plenty of requests for furniture and equipment to enhance or update a classroom. Another exciting part of our business - one that is growing rapidly - is helping our customers completely redesign their space or even customize a new school or classroom. . . .
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Soft Seating is the Classroom Trend that Students Love

June 8th, 2022

Visit any new or recently renovated classroom and you're likely to spot a few soft furniture pieces. Once a mainstay of preschool and daycare environments, this trend is now extremely popular in elementary and higher ed classrooms. To address today's collaborative learning environments . . .
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Following Up on ESSER & EANS Funds - One Year Later

Apr 28th, 2022

It's been more than a year since the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act was signed into law. This $1.9 trillion emergency assistance package included $122 billion in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. Another $2.75 billion was set aside for EANS funds (Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools). School districts immediately used a percentage of these funds to safely reopen during the pandemic. The remaining funds are being . . .
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Four Emerging Storage Trends for Classrooms

Oct 8th, 2021

School design trends and technology-focused instruction have created new classroom storage challenges. While every school has different space planning and storage needs, most are actively adapting their storage solutions to improve daily functionality. Lockers and shelving -- once needed to store heavy textbooks -- are now passed over in favor of charging carts and other device-friendly furniture. At the same time, the movement toward . . .
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Tomorrow's Learning Environments Will Support Flexibility, Technology and Wellness

Sept 24th, 2021

Prior to the Covid pandemic, there was already a shift in the way classrooms were set up. Schools were beginning to favor collaboration tables, standing desks and STEM makerspaces over the traditional "rows of desks" model. After 18 months of educating during a pandemic, there's an increased urgency to address overdue upgrades. Schools are not only tasked with educating our children; they're now expected to . . .
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Classroom Learning is Best, but Schools Should Retain a Virtual Backup Plan

June 9th, 2021

The 2020-21 school year was defined by social distancing, interruptions to in-person attendance and a rapid adjustment to virtual learning. It's been a particularly challenging and stressful year for teachers who had to juggle both classroom and online education. At the beginning of the pandemic, it was assumed that virtual learning would be temporary. . . .
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Smart Spending: Using Your ARPA Funds in the Classroom

March 18th, 2021

The passing of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) marks the federal government's largest single investment in our schools. This act will inject more than $170 billion into our education system with the bulk going to K - 12 public schools. State and district leaders have an unprecedented opportunity . . .
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How the American Families Plan Could Reshape the U.S. Educational System

April 27th, 2021

This week the Biden administration plans to unveil a massive spending and tax plan aimed at transforming the U.S. economy, specifically the educational system. The "American Families Plan" calls for infusing hundreds of billions of dollars into childcare, preschool and tuition-free community college . . .
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