Big Ideas

How Advisers Connect Via Tech to Help Low-Income Students Apply To College

Nearly one-fourth of high-achieving students from low-income families apply to college completely on their own. One approach to make the experience better? Pair students up with a virtual adviser.

MindshiftJun 18

Learning Mindfulness Centered on Kindness to Oneself and Others

Students in the Austin Independent School District demonstrate how they practice mindfulness as part of a daily routine and in times of stress.

MindshiftJun 14

Despite A Revamped Focus On Real-Life Skills, 'Home Ec' Classes Fade Away

Now called family and consumer sciences, courses suffer from few qualified teachers and declining enrollment. But in today's classes, students learn about gardening, nutrition, labeling and finance.

MindshiftJun 13

How Bibliotherapy Can Help Students Open Up About Their Mental Health

Librarians and counselors are teaming up to give teens an option for understanding and opening up about their mental health through books.

MindshiftJun 11

The Perils Of Pushing Kids Too Hard, And How Parents Can Learn To Back Off

Part of a parent's job is to help kids do their best, but pushing too hard can backfire. Research shows kids in high-achieving communities are at higher risk of anxiety, depression and substance use.

MindshiftJun 7

Forest Preschools Let Kids Run Free, But Can They Change to Reach Diverse Families?

Forest-based preschools attract mostly white middle class families. Some programs are trying to diversify outdoor education by adapting to meet criteria for state subsidies or offering discounts for under represented groups.