General

Addressing ‘avoidable absence’ is still a clear focus for policymakers, but what do we really know about what works? A 2022 evidence review from the EEF shed some light on the problem, as Kate Parker found out

Teachers who were lucky enough to have an inspirational experience as pupils can find much to draw on when they face a classroom of children themselves, says Iona McCroary

School climate and curriculum are contributing to the attendance crisis, suggests Jean Gross – and it’s time to do something about it

After 33 years in the classroom, there are five things that former headteacher John Tomsett wishes he’d known about teaching and learning at the start of his career

All too often, there is one class where things seem to go from bad to worse – but don’t lose hope, says Zoe Enser

There are two types of adjustments teachers should consider when they are planning for adaptive teaching, says Alex Quigley

Instead of the uniform nature of the ‘Slant’ technique, pupils with special educational needs and disabilities require a variety of individual approaches, argues Liz Hawker

School music has long been dragged down by teacher shortages, falling uptake and government focus on Stem. But with evidence mounting for the cognitive benefits of music learning, there is more reason than ever to prioritise it, finds Holly Korbey

No, argues Mark Enser. ‘Dirt’ is designed to make feedback visible, rather than useful – and it’s time to get rid of it

Politicians are increasingly keen to lift education approaches from countries seen to be performing well. But can teachers trust that such imports will work in their classroom?

The former schools commissioner talks mental health, off-rolling and offers his tips on how to tackle exclusions

These low-cost practices can help boost CPD and create a better working environment for teachers, leading to benefits across the school, says Sir Tim Brighouse