Educators Archives - Khan Academy Blog

U.S. history is more than a timeline of names, dates, and events. It is the story of people, ... Read more

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Seven free back-to-school resources from Khan Academy Kids for PreK and elementary families, teachers, and administrators—an app, a screen time toolkit, a budget playbook, a free PreK eligibility offer, and more.

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By Sal Khan, Founder and CEO of Khan Academy We’re seeing more and more schools succeed by leveraging ... Read more

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By Sal Khan, Founder and CEO of Khan Academy Setting the record straight I started Khan Academy as ... Read more

The post Khanmigo’s First Chapter Changed How I Think About AI: A note from Sal Khan appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Technology in schools is getting closely examined—and for good reason. Parents and teachers are worried about distraction, cheating, ... Read more

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Practice is one of the most powerful ways students build real understanding. But every teacher knows that getting ... Read more

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When Hanover’s Assistant Superintendent Phil Misecko talks about Khan Academy’s pilot in Hanover Community School Corporation, he does ... Read more

The post Built in the Open: How Pilot Districts Shaped the Reimagined Khan Academy appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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by Karen Shapiro, Staff User Experience Researcher and Stacie Johnson, Director of Professional Learning

Every district has bold goals, and Khan Academy is here to help you reach them. As a nonprofit, our mission is 100% aligned with yours: accelerating student learning. We recently announced a reimagined Khan Academy for our district partners—rebuilt to better serve every kind of learner, in every kind of classroom, to ensure every student has the opportunity to master grade-level material.

Read the announcementWith trusted content, standards alignment, and responsibly designed AI, we make it easier for districts to drive outcomes that matter. Here’s how Khan Academy can help you meet your biggest goals.

| If your goal is… | Then try… | Because… | | improving academic outcomes | Implementing a minimum of 30 minutes of intentional Khan Academy practice per studentSetting a skill goal of an average increase of 2+ skills leveled up per weekAchieving 80% mastery in Getting Ready for Grade-Level math courses | Khan Academy improves state test scores compared to typical growth expectations.More time on Khan Academy is associated with higher gains, which tends to benefit students who may start further behind. | | supporting standards and curriculum alignment | assigning practice tied directly to standards and track mastery | Khan Academy’s content is explicitly aligned with many state standards. | | raising teacher morale and reducing burnout | Encouraging teachers to use Khan Academy classroom reports and Khanmigo Teacher Tools to streamline tasks and free up time for tailored instruction | Teachers using Khan Academy report spending fewer hours on grading and tracking, freeing up their time for more student interaction. | | teaching your district to use AI responsibly | Giving teachers time to take the Khanmigo for Educators course about using Khanmigo in their classrooms | Common Sense Media called Khanmigo “responsibly designed for education”—and it has only improved since then! |

Bottom line: The path to student success is clearer with Khan Academy by your side. From boosting outcomes to lifting teacher capacity to ensuring AI is implemented responsibly, we work hand in hand with districts to achieve what matters most: student learning.

District leaders who would like a closer look can register for a first-peek webinar on 11/10 or request a demo.

The post Your District Goals, Our Mission: Real Results with Khan Academy appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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If your students take the W!SE (Working In Support of Education) Financial Literacy Certification exam you now have a clear, reliable path forward.

W!SE has officially named Khan Academy’s Financial Literacy course as a top prep resource for the W!SE exam. That means you have one trusted, free, all-in-one tool to support your students in building money skills and earning certification.

One course covers it all You no longer need to dig through many resources to assemble what students need for W!SE exam. Khan Academy’s course includes:

Budgeting and saving
Credit and debt
Taxes and insurance
Banking, investing, core economics
Practice challenges that mirror the W!SE exam’s format

Plus, since the course launched, Khan Academy has expanded it to include new units on employment, banking, car buying, and housing to help students understand real-life money decisions.

Assign the course today!A Note for Virginia Teachers If you are a Virginia teacher, Khan Academy also offers the Economics and Personal Finance course, which was built specifically to align with Virginia’s state standards. This course includes both economics and personal finance content, ensuring that you can meet all of the state’s instructional requirements.

Much of the personal finance material in this course overlaps with the Financial Literacy course, so students still get exposure to the same core lessons that prepare them for the W!SE financial literacy exam. However, the Financial Literacy course remains the best targeted exam preparation resource, while the Economics and Personal Finance course ensures full compliance with Virginia’s curriculum standards.

This Virginia-specific course was made possible through the support of Capital One.

You’re already doing the work. We’re just making it easier.You know how important financial literacy is. With Khan Academy’s fully aligned course—and W!SE’s recommendation—you now have a powerful way to teach the skills that matter most.

Thank you for everything you do in helping students build financial confidence. You have a tool in Khan Academy that works for real classrooms.

The post Big News for Teachers Getting Students Ready for the W!SE Test appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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What new for back-to-school season 2025Need-to-Know is our quarterly collection of product releases, new content and courses, and improvements made to functionality—everything you need to know in one place!

Updates and releases as part of your free Khan Academy accountGet Khanmigo-certifiedKick off the year AI-ready with our free certification course—practical, bite-sized PD that shows you how to integrate Khanmigo into real classroom moments.

Download your back-to-school checklistStay organized with our ready-to-use checklist of resources and tools for a smooth start.

Smarter writing support with Writing CoachGive students scaffolded feedback across the writing process while keeping teacher control—these short videos get you classroom-ready fast.

New tools to save you timeFrom AI-powered Blooket integration to flexible essay feedback, assignment previews, and easy exports to Google, our latest Khanmigo updates make teaching more seamless and efficient.

Help families stay engaged with the new Parent DashboardEncourage families to keep the learning going at home with Khan Academy’s new Parent Dashboard. Parents can easily track progress, assign practice, and support their child’s growth beyond the classroom.

Hear from teachers and parentsNew and updated content to assign to your classSupport financial literacy in the classroomFinancial Literacy

Help students build real-world money skills with Khan Academy’s Financial Literacy course. With short, engaging videos and practice on topics like credit scores, saving for retirement, and tax forms, students gain confidence with concepts that matter beyond school. Use it flexibly for advisory, life-skills classes, or enrichment.

Keep students on track for AP examsAP Exam Preparation

Our updated AP Physics 1, AP U.S. History, and AP U.S. Government & Politics courses feature refreshed lessons, strategy tips, and exam-style practice that align with College Board standards. Teachers can assign practice sets, FRQ strategies, and new articles to help students feel prepared and confident on test day.

Strengthen reading & vocabulary in upper elementaryGrades 4 & 5 Reading and Vocabulary

Our redesigned 4th– and 5th-grade ELA courses combine short, high-interest texts with standards-aligned comprehension and vocabulary practice. Students build stamina with long-passage assignments, practice key strategies with videos, and grow their vocabulary through morphology-based instruction—perfect for whole-class lessons, small groups, or independent practice.

Build conceptual understanding in mathGrades 3-5 Illustrative Math

Aligned with the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum, our updated 3rd-, 4th-, and 5th-grade math courses emphasize conceptual understanding with visual models, scaffolded hints, and real-world examples. Teachers can easily integrate them into core instruction, intervention, or homework while meeting diverse student needs.

Give students a strong start in SAT prepSAT Prep

Our “Get Ready for SAT Prep” courses in Reading & Writing and Math are designed for 9th and 10th graders or students scoring below 500 on the PSAT/SAT. These pre-prep resources build foundational literacy and math skills with scaffolded practice and strategy tips, preparing students to transition smoothly into full SAT prep.

Explore middle school science with NGSS-aligned coursesMiddle School Physics & Chemistry

Our updated Physics and new Chemistry courses help students explore motion, atoms, and reactions through NGSS-aligned lessons. With engaging videos, practice, and real-world examples, these resources are great for blended learning, independent study, or classroom reinforcement.

Teach real-world coding with PythonIntro to Computer Science – Python

Our complete Intro to Python course is classroom-ready, with auto-graded challenges, scaffolded feedback, and real-world projects, from building recommendation engines to modeling disease spread. Students practice core concepts like loops, functions, and data structures while developing problem-solving skills. No setup required—just open and start coding.

Sharing the love for new coursesLatest features and resources for partner districtsLMS integration made easyIf your district uses Canvas, Google Classroom, or Schoology, Khan Academy now syncs directly through Clever LMS Connect. Assign work in Khan Academy and students can access it through your LMS while you and your admins get real-time progress data.

Seamless classroom transfersWhen staff transitions happen, classrooms can now be transferred from one teacher to another automatically via nightly rostering—no setup required on your end.

See district goals in your dashboardTeachers can now view the goals set by instructional leaders—like student proficiency, Khanmigo usage, or learning minutes—right alongside their own class data.

AI tools for admins (that benefit teachers too)Administrators now have access to Khanmigo tools for writing SMART goals, drafting IEPs, creating newsletters, and tracking performance—freeing up time and ensuring alignment across your district.

Unit mastery goals set by adminsAdmins can now assign unit-level mastery goals to groups of classes, helping keep students on track while reducing the burden on teachers.

Khanmigo in more languagesKhanmigo is now available in beta in Arabic, Chinese (simplified & traditional), Russian, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese—along with English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Hindi—to better support multilingual learners and families.

New image input for tutoringStudents can upload diagrams, handwritten work, or screenshots of math and science problems (with a typed question) in “Tutor Me” mode for more personalized Khanmigo tutoring support.

Coming soon: Admin class accessAdmins will soon be able to enter classrooms as co-teachers without SIS changes, giving them better visibility into student activity and more ways to support teachers.

Contact usLearn more about Khan Academy DistrictsThe post Need-to-Know BTS 2025: AI-Powered Support, Classroom-Ready Updates, and District Features appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Start the year strong with NGSS-aligned science resourcesKick off the school year with confidence using Khan Academy’s NGSS Science Unit Guides—designed to make lesson planning easier and instruction more effective. Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), these guides complement Khan Academy’s free courses in biology, chemistry, and physics, helping you deliver cohesive, inquiry-driven learning experiences that truly resonate with students.

Whether you’re a new teacher or a veteran educator, these unit guides give you everything you need to start the year prepared and stay on track throughout each unit.

What’s inside the NGSS Unit Guides?Each unit guide is built to support both teacher and student success. Inside you’ll find:

Lesson overviews – Quick snapshots of what’s covered, saving you valuable prep time
Essential questions – Open-ended prompts designed to promote deep student thinking and classroom discussion
Learning objectives – Clear, focused goals that break down NGSS standards into teachable steps
Teaching tips & strategies – Expert advice for keeping lessons engaging, interactive, and accessible for all learners
Integrated Khan Academy resources – Plug-and-play videos, articles, and exercises to enrich your lessons without extra prep Why teachers love these NGSS Unit GuidesWhat sets these guides apart is their emphasis on real-world relevance. Each unit is anchored by real-world phenomena, from environmental issues to everyday applications of science, that spark curiosity and help students see why science matters.

To further support effective teaching, the guides include:

Strategies for addressing common misconceptions so students don’t get stuck on tricky concepts
Student-friendly resources like simulations, hands-on activities, and note-taking templates to encourage active learning
Flexible teaching supports that allow you to adapt for whole-class instruction, small groups, or independent learning These guides aren’t just lesson aids—they’re a teaching toolkit that helps you foster inquiry, critical thinking, and a genuine love of science in your classroom.

Get started todayStart your year off smoothly with resources designed to align with your goals, your curriculum, and your students’ needs.

*Explore NGSS Science Teacher Resources*The post Back to School with Khan Academy: Free NGSS Science Unit Guides for Teachers appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Back-to-school season is the perfect time to reset your writing instruction routines—and we’re here to support you with a quick and flexible professional learning series focused on Khan Academy Writing Coach.

Writing Coach, powered by Khanmigo, is a free tool designed to help students grow as writers and give teachers powerful support—without adding to your workload. This four-part video series includes short sessions you can watch on your own time. By the end, you’ll be ready to confidently integrate Writing Coach into your classroom and even share what you’ve learned with fellow teachers.

Access Writing Coach for FreeChapter 1: Empowering student writers in the age of AIGreat writing starts with great guidance, and that comes from you. In this session, we explore how Writing Coach supports authentic writing development with step-by-step guidance, not shortcuts. You’ll learn:

Why we built Writing Coach with ethical AI use at its core
How it supports writing instruction—not replaces it
What makes it uniquely aligned with Khan Academy’s mission to provide a free, world-class education for every student

Watch Chapter 1*Chapter 2: Assigning writing practice—your way*Assigning daily writing practice can feel overwhelming—especially when the National Commission on Writing recommends 60 minutes a day. Writing Coach helps you scale writing in a way that’s realistic and teacher-friendly.

In this chapter, you’ll learn how to:

Create and manage writing assignments in just a few clicks
Customize prompts to fit your curriculum and voice
Stay in control of the writing process while students get the support they need

Watch Chapter 2*Chapter 3: Building student confidence from day oneIf your students often say, “I don’t know where to start!”* then you’re not alone. Writing Coach gives students the structure and encouragement they need to take the first step and keep going.

This session walks through the student experience with Writing Coach, highlighting how it helps learners:

Brainstorm ideas and understand expectations
Draft independently with real-time feedback
Revise effectively—without relying on copy-paste solutions

Watch Chapter 3*Chapter 4: Using teacher reports to guide instructionGreat teachers know that meaningful feedback drives growth, but it can be hard to find the time to monitor every student’s writing journey. Writing Coach provides real-time insights* to help you teach smarter, not harder.

In this final chapter, learn how to:

View student progress at a glance
Get alerts on originality issues
Identify class-wide trends to inform your next lesson

Watch Chapter 4You’re ready. Now bring it to your classroom.You’ve explored how Writing Coach supports student growth, aligns with your instruction, and gives you powerful data—all while keeping you in the driver’s seat. Now it’s your turn to try it out, explore with your students, and maybe even share what you’ve learned with a colleague.

Sign in and get started FREEThe post Start the Year Strong: Writing Coach PL Series for Teachers appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Introducing Khan Academy’s complete Introduction to Computer Science – Python courseEducators, we’re excited to unveil the newly completed Introduction to Computer Science – Python course from Khan Academy—a rigorous, engaging, and classroom-ready resource built to help students develop real-world programming skills while saving you valuable prep and grading time. Whether you’re teaching a full-year computer science class or you’re integrating coding into a broader curriculum, this course provides the tools you need to get students thinking critically about the digital world around them.

Auto-graded programming challenges = less work for youHow much of your time do you spend managing and assessing student work? Khan Academy’s auto-graded programming challenges relieve educators of that burden! As students write code, our platform offers scaffolded, real-time feedback, helping them troubleshoot and learn independently. For teachers, sample solutions are just a click away, making it easy to support student learning with minimal prep.

With built-in, open-ended extensions and bonus discussion questions, you can encourage deeper thinking and foster creativity in the classroom. Whether students are reflecting on the biases in their algorithm design or they’re thinking about the limitations of their simulation, they’ll encounter tasks that not only build technical fluency but also foster critical thinking skills that matter far beyond the screen.

Support every learner with modular, thoughtful designEach programming challenge is modular and adaptable, allowing you to meet every student at their current skill level. Students who complete their work quickly can move on to suggested extensions, and students who get stuck can refer back to paired worked example videos.

Students practice core programming concepts like conditionals, loops, and functions while exploring authentic and timely topics like infectious disease modeling and algorithmic bias. Each unit showcases a unique application of programming, from game design to data analysis, designed to capture the interest of a diverse range of students.

No setup, no barriers—just start codingBest of all, your students can start coding from minute one. Our custom, web-based development environment works across laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, and there’s no installation required. Whether students are working in class or at home, they’ll have a smooth, consistent experience that lets them focus on solving problems and writing code instead of troubleshooting tech issues.

A unique approach to computer science in your classroomWe designed this course to make programming approachable and fun for students and teachers from all backgrounds. We break down every concept from square one and center all 100+ example programs in real-world problems—no Fibonacci sequences here! Our team based this course off of a decade of experience working at major software companies, so you can feel confident that it reflects the up-to-date, practical skills your students will need.

Ready to learn more? Watch our guided course tour, or open up the Intro to Computer Science – Python course to explore for yourself!

Assign Intro to Computer Science – PythonThe post Empower Your Students with Our Python Course for High School Teachers appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Texas teachers, start the school year equipped with everything you need for success in the classroom! Whether you’re teaching 8th-grade science or Algebra 1, Khan Academy’s TEKS-aligned unit guides are designed to save you time, build your confidence, and deliver exceptional, standards-driven instruction.

Thanks to the generous support of the ExxonMobil Foundation, these resources are available for free to teachers across Texas.

TEKS Science unit guides: Engage students with real-world phenomenaAligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for 8th grade and high school, our science unit guides cover integrated science, biology, chemistry, and physics. They complement Khan Academy’s existing science courses while making it easier to plan cohesive, standards-based instruction.

Each guide includes:

Lesson overviews: Essential questions paired with clear learning objectives
Real-world phenomena: Designed to spark curiosity and make content come alive
Targeted teaching tips: Practical strategies for addressing common misconceptions
Student-ready resources: Simulations, note-taking templates, and other classroom supports

Explore TEKS science guidesTEKS Math unit guides: Built by experts, backed by strategyMore than a resource, these guides are like having a master teacher in your corner. Khan Academy’s math unit guides are aligned to TEKS standards for Grades 5–8 and Algebra 1, with additional guides for Grades 3–4, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Precalculus coming soon.

Inside each guide you’ll find:

Standards & misconceptions: Quickly identify what students need to know and where they might struggle
Unit resources: Ready-to-use templates for video notes, vocab builders, graphing tools, and more
Lesson overviews: Teaching tips, warm-up ideas, and student supports for every lesson
Best practices: Instructional strategies and classroom activities to enhance engagement

Unit guides are already live for Grades 5–8 and Algebra 1—just look for the “Teacher resources” lesson at the end of each unit.

Explore TEKS math guidesTeach confidently this yearThese guides are designed to empower you, making every unit easier to teach and more effective for your students. By providing strategies, ready-to-use resources, and expert insights, Khan Academy helps you focus on what matters most—supporting every learner.

Once again, a special thank you to the ExxonMobil Foundation for making these free resources possible for teachers and students across Texas.

The post Start the School Year Strong with Free TEKS-Aligned Resources from Khan Academy appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Introducing Khan Academy’s new Get Ready for SAT Prep: Reading and Writing courseEducators, we’re excited to introduce a new tool to help you better support your students’ journey toward SAT success: the Get Ready for SAT Prep: Reading and Writing course. Designed to offer an earlier, more gradual ramp-up to our full SAT Reading and Writing course, this new resource is ideal for 9th- and 10th-grade students or those in need of extra support. Think of it as a pre-prep course that builds students’ confidence and capability well before test day.

Skill practice that builds from the ground upThe “Get Ready” course provides students with SAT- and PSAT/NMSQT-style practice questions at a lower difficulty level. This gives students a chance to become more familiar with the test’s format and what they are expected to accomplish while also developing their reading and writing skills in a more accessible, less intimidating way. The lesson content is the same as what appears in the SAT Reading and Writing course, but the practice is targeted at the Pre-Foundations level, making it ideal for remediation or early exposure.

Flexible for differentiated instructionThis course also meets the need for remediation resources in high school ELA classrooms. For students in need of extra support, teachers can assign practice aligned to specific reading and writing skills, helping students master the basics before they move on to the more challenging exercises in the SAT Reading and Writing course. With built-in unit tests, course challenges, and mastery tracking, educators can easily assess student readiness to progress to the next level of SAT prep. Once students achieve mastery in a skill through the Get Ready course, they’re prepared to take on that same skill at the Foundations level in the full SAT Reading and Writing course.

New “top tips” articles in both Get Ready for SAT Prep: Reading and Writing and SAT Reading and Writing coursesAnnouncing a new article type! Each lesson will contain a new article detailing our “top tips” for tackling the given skill, along with example questions where students can try out these strategies themselves. This way, students can see how we applied those strategies to get to the correct answer. While the existing “overview” articles walk through the main approach to all questions in the given skill, the “top tips” articles offer secondary strategies that may come in handy on some questions.

Support students wherever they areWhether you’re supporting early test prep in 9th and 10th grade or you’re providing targeted practice for students working toward proficiency, the Get Ready for SAT Prep: Reading and Writing course offers flexible support. It’s not designed to prepare students directly for the SAT or PSAT/NMSQT. Instead, it prepares them for the preparation, laying the groundwork for long-term success. Explore the course today and help every student build the confidence and skills they need to thrive on the road to college readiness.

Assign Get Ready for SAT PrepThe post Build Student Confidence with SAT Reading and Writing Prep appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Jessica Hendel, Senior Content Creator

Hi everyone! I’m Jess, and I help create content at Khan Academy. I want to introduce you to our new course called Get Ready for SAT Prep: Math. This course is designed to help you build the basic math skills you’ll need before you start the official Digital SAT Math course.

This course is especially helpful if you’re in 9th or 10th grade and want to prepare early for the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT. It’s also a good choice if you’ve tried the official SAT Math course and found the Foundations-level material difficult, or if you scored below 500 on a recent PSAT or SAT Math test.

Get Ready for SAT Prep: Math focuses on making sure you understand the most important math concepts at a Pre-Foundations level. This means the material is a bit easier than what you’ll see on the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT, so you can build your confidence and skills before moving on. Once you feel comfortable with these basics, you’ll be better prepared for the more challenging topics in the Digital SAT Math course.

You may notice that some skills in this course already show progress toward mastery. That’s because the exercises are also used in other Khan Academy math courses, so any progress you’ve made there will count here too.

It’s important to know that this course is not meant to be your only SAT prep. Instead, it’s like a warmup to get you ready for the main Digital SAT Math course, which is where you’ll do most of your test preparation. At the end of each skill in the Get Ready course, there’s a quiz you can take to see if you’re ready to move on. If you don’t master the quiz right away, you can watch videos and do more practice exercises for that skill. Once you master a skill, you’re ready to start the Foundations lessons for that skill in the Digital SAT Math course.

Get Ready for SAT Prep: Math in the classroomFor teachers and schools, this course offers fantastic flexibility. You can begin implementing it as early as 9th or 10th grade, giving students a longer runway for SAT preparation. It’s also an invaluable resource for helping 11th-grade students who need extra support with specific mathematical concepts before tackling SAT-level content.

Build strong foundations for confident SAT prepWhether you’re a student looking to build a strong foundation for future SAT success or an educator seeking to provide targeted support for your students, Get Ready for SAT Prep: Math is designed to meet you where you are and help you get where you need to be.

Remember, mastering the fundamentals is the key to long-term success. We’re excited to be part of your SAT and PSAT journey!

Explore Get Ready for SAT Prep MathThe post Get Ready for SAT Prep: Math—Your Foundation for Progress appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Implications for teachers: using Khan Academy in the classroomBy Bogdan Yamkovenko and Kodi Weatherholtz

Our recent quasi-experimental research highlights the significant impact Khan Academy can have on student growth, offering valuable insights for teachers deciding how to integrate it into their classrooms.

Study highlights: Incremental gains: Encourage students to focus on mastering more skills each year. Even small increases in skill proficiency can lead to noticeable improvements. For instance, mastering just one more skill than they did the previous year results in an average increase of 0.5 percentage points in the target gain percentage. * Closing learning gaps: Implementing regular practice on Khan Academy can help students narrow achievement gaps, but understand that significant improvement requires consistent effort. * Universal benefits*: The study suggests that all students, irrespective of their background or external support, can benefit from increased learning engagement on Khan Academy.

Falling behind in math We know that recent test score data shows that many students score below grade-level expectations. A recent NWEA report for the 2023-2024 school year indicates that the gains in math are still 2%-14% lower than they were pre-pandemic (Lewis and Kuhfeld, 2024). In fact, the data from our recent MAP Accelerator study suggest that students typically only grow about 86% of their target growth in one year. Results from our latest research offer insights into what is needed to help students catch up.

Results from a three-year quasi-experimental studyOur recent quasi-experimental study tracks the same students over three years and looks at how students’ gains change year to year as they increase or decrease their usage of Khan Academy. In this case, we looked specifically at how gains on the MAP Growth test change year to year when the students learn more or fewer skills in a relevant Khan Academy course than they did a year before. On our platform, learning a skill is measured by getting to proficient or mastery level for the skill.

Often studies in edtech only look at one year of achievement data because it is difficult to track students for multiple years. In such studies, it’s also only possible to compare students who use the tool to other students who do not. The main limitation is that high-usage students are usually very different from the low-usage students on many attributes that we can’t account for in the study. But in a study like the one we describe here, each student is tracked over several years, and we compare each student’s gains to their gains a year or more prior. By comparing students to themselves, we can rule out factors like student motivation or even teacher characteristics and focus on the effect of increasing or decreasing Khan Academy usage (see this blog for why this works). This is a powerful methodology that helps address one of the most common critiques of edtech studies—that edtech tools only work for motivated students. In this study, we include all students regardless of how much they used Khan Academy. Studies like these are considered to be just one step below Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT), which are often viewed as the gold standard in research methods.

NWEA publishes fall-to-spring growth expectations for students who take MAP Growth. For example, an average student in the 5th grade is expected to gain ~10 points between their fall and spring tests (see NWEA norms). But, typically, students don’t gain what is expected. This same 5th-grade student who gained eight points between fall and spring is at about 80% of their expected or target gain.

We would expect that if this same student became proficient in more skills on Khan Academy next year, they would move closer to their target growth or maybe even exceed it. That is exactly what we see in our study results. When a student becomes proficient in one more skills than they learned last year, on average, they increase their percent of target by about 0.5 percentage points. In other words, they gain more than they gained last year, and they move closer to their expected gain. In some cases, depending on how many more skills they learn, they can exceed their target gain. This means that practicing even a few more skills on Khan Academy can help students close their gaps and catch up with their peers. This finding is true for students of different demographic groups. For the technical details, see our recent paper that was accepted and presented at ECTEL 2024.

