Back to School Reading List
Getting ready for back to school season? As schools reopen for the academic year, we hope these stories, resources, and essays help students, teachers, and parents have a smoother transition.
The latest
It will be a pivotal school year for schools Chancellor David Banks, as his signature initiative to overhaul literacy instruction starts rolling out.
For students
Bronx student Jose Santana explores school start times on the Miseducation podcast from The Bell, which trains New York City high school students in audio journalism.
About 350 teens and young adults gathered at Harold Washington Library to discuss mental health, affordable housing, the environment, and more.
Middle and high schoolers are thinking about everything from biology to getting a driver’s license as the 2023-24 school year gets started.
This will be the second straight year that classes begin before Labor Day in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
THE CITY and Chalkbeat hosted a session at Brooklyn’s Central Library about how to get appropriate mental health support for kids in NYC public schools.
Schools are straining to keep up with counseling demand as mental health woes mount for young people. If your child needs help at school, here’s how to start.
For teachers
If you’re new to a school, make friends with teachers and colleagues. Unpack and settle in. Be flexible with change.
Politicians might consider raising teacher pay, providing more help to new teachers, and supporting all teachers in managing student behavior.
Be each other’s safe spaces. Collaborate on solutions. Get together outside of school and learn about your colleagues as people.
Consistently alert students and parents to what you expect to prevent problems and establish a healthy work-life balance.
Set boundaries and give yourself permission to recharge.
Respect and support. Better pay. More flexibility with how to teach. Student loan forgiveness. Here’s why some teachers aren’t coming back to school this year.
For parents
As parents, what questions should you be asking about tutoring and whether your student can benefit? Here are some tips and insights from experts.
Overall, most parents say schools are striking the right balance in addressing racism.
The law is a big change for families used to paying hundreds of dollars per student for textbooks each year.
The latest round of benefits is intended to help families cover summer meal costs.
The public health crisis paused state testing, impacting how the state typically evaluates schools.
Bus driver shortages and teaching vacancies worsened in the wake of the pandemic. But some districts say things are now looking up.
More news and resources
Declining enrollment is a persistent issue in Denver Public Schools — and more school closures could be coming.
Temperatures in Denver can reach the 90s in August and September.
With college on the horizon, Rahmyza Muhammad made photos to document her senior year at the Detroit School of Arts and her family’s transition from living in a shelter. Here is the result.
As senior year and adulthood approach, London Hill pointed a camera at her own life. Here is the result.
Many are still pursuing certification as they embark on new careers in the classroom.
Block Club’s guide will help you donate or receive free school supplies and backpacks before CPS kids head to class Aug. 21.
El distrito, el primero en el estado que recibiera una orden de reorganización, empezó antes que la mayoría de los distritos escolares en Colorado. Algunos padres tienen curiosidad de saber qué cambios se aproximan.
Some parents are curious about what changes might be coming.
Teachers discuss their first day-of-school memories, favorite supplies, and what they are looking forward to this school year.
Memphis students return to classes for a new school year that could turn out to be pivotal.