What science says about how our brains learn to read — and how it can help you while schools are closed
For the last 40 years, scientists across a number of disciplines have studied how our brains turn abstract symbols, or letters, into words — in short, how we learn to read. Different pieces of research, using cleverly designed experiments and high-tech brain imaging, have created a fairly clear picture of how the brain learns to...About Education Lab
Education Lab is a project of the Seattle Times that spotlights promising approaches to persistent challenges in public education. Our team reports on issues like improving school discipline, parent education, math instruction and more. Our goal? To connect parents, students and educators to drive innovative solutions.
Funding
More kids in Washington have mental-health issues than 10 years ago. Here’s how lawmakers want to help.
Legislators offer a laundry list of bills aimed at boosting students' access to health services at school.
Equity
The class of 2020 may get a reprieve from some graduation requirements because of coronavirus closures
Washington's board of education may give school districts power to waive credits for some high school seniors.
Teacher Diversity
Why are 89% of Washington teachers white?
Tools & Resources
Ignite Education Lab 2019
Watch: 11 stories about teaching, learning and growth
Education Lab Interesting Questions
We’re reporting on mental health and schools. And we need your help.
Depression. Anxiety. Suicide. Those are the words that often come up when people talk about youth mental health. And for good reason: CDC data suggest suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for adolescents. Feelings of hopelessness have shot up by 33% among Washington tenth graders in the past decade, statewide data shows. And...
Education Lab en español
Education Lab en español | Cómo hablar con los niños sobre el nuevo coronavirus
Los niños de todo Washington han estado haciendo preguntas difíciles a sus docentes, padres y cuidadores sobre la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019.
Discipline
Illinois stopped secluding and restraining students at school. Will other states follow suit?
Illinois lawmakers want federal officials to crack down on states that allow staff to seclude or restrain children at school.