What does this mean for a student in a classroom?Consider a 5th-grade student who only worked on one unit of Khan Academy’s 5th-grade math course and became proficient on 10 skills in that unit in addition to whatever else their teacher had them work on in class. The full course has 130 skills, so this student’s progress is very small. Suppose this student ends the school year with gains on MAP growth that are 80% of their 5th-grade target. Now suppose in the next year, they become proficient in 40 skills in 6th-grade math. That’s an additional 30 skills more than what they learned last year. Based on our research finding that each new skill learned to proficiency or mastery results in a 0.5 percentage point increase in learning, we would expect this student to move 15 percentage points closer to their target. So, this year they should be gaining ~95% of the target. If a student made even more progress in the course, they could actually meet or exceed their target and gain more than expected.

At Khan Academy, we want to accelerate student learning. We empower students to address their individual learning needs through focused practice on the skills they need to learn. If students are behind, we can help them catch up. If they are at grade level, they can go even further. Our study shows that regardless of who you are as a student—where you live, who your teacher is, how much help you get from adults—spending even a little more time or becoming proficient on even a few more skills on Khan Academy can lead to higher gains.

The post What Is the Impact of Learning a Skill on Khan Academy? appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Khan Academy’s AI-powered teaching assistant, Khanmigo, is meeting you where you are already working—directly within Canvas! U.S. Canvas educators now have access to Khanmigo Teacher Tools for free as part of their Canvas subscription. Khanmigo is your planning ally and instructional collaborator that makes prep time faster AND better. No need to disrupt your routine—use AI-powered Khanmigo right inside your Canvas LMS.

Built for teachers by teachers, Khanmigo simplifies AI. Without writing one prompt, you can co-create lesson plans, rubrics, exit tickets, and more.

“I’ve tried a LOT of AI tools for teachers, and this is by far my favorite! The tools are easy to use even if you’re not super tech-savvy.”

— Fourth-grade teacher in Texas

Spend less time on prep and more time with your students by using more than 20 teaching activities powered by Khanmigo.

What can you do with AI-powered Khanmigo in Canvas LMS?Khanmigo generates high-quality classroom activities and resources that build on your expertise and help you clear your to-do list faster.

Streamline your day-to-day prep: Khanmigo makes planning your week and prepping for substitutes easy with a suite of standards-aligned tools tailored to how you teach.

“This is the BEST tool I have found in my many years of teaching. It has saved me countless hours, leaving more time for my students and family!”

— Lara, teacher

Meet the unique needs of your students: Khanmigo creates lesson hooks about Taylor Swift or Roblox and suggests real-world examples for your lesson topics.

“I told Khanmigo that my students love Taylor Swift. It developed a task for students to create a concert setlist where the duration of each song is given in fractions of an hour.”

— Instructional technology coordinator

Defeat writer’s block: Khanmigo delivers quick first drafts for anything, from multilingual family emails to grading rubrics to in-class activities and problem sets with correct answers.

“What a time saver! We are required to send weekly emails home about our classes. Khanmigo saves me at least an hour each week. I type in a few details, and I get the most beautifully written parent newsletter that even includes French vocabulary.”

— High school French teacher

Make grading meaningful: Khanmigo simplifies the creation of rubrics for everything from essays to reviewing projects and problem-solving tasks.

“Khanmigo’s rubric-creation tool allowed me to incorporate our actual unit plans and objectives to construct a rubric from scratch. A task that would normally take me about an hour was now completed in no more than 15 minutes.”

— High school English teacher in Indiana

Get started with Khanmigo in CanvasTo use the AI-powered Khanmigo Teacher Tools on the Canvas LMS, click into a Canvas course from your homepage. Then, on the left side menu, you will see the “Khanmigo Teacher Tools” link.

From there, click the blue “Sign up for free” button if you do not already have a Khan Academy account. If you do have a Khan Academy account, you can log in to it using your usual login method.

If you are not seeing the “Khanmigo Teacher Tools” button when you are in a Canvas course, it means your organization’s Canvas administrator has not enabled the tool yet. We recommend connecting with your administration and requesting that they enable the tool. Here is a handy guide you can share with them to walk through the steps!

Don’t have Canvas LMS? Use AI-powered Khanmigo for free on Khan Academy!Khanmigo for Teachers is free for educators in dozens of countries.

Get Khanmigo for freeThe post AI-Teaching Assistant Khanmigo Now Available in Canvas: Trusted AI to Streamline Prep Right Inside Your LMS appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Climate change can seem like an intractable problem, but there are things that we can do to mitigate its causes and impacts. In Khan Academy’s new Climate Project, a brand-new interdisciplinary course developed by our colleagues at the OER Project, you’ll be able to examine climate change through a social science lens as you gather the knowledge and tools to take action. Whether you’re a teacher looking for engaging content or a student interested in making a difference, this course provides the tools and knowledge to tackle one of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Check out the new course!Why this course is exciting for students and familiesClimate Project is solutions-based, offering a fresh perspective on climate change by focusing on what can be done. Students will evaluate adaptation and mitigation strategies, empowering them to take on the challenges climate change presents. For example, they will learn to assess solutions and decide for themselves which actions are most effective, offering hope and concrete pathways for the future.

In this course, students will acquire the skills needed to make real-world contributions to solving the climate crisis. They’ll explore climate-related careers and discover how their own interests and talents can contribute to a zero-carbon future. Whether a student is passionate about science, engineering, or social justice, this course will help them uncover ways to leverage their interests toward specific climate change actions.

Additionally, Climate Project provides a space for students to evaluate information without fear or bias. They’ll explore evidence from a range of sources to understand how to develop resilience, reduce impacts, and find their role in shaping the future. It encourages constructive discussion, inspires learners to move past pessimism and inaction, and shifts their focus toward understanding and empowerment.

*Why educators and administrators should consider this course*Climate Project is inquiry-based, encouraging students to explore the causes, impacts, and potential solutions of climate change for themselves. This approach fosters critical thinking, with students researching and evaluating data from diverse sources to form their own well-informed opinions. The emphasis on inquiry supports students in developing essential analytical skills as they navigate the complexities of climate change.

Additionally, the course builds digital and data literacy skills, which are crucial for the next generation of experts and citizens. For instance, data exploration articles equip students with the tools needed to assess the ever-changing information surrounding climate change, helping them become informed and engaged participants in shaping our future.

Finally, Climate Project materials are designed to engage students with timely, clear-eyed takes on climate issues. The use of videos, articles, infographics, and interactive activities offers students a variety of ways to connect with the content. For example, course infographics simplify complex topics and make them approachable, encouraging deeper student engagement and fostering meaningful conversations around the most pressing global issues.

Climate Project offers educators a dynamic way to inspire their students to become informed and active participants in the fight against climate change. Start exploring this course today and bring this essential learning experience into your classroom!

Explore the course!The post New OER Climate Project Course: A Solutions-Based Approach to Climate Change appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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“I can’t imagine teaching without Khanmigo.”Oklahoma high school teacher Mr. Foos says he can’t imagine teaching without Khanmigo, Khan Academy’s 100% free, AI teaching assistant. He asks, “How did teachers in the past ever function without it?”

Khanmigo generates high-quality progress reports and classroom activities that build on your expertise and help you clear your to-do list more quickly.

Sign up for freeYou could teach without Khanmigo … but why would you?We love hearing from teachers about their favorite Khanmigo tools and features! See how some of your colleagues are spending less time prepping and more time interacting with students, thanks to Khanmigo.

See Khanmigo in action“THANK YOU SO MUCH! This is the BEST tool I have found in my many years of teaching. It has saved me countless hours, leaving [me] more time for my students and family! LOVE IT!”
— Lara, teacher

Enhance your lesson plans with AI“I told Khanmigo that my students love Taylor Swift. It developed a task for students to create a concert setlist where the duration of each song is given in fractions of an hour. They had to add and subtract the fractions to ensure that the total concert time met a specific limit!”
— Samantha Keyfauver, instructional technology coordinator

Plan a lesson nowSimplify parent communication with Khanmigo’s newsletters! “I use Khanmigo to write notes to my parents. I used to waste so much time trying to make my tone and point come across as supportive and helpful.”
— Tracy Ferguson, third-grade teacher

Write a newsletter nowMake grading meaningful with AI-powered rubrics“Khanmigo’s rubric creation tool allowed me to incorporate our actual unit plans and objectives to construct a rubric from scratch. A task that would normally take me about an hour was now completed in no more than 15 minutes.”
— Mrs. Bartsch, a high school English teacher in Indiana

Create a rubric nowMrs. Emerson’s top-three-favorite Khanmigo features“I’ve tried a LOT of AI tools for teachers, and this is by far my favorite! The tools are easy to use even if you’re not super tech-savvy, and the activities are specifically designed to streamline some of your most time-consuming tasks.”
— Mrs. Emerson, fourth-grade teacher in Texas

Sign up for Khanmigo for free today and start trying out the AI teaching assistant tools yourself. We think you’ll quickly find your favorite features, just like Mrs. Emerson did.

Get Khanmigo now1⃣ Editable: Use Khanmigo to draft a fully detailed lesson plan that’s completely editable. Easily make changes to fit your specific needs by editing the text in seconds.

2⃣ “Ask Khanmigo”: Don’t love what Khanmigo generates? Select some text and use the “Ask Khanmigo” feature to add more details or try something different!

3⃣ Export your content: Once you love what you’ve created, export the content as a Microsoft Word document or PDF, save it to your Google drive directly from Khanmigo, or print out a physical copy.

Start teaching with Khanmigo todayReady to save time and streamline your prep? Discover how Khanmigo’s free AI teaching assistant tools can help you with your most time-consuming tasks.

Get KhanmigoThe post Teachers Share Why Our AI-Powered Teaching Assistant, Khanmigo, Is a Must-Have appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Happy Constitution Day! Have you heard the news? We’re thrilled to announce that in partnership with the National Constitution Center, we launched a brand-new online course all about the US Constitution. This isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a journey into the heart of American democracy. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or lifelong learner, our Constitution 101 course is designed to deepen your understanding of how this foundational document continues to shape the lives of every citizen in the United States.

Explore the course!What you’ll discover in Constitution 101Our Constitution 101 course is a comprehensive, nine-unit exploration of this “great charter of liberty”—it not only establishes a framework for government but also reflects the enduring faith of the people. We’ll delve into its historical context, key principles, and some of the landmark Supreme Court cases that have defined our nation. But it’s more than just a history lesson; it’s an opportunity to engage with the living, breathing document that continues to influence our government and society today.

As you progress through the course, you’ll have the chance to do the following:

Watch interviews with leading constitutional scholars, professors, and experts from diverse political perspectives
Explore how different interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments have shaped our current government
Participate in exercises and activities that help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world situations

*Why the Constitution matters: more than just history*Understanding the Constitution is crucial for anyone who wants to grasp the very foundation of our democracy. With this course, students will not only learn about the Constitution’s origins but also see how its principles are applied in modern-day governance. It’s an essential resource for educators looking to bring civics and Constitutional studies into their classrooms.

**Start using the course today!****Teachers can start integrating Constitution 101 into their lesson plans right now. And if you’re looking for even more resources, the National Constitution Center’s website offers a teacher version of the course, complete with additional materials to support your teaching.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to dive deep into the heart of American democracy. Start exploring Constitution 101 today, and join us in celebrating Constitution Day by learning more about the foundation of our nation!

The post New Constitution 101 Course: Celebrate Constitution Day! appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Kaitlin Anselmo Pothireddy

Emotions are a fundamental part of daily life, and in the post-COVID world, helping students understand and manage their feelings is more important than ever. As administrators, supporting teachers in introducing social-emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom can lead to a more harmonious and effective learning environment. After all, kids can’t learn effectively if they’re trying to stand on desks or if they’re overwhelmed by their emotions.

Here are some practical tips to help educators integrate SEL in the first quarter of the school year. (And if you’re ready to learn about how you can implement an affordable, district-wide SEL system, complete this form).

Understanding the strugglesLet’s face it—getting back to a structured routine after the chaos of the pandemic isn’t easy for anyone, especially kids. Teachers are on the front lines, balancing academic goals with the emotional needs of their students and dealing with all the other challenges that come with back-to-school season. Introducing SEL can feel like adding one more task to an already overflowing plate. But with the right tools and support, SEL can transform classrooms into spaces of ordered joy, where students are ready to learn.

Start with the basics: identifying emotionsOne of the first steps in SEL is helping students identify and recognize their emotions. This foundational skill can set the stage for more complex emotional and social skills. Khan Academy Kids offers a free emotion-wheel worksheet that teachers can use to help kids identify their feelings.

Imagine a classroom where students can point to a picture on an emotion wheel to express how they’re feeling instead of acting out or shutting down. It’s a small tool with a big impact.

Integrate interactive lessonsInteractive lessons can make learning about emotions engaging and fun. Khan Academy Kids provides a series of lessons about BIG feelings like happiness, sadness, and everything in between. These lessons are designed for preschool through second grade and cover emotions like disappointment, embarrassment, anger, and boredom.

Using these lessons, teachers can create a classroom environment where emotions are openly discussed and managed. Picture a lesson where animated characters from Khan Academy Kids stories experience big emotions, helping students see that it’s okay to feel and express a wide range of emotions.

Promote mindful momentsIncorporating short, mindful moments throughout the day can help students manage their emotions and focus on learning. These moments don’t require a lot of time or resources but can make a significant difference in the classroom atmosphere.

Encourage teachers to start the day with a brief breathing exercise or a guided visualization. It can be as simple as asking students to close their eyes and imagine a calm place. Khan Academy Kids includes a range of mindfulness activities that can be easily integrated into the classroom routine.

Create emotional check-in stationsDesignate a space in the classroom where students can check in with their emotions. This can be as simple as a feelings chart or a box where students can drop notes about how they’re feeling. These check-ins can provide teachers with valuable insights into their students’ emotional states and help address issues before they escalate.

Khan Academy Kids offers digital tools that can complement these check-in stations, making it easier for students to express their feelings in a safe and engaging way.

Encourage storytelling and role-playingStorytelling and role-playing can be powerful tools for helping students understand and manage their emotions. Encourage teachers to incorporate these activities into their lessons. For example, they can use prompts related to the pandemic to help students process their experiences.

Khan Academy Kids’ Stories with People features diverse human characters and scenarios that provide relatable contexts for students to explore emotions and develop social skills. These stories can be a great starting point for classroom discussions and role-playing activities.

Support and professional developmentProviding teachers with the support and professional development they need is crucial. Offer training sessions on how to effectively integrate SEL into the classroom. Highlight the resources available through Khan Academy Kids, which include comprehensive guides and activities aligned with national education standards.

By equipping teachers with the right tools and knowledge, administrators can ensure that SEL becomes a seamless part of the classroom experience.

Adding ordered joy to classroomsIncorporating SEL isn’t about adding another layer of complexity to the school day. It’s about bringing order and joy to the classroom, creating an environment where students feel safe and supported. In this post-COVID world, students need more than academic instruction; they need emotional guidance and support.

With tools like Khan Academy Kids, administrators can help teachers create classrooms where learning and emotional well-being go hand in hand. The new lessons in the Khan Academy Kids app cover a wide range of emotions and are designed to be engaging and interactive, making it easier for teachers to introduce SEL concepts.

Building a resilient and joyful learning environmentAs we navigate the challenges of the new school year, prioritizing social-emotional learning is essential. By supporting teachers and providing them with practical tools and resources, administrators can help create classrooms where students are emotionally equipped to learn and grow.

Explore NEW SEL lessons available through Khan Academy Kids and see how they can transform your school’s approach to social-emotional learning. And if you like what you see, consider booking a call with us–we’d love to ensure every student in your district has access to our nonprofit resources.

The post From Chaos to Calm: SEL Solutions for PK-2 Classrooms appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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For all teachers, keeping students engaged while striving to meet grade-level standards can often feel like an impossible task. For English Language Arts (ELA) teachers especially, those challenges are amplified by tough-to-teach reading standards, a wide range of student abilities, and the time-consuming nature of providing feedback on writing.

Khan Academy’s AI-powered teacher assistant, Khanmigo, addresses these unique challenges with innovative solutions. Let’s explore how Khanmigo can be a game changer in your ELA classroom.

Sign up for Khanmigo for FREEEnrich discussions and essay prompts with the Discussion Prompts generatorAre you constantly searching for engaging essay prompts or ways to stimulate class discussions? The Discussion Prompts generator can help you craft thought-provoking ideas in seconds. Simply enter the grade level and topic, and Khanmigo will provide a variety of prompts for class discussions or essays. You can even explore relevant talking points with Khanmigo to enrich your classroom conversations.

Generate rubrics in seconds with the Khanmigo Rubric GeneratorCreating fair, standards-aligned rubrics for every assignment can be time-consuming. Madeline Bartsch, English teacher and department chair at Hobart High School, shares that the Khanmigo Rubric Generator tool reduced her rubric-creation time from an hour to just 15 minutes. This tool ensures rubrics are transparent, criteria-based, and aligned with learning goals, making assessment planning a breeze.

Draft question sets with the Multiple Choice Assessment, Questions Generator, and Exit Ticket toolsWriting questions for vocabulary, literary analysis, and comprehension checks can consume hours weekly. Khanmigo can draft standards-aligned questions and personalize them to fit your students’ interests. Whether it’s vocab-review questions based on upcoming events or literary device practice questions related to local sports teams, Khanmigo has you covered. Generate pre-reading activities, post-reading assessments, exit tickets, and more with ease.

Use the Khanmigo Text Releveler tool to support textual analysisEnsuring students have access to grade-level instructional materials is critical, yet many read below grade level. The Khanmigo Text Releveler tool helps scaffold complex texts by providing an AI-releveled version for struggling readers. Students can compare the original and releveled texts to enhance comprehension and analyze the author’s craft, fostering a deeper appreciation for authentic writing.

Co-create lesson plans and instructional materials with KhanmigoThe Lesson Planner tool allows you to co-edit lesson plans with Khanmigo’s support—perfect for crafting instructional plans for Khan Academy’s Grammar course, Digital SAT Prep content, and ELA courses. Collaborate with AI to develop comprehensive lesson plans that meet your classroom needs.

Scaffold complex texts with the Chunk Text toolComplex nonfiction texts can be challenging for students. The Chunk Text tool breaks down texts into manageable segments with relevant headers, providing scaffolding for students who read below grade level. This tool also aids in teaching nonfiction text structure and how to identify key ideas.

Elevate student learning with AI tools for teachersPartner schools gain access to additional tools and activities, such as the Writing Coach tool, interactive debate activities, chat simulations with literary characters, and tutoring support in all of Khan Academy’s ELA and humanities courses. These tools keep students motivated and engaged, providing comprehensive support for teachers.

All teachers can sign up for Khanmigo teacher tools for free on our Khanmigo website.

Get Khanmigo for FreeTeachers interested in a district partnership, including access to Khanmigo student activities, can learn more here.

The post How Khanmigo Can Help ELA Teachers Cut Prep Time and Increase Student Engagement appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Kim Merrill, Sr. Computer Science Content Creator

The Khan Academy team is excited to announce the release of our new Intro to Computer Science course, which teaches the fundamentals of programming in Python. This course is packed with innovative features and engaging content, making it an ideal addition to beginner computer science classrooms for the 2024-25 school year. Here’s why this course is a game changer for both educators and learners.

Explore the course!What’s new and unique?Our new course introduces students to programming through a series of projects that demonstrate the exciting ways programming can be applied to real-world problems. From building recommendation engines to modeling infectious diseases to templating web pages, students will build a diverse portfolio of projects that address relevant, real-world issues. Each unit presents a new theme such as simulations, data science, or game design, so that every student can connect with a motivation.

Drawing from a decade of industry experience, this course focuses on important skills that students will need outside of the classroom, including practical problem solving, collaboration, and program design. It spirals in debugging strategies, code-readability conventions, and design patterns, so that students learn how to write quality, future-proof code that works and can be used by others. The course also includes a rare program-design video series in which students work alongside a professional software engineer as they break down problems, define user requirements, and develop working prototypes.

*How this course supports learners*Our modular programming challenges are designed to meet students at their individual learning edges, providing scaffolded instructions and continuous, automated feedback to ensure all students can progress without getting stuck. In addition, each challenge offers several open-ended extensions to spark students’ curiosity and push their knowledge even further.

Our instructional materials inline tons of interactive example programs that students can run, modify, and experiment with in order to develop a deeper understanding of each concept. Our CS community allows learners to seek help from expert volunteers, get inspired by others, and showcase their own creations in our program gallery.

Sign up for this course for FREE**Why educators should consider this cours****eKhan Academy’s Intro to Computer Science course is designed to get students coding from the very first lesson. Our custom, web-based development environment provides all the necessary tools for writing, running, and debugging code, eliminating the need for any time-consuming setup. This seamless user experience works across devices, allowing students to continue their learning on laptops, tablets, or mobile devices, whether they’re in school or at home.

The post Introducing Khan Academy’s New Intro to Computer Science Course with Python appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Khan Academy is excited to unveil our new and enhanced English Language Arts (ELA) courses for 9th and 10th grade. These Common Core-aligned courses are designed to provide comprehensive support for mastering reading and vocabulary skills through engaging multimedia resources, including videos, articles, and interactive exercises. With additional grade levels slated for release in September, Khan Academy is poised to provide a rich digital resource for ELA teachers and learners in 6th through 10th grade.

Check out our ELA coursesWhat’s new and unique?Khan Academy is excited to unveil our new and enhanced English Language Arts (ELA) courses for 9th and 10th grade. These Common Core-aligned courses are designed to provide comprehensive support for mastering reading and vocabulary skills through engaging multimedia resources, including videos, articles, and interactive exercises. With additional grade levels slated for release in September, Khan Academy is poised to provide a rich digital resource for ELA teachers and learners in 6th through 10th grade.

*Why these courses are important*These new courses don’t just develop literacy skills; they also build content knowledge across a range of 9th- and 10th-grade social studies and science topics. By integrating content from these subject areas, students can deepen their understanding and make cross-curricular connections. For example, in the 9th-grade units, students will explore themes like communication, ethics, and societal success, while the 10th-grade units delve into exploration, social connections among both humans and animals, and transformations. Students will analyze scientific and technical passages, historical texts and speeches, and a range of classic and contemporary literature texts. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students are not only mastering ELA skills but also enriching their overall academic experience and knowledge base.

Explore the 9th Grade ELA courseExplore our 10th Grade ELA course**Why educators should consider these courses****Khan Academy’s new ELA courses feature a user-friendly, standards-aligned approach that includes both direct teaching and practice exercises, helping students master the literacy skills they need to succeed. The courses are designed to support knowledge building across content areas, reinforcing what students learn in their social studies and science classes.

**Use these courses for back to school!****We invite you to explore Khan Academy’s innovative and comprehensive ELA courses for the 2024–25 school year in order to help your students build the skills and knowledge they need to excel in reading, vocabulary, and beyond. Stay tuned for the release of additional grade levels in September, and let Khan Academy be your go-to resource for mastering English Language Arts.

Check out our FREE coursesThe post Introducing Khan Academy’s New 9th- and 10th-Grade ELA Courses Aligned to Common Core Standards appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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As the new school year approaches, integrating AI into your classroom can seem daunting. But fear not! Khan Academy is here to help you harness the power of AI to save time and enhance your teaching practices. Here’s how you can get AI-ready with our comprehensive AI checklist.

Download the checklist!Get certified with KhanmigoAI in education is more than just a trend—it’s becoming a staple in modern teaching practices. By getting certified, you’re not only enhancing your professional development but also bringing cutting-edge technology into your classroom.

Sign up for the AI certification course. Enhance your teaching skills with our free Khanmigo AI certification course. This course is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to effectively integrate AI into your classroom.

Complete the course.Dive into interactive modules and earn your certification. Not only will you gain valuable skills, but you could also win exciting prizes.

Start the courseShowcase your certification.Proudly display your AI certification in your classroom and in your email signature, demonstrating your commitment to innovative teaching methods.

Stay updated on AI trends.Keep up with the latest advancements in AI education to continuously improve your skills and stay ahead of the curve.

Integrate AI into lesson planningWith AI tools, lesson planning transforms from a daunting task into an exciting opportunity. Imagine having an assistant that not only helps you plan but also personalizes lessons based on each student’s needs.

Leverage AI tools. Use Khanmigo to streamline your lesson-planning process, saving valuable time and allowing you to focus more on student engagement.

Sign up for freeCreate interactive lessons.Design engaging, AI-driven lessons that captivate and inspire your students, making learning more interactive and enjoyable.

Personalize learning. Tailor your teaching to meet the unique needs of each student with AI-powered insights, ensuring that every learner gets the support they need.

Prepare your classroom for AI integrationPreparing your classroom for AI integration involves more than just technology setup. It’s about creating a culture that embraces innovation and prepares students for the future.

Set up technology.Ensure your classroom is equipped with the necessary technology to support AI tools, creating a conducive learning environment for AI integration.

Educate students about AI.Teach your students about the benefits and uses of AI in education, helping them understand and embrace these powerful tools.

Utilize Khan Academy resourcesKhan Academy’s resources are designed to be comprehensive and user-friendly, ensuring that both teachers and students can easily access and benefit from AI-driven tools.

Access Khan Academy’s AI tools. Explore the wide range of AI tools and resources available on Khan Academy that are designed to support both teachers and students.

