Home - Essentials Magazine

School Safety and Security: Links Between Best Practices and Academic Performance

the key to successful K-12 design lies in incorporating the highest levels of supervision and access control while ensuring that the school environment also fosters a sense of community and belonging. This thoughtful balance is essential to creating safe, supportive, and engaging spaces for learning.

Mark Beebe, AIA, RID, NCARB, LEED AP, RATIO Architects, LLC

Designing Learning Spaces for Neurodiverse Children

Diversity and inclusivity in learning environments is a topic that is at the heart of our work in creating empowering and multifunctional learning furniture inspired by educators and learners’ needs. At a time when 1 in 5 children in the United States are estimated to be neurodivergent and our understanding of neurodiversity deepens, the need for learning environments that are inclusive and supportive of neurodiverse children has never been more important.

Kelly Rosensweet, Natural Pod

From Skeptics to Supporters: Building Momentum for Innovative, Active Learning Environments

Educational innovation is a critical step toward creating learner-centered spaces that foster engagement, collaboration, and success. However, skepticism is a common hurdle when introducing modern active learning environments. The skills that educators were trained in are rapidly becoming outdated with digital natives. Addressing concerns, building trust, and fostering collaboration are essential to transforming skeptics into advocates for change.

Dr. Christina Counts, MiEN Environments | Katelyn M. Forcucci, MEd, EdS., emPOWERED PD

EDmarket Unveils Bold New Vision to Drive the Future of Learning Environments

EDmarket invites you to participate in a growing network that’s reimagining education from the ground up. Whether you're shaping physical classrooms, designing collaborative spaces, developing new tools, or guiding educational policy, there’s a place for you in this community. Together, we can create educational environments that inspire, support, and empower every learner.

Jim McGarry, EDmarket

Meet Dr. Kimberly C. Robertson

Dr. Kimberly Robertson is the Executive Director of Choice Schools and Programs for Guilford County Schools, overseeing 60+ magnet and choice programs. A future-focused leader, she is committed to reimagining education to ensure all students have innovative learning opportunities. Read more about her experience and vision for the future.

Adrienne Dayton, EDmarket

Performance Design Standards: An Essential Ingredient for Student Success

If the physical learning environment is not designed to address these basic human needs, then cognitive overload happens and learning shuts down. If measured, more than likely the design solutions of this physical place learning environment could have a significant impact on student underperformance. We can and must do better. Learners of all ages deserve to have the very best chance to learn. Raising awareness of and attainment of performance design standards in our schools will make an important that difference in addressing these underlying complexities.

Dave Broz, AIA, ECLPS, Columbia College Chicago | David Reid, AIA, ECLPS, ALEP, UDL Assoc., LEED AP, Multistudio | Lennie Scott-Webber, PhD, ECLPS, INSYNC:: Education Research+Design

Game On! How Esports is Transforming Education and Preparing Students for the Future

What was once considered a niche hobby or pastime has transformed into a powerful force in education. Esports programs are reshaping how students collaborate, think strategically, and engage with technology in meaningful ways. With a growing presence in K-12 schools and higher education institutions, esports is not only providing an outlet for competitive gaming, but also equipping students with critical skills that translate into career readiness and real-world problem-solving.

Dee Goines, KI | Katie Clark, KI

Navigating the Crossroads of Public EducationKey Takeaways from ERDI’s 2025 Winter National Insight Report

As public education enters a new era marked by volatility, complexity, and opportunity, the Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI) has released its Winter 2025 National Insights Report, offering a grounded and urgent view into the most pressing issues in PK–12 education. Drawing on survey data and rich dialogue from more than 100 district leaders, the report synthesizes real-time challenges and forward-thinking strategies into five essential insights that illuminate both the current moment and the road ahead.

Education Research & Development Institute (ERDI)

Wired: Re-Engage Gen Alpha Through Outdoor Learning

From digital dependency to a sense of disillusionment, the challenges faced by Generation Alpha demand a radical shift in our approach to education. A robust outdoor learning initiative addresses these challenges and unlocks the immense potential of this generation. Outdoor spaces have the potential to facilitate this shift, allowing students to become active participants and to collaborate with peers to build a new understanding of the world.

Paola Moore, ALEP, MooreCo

Bold Women Collective: On the Move & Growing

The Bold Women Collective continues to make strides in building a dynamic, supportive network of women leaders within the education sector. Through their Backstory Podcast, the Collective amplifies the voices of these leaders, providing a space where women can share their experiences, triumphs, and challenges. By doing so, the podcast fosters a sense of community and belonging, offering valuable insights, encouragement, and actionable advice to listeners.

Kelly Fisher, EDmarket

edgallery PRODUCT Innovations

Looking for a new product for your next building or renovation project? Find the latest innovations in the EDmarket edgallery. See what’s new for the coming school year by visiting the edgallery website and start browsing product categories, researching top innovations, and connecting with trusted suppliers in just a few clicks. Want to see your product or project featured?

Navigating Changes in School Security:What Educators Need to Know in 2025

As we look at the current trends in school security, it's clear that change is constant. Schools face the challenge of integrating new standards, legislation and solutions while keeping student and staff safety at the forefront. By focusing on collaboration and accountability, schools can continue to navigate these changes more effectively. Encouraging open dialogue among educators, administrators and policymakers will help everyone stay informed, adaptable and responsive to new challenges.

Paul Timm, PSP, Allegion