Incorporate standards-aligned content.Use standards-aligned AI resources to ensure your students meet state standards and excel in their studies.

Explore study plans.Utilize comprehensive study plans to guide your students through complex subjects, making learning more structured and effective.

Monitor student progress. Use AI to track student performance and identify areas for improvement, providing personalized support where needed.

Provide immediate feedback.Utilize AI tools to give instant feedback, helping students learn and grow faster by promptly addressing their needs.

Monitor and reflect on AI implementationThe journey doesn’t end once AI is implemented. It’s crucial to regularly assess and refine your strategies to ensure they continue to meet your educational goals.

Assess AI effectiveness. Regularly evaluate the impact of AI tools on your teaching and student outcomes to ensure they are meeting your goals.

Adjust and improve. Continuously refine your AI integration strategies based on feedback and outcomes, ensuring you are always providing the best possible education for your students.

Embrace the future of education with Khan AcademyBy following this AI checklist, you can seamlessly integrate AI into your classroom, enhancing your teaching methods and boosting student engagement. Download a printable version of the checklist and share with your teacher friends.

Download the checklistDiscover the transformative power of Khanmigo’s AI tools.

By leveraging these resources and strategies, you’re not just preparing for another school year—you’re pioneering the future of education with the support of AI. Let’s make this school year the best one yet!

Start the courseThe post Go Back to School AI-Ready with Khan Academy: Download our Checklist appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Iman Howard, Group Manager of STEM Content

Khan Academy is buzzing with excitement to announce the updates to our high school biology and physics courses for the 2024-25 school year. These new courses are comprehensive, rich in phenomena, accessible to all learners, and aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

We’ve taken everything you loved about our previous courses and enhanced them, creating an engaging, standards-aligned journey that sparks curiosity and fuels scientific discovery. These revamped courses offer a rigorous pathway designed to help students grow into the brilliant scientists of tomorrow. Get ready for an exciting exploration through the worlds of biology and physics!

Biology: Exploring life from molecules to ecosystemsOur new high school biology course examines the core principles and complex systems that shape life on Earth, from genetics and biodiversity to ecosystems and evolutionary processes. Through new articles and videos, learners will explore how biological structures support life’s functions at multiple levels, ranging from individual cells to entire organisms and ecosystems. They will also be able to explain genetic-inheritance mechanisms, use models to analyze energy flow and matter cycling within ecosystems, and apply scientific reasoning to understand how evolutionary processes drive life’s diversity.

Dive into our Biology courseIn addition to covering foundational biological concepts, this course also connects students to pressing, real-world issues, such as climate change and biodiversity conservation. With more than 40 new exercise sets, students can develop a well-rounded mastery of biology through conceptual and applied problem types. Whether they’re explaining the biology behind medical innovations like gene therapy or they’re discussing the impacts of invasive species, our instructional content ensures students are engaged and ready to apply their knowledge in meaningful and relevant contexts.

Physics: Unraveling the universe’s mysteriesOur new high school physics course invites students to explore the fundamental principles that govern the universe, from forces and energy to electromagnetism. Learners will examine and be able to explain everyday observations, such as the motion of a ball, static electricity, and why the sky is blue. They will also investigate the physics underlying engineering feats like space rockets, vehicle safety, and electricity generation.

Get started on our Physics courseWith more than 50 new exercise sets, this course provides ample opportunities for students to check their understanding and apply their knowledge. By connecting physics to real-world phenomena and engineering achievements, this course ensures that students not only understand theoretical principles but also appreciate their practical applications. Additionally, our new, hands-on physics activities, which use simple, low-cost materials, engage students in meaningful science exploration, making learning accessible to everyone, anywhere.

Revamp your Biology and Physics classesKhan Academy’s NGSS-aligned biology and physics courses are resources that science teachers across the country can use to enhance learning and engagement and provide students with opportunities to explore and apply their understanding of key content and concepts. More fundamentally, these courses can help inspire students to explore the wonders of science and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to investigate the wonders of natural phenomena.

Check out our Science coursesThe post Introducing Khan Academy’s NGSS-Aligned High School Biology and Physics Courses appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Daniel De Angulo, Senior Product Manager at Khan Academy

Hey y’all! Khan Academy is thrilled to announce two new mechanics designed to make learning a bit more fun and motivating: streaks and levels!

Streaks are designed to promote and celebrate consistency, motivating learners to get at least one skill to proficient or higher each week.

Levels are designed to break apart the daunting task of completing an entire course into smaller, more manageable milestones. At the end of each level, users can celebrate with a “level up” that recognizes their progress towards their goals!

The theory behind both of these mechanics is simple yet powerful: regular, consistent practice fosters learning and retention, and “chunking” divides larger, potentially overwhelming goals into smaller, more achievable tasks. When learners combine regular practice with smaller tasks, Khan Academy can be more encouraging and rewarding than ever.

Why streaks?Motivation isn’t a fixed trait that students either possess or lack; it can grow or shrink depending on one’s environment and strategies. We wanted our new streaks to embody this philosophy and help users create healthy learning habits that align with learning science in a fun and engaging way.

That being said, we didn’t just want any old streak, we wanted each added week to display meaningful learning. We could have had users renew a streak by watching a video or attempting an exercise. But given the importance of practice and our mastery system, we believe getting one skill to proficient or higher is the ideal indicator that users are on the right track to progressing toward their goals (and we have efficacy research studies to back that claim).

We want users to be able to look back on their streak at the end of a school year with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment for their hard work and consistency!

Why levels?We can imagine that for some of you, the addition of levels may seem a bit unnecessary. After all, some learners are already racking up hundreds of hours of learning and practicing hundreds of skills per year on Khan Academy, so why make changes to the user experience to “gamify” learning?

Although some users are already highly motivated to learn on their own, the reality is that many more users would love a way to view and celebrate their progress in a way that helps get the wheels of motivation moving. We believe levels and streaks are a great way for everyone to celebrate their journey on Khan Academy, and these features could be the motivation for many students to make Khan Academy a part of their weekly routine.

How can I start?To begin, simply visit your current favorite Khan Academy exercise and start leveling up skills! Or, visit our support article to find out more about streaks and how leveling up works.

Hope these features are an exciting addition to your Khan Academy experience, and we will continue to refine and improve them in the coming weeks and months. Stay tuned!

The post Get Motivated to Learn with Khan Academy’s New Streaks and Levels Features appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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You may be surprised to see these new courses and resources on Khan Academy. Just in time for the new school year, the Khan Academy team has unveiled a lineup of exciting, free content updates that you’ll want to use in your classroom or at home.

These include hands-on science investigative activities, an Introduction to Python course, a Constitution 101 course, TEKS-aligned math and science courses for students and teachers in Texas, and more!

Think Khan Academy is just for math? Wait until you see what we launched for the new school year.

Dive into our latest offerings and get ready for an engaging and innovative year of learning!

Science High school biology, chemistry, and physics
Our new high school science courses are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and include a rich set of learning resources, including brand-new videos, articles, and practice exercises. We’ve taken everything you loved about our previous courses and enhanced them, creating an engaging, standards-aligned journey that sparks curiosity and fuels scientific discovery.

Get free hands-on investigative science activities.
With support from the Adobe Foundation, we’ve developed engaging, hands-on high school chemistry and physics activities designed by experts to promote creative thinking.

Humanities Reading and vocabulary for grades 6-10
Khan Academy is excited to unveil our new and enhanced English Language Arts (ELA) courses for 9th and 10th grade. These Common Core-aligned courses are designed to provide comprehensive support for mastering reading and vocabulary skills through engaging multimedia resources, including videos, articles, and interactive exercises. Watch for more ELA courses coming soon in September 2024.

Constitution 101 course
Constitution 101 offers engaging lessons and interactive content to help students understand the US Constitution. It’s perfectly aligned with educational standards and easy to integrate.

Computer scienceOur new Intro to Computer Science course teaches the fundamentals of programming in Python. This course is packed with innovative features and engaging content, making it an ideal addition to beginner computer science classrooms.

Financial literacyOur 16-unit Financial Literacy course covers topics from budgeting and saving to taxes and tax forms that are packed with videos, articles, and exercises that all meet state standards. Just in time for back to school, the course got a major upgrade with four brand-new units and two additional real-world videos! Explore the new units: employment, banking, car buying, and housing.

Courses exclusively for Texas students & educators Khan Academy and ExxonMobil Foundation have partnered up to open the doors to STEM education in Texas! Thanks to the generous funding from ExxonMobil Foundation, we are thrilled to introduce our new math and science courses for the 2024-25 school year, which have been thoughtfully aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards.

New TEKS-aligned math courses
Spanning 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, as well as Algebra 1, these courses are designed to provide robust, comprehensive support that’s tailored to meet Lone Star State-specific educational goals.

New TEKS-aligned science courses
Our new high school courses in biology, chemistry, and physics are thoughtfully aligned with the TEKS science standards. These courses are designed to provide robust, comprehensive support that’s tailored to meet Texas-specific educational goals.

The post Khan Academy Goes Way Beyond Math: New Courses Launch for 2024 School Year in STEM, Humanities, Computer Science, and More appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Jessica Hendel, Senior Content Creator and Prompt Engineer

We are excited to announce the expansion of Khan Academy’s Digital SAT Reading and Writing course! This course expansion offers more practice items and mastery opportunities for learners and supports multiple implementation models for educators and administrators.

What’s new?Our expanded Digital SAT Reading and Writing course includes more than 100 new practice questions across 11 different digital SAT Reading and Writing skills and three difficulty levels. Instead of quizzes, learners will encounter unit tests that cover three to four skills, providing ample opportunities to master each skill. The course has also been restructured from five units to 11, with unit names now referencing the Reading and Writing domains used by the College Board. This alignment bridges the gap between Khan Academy’s course and the College Board’s SAT materials, facilitating a more seamless learning experience.

Explore the FREE course*Why it’s valuable for students and families*For students aiming to excel in the SAT, this course offers an extensive array of practice content that caters to a variety of skill levels. With its clear reference to College Board domains, the enhanced course structure allows learners to better understand and navigate the materials. The unit tests replace traditional quizzes, offering comprehensive assessments that help students identify and focus on areas in need of improvement. For families, this course provides a robust, free resource that meets their children’s needs for SAT prep, ensuring they are well prepared for one of the most critical exams of their educational journey.

**Why it’s valuable for educators and administrators****Educators and administrators will find this expanded course invaluable for supporting student success. Aligned to the College Board’s Reading and Writing domains, the new course structure makes lesson planning and coverage more straightforward and comprehensive. The progress-tracking details and performance analytics allow educators to monitor student growth and address specific learning needs effectively. Administrators can utilize this data to evaluate overall school performance and implement targeted interventions to boost SAT scores.

Set your students up for success!By incorporating Khan Academy’s expanded Digital SAT Reading and Writing course into your curriculum, you can provide your students with the tools they need to achieve their highest potential on the SAT. This course is designed to make SAT preparation effective, accessible, and engaging, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Together, we can make sure every student is prepared for the SAT and beyond!

The post Introducing Khan Academy’s Expanded Digital SAT Reading & Writing Course appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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When people hear the word “creativity,” they usually think of the arts: the great painters, poets, and musicians who have expressed their imagination and personal vision through an artistic medium. Science is often framed as the opposite of creative: a meticulous, data-driven activity that’s logical, rational, and detail-oriented. This leaves many students feeling disengaged and unable to connect with science—or get excited about it as a field of future study.

Of course, creative thinking was the catalyst for some of history’s most important scientific breakthroughs, from Copernican astronomy to quantum physics to the discovery of the structure of DNA. If we are to successfully tackle the problems and challenges of the future, creativity in science is essential. That’s why Khan Academy has partnered with Adobe to create free, downloadable science activities with real-world applications—activities that teachers can effortlessly incorporate into their lesson plans to get kids engaged with science.

Download free science activitiesWhat do we mean when we say creativity?Creativity is simply the act of discovering new and imaginative ideas, making connections between seemingly unrelated things, and finding solutions to problems. Each time a student figures out a way to solve a problem that had not occurred to them before or imagines new possibilities for the future, they are using their creativity.

*How can we foster creativity in the classroom?*1. Inspire curiosity.

Sparking kids’ curiosity is where creativity in science starts. You can help your students by encouraging them to ask questions, dig deeper into topics that interest them, and experiment wherever possible.

To give kids an opportunity for hands-on learning that lets them put their ideas to the test in the real world, download this free science activity created by Khan Academy and Adobe: How does water form droplets on surfaces?

2. Promote a growth mindset.

Encouraging a growth mindset in the classroom can counteract damaging ideas about who gets to be creative. By emphasizing perseverance and resilience and embracing failure as part of the learning process, you can help your students exercise their creative muscles. Instead of seeing mistakes as something to feel bad about, celebrate them as valuable learning experiences. What would you do differently next time?

3. Emphasize collaboration.

The isolated genius who hides in a lab and emerges years later with a world-shaking idea is more a myth than a reality. Research has shown that breakthrough innovation is more likely to be achieved through teamwork. That’s because when people with different specialties, perspectives, and life experiences come together, team members are better able to see the connections between concepts they might have missed when working alone.

By assigning group projects, you can help your students develop the skills they need for successful collaboration. They will learn how to brainstorm, share ideas, and use each person’s strengths to get the work done. As a bonus, exposure to many different perspectives can teach kids to examine their own ideas critically and to consider alternate points of view.

4. Allow time and space.

Creativity doesn’t flow on demand. It needs time and space to flourish. You can encourage your students by giving them the freedom to explore their passions and conduct independent research as much as the curriculum and classroom demands allow. Supply resource materials like books and allow them to use available laboratory equipment. Then have them present their findings to the class. This gives students a sense of autonomy and control that allows creativity to grow and develop.

Free, downloadable science activities from Khan Academy and Adobenot only teach kids basic concepts, but they also provide lots of suggestions for how to use their creativity to generate new ideas and solutions. Activities like Why do clothes develop static cling in a dryer? are engaging, comprehensive, and ready to use right now.

*Save HOURS of searching with our FREE hands-on activities*With all that goes on in a busy classroom in the course of a day, building lessons and projects that help students tap into their creativity might seem like an overwhelming task. But don’t worry. Khan Academy and Adobe have created high-quality science activities to support your work in the classroom. They’re rigorous, comprehensive, and designed to get your students engaged. Plus, they’re already planned and fit easily into your curriculum. So you can focus your energy on helping your students build the skills that will help them become practiced creative thinkers today and innovators and problem solvers tomorrow.

Save time with our free activitiesThe post Creativity is the Future of Science: How to Get Kids Thinking Creatively appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Teachers know how to navigate an industry that feels different every day better than anyone. From the projector era to the PowerPoint era, we’ve gone through it all. And every time there’s a change, it feels like it adds hours to our workloads, including the time it takes to learn a new product, convert existing materials to the new system, and muddle through it all with our students.

But now there’s AI, and let me be the first to tell you: this time, it’s different. AI—especially teacher-designed AI like Khanmigo—is a teacher trend that will save rather than cost you time. Plus, with Khan Academy’s AI Certification course, you’ll be up and running in no time.

Why getting AI certified is worth your time Stay ahead of the curve: Make sure you’re the teacher on top of the latest tools during AI adoption; you’ll leave this course feeling confident and ready to share your learning! * Efficient lesson planning: Imagine having more time to connect with your students because AI has streamlined your lesson planning. * Engaging learning experiences: AI-driven tools make learning interactive and fun, sparking curiosity in students. * Data-driven insights*: AI provides real-time feedback, helping teachers better understand and support each student.

Start the courseWhat you can expect from our course Understanding AI: Start with the basics and explore how AI can enhance education. * Ethics and AI: Navigate the ethical landscape of AI in education. * AI literacy: Build your foundational knowledge in AI literacy. * Prompt-engineering basics: Learn how to create effective AI prompts. * Khanmigo safety and privacy*: Keep your students safe while using AI.

Join the AI revolution by getting certified todayReady to take the plunge? Here’s how you can get started with our AI Certification course:

Sign Up for the course: It’s free, and it’s awesome.
Complete the course: Learn at your own pace and earn your certification.
Share your success: Post your certification on social media and tag Khan Academy by September 30 for a chance to win exclusive prizes.

Start the courseThis is your chance to get AI certified for free and maintain your status as a teacher with the latest tools. Enhance your teaching, engage your students, and join the AI revolution with Khan Academy.

The post Be a Step Ahead with Khan Academy’s AI Certification Course for Teachers appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Kaitlin Anselmo Pothireddy

As the new school year approaches, school and district administrators face numerous challenges that require innovative solutions. From navigating teacher shortages to managing reduced ESSA funding, the landscape of education is evolving. Here are actionable tips to help educators prepare effectively and ensure a successful start to the school year.

Address teacher shortages with creative staffing solutionsTeacher shortages are a pressing issue for many schools. Here are some strategies to mitigate this challenge:

Leverage retired educators and part-time staff: Consider rehiring retired teachers or employing part-time educators to fill gaps. Their experience can be invaluable, and flexible working hours can attract more candidates.
Implement teacher aide programs: Train and utilize teacher aides or paraprofessionals to support certified teachers. This can help manage larger class sizes and provide additional support where needed.
Use technology to supplement instruction: Incorporate educational technology tools like Khan Academy Kids to provide adaptive learning experiences. These tools can help lighten the load on teachers by offering personalized learning paths for students.

Maximize financial impact despite reduced ESSA fundingThe loss of ESSA funds has put a strain on many schools’ budgets. Here are ways to maximize resources:

Prioritize funding for high-impact areas: Focus available funds on areas that directly affect student-learning outcomes, such as teacher training, technology integration, and student support services.
Seek grants and alternative funding: Explore other funding opportunities, such as grants from educational foundations or partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. These can provide much-needed financial support.
Encourage community involvement: Engage parents and community members in fundraising efforts and volunteer programs. Community support can help bridge funding gaps and provide additional resources for schools. For instance, integrating Khan Academy Kids can be a cost-effective way to enhance educational content without additional financial strain.

Keep professional development concise and relevantOngoing professional development is crucial for educators, especially when facing new challenges. Here are some strategies:

Offer flexible PD options: Provide a variety of professional development options, including online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops. Flexibility allows teachers to choose what best fits their schedules and learning preferences.
Focus on practical skills: Prioritize training that equips teachers with practical skills they can immediately apply in the classroom. Topics like integrating technology, managing hybrid classrooms, and using data to inform instruction are particularly valuable. Khan Academy Kids offers training resources that help teachers effectively integrate digital tools into their teaching.
Create peer support networks: Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among teachers through peer-mentoring programs and professional learning communities. These networks can provide support and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Support student mental health and well-beingThe pandemic has highlighted the importance of student mental health. Here’s how to address this critical need:

Integrate SEL into the curriculum: Incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) programs into daily classroom activities. SEL helps students develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and coping skills. Khan Academy Kids offers SEL resources that can be easily integrated into your curriculum.
Provide access to mental health resources: Ensure students have access to school counselors and mental health professionals. Regular check-ins and counseling sessions can help identify and address issues early.
Promote a positive school culture: Foster an inclusive and supportive school environment where every student feels valued and safe. Activities that build community and celebrate diversity can contribute to a positive atmosphere.

Provide resources to streamline data collection and analysisData-driven instruction can significantly enhance student learning outcomes. Here’s how to implement it effectively:

Invest in data-management tools: Use data-management systems that allow for easy collection, analysis, and interpretation of student performance data. Tools like Khan Academy Kids offer insights into student progress and areas for improvement.
Train teachers to use data effectively: Provide professional development on data literacy, ensuring teachers know how to interpret data and apply it to their instructional strategies.
Set data-informed goals: Use data to set realistic and achievable goals for student performance. Regularly review progress and adjust teaching methods as needed to meet these goals.

Preparing for the new school year requires strategic planning and innovative solutions. By creatively addressing teacher shortages, maximizing the impact of reduced funding, enhancing professional development, supporting student mental health, and utilizing data effectively, school and district administrators can navigate the challenges ahead. Implementing these actionable tips will help ensure a successful and productive school year for both educators and students.

Ready to make this school year the best one yet? Discover how Khan Academy Kids can help your district overcome challenges and enhance student learning. Book a call with our team today to learn more about our free, high-quality educational tools and resources. Let’s work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed! Book a call today.

The post Five Actionable Tips to Support Your Teachers Through Another Back-to-School Season appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Sarah Robertson, Senior Product Manager at Khan Academy

The Literacy team at Khan Academy is excited to announce our latest tool for writing instruction: Khanmigo Writing Coach.

Writing is a skill your child will use every single dayDid you know that most students lack the writing skills needed to succeed in college and careers?

In fact, only 25% of 8th and 12th graders are proficient in writing.

In school, students rarely get timely, detailed, and actionable writing feedback.

Most AI tools are not coaching your kids to write better These AI tools will suggest a way to rewrite a sentence, a paragraph, or an entire essay, and students can just accept the revision.

These are productivity tools, not instructional tools.

We’re excited to launch Khanmigo Writing Coach—an AI-powered tool that doesn’t just produce better writing, it produces better writers.

We created Khanmigo Writing Coach to do something no other AI writing tool does today.

Designed by teachers and writing instructors, Writing Coach emphasizes the writing process as much as the writing product. Instead of just generating AI feedback or automatically grading essays, Writing Coach supports students during each stage of the writing process without doing any of the writing for them.

Try Khanmigo for free!Learners need help getting past the blank pageWhen we launched our Khanmigo Academic Essay Feedback feature last fall, teachers and parents were excited to have a safe, AI-powered instructional tool that could provide immediate, specific, actionable, standards-aligned feedback and support learners in revising their first drafts. “I was absolutely blown away with the quality of the feedback,” said Madeline Bartsch, an English teacher and department chair in Hobart, Indiana. “It certainly made me more optimistic about the quality of the writing I will receive from students in the future.”

But one thing we kept hearing was that while feedback was important, learners often struggled the most with just producing their first draft.

As a former English teacher, I remember how often my 7th graders needed help just understanding the assignment. They needed support outlining their ideas and organizing their points. Even strong writers sometimes experienced “blank page syndrome”—the challenge of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboards) and hammering out that first draft. More often than not, the learners who needed the most support were not always the ones asking for it. These students sometimes lacked the metacognitive skills that helped them know when and how to ask for guidance.

Three ways Khanmigo Writing Coach improves writingDon’t have the time to help your kid with their writing assignments? Or maybe you don’t feel equipped to give them useful feedback?

Khanmigo Writing Coach can help.

1) World-class feedbackKhanmigo offers personalized feedback across various dimensions and supports students throughout the revision process. The grade level-aligned feedback is specific and actionable.

2) From idea to final draftWriting Coach supports the entire process, from brainstorming to outlining to drafting.

Brainstorming: Khanmigo helps students break down the assignment, formulate an approach, and ensure they have a solid understanding of what they want to write before moving forward.
Outlining: Khanmigo guides students through outlining, teaches them the components of a strong thesis, supports them in developing topic sentences, and reinforces assignment expectations, such as the need to include supporting evidence.
Drafting: Khanmigo never does the work for students; it provides guidance and motivation if they get stuck when writing the first draft.

3) Help along the wayLearners can ask clarifying questions about Khanmigo’s feedback and immediately implement revisions . Writing Coach mirrors the experience of a student working side by side with a dedicated tutor or coach, thereby enriching the learning experience and enhancing writing skills.

Get access to Khanmigo Writing CoachWe’re excited to see how Writing Coach will improve writing skills and make regular writing practice more feasible.

Parents: For just $4 a month, your child can have unlimited access to Khanmigo, including access to Writing Coach. Get a coupon today to try it free for your first month.

Try Khanmigo for free!With Khanmigo, learners have access to a tutor that can not only support them in their essay writing but can also act as a creative partner in narrative writing, simulate literary characters, or serve as a debate partner to help students prepare for argumentative essays.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop this transformative tool!

The post Three Ways Khanmigo Writing Coach Will Improve Your Child’s Writing appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Kaitlin Anselmo Pothireddy

Known for its culture of joyful learning, Sojourner Truth Academy faced significant challenges as it transitioned back to full-time, in-person learning. With a new curriculum in place as part of their five-year strategic plan, the academy sought affordable tools that would support their educators and enhance student progress toward grade-level performance.

Challenged to truly differentiate for all studentsAs Sojourner Truth Academy welcomed students back to the classroom, they encountered difficulties when trying to meet the individualized needs of their scholars. The introduction of a new curriculum added another layer of complexity. Maintaining their established culture of joyful learning while simultaneously elevating student progress required innovative and effective solutions.

Supported by a mastery-based learning platformMaureen Kroening, Director of Teaching & Learning at Sojourner Truth Academy, spearheaded several initiatives under the strategic plan. Among these was the implementation of a clear academic vision and the increased use of data to inform instruction. In pursuit of these goals, Kroening selected Khan Academy Kids to integrate data-driven, adaptive learning into the curriculum. This tool was chosen to enhance early literacy and math skills while preserving the school’s joyful learning environment. “Students are authentically excited to engage with Khan Academy Kids. And we’ve seen huge growth in student proficiency toward grade-level achievement,” Kroening said of the platform. By incorporating engaging and interactive activities, teachers leveraged Khan Academy Kids to make learning fun and effective.

Support that helps all teachers feel confident with dataKhan Academy Kids provided an adaptive learning platform that seamlessly fit into Sojourner Truth Academy’s curriculum. The platform’s data-driven approach, along with targeted professional development, allowed teachers to tailor their instruction to meet the individual needs of each student. Of this, Kroening states, “Working with the Khan Academy Kids team has been a joy. I truly feel like the customer service we receive is top of the line, and I know our teachers do too.”

Amazing educators raised engagement and achievementThe integration of Khan Academy Kids yielded remarkable results at Sojourner Truth Academy:

Student engagement: Students are authentically engaged and excited about learning. The interactive and joyful nature of Khan Academy Kids captivated students and helped them feel eager to participate.
Teacher satisfaction: Teachers are celebrating student achievements and growth. The platform provided valuable insights into student progress, enabling teachers to recognize and celebrate their students’ accomplishments.
Data-driven instruction: Teams are using data to inform instruction and drive student success. The adaptive learning tools provided by Khan Academy Kids allowed educators to make informed decisions that enhanced student outcomes.

Congratulations, Sojourner Truth team! Sojourner Truth Academy’s successful integration of Khan Academy Kids demonstrates the powerful impact of adaptive learning tools, fostering student engagement and achievement. By leveraging data-driven insights and maintaining a joyful learning environment, the academy has made significant strides toward their academic goals.

Khan Academy Kids continues to support educators and students, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive. Want to join us? Click here to learn more.

The post How Sojourner Truth Academy Raised Achievement with Khan Academy Kids appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Sarah Robertson, Senior Product Manager and former English teacher

The Literacy team at Khan Academy is excited to announce our newest tool in our pilot of AI: Khanmigo Writing Coach.

One thing we’ve heard from teachers during our AI pilot is that students often struggle the most with producing a first draft. Writing Coach helps students get over the hump. Khanmigo never does the work for students, but it provides guidance and motivation if they get stuck when writing the first draft. It also gives valuable feedback and insights to teachers on everything from outlining to drafting to revising and more.

Unlike other AI writing tools, Writing Coach isn’t an evaluative tool or a productivity tool whose purpose is to produce better writing. It’s an AI-enabled instructional tool whose purpose is to produce better writers.

Made for the classroom, by teachersAs a former English teacher, I remember how often my 7th graders needed help just understanding the assignment. They also needed support outlining their ideas and organizing their points. Even the strongest writers sometimes experienced “blank page syndrome”—the challenge of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboards) and hammering out that first draft. More often than not, the students who needed the most support were not always the ones asking for it. These students were still developing the metacognitive skills needed to know when and how to ask for guidance.

These days, we can add to that list of challenges the ever-growing concern around academic integrity. How can teachers be sure whether their students really drafted their essays independently without spending hours painstakingly reviewing 100 different document draft histories?

The National Commission on Writing recommends that students should be writing for about 60 minutes each day. Given the strain that writing instruction puts on teachers, it’s no wonder that fewer than 10% of students meet this expectation.

Khanmigo Writing Coach aims to fill that gap. Not only does it help teachers navigate the challenges that come with supporting students throughout the writing process, but it also gives them student- and class-level insights so they know where to focus their attention.

Khanmigo Writing Coach: Supporting students at every step of the writing processWriting Coach guides students through the entire writing process from start to finish. Students get support with the following tasks and skills:

Understanding the assignment: Khanmigo helps students break down the assignment, guides them through formulating an approach, and ensures they have a solid understanding before moving forward.
Outlining: Khanmigo guides students through outlining, teaches them the components of a strong thesis, supports them in developing topic sentences, and reinforces assignment expectations, such as the need to include supporting evidence.
Drafting: Khanmigo never does the work for students; it provides guidance and motivation if they get stuck when writing the first draft.
Feedback and revision: Khanmigo offers personalized feedback across various dimensions and supports students throughout the revision process.

We’re excited to see how Writing Coach will improve writing skills and make regular writing practice more feasible in Khan Academy partner classrooms nationwide.

Coming soon for back to school: Writing Coach tools for teachersWe believe Khanmigo Writing Coach will serve as an invaluable tool for teachers, enabling them to focus their attention on offering personalized guidance that helps students develop into more confident and skilled writers.

Beyond the immediate support for students, Writing Coach will also include the following benefits for teachers, starting this fall:

Time savings: Khanmigo can save hundreds of hours by supporting students throughout the entire writing process, including during the feedback phase and revisions. It also surfaces valuable insights that will allow teachers to avoid having to painstakingly review more than 100 individual student draft histories.
Detailed reporting: The tool provides summaries of class- and student-level feedback, detailed reports on the amount of time spent at each stage of writing, and chat exchanges with Khanmigo. Teachers can also review any feedback provided by Khanmigo throughout the writing process.
Academic integrity monitoring: The tool alerts teachers to potential instances of plagiarism. For instance, if a student pastes text from outside their outline into their draft, the teacher is alerted and can review the history of what happened.

This is just the beginning of the ways in which Khan Academy is empowering students and teachers in English Language Arts classrooms. With Khanmigo, students have a tutor that can not only support them with essay writing, but it can also act as a creative partner in narrative writing, simulate literary characters, and serve as a debate partner to help students prepare for argumentative essays.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop this transformative tool!

Get access to Khanmigo Writing Coach
Are you interested in seeing your district bring the power of Khanmigo to students and teachers in your classrooms? Learn more here.

The post Meet Khanmigo Writing Coach: Helping learners become better writers appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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When you think about it, science is an inherently creative field. It’s not just about facts, figures, rules, and equations. It’s sparked by curiosity and fueled by human imagination!

For millennia, from the discovery of the solar system to the study of modern medicine, scientific knowledge has been advanced by creative individuals who dared to think about the world around them in ways no one had ever thought of before (and who then conducted rigorous research, of course).

But creativity isn’t always prioritized in science education, where available class time is often filled teaching to state or national standards. So how do we as busy STEM teachers encourage creative thinking and tap into students’ innate curiosity along the way? Here are a handful of helpful tips:

1. Make it relatable.Whether you’re explaining microscopic structures like the atom or delving into complex ideas like the laws of physics, scientific concepts can seem a little abstract. So to help students grasp—and get excited about—a topic, take a step away from theory and offer real-life applications. Have they ever noticed how water beads up on their windows on a rainy day or drips from the faucet in droplets? Why is that? Using relatable, observable phenomena (here’s looking at you, intermolecular forces) is a great way to engage students in science and ignite their curiosity about the world around them.

Put it into practice: Between planning, grading, and teaching, we know you’re busy. If you’d like a break from lesson planning, download this free science activity created by Khan Academy and Adobe: How does water form droplets on surfaces?

2. ~~Learn Science.~~ Create science.According to a study by the University of Chicago, research shows that when students physically experience scientific concepts, they understand them more deeply. While lectures and textbooks may work for some young minds, interactive, hands-on experiences are key to engagement for many others. By making the shift from learning science to doing and creating science, you can help kickstart students’ powers of observation, engage their minds by activating their hands, and tap into their imagination. And by bringing science to life in the classroom, you might just inspire them to put observation and wonder to work outside of science class too.

Explore our FREE activities3. Write and dra*w.***Art and science are often seen as mutually exclusive fields of study, ruled by different mental processes and even different halves of the brain. But in reality, creativity is just as important to scientific discovery as logic and analytical thinking—and it’s a skill that any student can cultivate. One way to encourage this practice in science class is to incorporate writing and drawing into your lesson plans. Ask students to freewrite about their predictions and record their observations. Have them create informational graphics and drawings that explain what they learned. Not only can artistic expression help students tap into their creativity, but it’s also a useful skill for future careers in science. Working scientists regularly write and draw in order to communicate their findings.

4. Ask open-ended questions.While having a deep understanding of scientific concepts is important, the focus on what we know (versus what we don’t know) can give the impression that creativity has no place in science class. Asking open-ended questions can help teach students that science is a process as well as a body of knowledge. “What do you think will happen?” “How was the outcome different from what you expected?” When you ask questions that don’t have one correct answer, it encourages creativity, problem solving, and deep thinking.

Our science activities ask these!5. Create a mistake-friendly environment.****Everyone makes mistakes. Just look at the ancient scientists who thought that Earth was the center of the universe or the chemists who believed fire was caused by an element called phlogiston. Their ideas may have been wrong, but they did the groundwork so other scientists could explore different possibilities. When fostering a creative learning environment, it helps to let students know that it’s perfectly okay to make mistakes. After all, only by embracing uncertainty and exploring novel ideas can we discover answers to the world’s greatest mysteries. Start small! Rather than writing off wrong answers, ask students for their reasoning. Give them a prompt and ask them to come up with three possible answers, even if the answers are wrong. This can help boost understanding, build critical thinking, and encourage creativity.

*Bonus tip: Be a role model!As a STEM teacher, you’re not only a source of information, but you’re also a role model for creative thinking. If you need help getting started, check out this free, downloadable science activity from Khan Academy and Adobe: Why do clothes develop static cling in a dryer?* It’s rigorous, creative, and ready to use right now.

The world around us isn’t a series of multiple-choice questions, and science class shouldn’t be either! By incorporating creativity into our lesson plans, we can encourage students to take risks and think freely, thereby engaging them in the creative process that is science.

Download our free activitiesThe post Five Ways to Encourage Creativity in Your Science Classes appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Big news for educators! Today Microsoft and Khan Academy are announcing a new phase of our partnership: we are bringing the pilot of Khanmigo for Teachers in English to 43 countries. Learn more about Khanmigo for Teachers being powered by Azure OpenAI Service and our partnership with Microsoft.

What teachers get with KhanmigoKhanmigo is designed to reduce the time educators spend on preparatory tasks, which studies show can consume more than 50% of their workload. With Microsoft and Khan Academy’s partnership, the goal is to shift the focus back to what truly matters: teaching and engaging students.

Our team of educators designed Khanmigo to collaborate with you on some of your most burdensome tasks such as:

Delivering standards-aligned differentiated lesson plans
Streamlining tasks like developing rubrics for next week’s expository essay
Creating lesson hooks that you know your class will love
Suggesting student groupings while taking multiple accommodations and learning plans into account

Don’t have time to learn another tool? Khanmigo’s intuitive interface simplifies AI for teachers—no prompting required. Khanmigo quickly walks you through each of its 20+ teacher activities.

Educators in 43 countries can sign up for KhanmigoTeachers in the following countries can start using the pilot of Khanmigo for Teachers now and join the ranks of millions who trust Khan Academy, the leading nonprofit in education for over 15 years.

Get Your Free Khanmigo Access

| Antigua and BarbudaAustraliaBahamasBarbadosBelizeBermudaBotswanaCanadaCayman IslandsDominicaFalkland IslandsFijiGambiaGhanaGrenada | GuamGuyanaIrelandIsle of ManJamaicaJerseyKenyaKiribatiLiberiaMalawiMicronesiaNew ZealandNigeriaNorthern Mariana IslandsPapua New Guinea | Saint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSierra LeoneSingaporeSolomon IslandsSouth AfricaTanzaniaTrinidad and TobagoUgandaUnited KingdomZambiaZimbabwe |

Teachers: Get your free accessJoin Khan Academy and Microsoft in this latest advancement of Khan Academy’s mission to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. With Khanmigo, the future of teaching is brighter and more accessible than ever.

Get Your Free Khanmigo AccessWant to be notified when Khanmigo for Teachers expands to your country? Sign up here to be the first to be notified.

At this time, student access for Khanmigo is only available to parents and learners in the U.S.

The post Khanmigo for Teachers in English Now Available in Pilot Across 43 countries, Powered by Microsoft appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Have you heard the news? Khan Academy and the National Constitution Center have teamed up to offer a free online course about the U.S. Constitution and how it shapes the lives of every citizen of the United States. Our Constitution 101 course with NINE total units is now live and ready for you to integrate into your lesson plan!

In this course, students will explore the Constitution’s historical foundations, landmark Supreme Court cases, and contemporary constitutional issues pioneered by the Founders and diverse figures from across American history. This course is more than just a history lesson; it’s an exploration of the ideas and principles that have shaped our nation.

Explore the course!As students progress through the course, they’ll watch interviews with leading constitutional scholars, professors, and experts from diverse political philosophies, who explain how interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments have shaped the government of the present-day United States.

In addition to the articles and videos in this course, we are including a number of exercises and activities. These are designed to help students apply the concepts they’ve learned to the world around them. By putting their knowledge into practice, they will be able to understand the processes of government, the principles animating those processes, and how those processes affect the lives of Americans today.

The National Constitution Center is America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, delivering the best nonpartisan educational programs and online resources that engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. You can access the National Constitution Center and Khan Academy’s first collaboration with this series of videos on the Constitution. And teachers can implement the high school curriculum in their classrooms now! Visit the National Constitution Center’s website for the teacher version of Constitution 101.

The post Educators Find Out the Latest on Our New Constitution 101 Course – Now Live! appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Iman Howard, Group Manager for STEM Content

Calling all Texas high school science teachers!

Khan Academy and ExxonMobil Foundation have partnered up to open the doors to STEM education in Texas! Thanks to funding from ExxonMobil Foundation, we are delighted to announce the release of our new high school courses in biology, chemistry, and physics—just in time for the 2024-25 school year! Thoughtfully aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) science standards, these courses are designed to provide robust, comprehensive support that’s tailored to meet Texas-specific educational goals. Additionally, we have developed detailed teacher guides to accompany each unit in these courses. These guides offer valuable insights into common student misconceptions, clear lesson objectives, practical implementation strategies, teaching tips, engaging classroom activities, and exciting science phenomena to ignite students’ curiosity and help them draw connections between science and the world around them.

Explore the courses!Biology: Exploring life on Every levelOur new high school biology course offers a deep dive into the core principles and complex systems that shape life on Earth, from genetics and biodiversity to ecosystems and evolutionary processes. Through engaging articles and videos, students will explore biological structures and functions across multiple levels, from individual cells to entire organisms and ecosystems. They will also delve into mechanisms of genetic inheritance, analyze energy flow and matter cycling within ecosystems, and apply scientific reasoning to understand how evolutionary processes drive life’s diversity.

This course connects biology to real-world issues such as climate change and biodiversity conservation, making learning relevant and impactful. With access to more than 40 new exercise sets, students can develop a well-rounded mastery of biology through both conceptual and applied problem types. Whether it explains the biology behind medical innovations like gene therapy or it explores the impacts of invasive species, our instructional content ensures students are engaged and ready to apply their knowledge in meaningful contexts.

Chemistry: Understanding the central scienceOur chemistry course brings the central science to life by helping students explore matter at its most fundamental level and understand how atomic theory explains the behavior of matter. Through our new articles and videos, students will learn about the periodic table, predict chemical interactions, and explore the effects of temperature and pressure on gasses and solutions. They will also investigate the relationship between matter and energy, including heat transfer and radioactivity.

With 70 new exercise sets, this course provides ample opportunities for students to check their understanding and apply their knowledge. By engaging with real-world scenarios like the neutralization of acids and bases or the combustion of hydrocarbons, students can see chemistry in action. This practical approach not only builds a strong foundation in chemistry but also helps students appreciate its relevance in everyday life and critical scientific processes.

Physics: Discovering the principles of the universeOur physics course invites students to explore the fundamental principles that govern the universe, from forces and energy to electromagnetism. Through our new video series, students will learn to explain everyday observations, such as the motion of a ball, static electricity, and the physics behind engineering feats like space rockets and electricity generation.

With more than 50 new exercise sets, students can develop a well-rounded mastery of physics through a variety of item types that challenge them to apply concepts both conceptually and mathematically. By connecting physics to real-world phenomena and engineering achievements, this course ensures that students not only understand theoretical principles, but that they also appreciate the practical applications in order to make our world function safely and more efficiently.

**Transform your science instruction with TEKS-aligned courses****By integrating Khan Academy’s TEKS-aligned high school courses in biology, chemistry, and physics into your classroom, you can enhance instructional strategies, support differentiated learning, and ensure your students meet the rigorous expectations of the TEKS standards. Explore these new courses to transform your science instruction and boost student achievement in the upcoming school year.

Let’s work together to inspire Texas students with the wonders of science and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to excel.

Explore the updated courses!The post Introducing Khan Academy’s New High School Science Courses and Teacher Guides Aligned to Texas TEKS Standards appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Iman Howard, Group Manager for STEM Content

Middle and high school math teachers in Texas, this post is for you!

Khan Academy and ExxonMobil Foundation have partnered up to open the doors to STEM education in Texas! Thanks to the generous funding from ExxonMobil Foundation, we are thrilled to introduce our new math courses for the 2024-25 school year, which have been thoughtfully aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. Spanning 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, as well as Algebra 1, these courses are designed to provide robust, comprehensive support that’s tailored to meet Lone Star State-specific educational goals.

To complement these courses, we have also developed comprehensive teacher guides to accompany each unit. Our math teacher guides are designed to enrich the teaching experience by providing clear lesson objectives, effective implementation strategies, teaching tips, and engaging classroom activities, and insights into common student misconceptions, as well as strategies for how to address those misconceptions. These guides are an essential addition to any Texas math teacher’s toolkit and offer practical support to help students succeed.

Keep scrolling to see what makes these courses and teacher guides unique and why they are indispensable resources for Texas educators.

*5th grade: Streamlined integration and enhanced engagement* Our 5th-grade course is meticulously structured to align with the TEKS standards, ensuring that every lesson is standards-aligned and that the course has comprehensive coverage of all 5th-grade TEKS standards. For example, to meet the TEKS emphasis on understanding decimals, the course includes comprehensive modules on decimals, blending conceptual explanations with practical problem-solving exercises. Moreover, the course introduces interactive tools that make learning more engaging. Visual representations for geometry and number sense help students grasp complex concepts, such as using digital number lines to explore fractions. These tools make abstract concepts tangible and foster deeper understanding.

**6th grade: Critical thinking and adaptability****In addition to aligning with TEKS standards, our 6th-grade TEKS mathematics course cultivates critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Each unit presents scenarios that require students to apply their mathematical knowledge when solving complex problems, preparing them for higher-level math and real-world challenges. Additionally, the course offers adaptable teaching methods that cater to diverse learning preferences. With a rich assortment of video lessons, interactive exercises, and articles, teachers can customize their instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring that all students can effectively engage with and understand the material.

7th grade: Real-world applications and financial literacyIn 7th grade, students will explore modeling constant rates of change through one- and two-variable linear equations, enhancing their understanding of proportional relationships. The course connects various representations—contexts, tables, graphs, and algebraic equations—to illustrate how each form supports comprehension of linear relationships. Practical applications, such as temperature changes or vehicle speeds, help bring these concepts to life. Furthermore, the course introduces composite areas and volumes using engaging geometrical figures, and it emphasizes proportional reasoning within financial literacy, equipping students with critical life skills in financial management.

*8th grade and Algebra 1: Deep conceptual understanding and dynamic tools*In addition to aligning with TEKS standards, our 6th-grade TEKS mathematics course cultivates critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Each unit presents scenarios that require students to apply their mathematical knowledge when solving complex problems, preparing them for higher-level math and real-world challenges. Additionally, the course offers adaptable teaching methods that cater to diverse learning preferences. With a rich assortment of video lessons, interactive exercises, and articles, teachers can customize their instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring that all students can effectively engage with and understand the material.

The Algebra 1 course takes these approaches a step further with dynamic learning tools, including interactive graphs, in-depth articles, videos, and worked solutions. This course offers clear TEKS-aligned learning progressions, building from basic to complex concepts in order to ensure a coherent learning experience. Whether you’re using it for introducing new topics, reinforcing classroom concepts, or assigning homework, the adaptable use cases of this material make it a thorough support system for every phase of your students’ learning journey.

**Transform your math instruction with TEKS-aligned courses****Integrating Khan Academy’s TEKS-aligned math courses into your classroom can help your students meet the rigorous expectations of the TEKS standards. Our new courses, when used alongside the comprehensive teacher guides, provide structured learning and practical teaching support. See how these new courses and guides can transform your math instruction and boost student achievement in the upcoming school year. Let’s work together to empower Texas students with the skills and confidence they need to excel in mathematics and beyond.

Explore the updated courses!The post Introducing Khan Academy’s New TEKS-Aligned Math Courses and Teacher Guides for Texas Educators! appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Ana Lucia Souto, Latam District Pedagogy Lead

As a physics teacher, engaging students and making the subject matter relatable is no small feat. I often encounter the challenge of connecting abstract concepts with real-life examples, leaving students wondering “What’s the point?” and “When will I ever use this?”

Despite the inherent relevance of physics in our everyday lives—whether it’s riding a bike, cooking, or dancing—bridging the gap between theory and practice remains a significant hurdle. That’s where Khan Academy’s lesson-planning AI, Khanmigo, comes in as a game changer.

My favorite ways to use lesson plan AI to engage studentsGone are the days of struggling to find the perfect hook to captivate students’ attention. Khanmigo’s “Create a Hook” function offers a wealth of options to contextualize content through stories, activities, poems, and examples. What’s more, teachers can collaborate with Khanmigo to tailor hooks for each class, ensuring maximum engagement.

But Khanmigo doesn’t stop there. By encouraging students to share their personal interests—from music and movies to sports and astronomy—teachers can customize hooks that resonate with each individual. It’s a level of personalization that fosters genuine connection and interest in the subject matter.

One of the most exciting features of Khanmigo is its ability to generate funny poems based on the concepts being taught. These whimsical verses add a touch of creativity and humor to lessons, leaving a lasting impression on students.

Get Khanmigo for FREE10 more ways you can amplify every lesson plan with AI1. Personalized hooks: Who said every student has to do the same lesson? Use students’ interests to create engaging hooks that relate directly to their lives. 2. Interactive activities: Use student-interest data to generate interactive activities that transform learning from a passive to an active experience and keep students engaged. 3. Multimedia presentations: Let Khanmigo recommend videos, images, and audio clips to enhance understanding and retention throughout the lesson cycle. 4. Real-life scenarios: Get an answer to “When will we use this?” and connect theoretical concepts to real-life scenarios to demonstrate practical applications. 5. Collaborative learning: Use data-analysis tools to foster collaboration among students by assigning group projects and discussions built from optimized groups. 6. Gamification: Introduce game-based learning elements to make lessons more enjoyable and interactive, where AI can recommend and create the games for you. 7. Creative assessments: Explore innovative assessment methods, such as project-based assessments, portfolio reviews, and AI-generated DoK-aligned questions. 8. Cross-curricular integration: Make friends with the teacher across the hall by integrating lessons with other subjects to demonstrate interdisciplinary connections. 9. Student choice: Offer students choice in their learning paths to promote autonomy and engagement while accessing the benefits of true mastery learning. 10. Reflection and feedback: Encourage students to reflect on their learning and share feedback to improve lessons, and let AI analyze student data to plan the next lesson!

Tomorrow’s lesson can be your best one thanks to lesson plan AIBy embracing Khanmigo, educators can transform their teaching approach and create unforgettable learning experiences. With personalized hooks, funny poems, and a host of interactive activities, lessons become not just informative but also enjoyable and memorable.

Try Khanmigo’s lesson plan AI for freeIn conclusion, Khan Academy’s lesson-planning AI empowers teachers to craft lessons that resonate with students on a deeper level. With a little creativity and the right tools, we can inspire a lifelong love of learning in our students. Thanks to support from Microsoft, you can try Khanmigo for free today and revolutionize the way you teach!

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There’s nothing more valuable than a teacher’s time. Every minute spent on tedious administrative tasks is a moment that could be spent connecting with a student (or taken back for yourself!). As educators here at Khan Academy, we are very familiar with the long hours teachers spend developing effective rubrics and grading each student in a fair and constructive way. That’s why we’ve built Khanmigo—to free teachers of the admin of grading with our new, AI-powered rubric generator.

Did we mention Khanmigo is completely free for every teacher? This was made possible by our partnership with Microsoft!

Streamlining grading with AIKhanmigo’s new educator tools introduce an AI rubric generator that simplifies the time-consuming process of grading assignments. This tool not only saves time but also provides clear objectives to students while ensuring consistency in grading. By automating the rubric-creation process, teachers can quickly generate customized rubrics based on the assignment criteria and learning objectives.

Khanmigo’s new educator tools introduce an AI rubric generator that simplifies the time-consuming process of grading assignments. This tool not only saves time but also provides clear objectives to students while ensuring consistency in grading. By automating the rubric-creation process, teachers can quickly generate customized rubrics based on the assignment criteria and learning objectives.

*How Khanmigo’s AI rubric maker works*Khanmigo’s AI rubric maker is built on a platform that understands educational standards and teacher needs. It simplifies the process of rubric creation by facilitating a user-friendly chat where you can input your assignment requirements. The AI then suggests various criteria and performance levels, which you can customize to suit your classes’ specific needs.

Sign up for FREE**Benefits for teachers:* Time efficiency: It reduces the hours spent on developing rubrics and grading. * Consistency: It provides a standardized approach to grading, ensuring each student is assessed fairly. * Customizable:** It tailors rubrics to the specific content of your lessons and the learning outcomes you aim to assess.

*Beyond rubrics: comprehensive support for teachers*Khanmigo is more than just a rubric maker. As a comprehensive AI teaching assistant, it offers a range of tools to help you streamline lesson planning, student engagement, and even communication with multilingual families. Designed by educators for educators, Khanmigo is built to support your unique teaching style and the diverse needs of your students.

All U.S. teachers now have free access to Khanmigo’s teaching tools! Signing up is quick and easy, and you can start using the AI rubric maker and other features within minutes.

Sign up now!The post Save Time and Effort with our AI-Powered Rubric Generator for Efficient Grading appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Dr. Sarah Thaler

If you’ve taught a student, raised a student, or been a student, you know that one of the world’s least-answered questions is, “What did you do in school today?” In fact, as a parent of teenagers myself, I just stopped asking that question.

And sure, the Internet is filled with recommendations from parenting blogs highlighting different variations of this question, promising that this question will be the one that gets the answer. In my experience, though, they never really worked.

So what does work?Well, let’s take my elementary schooler on the other hand. She comes home weekly with a printed newsletter, or eager to tell me about the classroom activity that her teacher has already shared photos of via a school communication app. The foundation teachers give me, as a parent, by sharing what’s happening in their classrooms has fueled many nights of conversation with my children, and by association, an understanding of how I can support the efforts their teachers are making with them in the classroom.

And look, as a former teacher myself, I get it. You’re probably looking at my screen right now wondering if I’ve lost my mind and forgot how time works in the classroom. But I promise you that I’m not implying that you should spend an extra few hours a week painstakingly crafting a newsletter. What I am saying is that you should consider leveraging Khan Academy’s AI tools for teachers, Khanmigo, to automate production of a newsletter to better keep students’ families in the loop. (Pro tip: Khanmigo is free for all teachers, thanks to a partnership from Microsoft).

Get Khanmigo for FREEAI tools for teachers that transform communication with familiesWith the help of Khanmigo, you can quickly develop family communications using a tool called “Create a Class Newsletter.”

All it takes is the answer to six simple questions:

What’s the name of your class?
What did you do last week?
What are you doing next week?
What are this week’s class reminders?
Do you have recommendations for how families can engage?
Do you have any classroom shoutouts?

From there, Khanmigo writes an engaging, editable newsletter. And just like with other AI tools you may have explored, you can ask it to change specific sections (or the whole thing!) based on the feedback prompts you share.

Explore the Class Newsletter toolOnce you’re happy with the result, you just print or export your newsletter, and it’s off to the races! You’ll be able to accelerate your work in the classroom by giving families clear ways to engage their children outside of the classroom.

Take your time back with Khanmigo, an AI tool for teachersAdopting teacher AI tools like Khanmigo can help make a tedious activity, such as creating a newsletter, a quick and easy way to develop engaging communications for parents. And best of all, Khanmigo is free for all educators in the United States. Make your account here!

Sign up for FREEThe post Revitalize Connections with Students’ Families Using Khanmigo’s AI Tools for Teachers appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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At Khan Academy, we’re dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the real world. We’re thrilled to announce the expansion of our Financial Literacy course with four brand-new units designed to empower students, support teachers, and engage families.

Building a brighter financial futureWhether you’re a student charting your career path, a parent or teacher guiding someone towards financial independence, or anyone seeking to make informed decisions about major life purchases, these comprehensive units provide a one-stop resource for mastering essential financial skills.

*Students & families: Take control of your financesOur latest offerings focus on employment, banking, car buying, and housing*, equipping you with the know-how to navigate the complexities of the financial world with confidence.

Employment mastery: Learn to evaluate job offers, understand your paycheck structure, and maximize your employment benefits. Set yourself up for a successful career from the very beginning.
Banking basics: Discover how to choose the right bank and account type to meet your evolving needs. Develop smart money-management strategies and watch your savings grow.
Smart spending on big purchases: Demystify car loans and explore the intricacies of housing options. Make well-informed decisions that save you money and reduce financial stress.

Teachers: Enhance your financial literacy instructionThese new units seamlessly integrate with state learning standards, providing valuable life skills while adhering to educational requirements.

Engaging resources: Use real-world video lessons and interactive exercises to bring financial concepts to life in your classroom. Check out this video below!
Standards alignment: Effortlessly integrate our content into your curriculum, ensuring you meet educational objectives.
Innovative tools: Foster deeper understanding and prepare students for real-world financial scenarios with our comprehensive resources, including interactive videos and detailed articles.

Explore our Teacher Tools*The impact of Khan Academy’s Financial Literacy course*We’re proud of the positive impact our Financial Literacy course has on learners of all ages. Here’s what some are saying:

“This initiative is fantastic! It equips teachers with the necessary tools to prepare and educate the younger generation about responsible money management.” – Parent
“This course is essential! All students should have the opportunity to learn this valuable life skill.” – Teacher
“Khan Academy’s FREE financial literacy course provided me with more knowledge than any other online course I’ve tried, even those costing hundreds of dollars.” – Learner

**Join us on the journey to financial empowerment****We believe everyone deserves access to a free, world-class education. Our expanded Financial Literacy curriculum goes beyond what you learn in school; it empowers you to make informed financial decisions that pave the way for a brighter, more secure future.

*Start your journey to expand your financial knowledge today!* Explore our Financial Literacy courseThis course is made possible by Walmart, a founding sponsor, and additional support is provided by Capital One and Intuit for Education, companies that are committed to providing students with essential personal finance skills.

The post Master Essential Life Skills with Our New Financial Literacy Units appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Today we’re pleased to announce that we’re releasing an anonymized dataset of math tutoring conversations for use in evaluating how AI models act like a tutor.

While many researchers and companies are exploring AI’s ability to do calculations, at Khan Academy we’re interested in the ability of AI to do calculations while acting like a tutor. As we explain in the paper accompanying the dataset, we think tutoring is an underexplored area of research that presents unique challenges—and one that holds great potential too.

About the anonymized datasetThe dataset we’re releasing today consists of 188 representative conversations covering elementary math through calculus. The representative conversations are based on conversations that took place between Khanmigo, our pilot tutor and teaching assistant, and students, and have been anonymized.

The dataset is a benchmark dataset, meaning it is a resource for researchers and companies to use to evaluate AI models.

Why a benchmark dataset about tutoring mattersThere are many math datasets out there. We think today’s release of a tutoring dataset may be one of the first of its kind.

A tutoring dataset is important for our field because it captures how a conversation unfolds when Khanmigo tutors a student (while also preserving the student’s anonymity). The dataset shows interactions and two-way feedback, not just math problems.

This dataset focuses on one aspect of tutoring—the accurate evaluation of student work. We have found that AI models often struggle with this capability, either telling students they are right when they are wrong or vice versa. This struggle is partially due to calculation errors, but is also the result of the complex nature of doing those calculations in the context of a conversation with a student. Of course, tutoring involves much more than this, including what to offer in response to an error. But we believe this dataset will at least evaluate whether the model can correctly judge student work in a tutoring context. We think it will help our colleagues in the field evaluate AI’s ability to tutor in math so they can help improve AI in the future.

Our North Star is student learning As a nonprofit organization, part of our goal is to contribute to the field of education by making learning accessible to all. By sharing this dataset, we hope to further advancements in AI in education to help students learn and succeed in their studies. We think the new dataset is an important step in the development of AI that not only gets math right but also acts as an effective tutor for students. Onward!

The post Introducing a New Dataset to Further the Field of AI Research appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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As math educators, we’ve all seen the glazed-over looks during a complex lesson or the slump of defeat when a student can’t connect with the material. But what if we could turn those moments around? What if math could be as captivating as a good story, where each problem solved takes students on an adventure, deepening their understanding and joy in learning? Enter Khanmigo, Khan Academy’s innovative AI tool designed to bring creativity into math education at a time when engagement is crucial.

Get Khanmigo for FREEThe current state of math learningRecent assessments reveal a concerning dip in math proficiency, with statistics indicating a drop to the lowest rates in 15 years (USAFacts). This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about our students’ futures, their ability to face future challenges, and the urgent need to rekindle their interest and competence in math. That’s where Khanmigo comes in to help teachers, offering a fresh, time-saving approach to creating math lessons tailored to your class.

*How Khanmigo makes math magical*Khanmigo uses AI to generate math word problems that aren’t just tailored to curriculum standards but can also be customized, personalized, and woven into narratives and real-life scenarios that students care about.

*Here’s how Khanmigo helps teachers and students:*Personalized learning journeysKhanmigo assesses each student’s performance and preferences to create problems that meet them at their level—then challenges them to grow. This adaptive approach ensures that every student finds a learning pathway that’s not only comprehensible but also compelling.

Real-world relevanceFrom calculating the costs of planning a school event to figuring out the science behind a basketball’s trajectory, Khanmigo’s problems are grounded in everyday life. This method shows students the tangible applications of math, making abstract concepts concrete—and more interesting.

A narrative approachImagine a classroom where math lessons are adventures, where solving a series of problems helps unravel mysteries or overcome challenges in a story. Khanmigo can craft such narrative-driven problem sets, making each math session an engaging story that students are eager to solve.

**Supporting educators every step of the way*“When I asked Khanmigo to provide extension activities for my 7th-grade classroom, I found the activities to be both realistic and helpful. This feature of Khanmigo is one of the best, providing engaging classroom activities that I can put into practice.” — 7th-grade teacher*

Khanmigo isn’t just for students. It’s a powerful ally for teachers too:

Saves time: It automatically generates diverse problem sets, allowing teachers more time to engage with students instead of juggling content creation.
Customizable content: Easy adjustments for difficulty and context mean lessons can be closely aligned with broader educational goals or specific teaching styles.
Completely free: In line with Khan Academy’s mission, Khanmigo is completely free to use, ensuring every teacher and student can access top-notch educational resources without barriers.

*Transforming math education together*At Khan Academy, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. With Khanmigo, we’re taking a significant step towards a future where math isn’t just a subject to get through but a fascinating, integral part of our students’ lives. By incorporating AI-driven creativity and personalization into math education, we’re not just tackling the math crisis. We’re helping to shape a generation of problem solvers who see math as a tool for discovery and innovation.

Explore the possibilities of math education with Khanmigo, and watch as your classrooms come alive with the joy of learning.

Use Khanmigo for FREEThe post Sparking Joy in Math Learning with Khanmigo appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Aviv Weiss, Senior Product Marketer – Districts

As a former teacher and a Khan Academy employee, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact technology can have on education. Following Sal Khan’s announcement about offering Khanmigo for Teachers for free, thanks to support from Microsoft, I wanted to share why this initiative is close to our hearts and how it aligns with our mission to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.

Get Khanmigo for FREEThe struggle of traditional assessmentA vivid memory from my teaching days is gathering with other eighth-grade ELA teachers across the district to review student essays on quarterly interim assessments. We met after school, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., exhausted and eager to go home. How could we get through stacks of essays and provide valuable feedback?

Despite the district’s strategies for priming our minds to look for specific elements in student work, we could only spot and jot so much. I often left these sessions not knowing where my students stood in their writing. The feedback they received was insufficient for driving strong revisions. This reality is echoed in Sarah Robertson’s writing on the crushing state of writing instruction, with only 25% of eighth and twelfth graders proficient in writing, according to the latest NAEP scores.

The backbone of society: teachersAt Khan Academy, we understand that teachers are the backbone of society. They inspire, guide, and support young people through their learning journeys. However, teachers face immense challenges, from juggling diverse student needs to managing extensive administrative tasks. This is where Khanmigo for Teachers comes in.

Introducing Khanmigo for TeachersKhanmigo for Teachers isn’t just another tool; it’s a testament to our belief in the power of education and technology. By harnessing state-of-the-art AI, Khanmigo significantly eases the workload on teachers by assisting with the following:

Lesson planning: quickly create tailored lesson plans.
Differentiation: customize learning paths for diverse student needs.
Rubric development: simplify the creation and application of grading rubrics.

Khanmigo is about giving teachers back their time—time they can invest in what they do best: teaching and inspiring students.

Use Khanmigo for FREEThe importance of AI education toolsWhy is it crucial for teachers to have access to the best tools possible? The answer lies in our mission. Each step we take toward empowering teachers with innovative resources brings us closer to providing a world-class education to all, regardless of location or circumstances. High-quality AI education tools like Khanmigo not only enhance the teaching and learning experience but also help level the educational playing field.

When teachers feel supported and have the resources they need, they are better equipped to support their students. Empowered teachers lead to empowered students whose potential to learn and grow knows no bounds. This ripple effect can transform education, making it more inclusive, effective, and inspiring for learners globally.

Positive feedback and future directionsWe’re just scratching the surface with Khanmigo for Teachers, but the feedback so far has been incredibly positive. We’re eager to continue improving and expanding our offerings to better meet educators’ needs. As we move forward, we remain committed to listening to teachers and refining on our tools to ensure we’re providing the support teachers need to make a difference in their students’ lives.

Our commitment to universal educationThe launch of Khanmigo for Teachers is more than just an announcement; it reflects our dedication to educators and students worldwide. By equipping teachers with cutting-edge AI education tools, we’re supporting their incredible work and taking meaningful steps toward achieving our mission of universal access to a world-class education.

The post Empowering Teachers with AI Tools: Now Free Forever appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Kaitlin Anselmo Pothireddy

Have you met Khan Academy Kids? Built for your district’s youngest learners, Khan Academy Kids provides research-based instruction across core subjects through an age-appropriate, joyful curriculum.

This week, we talked to Listy Smith, Director of Instructional Technology for South Haven Public Schools, who shared some of the Khan Academy Kids features that stand out to her teams.

District-Wide Data AnalysisWith Khan Academy Kids’ web dashboard, educators can wield data like never before. In fact, Listy cites the reporting access as one of the primary reasons her team selected Khan Academy Kids.

“Access to data was huge–the ability for teachers and administrators to track learning journeys was important to us.” With Khan Academy Kids, user-friendly interfaces empower educators to tailor instruction with precision, ensuring every student reaches their full potential.

Age-Appropriate, Joyful LearningWhen students learn with Khan Academy Kids, they are guided by interactive characters, adaptive learning pathways, and exciting activities turn every classroom into an adventure zone of exploration and excitement.

“We really liked that the characters weren’t just figures on a screen–each one has a job and has a purpose in guiding the students as they learn,” shared Listy. And she’s right! With Khan Academy Kids, characters like Reya and Ollo guide students’ learning in reading and letters while Sandy and Peck help students mentally transition, signaling that the work on the screen has to do with geometry and counting.

Professional Development That Transforms Practice“Part of the value of a partnership is in the teacher training and admin training that Khan Academy Kids provides. The team has been very accommodating in adapting training to what we need most,” explains Listy.

The reason our team has a reputation for being accommodating can likely be attributed to the fact that many of us were classroom teachers and school administrators ourselves–we know that one-size-fits-all training is never the answer and we aim to provide wraparound services that ensure our tools is able to be used effectively, and doesn’t just become one more thing on educators’ to-do lists.

Ready to Supercharge Your District?Are you ready to take your early elementary classrooms to the next level with Khan Academy Kids? Don’t miss out on the chance to revolutionize learning in your schools! Click below to schedule a demo and learn more about Khan Academy Kids!

The post 3 Khan Academy Kids Features Administrators Love appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Ви можете навчитися усьому. You can learn anything!

Читайте українською (Read in Ukrainian).

We are excited to announce that Khan Academy is now available in Ukrainian. Start learning in UkrainianLearning is still disrupted in Ukraine. For the past 2 years, more than 5.3 million children faced barriers to accessing education including school closures, online schooling disruptions due to power outages, and thousands of educational facilities being damaged or destroyed by Russia.

Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. Learners in Ukraine or those displaced by the war can now access 10 completely free math courses in Ukrainian with videos and practice exercises.

Thank you to our Ukrainian advocate team for making this possible! Stay tuned for more courses in Ukrainian.

Khan Academy is currently available in 50+ languages. See what languages are available.

Ми раді повідомити, що Khan Academy тепер доступна українською мовою. Навчання в Україні досі зірване. За останні 2 роки понад 5,3 мільйона дітей зіткнулися з перешкодами в доступі до освіти, включаючи закриття шкіл, збої в онлайн-навчанні через відключення електроенергії, а також тисячі навчальних закладів, пошкоджених або зруйнованих Росією.

Наша місія полягає в тому, щоб надати безкоштовну освіту світового рівня будь-кому і будь-де. Учні в Україні або переселенці внаслідок війни тепер можуть отримати доступ до 10 абсолютно безкоштовних курсів математики українською мовою з відео та практичними вправами.

Дякуємо нашій українській команді адвокатів за те, що зробили це можливим! Скоро у на буде ще більше курсів українською.

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Financial literacy is a crucial life skill, but traditional courses can feel one-size-fits-all. What if you could tailor financial education to your students’ specific needs? Khan Academy’s free Financial Literacy course makes it possible!

This course is designed for anyone, regardless of age or background. Whether your students are just starting high school, planning for college, or already navigating adult finances, Khan Academy offers relevant and engaging modules.

Here’s how you can customize your curriculum: Target by life stage: + Are they considering college? Guide them through the “Careers and Education” unit to explore financing options and career planning. + For younger students, introduce the “Budgeting and Saving” unit to help them manage allowances or earnings from part-time jobs. + For older students or those in vocational training, focus on “Taxes and Tax Forms” to prepare them for their first jobs. * Address specific needs: + Does student loan debt concern your class? Dive deep into the informative “Loans and Debt” unit. + If your students are interested in entrepreneurship, the “Investments and Retirement” unit can be expanded to include discussions on financial planning for business startups. + For students who may not have had much exposure to financial planning or insurance, integrate the “Insurance” unit to teach them about the importance of various types of insurance. * Supplement a traditional course:* Khan Academy can be a valuable resource to enhance existing curriculum. Use bite-sized videos and interactive exercises from units like “Scams and Fraud” or “Investments and Retirement” to reinforce key concepts.

*Imagine this scenario*:A high school graduate or a young professional enters the workforce and faces the daunting task of understanding taxes. Khan Academy’s course offers invaluable resources to navigate this essential aspect of financial literacy.

Check out this engaging videoThe benefits of customization Increased engagement: Students are more invested in learning when the material directly applies to their lives.
Improved retention: Focused learning allows students to grasp complex concepts more effectively. * Empowerment for the future:* By addressing their specific financial goals, you equip students with the knowledge and confidence to make sound financial decisions.

Khan Academy: a free and flexible resourceKhan Academy’s Financial Literacy course is completely free, accessible, and self-paced. This makes it an ideal tool to tailor financial education to your students’ needs.

So, why not empower your students with the financial knowledge they deserve? Start customizing your curriculum with Khan Academy today!

Check out our FREE CourseThis course is made possible by Walmart, a founding sponsor, and additional support is provided by Capital One and Intuit for Education, companies that are committed to providing students with essential personal finance skills.

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Navigating the emergence of new AI education tools can be overwhelming for teachers who already juggle countless responsibilities. Researching the right options to meet your teaching needs is time-consuming and confusing. A free, go-to teaching resource for years, Khan Academy aims to share tools for teachers that meet the reality of classrooms today. That’s why we created Khanmigo as a one-stop teacher’s tool specifically designed to address the everyday challenges teachers face. It’s more than just an AI tool; it’s a classroom partner created by educators for educators.

Tailored to meet teacher needsAs former educators, we know the tasks that take up time and energy for teachers, including planning engaging lessons, effectively assessing student understanding, and managing the diverse needs of their classrooms. Khanmigo takes a load off of teachers by providing them with automation tools that help save time and energy by taking care of some of the daily admin tasks.

How Khanmigo compares to other AI teaching toolsKhanmigo not only provides tools that are practical and easy to use, but it also supports a holistic approach to education that considers both the teacher’s workload and the student’s learning experience on Khan Academy’s content platform.

Our AI-driven features are developed based on learning science and real feedback from educators to ensure they’re effective and useful for your daily teaching activities.

Why Khanmigo stands outKhanmigo’s comprehensive suite of tools is designed with the specific needs of educators in mind, making it the top choice for teachers for several reasons:

Comprehensive support: Khanmigo offers a wider range of tools tailored for teaching, including unique features like the Real-World Context Generator and Smart Goal Writer, which can engage and motivate your students in new ways.
Curriculum alignment: It provides robust support for lesson planning and objective development, ensuring that all educational activities are aligned with curriculum standards.
Personalized learning and feedback: With features like personalized Report Card Comments and Recommend Assignments, Khanmigo helps teachers deliver personalized learning experiences and constructive feedback in less time.
Free for all U.S. teachers: Perhaps the most compelling advantage is that Khanmigo is completely free, making it accessible to educators across the United States.

Sign up for FREETeachers share their Khanmigo experiencesTeachers across the U.S. have already tried Khanmigo and witnessed its impact:

“I planned an entire lesson using Khanmigo. I was amazed at the speed and quality of the lesson that Khanmigo created using the co-editor.” — Teacher in Indiana
“Khanmigo has been a tremendous help in stepping into my new role at school. It has been a lifesaver. I use it in curriculum-mapping efforts and for restatement of learning goals.” — Educator in Massachusetts

Learn more about using AI for teachingWant to learn more about how to incorporate AI into your teaching? Check out our YouTube playlist: “Artificial Intelligence in Education.” Learn everything from how to use AI to how to navigate daily classroom tasks to how to teach specific subjects using Khanmigo.

Khanmigo is more than just an AI tool—it’s a movement to help teachers do what they do best. Try Khanmigo today, and experience firsthand how it transforms the educational experience for both teachers and students.

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By Dr. Brian Carter, Strategic Partnerships Leader

Tell me if this sounds familiar—it’s the week before finals. You still haven’t graded the test you gave last week, you’ve booked your mornings solid with extra tutoring sessions for your students, and you still need to find the time to actually write the final.

But if you went into teaching, it probably wasn’t because you had dreams of writing pages of multiple-choice questions on your nights and weekends. Fortunately, that’s where Khanmigo’s AI generators for teachers come in—with Khanmigo, you can instantly develop assessment questions at various depths of knowledge, to ensure your students have the study aids they need to be prepared and assessments that serve as genuine indicators of student learning.

In other words, Khanmigo takes the stress out of generating exam, quiz, and practice problems, so you can spend more time helping your students feel prepared for their final and less time stressing over writing good exam questions. The best part? It’s free for all teachers, thanks to support from Microsoft.

How to use AI to generate practice questions for studentsDepending on the subject you teach, Khan Academy has always had excellent resources for your students to practice, but now using Khnamigo, you can generate additional questions for any resource (videos, articles, exercises) on the site and use them with your students.

Let’s say I assigned this Periodic Table video for my students to watch before class. I open Khanmigo on this video page, and Khanmigo asks me if I want help creating a lesson plan, explaining the video, or providing a warm-up activity. I can also ask Khanmigo to give me five questions to have my students complete during the first 10 minutes of class to assess their understanding of the video. I can ask Khanmigo to make these multiple-choice or free-response questions. I can also ask Khanmigo to generate an answer key I can then use to evaluate my students’ responses or show on my smartboard to walk through with my students.

How to use AI-powered problem generators for assessmentMaking good quiz or test questions is extremely difficult and time-consuming. Don’t worry, Khanmigo is here to help. Let’s say you are an AP U.S. History teacher and just finished teaching Unit 5 that spans from 1844 to 1877. Khan Academy’s existing Unit 5 test is 10 multiple-choice questions, but what if you wanted a full-length summative assessment that covers this entire unit that includes both multiple-choice and free-response questions? You can simply open Khanmigo in any of the lessons from this unit and ask Khanmigo to give you a few multiple-choice questions on this topic, along with an answer key. You can also ask Khanmigo to give you some free-response questions, along with answers to these questions.

Each lesson in Khan Academy lists the standard at the top of the lesson; so, if you want Khanmigo to provide more specificity for these questions you can cut and paste these standards into the request you provide to Khanmigo. Using this technique, you can generate a quiz with an answer key in 2–3 minutes, or an entire unit test or semester exam in 10–15 minutes.

As an extra bonus, ask Khanmigo to generate more questions than you need and use these extra questions to create the review sheet on the topic. You now can provide this review sheet to your students to help them study for the quiz or exam.

How to use the free rubric generator and answer key creatorThis is the easiest part. I mentioned this in each section above, but I think it is worth repeating. Whenever you use Khanmigo to help you generate more practice problems for your students or questions you plan to use on a quiz, exam, or review sheet, don’t forget to include a request for Khanmigo to generate an answer key. Khanmigo will always be happy to provide you the correct answer with an explanation for why the answer is correct.

Now you are saving time not just on creating these questions but in grading the response students provide to these questions or using these answers to help support your students’ learning in other ways.

Streamline test prep with Khanmigo’s AI generators for teachersWhen it comes to preparing assessments and practice materials for your students, time is of the essence. Khanmigo’s AI generators for teachers are here to revolutionize the way you approach this task, giving you more time to focus on what truly matters—your students.

With Khanmigo, you can:

Instantly generate assessment questions at various depths of knowledge to target every student misunderstanding.
Create additional practice questions tailored to any resource on Khan Academy, from videos to exercises.
Utilize AI-powered problem generators to develop comprehensive quizzes, tests, and review sheets in minutes.
Leverage Khanmigo’s free rubric generator to save time in grading and providing feedback to students.

So, whether you’re preparing for finals, crafting engaging warm-up activities, or developing comprehensive unit tests, Khanmigo is your ultimate ally.

Ready to streamline your assessment preparation?Click here to explore Khanmigo’s AI generators and revolutionize your teaching experience!

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We’re excited to share the latest news from our work in Brazil. Khan Academy is conducting our first large-scale pilot of the AI guide Khanmigo outside the U.S.

Four funders stepped up to bring Khamigo to 10,000teachers and students.

In addition, our funders are supporting a massive expansion of the number of students using Khan Academy in the classroom. This program to bring Khan Academy to larger state districts supporting hundreds of thousands of students was made possible by Lemann Foundation, the Telles Foundation, VélezReyes+, and Intel.

We are in conversations with several state districts as a first step toward a future where every learner in Brazil has access to this transformative technology.For more than a decade, with support from the Lemann Foundation, we created free, world-class educational resources aligned with Brazil’s National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) to empower all Brazilian learners. Our comprehensive resources cover math, science, and Portuguese for elementary and middle school students, as well as math and science for high school students.

Last year marked a big step for us at Khan Academy, as we started collaborating with large public state districts in Brazil to broaden the reach of our educational resources. The impact was nothing short of remarkable. We witnessed a stunning growth in the number of public school students —a 24-fold leap from 70,000 to 1.7 million.

These partnerships with large state districts are pivotal. They not only bring our trusted learning platform into the classrooms that need them the most, but they also provide the districts with data-driven insights to enhance student learning and provide comprehensive support throughout the school year. This ensures that teachers and educators can make the most of our resources.

We conducted a small pilot of Khanmigo, our AI-powered student tutor and teacher assistant with 155 students and teachers in a public school district. Khanmigo offers engaging, on-topic, and practical learning for students and is ethically designed for the classroom with safety and learning as a top priority. Unlike other AI tools, Khanmigo doesn’t just give answers. Instead, with limitless patience, it guides learners to find the answer themselves. The initial response from both teachers and students gave us the confidence to scale up our pilot program from 155 licenses to 10,000.

Sal Khan remarked on the challenges facing Brazilian students, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

“Like many places around the world, students in Brazil have encountered significant educational hurdles,” he said. “Our established learning platform, enhanced by the pilot of Khanmigo, holds the potential to be transformative, helping students unlock and realize their true potential.”Sal Khan CEO & Founder of Khan Academy

He continued, “Every child deserves to reach their full potential. We are grateful for the support of the Lemann Foundation, The Telles Foundation, VélezReyes+ and Intel. With ongoing support from our partners, we’re turning potential into reality for kids across Brazil.”

This is just the beginning. We’re determined to keep pushing, keep innovating, and keep reaching more students.

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By Stacie Johnson, Director of Professional Learning

Imagine this: your car after school, the backseat heaving under the weight of upgraded papers. Papers that will come with you while you journey to the grocery store, the dry cleaners, or maybe even a kids’ soccer game. And then into your house and back into your teacher wheelie suitcase on your way back in the door.

Sound like a familiar scene? If it does, that’s because I too, have been party to the paper parade.

Grading, a task that should serve as a compass, guiding us to evaluate student growth, adapt our own instruction, and share meaningful feedback, has turned into a daunting mountain of recording, analysis, and compliance. This mountain induces anxiety—not only in the hearts of our students but also within us, the educators.

But what should grading really be?Grading should be a tool to propel mastery learning and provide a clear path for subsequent instruction. Most importantly, it should communicate feedback and next steps for our students. But in reality, it often feels like it’s just a drain on our time that prevents us from enjoying our students during the day or enjoying our families during the evening.

What if we dared to change the narrative? What if, instead of obsessing over grades, we shifted our focus to feedback and mastery learning? What if we concentrated our efforts on building student competence and confidence? A wonderful idea, you might say, but one that is surely too time-consuming?

But, what if it wasn’t? What if we could transform the grading process into something meaningful, something that doesn’t just shuttle back and forth in our cars, but instead, drives student success?

AI for teaching: instantly generated rubricsRubrics can be the game-changer in this scenario. They provide a clear and concise roadmap for both teachers and students, outlining expectations and offering a structured approach to feedback.

Rubrics empower students by making the grading process transparent, allowing them to understand how their work will be evaluated and what they need to do to improve.

Even in subjects where rubrics aren’t traditionally used, like mathematics, they can be incredibly beneficial. A well-designed math rubric can break down complex problems into understandable components, guiding students through the problem-solving process. It can highlight the importance of logical reasoning, clarity of thought, and precision, aspects often overlooked in the rush to find the ‘right answer.’ Thus, rubrics can transform grading from a source of anxiety into a tool for growth and self-improvement across all subjects.

The power of Khanmigo’s AI rubric makerPicture this: I’m a math teacher, knee-deep in algebraic equations. I decided to create a rubric, a kind of ‘math recipe,’ if you will. It had four ingredients: understanding the problem, planning a strategy, executing it, and explaining the process to a peer. I shared this ‘recipe’ with my students, and it was like I’d given them a secret decoder ring for math. They knew what was expected and could check their work, find their weak spots, and focus on the process, not just the answer. But gosh, I wish I had Khanmigo back then; turning what took me hours into a quick task.

Khanmigo’s rubric maker is all about giving you, the teacher, more time. With just a few questions for you, it takes on the task of developing rubric categories, criteria, and even provides examples of what work might look like at each level. This means less time spent on making the rubric and more time doing the things that matter: engaging with your students and spending quality time with your family instead of poring over the laptop all evening.

Create a rubric with KhanmigoIn under four minutes, I can fully customize a rubric—Khanmigo asks what I am teaching and we get to work. Recently I was building a rubric with Khanmigo and needed to revise the descriptions for one of the criteria. I wanted the descriptions to include students’ ability to acknowledge and explain their misconceptions. Check out what I was able to build with Khanmigo:

Get Khanmigo for FREEIf there’s a hidden gem in the teaching world, it’s Khanmigo’s rubric tool. Students writing essays? Graphing parabolas? The rubric maker is there for you. No more hours spent creating rubrics or carting ungraded papers around town. It’s time to shift our focus—from grades to feedback, from percentages to thought processes. Discover this secret and transform your teaching—give it a try!

Try Khanmigo’s AI rubric maker for free today!Embrace the power of AI for teaching and revolutionize the way you grade and provide feedback to your students. Try Khanmigo’s rubric maker (and other tools!) for free, thanks to support from Microsoft, and see the difference it can make in your classroom!

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By Dr. Sarah Thaler

“Is an 1120 on the SAT a good score?” It’s a question students love to ask, and honestly, it’s one with layers. As educators, we even struggle to give a straightforward answer. Keep reading to learn more about how SAT exams are scored and how Khanmigo’s AI lesson plans can help prepare your students for success on college entrance exams and beyond!

What an SAT score tells youThe SAT, developed by the College Board, is designed to gauge essential skills for college and career readiness. It has predictive validity, meaning it can forecast how well students are likely to perform in their first semester of college courses.

Surprisingly, the SAT is often a better, and more standardized, gauge of college readiness than a simple GPA calculation can offer. Meeting the benchmarks (a score of 530 on Math or 480 on Reading and Writing) indicates a 75% chance of getting a C or better in college courses like math, history, literature, social sciences, or writing.

Although many factors can affect a student’s SAT score, the work that teachers do to teach essential skills in classrooms can be a huge determinant of student success in standardized assessments.

What an SAT score doesn’t tell youEducators know this better than anyone: scores don’t define everything.

They’re just one piece of the puzzle. Meeting the benchmarks doesn’t guarantee automatic success in every college class or in life.

Similarly, not meeting the benchmarks doesn’t spell doom. It does, however, highlight gaps in understanding that are crucial for post-high school success.

The SAT is designed to be reliable, meaning if students take it multiple times, they’ll likely get a similar score within a certain range. But simply retaking the test without addressing knowledge gaps won’t lead to improvement. And unfortunately, teachers often lack the time to differentiate for SAT prep alongside managing their state standards and district initiatives.

But don’t worry—that’s where Khanmigo comes in.

How Khanmigo’s AI teacher tools can help you prepare your students for the SAT* Use the Official Digital SAT prep course, which has been developed with College Board, to help you understand the skills that will be assessed. Need to get students excited about solving problems using a graph or linear equation? Ask Khanmigo to write a lesson hook to engage students. * Ask Khanmigo to generate additional SAT questions in a particular skill to use as a warm-up activity or as an exit ticket. Need to make them easier for some students? Just ask! Need to turn it into a word problem? Just ask! * Use the “Refresh my knowledge” tool in Khanmigo to explore test taking strategies to share with students. * Khan Academy offers a Growth Mindset course, developed to help teachers and students understand how to learn from challenges. Want to incorporate growth mindset activities into your classroom but don’t know how? Use the lesson plan generator in Khanmigo to help you write a lesson plan! * If students have already taken the SAT, PSAT/NMSQTⓇ, PSAT 10, or PSAT 8/9 and have scores available, use the Skills Insight tool to view statements that show what test takers in particular Reading and Writing and Math section score ranges typically know and can do. Use these statements to identify the skills that students need more help with and ask Khanmigo to write additional practice questions or lesson plans that highlight a skill.

Let AI lesson plans help you get all students to their post-grad goalsAgain, we can’t say it enough: a test score doesn’t define anyone. But we do know that these scores can be a differentiating factor in making students’ journeys into college and adult life smoother. And with Khanmigo, teachers are equipped with the resources they need to help students master specific skills and gain admission to college.
Interested to try it out? We’ve got good news—Khanmigo Teachers is now free for all teachers, thanks to a partnership with Microsoft. Register here!

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By Anna Bergstrom and Bogdan Yamkovenko

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) run by University of Toronto researcher Phil Oreopolous in partnership with Khan Academy showed positive learning gains for students whose teachers devoted time to practice on Khan Academy.

Results from randomized control trial Results from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) run by University of Toronto researcher Dr. Phil Oreopolous in partnership with Khan Academy showed positive learning gains for students whose teachers devoted time to practice on Khan Academy. Students who demonstrated learning gains were elementary school students in grades 3-6 whose teachers instructed them to use Khan Academy. These students’ scores were .12 to .17 standard deviations higher on the end-of-year mathematics assessment after using Khan Academy for ~35 minutes per week compared to students of the teachers who were in the control group.

The study also included students in grades 7-8; however, these students did not experience the same results as students in grades 3-6. According to researchers, the varying results are likely due to different average usage by grade: whereas elementary school students in grades 3-6 used Khan Academy an average of 35 minutes per week, middle school students in grades 7-8 used Khan Academy an average of 10 minutes per week.

Higher usage in elementary school was likely due to longer class periods (70m), the fact that students were taught by the same teacher during the day, and that they had additional enrichment time during the week to allocate to Khan Academy. This reinforces the idea, demonstrated in other efficacy results, that the optimal benefit of Khan Academy is achieved with regular and ample time spent on the platform (30+ minutes per week over the course of the school year).

Why the RCT results are impactful Studies that use RCTs to investigate educational interventions rarely yield compelling results: a review of 77 RCT studies conducted between 2002-2015 from the Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy found that over 90% of RCTs showed null or marginal effects. Unlike the majority of RCT studies, the Arlington RCT demonstrated a meaningful, positive effect between students whose teachers instructed them to use Khan Academy and student test results. Furthermore, the Arlington RCT results were observed despite inconsistent teacher engagement and student usage. The fact that these results were generated under less-than-ideal conditions, using the most stringent of evaluation methods, suggests that use of Khan Academy produces measurable, substantive learning outcomes.

Study design At the end of the 2020-21 school year, the researchers contacted all math teachers for grades 3-8 in Arlington Independent School District (TX) about whether they were interested in using a computer-assisted learning program in their class the following year. Three hundred twelve math teachers expressed interest and were randomized by grade level into treatment and control groups. Teachers in the treatment group received access to professional learning (PL) “Khoaching” in addition to access to Khan Academy Districts, rostered access to Khan Academy content and product features like teacher and district level data and dashboards. Teachers in the control group did not receive Khoaching but received the same access to Khan Academy Districts, rostered access to Khan Academy content and the same product features. Note that control teachers receive delayed access to the treatment one year later. The final sample resulted in 112 treatment teachers and 112 control teachers, with a total of 10,979 students.

The research team developed professional learning (PL) Khoaching with guidance from Khan Academy’s PL team but localized to the district. The research team delivered all of the professional learning to the teachers in the treatment group before the start of the 2021-22 school year. Most teachers (79%) attended the professional learning in person. As part of the program, a total of 33 “khoaches” were hired to support teachers throughout the year. Khoaches were trained to provide technical support and keep teachers accountable toward goals. At the start of the year, khoaches met virtually with teachers each week, but as the school year progressed, the meeting cadence naturally reduced to monthly or less often. Nearly all teachers (90%) attended their first meeting with the khoach, and the majority (77%) scheduled follow-up meetings for ongoing support.

ConclusionFor students to realize the full benefits of Khan Academy, Dr. Oreopoulos notes several success factors for districts to consider, including:

leadership support
the teacher’s engagement with the program
consistent monitoring of student progress
whether usage is considered integral rather than optional

According to Dr. Oreopoulous, teachers should maintain a regular time for practice on the Khan Academy platform and motivate students to remain focused during learning sessions and engaged during practice exercises. By doing so, students can make substantial gains as a result of the time they spend practicing on Khan Academy.

Read Dr. Oreopoulous’ working paper with the findings here.

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Hi teachers,

Sal Khan here. I’m excited to share that we are giving all teachers in the United States free Khanmigo access.

This is a tool that leverages state-of-the-art AI like no other tool can. Khanmigo for Teachers helps you with differentiation, rubric development, exit-ticket writing, standards-aligned-lesson-plan creation, and more.

Get free access nowSchool leaders are telling us that it’s saving their teachers roughly five hours a week of prep time.

We think it’s so important that teachers are empowered with the best tools possible. This state-of-the-art technology has real costs, but we’re able to offer it to you for free thanks to a new partnership with Microsoft.

This week, we’re launching even more teacher tools designed to help you do everything from developing rubrics, refreshing your knowledge, creating standards-aligned lesson plans, and differentiation.

Many folks on the team are educators and know you don’t have time to learn another tool. Khanmigo simplifies AI. There’s no learning curve. Just sign up for free, and you’ll be co-creating with Khanmigo in minutes.

This is just the beginning. We think you’re already going to find a lot of value here, but we want your feedback on how we can make Khanmigo for Teachers more useful for you. Serving teachers is a top priority for Khan Academy.

-Sal Khan,

Founder & CEO of Khan Academy

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We’re thrilled to announce that our AI teaching assistant, Khanmigo, is now free for every U.S. educator.

Khanmigo leverages state-of-the-art AI, and while it is expensive to operate, we believe that every educator should have FREE access to this cutting-edge teacher AI tool. Thanks to a new partnership with Microsoft announced today, we are able to cover the $44 annual cost to get this tool into teachers’ hands for free!

Sign up for free!Because teachers report having to spend more than 50% of their time on preparation tasks instead of teaching, Khanmigo is here to relieve some of that load.

In particular, Khanmigo has been trained by our team of former educators to collaborate with teachers on some of the most burdensome tasks, including the following:

generating rubrics
developing questions for quizzes and exercises
writing exit tickets
creating lesson hooks that align with the interests of your students
assisting in IEP development
and others, for more than 20 tasks in total!

Plus, because Khanmigo walks you through the whole process, there’s no complex prompt-writing learning curve. Which means you can spend less time on prep and more time actually working with students!

Teaching that sizzles!In addition to having more time to work with students, Khanmigo helps you make the most of that time by suggesting ideas to take your teaching to the next level.

From coming up with super creative lesson hooks to generating connections to real world applications and your students’ interests, you’ve got a teaching assistant that always keeps an eye on engagement.

Because Khanmigo has been trained on standards from across the country and on how to collaborate with educators, you can be confident that the content it suggests will be aligned to your needs—and built in concert with your expertise.

Get your free access today.With all of these 100% free tools now available, be sure to claim your Khanmigo access today.

Get free Khanmigo accessYou’ll be using our teacher AI tool in minutes, plus joining the millions of educators who’ve made Khan Academy one of the most trusted nonprofits in this space for over 15 years.

So come join us on the latest stage in our journey as we seek to deliver a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.

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Big news for educators! Today at Microsoft Build, Microsoft and Khan Academy announced a new partnership to bring our pilot Khanmigo for Teachers to every U.S. teacher.

U.S. Educators: Get the Khanmigo pilot for free

Teachers can start using the pilot of Khanmigo for Teachers now and join the ranks of millions who trust Khan Academy, the leading nonprofit in education for over 15 years. With the IEP Assistant, teachers can use the tools right away to create summer learning plans for students in need of targeted support or use the Report Card Comments tool to close out the school year. For a serious head start on next year’s work, teachers might try the Leveler tool to adjust the text complexity to various student reading levels. Differentiation from day one of school? Now that’s a win!

Get your free Khanmigo accessWhat teachers getKhanmigo is designed to significantly reduce the time educators spend on preparatory tasks, which studies show can consume more than 50% of their workload. With Microsoft and Khan Academy’s new partnership, the goal is to shift the focus back to what truly matters: teaching and engaging students. With Khanmigo, educators can easily tackle a wide range of duties, such as the following:

Generating rubrics
Developing quiz and exercise questions
Crafting exit tickets
Creating captivating lesson hooks tailored to student interests
Supporting Individual Education Plan (IEP) development
Plus, much more across over 20 different tasks!

Khanmigo’s intuitive interface simplifies AI for teachers—no prompting required. Instead, teachers can dive straight into efficient preparation and spend more quality time with their students.

Teachers find some “sparkle”Khanmigo doesn’t just streamline prep work; it enriches teaching. By suggesting creative lesson hooks and connecting lessons to the real world and student interests, it promises high classroom engagement. Trained on nationwide standards and designed to work in harmony with teacher expertise, Khanmigo elevates educational content to meet each teacher’s specific needs. Hear from chemistry teacher Melissa Higgason on how working with Khanmigo helped her find her groove.

Get started quicklyTo get teachers started, Khan Academy’s Professional Learning team created seven tutorials for ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science, Elementary School, Electives, and Substitute Teaching. These resources will help teachers quickly master Khanmigo and integrate this powerful tool into their teaching strategy, maximizing its benefits from day one.

Bring Khanmigo to students with Khan Academy DistrictsAt this time, student access for Khanmigo is only available through school or district implementations. We invite district and school administrators interested in Khanmigo’s power as a one-to-one tutor and writing coach to contact our Districts Partnership team to learn about Khanmigo for Districts.

As a nonprofit focused on education, Khan Academy is committed to exploring AI’s role in the future of learning in a responsible manner. We see AI’s potential to positively transform education but are mindful of its risks. Thus, learners under 18 can access Khanmigo only with parental consent or through partnerships with their school districts. This collaborative approach with school leaders, teachers, families, and Khan Academy staff ensures we provide the supervision and support children need. We believe these guidelines will allow us to responsibly integrate AI into education.

What’s on the horizonAs part of this agreement, Microsoft donated access to infrastructure that enables Khan Academy to make Khanmigo for Teachers free to all teachers in the US. The two companies will collaborate to explore opportunities to improve math tutoring in an affordable, scalable, and adaptable manner using Microsoft’s new Phi-3 family of small language models.

Microsoft and Khan Academy will also work to integrate more Khan Academy content into Copilot and Teams for Education, a free version of Microsoft’s popular Teams app, to enhance collaboration and learning customized to meet the needs of educators and students. The integration will make Khan Academy’s vast educational library available to even more learners while providing high-quality content to users of Copilot and Teams for Education.

Teachers: Get your free accessJoin Khan Academy and Microsoft in this latest advancement of Khan Academy’s mission to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. With Khanmigo, the future of teaching is brighter and more accessible than ever.

Get your free Khanmigo accessLearn More:

Enhancing the future of education with Khan Academy

Khan Academy and Microsoft partner to expand access to AI tools that personalize teaching and help make learning fun

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Too many students struggle with math. In fourth grade, only 36% of students are proficient in math. By eighth grade, that number drops to 26%. Kids are stumped by fractions. Unsure of integers. Confused by calculus. Math derails their dreams.

That’s why we unveiled Khanmigo, our pilot AI tutor and teaching assistant, last year. When AI is carefully adapted for the classroom, it has enormous potential. Khanmigo can guide students as they learn and ask them questions like a tutor would do.

When AI is carefully adapted for the classroom, it has enormous potential.

As we come to the end of our first full pilot school year, we’re enthusiastic about Khanmigo’s ability to tutor in math (and many other subjects!). Khanmigo occasionally makes mistakes, which we expected. (In fact you can read about math mistakes in last year’s very first blog post about Khanmigo.) Even human tutors make mistakes sometimes. Regardless, we’re committed to making Khanmigo better.

But getting the math right is just one part of the challenge. The other part of the challenge is making sure Khanmigo evaluates student work correctly. Can Khanmigo follow the student’s steps? Sometimes Khanmigo makes mistakes when evaluating whether a student is right or wrong, even when it calculates the math correctly.

But getting the math right is just one part of the challenge.

This is a complex problem facing our field. To address it, here are some of the recent improvements made by our team of engineers, researchers, and former teachers:

Khanmigo now uses a calculator to solve numerical problems instead of using AI’s predictive capabilities. If you’ve been using Khanmigo recently, you may have seen that it will sometimes say it is “doing math.” This is when the math problem is running through the calculator behind the scenes.
We’ve upgraded parts of Khanmigo to a more capable large language model, which is the software that generates human language. The more capable large language model is called GPT-4 Turbo. Our internal testing shows an improvement in math after we made the switch.
We are beginning to test the capabilities of a new large language model called GPT-4o, and we’re evaluating other models too to see if they are stronger at math.
We’ve improved the way AI “thinks” during a tutoring session before responding to a student. We have instructed the AI to write out all the ways in which the student may have arrived at their answer. This approach mimics how a tutor in real life works with a student. We’ve found it significantly improves the quality of math interactions.
We’ve built new tools to track our progress on math.
We’re sharing math examples and learnings with others in our field so that we can learn from each other.
We’re studying the latest research papers on math performance.

Also, we’ve assembled a set of math tutoring examples to evaluate new AI models and new fixes. This enables us to run every new fix through our set of examples to evaluate its performance and prevent the reintroduction of old problems when we fix a new problem (which is a common occurrence in software engineering).

As we come to the end of our first full pilot school year, we’re enthusiastic about Khanmigo’s ability to tutor in math (and many other subjects!).

Is there still work to be done? Absolutely.

It won’t be easy, but we’re motivated to tackle this problem for a very important reason. Think about all the kids whose dreams could be achieved if they could overcome exponents or conquer calculus.

Onward!

P.S. Khanmigo tutors in humanities too. Check out our AI essay tool, which helps students write better essays—without doing the writing for them.

The post Why We’re Deeply Invested in Making AI Better at Math Tutoring (and What We’ve Been Up to Lately) appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Summer break is on the horizon, and with the 245th anniversary of the Constitutional Convention approaching on May 25th, it’s the perfect time to get a head start on planning engaging lessons for Constitution Day (September 17th). Khan Academy is here to support you with the launch of our exciting new Constitution 101 course, developed specifically for students to use in collaboration with the National Constitution Center!

Educators and Students Are Loving the Constitution 101 Student Course:* “This course is off the charts for sharing content that citizens need to know about their country. It is wonderful and not one material is of poor quality,” said a high school social studies teacher in Iowa. * “The history of the Constitution is very strongly represented in the videos. The exposure to various scholars was also a strong point of the videos,” said a high school civics teacher from Pennsylvania. * “The best part? You could do everything at your own pace,” said an 11th grader

Get a Sneak Peak with our Pilot CourseMaximize Your Use of Constitution 101 Throughout Summer and Beyond:Here’s a roadmap to help you leverage Constitution 101 throughout the summer to get you ready for the new school year:

Step 1: Explore Core Concepts: Delve into Units 1 and 2 of the Constitution 101 student course. These units provide a foundation in the historical context and core principles of the Constitution. Explore them at your own pace and get a feel for the engaging content: Explore Units 1 & 2 Today!

Step 2:Expand Your Resources: The National Constitution Center offers a treasure trove of materials that complement the Constitution 101 student course. Discover the full teacher-led Constitution 101 curriculum and supplementary resources that seamlessly enhance your lessons.

Step 3 (Summer Preparation):Become a Beta Tester!: The full Constitution 101 course launches in a few weeks! Sign up to be among the first to access the beta version and provide valuable feedback. Spend the summer familiarizing yourself with the course structure and envision how it can bring U.S. History, U.S. Government, or Civics lessons to life in your classroom.

Become a Beta TesterUnlocking the Power of Constitution 101 with Khan Academy in Your Classroom:The Constitution 101 student course goes beyond static content. It’s a comprehensive and interactive learning experience designed to fit effortlessly into your curriculum. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

Mastery-Based Learning: The Constitution 101 student course utilizes a mastery-based approach, allowing students to progress at their own pace. You can easily track student progress throughout the course or within specific units.
Engaging Content Variety: The course features a variety of engaging content, including videos like Walkthrough of the Constitution, activities, exercises, quizzes, and unit exams. You can assign specific content or allow students to explore independently.

Explore Now: Constitution WalkthroughStart Your Journey Today!Sign up for early access to the Constitution 101 student course and stay tuned for more updates. Together, let’s make Constitution Day an unforgettable learning experience for students across the country.

Sign up for Early AccessThe post Empower Your Teaching: Explore Khan Academy’s Constitution 101 Course This Summer! appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Aviv Weiss

It’s no small feat to create effective systems for bringing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (or MTSS) to your district. If you’re a superintendent, chief school administrator, curriculum director, or other education professional working at the district level and you’re looking for tools to support your staff in rolling out MTSS practices, Khan Academy Districts may be able to help.

Across the US, districts find Khan Academy Districts to be a game changer for measurably improving equity, access, and college readiness. A 2018 study found that students who used Khan Academy for 30 minutes per week gained 22 additional points on their state math assessment, exceeding district growth targets.

The mastery learning way Khan Academy’s mastery learning approach meshes well with supporting an MTSS curriculum. In a nutshell, mastery learning refers to the idea that students should fully understand the material being taught before they move on to what’s next.

In a mastery learning model, students are regularly assessed to determine which skills have been mastered and which still need to be mastered. Students who haven’t yet achieved mastery of a given skill are supported with additional instructional activities aimed at helping them achieve mastery. Students are re-assessed on their skills, and this instruction-assessment cycle repeats until the student achieves mastery.

For districts, embracing a mastery learning model supports MTSS at all levels. Khan Academy Districts’ tool offers a path to increasing capacity for educators, as well as giving administrators clear data to meet reporting requirements and gain insight into what’s working within their district. These tools are designed to be easily adopted by teachers, so they can quickly transform your approach to MTSS support for the better.

As a longtime champion of mastery learning, Khan Academy is always looking for new ways to seamlessly introduce it into classrooms. Our newest development is Khanmigo, the AI tutor that offers 1:1 tutoring to students, deepening our mission to bring world-class education to anyone, anywhere.

Support for all three tiers of MTSSWith a focus on the maths and sciences, Khan Academy offers strategic materials for all three tiers of MTSS support to students:

Tier 1: Universal whole class

In whole-group instruction, mastery-enabled courses from Khan Academy allow students to work autonomously at their own pace. Here’s how Khan Academy supports students at this tier:

Unit pacing: The pacing of Khan units is flexible and adapts to the needs of each learner, allowing them to build skills and understand the content according to district curriculum guides before moving on.

Mixed practice: “You can practice each skill in isolation if that’s what you need,” says Dina Neyman, Leader of District Success for Khan Academy Districts. “But you also have the opportunity for mixed practice and for practicing in context. We’re not just practicing the equations and then separately practicing a word problem. We put it all together.”

Instruction on online resources: Students are always shown how to use online resources appropriately. We teach that these resources have a space in the classroom and explain how to best utilize them. In the age of AI, this education has never been more important, and the Khan team has expertise in integrating AI into school districts for both teachers and students.

Access to Khanmigo: Our AI-driven, personalized learning tool sits right alongside students as they work. It not only simplifies planning; it enhances student interaction and peer learning. Learn more about Khanmigo here.

Tier 2: Targeted small groups

Khan’s targeted assignments are focused on strengthening specific skills, with student-response reports to reflect progress. At this tier, students have all the support of Tier 1, plus:

Personalization: Through Khan Academy’s differentiated instruction, students get access to a personalized system that helps fill in their learning gaps. Students are able to choose how they want to learn: through videos, articles, examples, and more.

Goal-setting: Students are set up to make long-term goals, and their progress toward those goals is monitored. Working toward content mastery takes time, and having clear goals helps keep students engaged.

Tier 3: Individual intensive interventions

With a full library of Khan Academy content to choose from, individual needs can be effectively addressed. At this tier, students have all the support of Tiers 1 and 2, plus this benefit:

Reaches below- and above-grade students: Khan tools are not only for students who function below their grade level, but also those who function above their level. “There’s a lot of focus on helping students who fall behind, of course,” says Neyman. “But these are also resources for students who excel in this manner of learning and can use it to explore beyond their grade level.”

Partnering with Khan Academy Districts Khan Academy Districts offers your district implementation, support, and professional learning from experienced educators who are focused on both the how and the why. Our reporting brings it all together for teachers and administrators to ensure skills gaps are closed and that students can work at grade level and beyond.

Here’s what you can expect when working with Khan Academy Districts:

A plan tailored to your district’s goals: Each district’s goals are highly specific; for example, a goal might be to boost standardized test scores or to increase graduation rates. In any district partnership, we identify your goals first, then craft a plan that depends on the results you need to see. “We’ll make the recommendations as folks who know the product inside and out, but goals always come from the district,” says Neyman.
A dedicated success manager: Khan Academy has world-class content, but it’s the expertise and support from our team that makes partnering with us so effective. Our District Success Managers work closely with you to develop your plan. Then, we’re there every step of the way to help you monitor, adjust, and navigate your way toward success.
Year-round, customized training: Khan’s Professional Learning team is made up of expert educators who are committed to your success. Professional Learning sessions develop teacher and administrator knowledge over time, combining the how with the why to help advance student learning.
District administrator dashboards: Your administrator dashboard offers at-a-glance monitoring of each and every student and classroom in your school or district. Real-time data means you can celebrate success and offer support where it’s needed, without waiting for assessment tests or using outdated information. It also means data is at the ready for meetings between instructors and families.
Easy rostering: Khan Academy Districts makes using Khan Academy faster, simpler, and more secure for everyone involved. Students and teachers are automatically rostered using Clever SecureSync or Classlink.
Personalized reporting: Comprehensive school and district reporting helps leaders like you monitor usage and understand student performance. By building a common language of data, you’ll be better equipped to make data-informed decisions at all levels.
Deep, comprehensive support: “When we look at the system of schools, we have site administrators that look after teachers,” says Neyman. “We also have districts that are tasked with keeping an eye on administrators and making sure they have what they need. But who looks after the district? Who makes sure that the superintendent, or curriculum director, or chief academic officer, is supported? They’re under so much pressure to make important decisions. We see our role as offering support to those district leads.”

Learn more about partnering with Khan Academy Districts here.

The post Supporting every student: Implement an MTSS Strategy with Khan Academy Districts appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Even Khan Academy Is Bigger in TexasWe don’t have to tell y’all: education isn’t one-size-fits-all. And that’s why the edtech solution you trust should include differentiated features to address the unique needs of learners in your state. Today, learn about the ways in which Khan Academy–thanks to the generosity of the ExxonMobil Foundation–has updated their platform to assist Texas students and educators with delivering high-quality, mastery-based learning experiences.

Khan Academy and the ExxonMobil Foundation have teamed up to launch the Open Doors Project, which will bring enhanced STEM education to students in Texas with new, innovative lessons and teacher guides to facilitate their implementation.

Thanks to a generous grant from the ExxonMobil Foundation, Khan Academy will be sending Texas educators into the 2024–2025 school year with updated, TEKS-aligned student courses and teacher guides that will ensure they are prepared to meet the needs of every learner.

Updated resources will include:

Support at all levels of content knowledge. Teachers tasked with working in new content areas have long trusted Khan Academy to help bring them up to speed on new standards. With additional resources, new teachers can navigate new roles with even more confidence, and seasoned teachers can access new bandwidth to implement their most creative lessons yet.
Resources that encourage teachers to lean on best practices. Teachers using the new resources will receive detailed guidance on defining appropriate learning objectives, addressing misconceptions, and the most effective ways to teach and scaffold new learning content. As teachers’ confidence increases, so will their students–and that collective efficacy will translate directly into learning outcomes.
Clear guidance on how to translate mastery learning across STEM. Implementing mastery-based learning in something as systematic as mathematics can seem intuitive. But science can feel like a whole new world. With structured lesson plans and clear instructional guidance, teachers will know how to break down science TEKS to different skill levels and adapt their instruction to students’ unique learning levels.

Amarillo by morning, updates by fallSummers are for floating in the river and buying things you didn’t know you needed at Buc-ee’s—not for stressing about next school year.

So let us take it from here! We’ll even send you an email when your resources are ready. Sign up below for notifications delivered to your inbox.

Sneak peeks better than the Whataburger secret menuWe’re not saying this will be as life-changing as a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, but if you’re an educator, you’re likely to enjoy it just as much. Preview middle school and high school unit plans from the updated resources below:

Here, every lesson’s betterWhether it’s NASA, Austin’s Silicon Hills, or finding a way to eat tacos for every meal, nobody innovates like Texas. Why should education be any different? Commit to a partnership that values staying on the cutting edge in order to ensure student outcomes.

With a Khan Academy Districts subscription, you can access at-school and in-home learning experiences for every student; data tools that help you meet every learner at their “just right” level; professional development customized to your district’s priorities; and expert-vetted, AI-based planning tools that unlock teacher capacity in a safe, standards-aligned way.

Learn MoreLearn more about Khanmigo for Districts.

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for the 2024-2025 School Year!

The post TEKS-Aligned Courses: Opening Doors to STEM Eduation in Texas appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Aviv Weiss

A history of elevating math scoresSince 2019, Khan Academy has run a program with NWEA called MAP Accelerator, which offers personalized learning paths tied to student MAP Growth scores. The program has seen ongoing success. In fact, a study conducted during the 2021-2022 school year that surveyed more than 329K students between grades 3-8 in 1,367 schools found that students who engaged with MAP Accelerator at the recommended dosage of 30+ minutes per week exceeded growth projections by 26% to 38%. These gains were consistent across grades and student demographic subgroups, including those that considered race/ethnicity, gender, and the proportion of students eligible for free/reduced-price lunch.

See technical report

To best serve our District Partners, Khan Academy and NWEA have agreed to enable MAP Accelerator to function as a traditional NWEA Instructional Connections Program partner.

We’re excited to share that beginning in the 2024–2025 school year, Khan Academy will be offering school districts the opportunity to purchase an add-on to the Khan Academy Districts Partnership called “Learning Paths informed by MAP Growth.”

What is it?Learning Paths is a feature of a Khan Academy Districts Partnership that accelerates student outcomes in 3rd-grade math through Geometry by providing a personalized learning path for each student based on their MAP Growth scores. Khan Academy Districts with the Learning Paths add-on will utilize MAP Growth data for students, bringing the best of personalized learning from NWEA and Khan Academy under one umbrella on the Khan Academy platform.

What do schools and districts get? 1. A Khan Academy Districts Partnership with personalized Learning Paths for each student, as well as standards-aligned instructional content and practice problems 2. The ability to adjust student goals and learning pathways to best meet students’ individual needs 3. Insightful reports that offer easy-to-read data to guide instruction 4. Automatic integration with Clever class rosters and MAP Growth scores 5. Implementation support and professional learning for teachers 6. Priority technical support

Minimum requirementsKhan Academy Districts with Learning Paths links to MAP Growth 2-5, 6+, Algebra 1 and Geometry assessments; requires Clever rostering for both Khan Academy Districts and MAP Growth; and requires a minimum of 250 licenses.

For Current Map Accelerator partnersThis transition will not affect the support of current MAP Accelerator partners. NWEA will continue to provide full customer support and professional learning through the end of the 2024-2025 school year. After that time period, you are welcome to use Khan Academy Districts to provide your students with personalized Learning Paths based on linking student MAP Growth scores to Khan Academy’s high-quality math content. You’ll also continue to receive the same student- and teacher-level data as you currently do for MAP Accelerator.

If you’re interested in bringing Learning Paths to your District, please reach out to districts@khancademy.org or visit us at districts.khanacademy.org

The post Introducing a New Feature: “Learning Paths Informed by MAP Growth” appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Kaitlin Anselmo Pothireddy

The Khan Kids team is made up of former preschool and early elementary educators and administrators, and we remember the hustle and bustle of the school day. Between required curriculum lessons and simply teaching students how to exist in school, it can often feel like there isn’t enough time to get to everything.

That time crunch is especially prevalent when it comes to teaching literacy in younger grades. With daunting statistics pointing to the exact days students need to display readiness in specific skills like letter recognition or blending sounds, there are never enough hours in the day to provide the support students need to practice reading.

In short, students need to read at home to be successful. But how do we ensure they will do that? With Khan Academy Kids, you can give your students’ families access to a tool full of engaging books and joyful, character-led reading lessons that don’t require adult facilitation.

Ease the burden of at-home practiceAt home, our students’ families are often overloaded with competing priorities. Unfortunately, that can sometimes mean that academic practice takes a back seat. What’s worse, when faced with the critical task of building skills like literacy, parents can feel overwhelmed and under-equipped to manage the task.

With an app like Khan Academy Kids, students can complete fun reading lessons independently. Better yet, with our affordable features for districts, teachers can directly assign lessons to their students, so that students can access additional practice at their just-right level anytime.

Transform phonics instructionLearning how to deliver effective instruction in the Science of Reading takes specialized training that many parents simply don’t have. Because of this, teachers often send home items like flash cards and other forms of rote memorization for them to fall back on in order to capitalize on at-home study time.

Our platform offers a delightful array of age-appropriate activities led by lovable characters, which makes learning engaging and enjoyable for young learners. From interactive games to captivating stories, every Khan Academy Kids experience is designed to spark curiosity and foster a love of reading.

Extend learning beyond the classroom with parent engagementWe all know the importance of parental involvement in a child’s education. With Khan Academy Kids, parents receive free app access as part of your district subscription, ensuring that learning transitions seamlessly from school to home. By empowering parents with the tools they need to practice reading with their children, we create a supportive environment where literacy skills flourish outside the classroom.

With Khan Academy Kids, families can build literacy skills at home in a joyful, science-backed way. So why wait? Take the first step toward transforming at-home learning today!

The post Empower Parents to Boost Literacy Skills at Home with Khan Academy Kids appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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4 actionable lessons teachers can use todayBy Allison Leedie, M.Ed, partnerships manager at Khan Academy Kids and former teacher and literacy coach

Planning time is limited, the copier is jammed, and a classroom observation is imminent. Sound familiar? Me too.

As a former teacher and literacy coach, I know that sometimes what is most helpful are actionable lessons and activities you can deploy right now with little preparation but tons of engagement.

Search no further! Below are four activities you can use today to support best practices in the science of reading, no matter what stage of literacy development your learners are engaged in

Pre-LiteracyFor our very youngest students, actual reading and writing may be a ways off. Pre-literacy is the period of time before a child can read or write on their own. Children start developing pre-literacy skills as soon as they are born, and there is a body of research that shows a solid pre-literacy foundation will lead to long-term success both in and out of school.

Pre-literacy can include:

Narrative skills
Vocabulary development
Print Awareness
Print Motivation
Letter knowledge

Use it today:This video ofReya talking about the parts of a book is an excellent example of how Khan Kids reinforces the pre-literacy skills your students are developing. You can show this video and then have students handle books to identify different print features mentioned in the video.

Explore more:The Khan Academy Kids app has activities for children as young as 2 years old and includes many pre-literacy activities. In the Library, make sure you’ve set the dropdown menu to select Kindergarten or Pre-K. In the Videos tab, check out the Early Reading and Language collection. This will also give you models for pre-literacy skills to call upon during whole or small-group instruction.

PhonicsPhonics is the connection between letters and the sounds that they make. Phonics instruction covers many different skills and often takes years to master. It’s typical for a child to begin their phonics journey between the ages of 3 and 5 and keep working on these skills well into 3rd grade. During this process, students will learn:

The sounds each letter makes
How to identify and say the beginning, middle, and end sounds of words
How to identify and say short and long vowel sounds
The sounds pairs of letters can make together (“sh” or “th” for example)
How to decode words (how to break a word into parts and say each part)
How to blend words (how to put separate sounds together to read a word smoothly)

Use it today:Check out this video, where we learn about the letter S from our friend Ollo. You can share this video with your students and then practice finding the letter S in books, around the classroom, or in friends’ names.

This video of Kodi talking about beginning sounds is an example of how your students will be introduced to different elements of phonics, such as phonemes (individual sounds), in our app. You can share this video and then play a similar game with students with items “locked” in a box until they can isolate the beginning sound.

Explore more:Download the free Khan Academy Kids app and explore the Letters tab. Here you’ll find lessons and practice activities on every upper and lower case letter, as well as isolated letter sounds and beginning, middle, and ending sounds. You can easily differentiate letter practice by assigning certain letters to individual students.

Because phonics practice can span such a long period of time in your student’s lives, it’s important to follow a sequence to make sure they’re building skills in a helpful order. Check out the Reading Foundational Skills practice in the Reading tab of the Library. You can adjust the grade level to find easier or more challenging phonics activities at each level.

FluencyWhen a child begins to move into the world of independent reading, there are several skills and strategies we can use to help them become happy, confident readers.

After a student has the building blocks of reading, the main focus shifts to developing a child’s fluency as they begin to read independently. A fluent reader will have an easier time understanding what they read and is more likely to enjoy reading. To help students develop fluency, you can provide practice with sight words and decodable texts.

Use it today:As a class, watch this video on the sight word “come.” Then practice writing that word using the Create tab in the Khan Kids app. Students can also play other sight word games inside the app to help strengthen their automaticity and accuracy when reading a sight word.

Explore more:Khan Academy Kids has decodable texts throughout our library. In the Books tab, scroll down to the Early Readers section of the Library. These stories are written using only sight words and words a young reader should be able to sound out. First, have them listen to the story read aloud by selecting the “Read to Me” button. Next, have them read the same story, this time choosing “Read by Myself.” Have your students read the book aloud and repeat the reading until they sound fluent. Be sure to stop or go back to listening to the book if they start to feel frustrated. For older learners, you can try this same process using the 1st and 2nd Grade Early Readers in the Library. These books are also decodable, but they will have more difficult phonics patterns.

ComprehensionGood readers don’t just say words aloud—they form a picture in their mind of the story, making a mental movie to help them imagine the events as they happen. Readers who are good at comprehending also think beyond the story. They make connections to what they already know, make inferences and predictions, and think about the story after they are done reading. Students have been developing comprehension skills since birth but now must combine this knowledge with their independent reading abilities.

Use it now:Khan Academy Kids has an entire series of lessons dedicated to explicit comprehension practice. For example, you could watch this video about making inferences about characters. Then, pick a story to read aloud together as a class. Use an anchor chart to list clues you notice about the characters.

Explore more:Reading and thinking about what you read are the best ways to build comprehension skills. Luckily, Khan Academy Kids has over 400 books built right into our app! You can see all the books in one place by going to the Books tab in the Library. Here, your students can either have the book read aloud to them or read it on their own.

Another way to view our books is by clicking on the Reading tab in the Library. When students select a book in the Reading tab, they will be asked supporting comprehension questions as they read. This can be really helpful as they work on developing their mental movie and comprehension skills. Encourage students to pause and answer the question aloud before turning the page.

Find out moreIf you’re using Khan Academy Kids for the first time in your classroom, we’ve got plenty of resources to get you started here.

If you’re an administrator looking to bring high-quality literacy practice to your school or district, get in touch with us here.

We’re excited to support your students as they enter the magical world of reading!

The post The Science of Reading in a Nutshell appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Kaitlin Anselmo Pothireddy

Educators worldwide grapple with the question: should edtech be used in early elementary? The debate often pits the advantages of technology against concerns about screen time.

At Khan Academy, we assert that the issue isn’t whether to use educational technology but whether we’re choosing the right tool for the job. That’s where Khan Academy Kids comes in. Built explicitly for the developmental needs of your youngest learners in grades PreK-2, this specialized tech platform will delight teachers and students alike.

Why start so early?Studies demonstrate that early exposure to technology profoundly impacts cognitive development. Introducing edtech tools at a young age lays the foundation for future academic success and digital literacy.

From literacy and numeracy basics to nurturing creativity and critical thinking, edtech can revolutionize the early elementary classroom into a dynamic hub of learning.

What makes a tool high-quality?Age-appropriateness, engagement, and joy are critical criteria. That’s why Khan Academy Kids was intentionally designed to include hundreds of free books, creative activities built to promote metacognition, and interactive learning experiences that adapt to the needs of each learner.

From letter and number exploration to immersive dives into science and social studies, Khan Academy Kids sparks a love for learning in young minds.

Embracing edtech in early elementarySo, is there a place for edtech in early elementary education? Absolutely!

Reach out today to unlock the full potential of our youngest learners and illuminate a path toward a brighter future through high-quality edtech. Let’s embark on this journey together!

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By Kristen DiCerbo, Ph.D., Chief Learning Officer at Khan Academy

Educational technology should always remember that “education” comes first and “technology” comes second. Whenever there’s any new technology, start with understanding the learning problems that we need to solve and then determine whether technology can help solve them.

We know a lot about how students learn but it is often difficult to scale the teaching and tutoring practices to support that learning in large classrooms. Intelligent tutoring applications have been trying to solve this problem for decades but were somewhat limited by the available technology. We believe generative artificial intelligence, the kind of AI that creates high quality text and images, can help fill in the gaps in existing intelligent tutors and scale good student learning practices.

Active engagement

We know that students need to be actively engaged in the material they’re learning. This doesn’t mean mindlessly doing something, but instead active cognitive engagement. We can see the impact of cognitive engagement on learning in the ICAP framework developed by Micki Chi and Ruth Wylie that shows moving from passive to active to constructive to interactive experiences. Passive learning, for example watching a video or listening to an explanation, leads to some amount of learning. More learning will occur with active learning, such as highlighting or underlining. In each of these cases, the learner is starting to think about the content in some way (e.g., “is this important enough to highlight?). Even more learning happens when learners are making or constructing responses, for example solving problems or providing explanations in their own words. Finally, research suggests even more learning happens when there is interaction between people around content, for example explaining to someone else or having a debate.

Getting all students in a classroom cognitively engaged in learning is difficult. Certainly we can ask students to solve problems and work in pairs or small groups. However, it is easy for struggling students to not engage. With technology like Khan Academy, every student in a classroom has been able to work constructively, solving problems and answering questions. The addition of Khanmigo allows for interaction that was not possible before. Students can debate Khanmigo, ask questions of simulated historical figures, and co-construct explanations for math problems.

Providing support for learning

Students learn when they’re working on material that’s at the edge of what they know. If the content is too easy they get bored and if it is too challenging, it is just frustrating and they give up. They need to be in that area where it’s a little bit challenging and maybe they need a little bit of support to be successful. Education technology has historically worked to help learners find the content at the right spot for learning. However, providing support for students working at a number of different levels is challenging at best. All the students who we are trying to actively cognitively engage will not be able to if they are just presented problem after problem without support for solving them. We have all been in classrooms where students are meant to be working independently but students are stuck and sitting with their hands raised to get help while the teachers is moving as quickly as possible to help individual students. If students are working on different skills and pre-requisite skills, it becomes more difficult to solve this with peer help.

Khanmigo can help students get unstuck at these places where students need just a bit of support to be successful on a problem that is at the edge of their abilities. We have written the prompt that tells the model how to respond such that it will ask questions to try to lead the student through what they know about the problem. It will give support and potentially a step to take, but not the answer itself.

Immediate feedback

We know that immediate feedback is important for learning, particularly when we are learning something new. Even before Khanmigo, a major benefit of Khan Academy and other tutors was the ability to provide immediate feedback about whether an answer was correct or incorrect and why. This has been a major improvement over requiring a teacher to do this and handing back scored worksheets days later after the student had completely forgotten what they were working on.

However, this feedback could go further and provide feedback on the steps students are taking so they know where they go off track. This kind of feedback was difficult to design and program with the technology we have had. Now, the generative AI that powers Khanmigo makes this kind of step-level feedback possible.

Building on research

We should use what we know about learning and human tutoring, based on decades of research to guide us in designing the applications of new technologies in education. There is substantial research on dialogue-based tutors. Not only can we use it to build prompts, but the generative AI can tell you about it if you ask. Drawing a thread from what we know about how people learn to how we design educational technology is the only way those technologies are likely to actually impact learning outcomes.

To learn more about bringing Khanmigo to your students, visit https://districts.khanacademy.org/khanmigo

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By Lorraine Akemann, Marketing and Outreach, Khan Academy Kids

Celebrate Earth Day with Khan Academy Kids! We have free animal coloring pages to print and decorate. Print them below, or find them in the Khan Academy Kids app this April. Which animal is your favorite—the penguin, chameleon, raccoon, salamander, or toucan?

Get started by downloading our free Khan Academy Kids appThe animal coloring pages below are also included in the Khan Academy Kids app. So if you don’t have a printer, no problem! Just download our free app to access tons of books, lessons, and coloring pages for children ages 2-8 (preschool – 2nd grade).

Now, let’s color these amazing animals!

PenguinsThese penguins are having fun slipping and sliding on ice. Penguins are birds that spend much of their time in the water. Learn more about penguins in the Khan Academy Kids app. Open the app to the Books tab in our free Library to read Penguins or Puffins and Baby Penguins by Bellwether Media.

Click the image to download our animal coloring pagesChameleonHow cool are chameleons? VERY cool! One notable characteristic of this reptile is its ability to change color. But there’s so much more that makes chameleons special. Learn about them in the Animal Safari section of the Khan Academy Kids Library.

Click the image to download our animal coloring pagesToucanTake a look at the toucan. What do you notice? Yes! It has a big beak! The beak is called a bill, and toucans use it to pick fruit from trees in the rainforest. When toucans go to sleep, they need a place to rest their beak. Where do you think they put it? Open the Khan Kids app to the Toucans book to find out!

Click the image to download our animal coloring pagesSalamanderSalamanders have very special skin. They breathe through it, they emit poison from it, and they can even eat it! Curious to learn more? Color in the skin on this page, and then learn more about salamanders in the Backyard Wildlife section of the Khan Kids Library.

Click the image to download our animal coloring pagesRaccoonWhy do you think raccoons have dark fur around their eyes (like a mask)? Did you know that the reason is so that it could see easier at night? Pretty neat! Raccoons sleep during the day and find food at night. Open the Racoons book by Bellwether Media in the Khan Kids app to learn more.

Click the image to download our animal coloring pagesMore free coloring pages for kidsIf you enjoyed these animal coloring pages for kids and are looking for kid-friendly activities, check out our Halloween, Winter, and Valentine’s coloring pages too!

Download Khan Academy KidsFor Free!

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Tax season peeking from around the corner? Feeling a little lost in the paperwork shuffle? No worries! We’re here to break down those forms in a way that’s crystal clear and easy to understand thanks to our FREE Financial Literacy course.

Why tax forms matterThink of these forms as puzzle pieces. Put them together and BOOM! You’ve got a clear picture of your money situation. This lets you know how much you owe (or maybe how much money the government owes you!).

*Let’s break it down.1. Form W-2: Your payday snapshot:* This one from your employer shows your income and the taxes already taken out. Think “wages, bonuses, and those handy tax withholdings.” 2. Form 1099*: The side-hustle hero:* Did you excel in freelance gigs, make investments, or rent out your apartment? The 1099 form is your key to reporting these incomes. Each side hustle may require a unique 1099. For instance, freelancing income goes on a 1099-NEC, dividends from investments on a 1099-DIV, and rental income on a 1099-MISC. Remember, it’s crucial to accurately track all your additional income for correct reporting. Keep being a side-hustle superstar! 3. Form 1040**: The grand finale: This is the big kahuna, where you add up all your income, subtract your deductions, and figure out if you owe any taxes or if you’re owed a sweet refund.

Learn more about taxes!For a more interactive understanding of tax forms and how they relate to your overall finances, consider using Khanmigo alongside our free Financial Literacy course.

Grab your coupon!Conquer tax forms like a champ.1. Gather your gear: Find all your W-2s, 1099s, receipts (for those deductions), and any other tax-related documents. 2. Pick your route wisely: Different forms for different financial stories! Choose the one that best fits your situation. 3. Follow the map: Each form comes with instructions like a road map. Read it carefully to avoid any tax-time detours. 4. Go digital for the win: Filing electronically with software or online services can save you time and headaches. 5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Stuck on a question? No shame in that! Seek guidance from a tax pro or financial advisor. They’re your financial superheroes!

Tax time doesn’t have to be scary.Taxes can seem daunting, but you’re not alone. Stay calm, organized, and use available resources. Soon, you’ll file confidently and master your finances! Plus, our FREE Financial Literacy course not only simplifies financial concepts, but it also presents our fresh “Real World” video series, crafted to bring financial terms to life. Be sure to watch “A Taxing Time” from our series for a hands-on understanding of tax matters.

Watch more Real World Videos!Ready to level up your money game?Join our FREE Financial Literacy course at Khan Academy! Enhance your learning by exploring Khanmigo, a fun and interactive tool that complements the course material and makes mastering financial concepts even easier! Let’s build financial fluency together, where understanding your money is the key and empowerment is the reward.

Sign up for our FREE course!This course is made possible by Walmart, a founding sponsor, and additional support is provided by Capital One and Intuit for Education, companies that are committed to providing students with essential personal finance skills.

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By Aimee Sawyer, Product Marketing Manager at Khan Academy Kids and former preschool teacher

Click here to download the FREE printable reading log.

When kids use a reading log to track what books they read, they feel a healthy sense of pride and accomplishment. For young kids, a reading log like this one can even be an introduction to setting a goal and working toward it—especially if there’s an incentive waiting for them when they’ve filled out their entire log.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about filling out a reading log. It’s about helping kids develop a genuine love of reading. If we can create positive experiences around reading, it’ll set kids up for a lifetime of success (Children’s Bureau, 2023). And it’ll make it a lot easier for them to fly through books and get that reading log filled out! Read on for tips about making reading more fun and educational.

Let kids choose the books. Remember in high school, when your teacher assigned books to read that were sometimes difficult to get through? We’re almost always going to be more interested in reading books we’ve chosen ourselves. The same is true for kids (Guthrie and Humenick, 2004). Let them choose their own books for independent browsing and nightly read-alouds. (Yes, even if it means you’ll be delivering another recitation of Goodnight, Moon). If your bookshelf needs a refresh, take a trip to your local library or check out this free app that has hundreds of free books. And don’t forget to add the book title to the reading log before calling it a night!
Ask questions while you read. Boost the educational value of story time by making the story interactive. Asking simple questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or “What would you do if you were Goldilocks?” is an easy way to pull kids further into the story. It also helps them build their reading comprehension skills. Make sure to give them plenty of time to think about their answers! It’s easy to forget that children need more time to think and respond than adults do (Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 2020).
Focus on the quality time instead of the story. The most important element of a positive reading experience is you. Parents and teachers are children’s safe havens, and they’re going to be engaged in an activity if it means they have your undivided attention. So snuggle in, be present, and be prepared to say yes to just one more. Because when reading is a together experience rather than a chore, kids can’t help but love it.
Pause and ask your child to fill in the words. Even before kids can read on their own, they can memorize bits and pieces of the story—especially stories you’ve read together time and time again or those with repetitive elements. When it comes to these parts of the story, pause and let your child “read” (Raising Children Network, 2023). They’ll love being involved, and you’ll be surprised by how much they remember!
Build a reading fort. Reading forts are just plain fun, no matter how old you are. Devoting a corner of a room—or even a closet—to a cozy nook with pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals will give story time a new and exciting look and feel. This is especially helpful for older kids who may be feeling like story time or required reading time are losing their charm. With some new library books and a few fluffy elements, reading will feel magical again in no time.
Take breaks. When kids are new to developing their reading skills and starting to sound out words, it takes an immense amount of energy and concentration to read. If you’re noticing some disinterest in reading, there’s a chance it may be indicative of burnout. Renew their love of reading by taking breaks before your child’s feelings of frustration grow too big. Take a break by going back to your roots and reading books to them, picking easier titles, or just taking the day off altogether.

So, whether you’re reading tonight with a bedtime favorite, a new library adventure, or one of the new books in our free app, don’t forget to enjoy the journey and track the titles you’ve read along the way with the reading log! Together we can raise a generation of joyful readers.

This reading log and these reading tips are brought to you by Khan Academy Kids, a free educational app for kids ages 2-8. With hundreds of reading and math games and a library of 400+ books, the learning fun never ends. Download today!

Get the Khan Academy Kids app100% Free. No ads, no subscriptions.

DownloadReferences1. https://www.all4kids.org/news/blog/the-importance-of-reading-to-your-children/ 2. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2005-06977-014 3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022096519305909 4. https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/play-learning/literacy-reading-stories/reading-with-toddlers

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We know that one of the challenges of generative AI is all the reading – especially for our youngest learners.

That’s why we’ve partnered with LMNT to bring Text-to-Speech technology to Khanmigo, our AI tutor.

Check out this demo:

And don’t love that voice? Fear not, you’ve got multiple options to choose from:

So go ahead and try it out yourself or get Khanmigo today – and let the conversation begin!

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Apply today to bring Khanmigo to IndianaGreat news- the 2024 Digital Learning Grant is accepting applications now through Friday, March 15th, and you can apply today to request up to $50k to support bringing Khanmigo, for your district. Below are some FAQs.

What’s Khanmigo?Khanmigo is Khan Academy’s AI-powered student tutor and teacher assistant, available to school districts looking for a safer, better way to introduce AI to the classroom. See it in action below.

Does Khanmigo meet the Digital Learning Grant requirements? Yes, Khanmigo meets all of the Indiana Department of Education’s vendor requirements for this grant, in the AI category that demands platforms use large language models to support student 1:1, high-dosage tutoring and teacher administrative task support. For more information on the grant, see the Indiana Department of Education’s public memo.

How can I see Khanmigo for myself before applying? We hosted a short webinar for Indiana Education Leaders on 2/14. You can now watch the recording anytime!

I have specific questions for Khan Academy about bringing Khanmigo to my district. Great- here’s a link – please find a time that works for you to chat!

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Have you ever wondered why do I need to learn this? It can be hard to grasp a new topic when we don’t understand how it will ever be relevant to us.

That’s where Khanmigo Interests comes in. With the introduction of Interests, Khanmigo can now incorporate your passions, making each tutoring session tailored specifically to you. Through your chat history, Khanmigo identifies the topics you are most enthusiastic about and adjusts its teaching in a way that resonates with you. With Khanmigo Interests, we are taking personalized learning to the next level.

Khanmigo: Your Personal AI TutorFor those unfamiliar, Khanmigo is an AI-powered tutor and teacher’s assistant developed by Khan Academy, an education non-profit trusted by learners worldwide. Khanmigo leverages the power of AI to provide personalized guidance, support, and engagement to students across ages and levels.

The Power of Personalization: Enhanced Engagement and RelevanceImagine having a tutor who knows exactly what makes you tick academically. Khanmigo Interests makes this a reality. By saving your top interests from past conversations, Khanmigo enriches future interactions with topics that genuinely pique your curiosity. This personalized approach is researched-backed not only to enhance engagement, but also to deepen the relevance of each learning session, making it an experience tailored solely to you.

Simple Access and CustomizationAccessing and customizing your interests is easy! If you opt-in to the Interests feature, your interests will automatically be determined from your chats with Khanmigo. To further customize, you can share and update your interests under the “Personalize my interests” section on the activities page, or view and edit the interests on file on the Khanmigo Settings page. This allows you to fine-tune your learning journey according to your evolving interests.

Take Control of Your Learning ExperienceWe understand that interests change over time, and that’s why we put you in control. You can remove your interests any time via settings. If there’s an interest you no longer wish to include, simply delete it via your settings. You can also turn off interests altogether from the Khanmigo Settings page, allowing you to shape your learning experience exactly how you want it.

Privacy and SecurityKhanmigo Interests is designed to enhance your learning journey while respecting your privacy. Interests are used to improve your learning experience. For parent accounts with children, parents can view their children’s Interests and chat history.

Start Your Personalized Journey with Khanmigo!Experience the future of personalized learning with Khanmigo. Unlock your full potential and embark on an educational adventure customized just for you. Sign up for Khanmigo today and experience the power of AI tutoring at its finest.

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Welcome back, students! As you start a new school year filled with possibilities, the Khan Academy team wants to ensure your learning journey is not only successful but also enjoyable. That’s why we asked our dedicated staff to handpick some of their favorite lessons from our diverse subjects. In this blog post, we highlight their chosen lessons and provide tips for how to integrate them into your learning. So, let’s dive in and discover the content awaiting you at Khan Academy!

Amazing Content Beyond VideosDid you know Khan Academy has more than just video lessons? Our dedicated team of experts design courses filled with units, articles, quizzes, and interactive exercises. We strive to create captivating material so that you not only understand the concepts but also enjoy learning! Now, let’s jump into a selection of our staff’s recommendations, chosen to inspire you on your quest for knowledge and personal growth.

Charlie’s Pick – Cavalieri’s Principle and Dissection Methods LessonCharlie’s selected lesson Cavalieri’s Principle and Dissection Methods brings geometry to life by exploring the concept of Cavalieri’s Principle. This lesson will help you visualize how shapes can have equal volumes even if they appear different. Here is why Charlie picked it:

“Rectangular blocks opened up volume to us, but what happens when the figures lean or twist? We’re not going to give you a set of unfathomable formulas to memorize. Cavalieri’s principle lets us slide, twist, and mold figures without changing their volume, so the variety of figures we can understand explodes!”

Ready to learn about 3D figures? Dive into Khan Academy’s lesson on Cavalieri’s Principle and Dissection Methods from the Solid Geometry Unit in our High School Geometry course.

David’s Pick – Solar Eclipses LessonDavid’s recommended lesson Solar Eclipses covers these awe-inspiring celestial events. This lesson explores the science behind these phenomena, helping you understand the alignment of the Earth, Sun, and Moon during an eclipse. Here is what David says:

“In this course, Mia explains how solar eclipses work. If you want to see one, you’d better act fast—they’re only going to be visible from Earth for another 600 years!”

Want to explore the wonders of our universe? Begin Khan Academy’s lesson on Solar Eclipses from the Earth-Sun-Moon System Unit in our Middle School Earth and Space Science course.

Sasha’s Pick – Phishing Attacks LessonSasha picked a lesson on Phishing Attacks. This lesson will teach you how to stay safe online and show you what phishing attacks look like. Here is why Sasha picked it:

“When it comes to phishing, you don’t want to get hooked! This article provides screenshots and descriptions of some of the common phishing attempts that you may encounter. It’s informative, and gives learners visuals to help them recognize and evade phishing attempts.”

Ready to learn this life skill? Jump into Khan Academy’s lesson on Phishing Attacks from the Online Data Security Unit in our Internet Safety course.

Dave T.’s Pick – SAT Reading: How to Approach a Literature PassageThe lesson Dave chose is SAT Reading: How to Approach a Literature Passage. Preparing for the SAT can be daunting, but this lesson is a game-changer. It provides valuable techniques and strategies to analyze and interpret complex texts effectively. Read what Dave says:

“Part of a series of four rich, deep lessons about how to crush the SAT reading test, this article contains the essentials that I used to teach to all of my students during my life as an ‘elite tutor’ in New York City. David R. does an incredible job in ten videos teaching all the tips and tricks to boost your SAT reading score while leveling up your reading fluency and readiness for tackling text in college. Know any juniors preparing for the current SAT Reading Test? These are for them.”

Want to feel more confident and prepared for the SAT reading section? Start Khan Academy’s lesson on SAT Reading: How to Approach a Literature Passage from the SAT Reading Test Unit in our SAT course.

Incorporate Recommendations into Your LearningNow that you know which lessons our staff recommends, let’s explore how you can incorporate these recommendations into your own learning. Here are a few tips:

Take it one step at a time: Start with the lesson that interests you the most and gradually work through the recommended content.
Set goals and track your progress: Break down your learning into manageable chunks and celebrate your achievements.
Engage with the community: Join the discussion boards, ask questions, and connect with fellow learners who share your interests. Learning together is always more enjoyable!
Take advantage of supplementary resources: Explore related articles, practice quizzes, and additional resources to deepen your understanding of the topics.

Benefits of Signing Up for a Khan Academy AccountAre you ready to kickstart your learning with our staff picks? Log in or sign up to save your future progress! Khan Academy is free for students and teachers. Signing up will unlock numerous benefits that will enhance your learning experience. These include:

Progress tracking to monitor your growth and identify areas for improvement.
Badges and achievements to celebrate milestones and keep you motivated.
The opportunity to learn from expert instructors. and engage with a supportive learning community.

More Picks and Wishes for the School Year AheadWe hope you find inspiration in the staff picks we shared today, but this is just the beginning! Our dedicated team is working on new recommendations to help you succeed on your learning journey. So, stay tuned for more staff picks in the future!

As the new school year unfolds, we want to extend our warmest wishes for your success. Remember, education is not just about grades—it is about personal growth, curiosity, and discovering your passions. Embrace new learning opportunities, and know that the entire Khan Academy team is cheering you on!

Keep learning!
– The Khan Academy Team

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In the spirit of creating world-class AI for education, we’re excited to introduce a Khanmigo update that ensures a fair and accurate assessment of your learning progress on Khan Academy. Say hello to our new Khanmigo Testing Mode! Designed to empower educators, parents, and learners alike, this feature disables Khanmigo during assessments, allowing you to showcase your knowledge without any AI assistance. Let’s dive into how it works and the benefits it brings to your learning experience.

Testing Without AssistanceWhen you start a Quiz, Unit Test, Course or Mastery challenge, Khanmigo will be temporarily disabled and you will see a message explaining why Khanmigo is disabled. This is your chance to demonstrate what you know independently, without relying on AI support. Embrace the challenge, and trust in your abilities! Khanmigo will resume when you’ve completed the assessment or after a cooldown period of five minutes.

Regaining Access to Khanmigo

Khanmigo will resume through one of these steps:

Finish your assessment: Once you’ve completed the assessment, Khanmigo will resume and you can chat as usual.
Need to start over? If you wish to stop and consult Khanmigo, you’ll have to retake the assessment using the “Start Over” button, understanding that your previous progress will be lost.
Don’t want to finish now? If you prefer to leave the assessment, simply close the assessment window/tab and wait for 5 minutes. Khanmigo will be ready to provide guidance and support again once the cooldown time has elapsed.

Empowering Teachers, Educators, and ParentsWe understand the importance of fair assessment and the desire for an accurate evaluation of your learning journey. Khanmigo’s Testing Mode allows teachers, educators, and parents to confidently utilize Khan Academy’s assessment tools, knowing that students are being tested on their individual knowledge and skills. This empowers learners to showcase their true abilities and provides valuable insights for educators to gauge student progress effectively.

Ensuring a Level Playing FieldOur commitment to integrity and academic honesty drives the development of features like Testing Mode. By disabling Khanmigo during assessments, we create a level playing field for learners. This not only fosters a sense of accomplishment but also encourages independent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Get learning!Try out our improved testing experience with Khanmigo today! Empower yourself, showcase your knowledge, and embark on a journey of authentic learning and growth.

Sign up for KhanmigoKhan Academy has always prioritized making world-class education available to anyone, anywhere and we’re excited to uphold our mission as we continue to improve Khanmigo with your feedback. We can’t do it without your help!

Thanks for your part in shaping Khanmigo! You can learn more about our approach to the nonprofit and ethical development of AI here.

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Congratulations on your first job! There is so much to learn when you start a new job, and one thing that might not be top of mind is paying income taxes. A lot of people are surprised when they receive their first paycheck—where is all my hard earned money going? Khan Academy is here for […]

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Did you learn how to do taxes in high school? How to create a budget? How to save for a car? We’ve heard from many of you that financial literacy is one skill you wished you had learned in school. Khan Academy is excited to offer you and your children the opportunity to not only […]

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We are excited to announce the World History Project AP (WHP AP) course! WHP AP is aligned to the AP World History: Modern Course and Exam Description (CED) and provides students with free articles, videos, and primary source collections to help you succeed on the AP exam. WHP AP was built on the foundation and […]

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📣 Attention 📣 Florida educators, parents, and learners! We are delighted to share more exciting news with you: Khan Academy has just launched three groundbreaking Mastery-enabled courses, exclusively designed for the Sunshine State! Our custom-curated FL BEST 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade courses have been thoughtfully crafted to align with Florida’s prestigious BEST […]

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Hello learners and teachers of the world. We’re delighted to share our new course on financial literacy. As we shared late last year, our goal in adding financial literacy lessons to Khan Academy is to help learners of all ages build a strong foundation for their financial future. Join us on a new kind of […]

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Since the launch of Khanmigo, our AI-powered teaching assistant, we have actively sought input from teachers like you in order to fine-tune the program so it would become an indispensable tool in your teaching routine. Time is a teacher’s most limited resource, and Khanmigo is here to help you reclaim it. Imagine a world where […]

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By Elvira (Elly) Valdez As teachers, we understand the challenges that come with having to prep multiple courses and stay current with relevant resources. One such struggle that many educators face is effectively teaching financial literacy. We’ve listened to your concerns and are excited to announce our new Financial Literacy course that’s engineered to ease […]

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We launched the beta version of Khanmigo–our AI-powered tutor–on March 14 and have been rigorously collecting user feedback to understand learner needs so we can improve Khanmigo.

After surveying hundreds of beta testers and conducting more than 100 interviews and classroom observations to figure out what users wanted most, we have made a number of improvements to Khanmigo.

Your input has made Khanmigo better for all learners. Check out the six things we’ve changed thanks to your feedback, and learn about upcoming updates.

Enhancements based on learner feedback Adjusting reading style: Many learners expressed the wish to personalize Khanmigo’s reading style according to age and preference. We’ve introduced a Preferences menu to empower users to set their preferred reading style, which allows learners to customize the length and complexity of Khanmigo’s responses. * New “Coach My Academic and Career Growth” activity: Learning goes beyond school and is a lifelong endeavor! We’ve added this feature to assist users who are seeking suggestions for the next steps in their studies or career. It will guide them directly to Khan Academy content and help them work on their goals. * New languages: The Khanmigo Activities page is now fully available in Spanish and Portuguese, and additional languages are supported by the Khanmigo chatbot as you navigate Khan Academy. We hope this will support learners who want to engage with content in the language they usually speak. * Seamless code-reading and feedback: As you learn coding, Khanmigo can now read your code directly for immediate review and feedback. There’s no longer a need for copy-and-paste! * Expanded content: We’ve added more historical and literary characters you can chat with, as well as new vocab learning games like “Word Architect” that are designed to help users build prefixes and suffixes. * Resend message and bug fixes:* Errors happen. Now you can resend messages without having to retype them. We’ve also addressed various bug reports to enhance the overall stability and performance of Khanmigo and have implemented easier feedback mechanisms.

Upcoming improvements:In addition to the enhancements we’ve already implemented, we have some exciting features in store for Khanmigo:

Essay Feedback activity: We’re developing an essay-feedback activity that will provide learners with detailed, interactive feedback and suggestions on how to improve their writing.
Math input widget: Some users mentioned they’ve been having trouble entering math equations into Khanmigo. We’re adding a new widget that will allow you to easily input equations and receive interactive feedback.

As we stand on the brink of an era where AI will play an increasing role in education and our work lives, it’s imperative that AI tools are designed end-to-end with the human experience in mind.

Khan Academy has always prioritized making world-class education available to anyone, anywhere and we’re excited to uphold our mission as we continue to improve Khanmigo with your feedback. We can’t do it without your help!

If you’d like to try Khanmigo, sign up for the waitlist to get access, and be sure to share your feedback when you get started.

Thanks for your part in shaping Khanmigo! You can learn more about our approach to the nonprofit and ethical development of AI here.

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Sign up for summer learningSign up now for the Camp Khan Kids summer learning happening this July. This free program for children ages 2-8 guides families in a playful educational journey using the Khan Academy Kids app as a launchpad into hands-on learning. Weekly camp schedules and downloadable printable packets are provided so families can mix and match activities to meet their needs. It’s all FREE!

Sign upFour summer learning themesOur Camp Khan Kids themes for 2023 include Water Week, Arts & Crafts Week, Animals & Nature Week, and Music & Movement Week. Campers can follow along by reading, learning, and playing each week in July. Yay!!!

Visit our camp web page to learn more about each week’s themes and activities.

Fun summer art projectsAt Camp Khan Kids, we use recycled materials for arts & crafts projects so you don’t have to make special trips to the store. If campers can start saving some paper, cardboard, small boxes, ribbons or scrap fabric, and a few jars, you’ll be in great shape. Curious about what types of things our campers make? Check out our art show from last year, when we made things like cardboard trains!

Get in touchIf you have any questions about Camp Khan Kids, please contact us. We’re here to help your little ones learn!

Lorraine | Camp Counselor | Camp Khan Kids

P.S. Do you have kids older than 8? Check out Khan Academy’s resources for children in 3rd grade and above. Here is a teacher’s testimonial of how she used Khan Academy to help keep kids learning over the summer.

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Sal Khan believes that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform education for the better. “We’re at the cusp of using AI for probably the biggest positive transformation that education has ever seen,” he said in his 2023 TED talk.

Get a glimpse of a new era in education—one where every student has access to an AI-powered personal tutor and every teacher has an AI teaching assistant.

The “Two Sigma Problem” and AI’s solution:Benjamin Bloom’s 1984 “Two Sigma” study highlighted the benefits of one-to-one tutoring, which resulted in a two standard deviation improvement in students’ performance. Bloom referred to this finding as the “Two Sigma Problem,” since providing one-to-one tutoring to all students has long been unattainable due to cost and scalability issues.

Sal shared how AI has the potential to scale this tutoring economically and provide personalized instruction to students on a global level with the help of an AI-powered assistant. During his talk, Sal gave a live demo of Khan Academy’s new AI-powered guide, Khanmigo.

Khanmigo: A comprehensive AI tutorInstead of worrying about students using AI to cheat, Sal said we should focus on the positive use cases. Khanmigo not only detects students’ mistakes, but it also identifies misconceptions in their understanding and provides effective feedback. It can help students with math and computer programming exercises and can provide context-aware help for video content.

Khanmigo encourages Socratic dialogue and debate by providing a safe space for students to fine-tune their arguments, which can give them more confidence in class. It has been designed to write with students rather than for them. It encourages collaborative story writing and provides feedback on drafts, which helps students improve their writing abilities.

Want to see Khanmigo in action? Khan Academy invites users based in the United States to explore and test AI’s capabilities by joining the Khanmigo waitlist. Your feedback is crucial in shaping the future of education.

Join the waitlist to test KhanmigoA teaching assistant, powered by AIFor teachers, Khanmigo acts as a comprehensive teaching assistant by explaining answers and teaching methods, helping with lesson planning, and creating progress reports. This allows teachers to spend more time and energy on one-on-one interactions with their students.

Positive and appropriate interactions We believe that AI can transform education, but we also understand that it comes with limitations and risks.That’s why we clearly communicate these limitations to every parent, teacher, and child who uses Khanmigo. We limit the amount of interaction individuals can have with the AI per day. Additionally, each child’s chat history and activities are visible to parents or guardians and teachers so they can stay informed and involved in their child’s education. Our platform also uses moderation technology to detect inappropriate interactions, and when it does, it sends an automatic email alert to an adult.

Your role in the future of AISal emphasized that everyone has a role to play in shaping the future of AI in education. “We all have to fight like hell for the positive use cases,” he said.

Through responsible and innovative AI applications like Khanmigo, education has the potential to undergo an unprecedented transformation, accelerating learning and fostering human potential like never before.

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Schools and districts have an essential role in ensuring that all students are prepared for the Digital SAT, particularly in states where the SAT is a required state assessment or can be used in place of a passing score on the state test to meet graduation requirements. A district-wide strategy for supporting SAT preparation can help ensure all students have equitable access to preparation resources and that they understand the importance of SAT in shaping their college and career opportunities.

In early 2022, College Board announced that the SAT will move to a digital delivery format beginning in the 2023-2024 school year for U.S. based students. As students, teachers, administrators and districts prepare for the transition, we’re here to help you understand what to expect with the new digital SAT and how you can best prepare your school or district for a smooth transition in your support for students’ success.

What’s new with the Digital SAT?

In the Fall of 2023, all PSAT-related assessments will be administered digitally, while the SAT will be administered as a paper-based assessment. Starting in the Spring of 2024, all SAT assessments will be administered digitally.
Many aspects of the test will remain the same: it will continue to assess the most important college and career readiness skills, it will be scored on a 1600 scale, and, most importantly, students will continue to have access to free preparation resources on Khan Academy.
In addition to taking the test on a laptop or tablet, other important things are changing. The test will now take about two hours instead of three, reading and writing passages will follow a new format, calculators will be allowed for the entire math section, and scores will be delivered faster.
Practice Tests will now be administered through College Board’s Blue Book application, the same platform that students will use on test day.

As the Official Partner of the College Board, Khan Academy Districts has worked closely with them to understand what’s changing and why. College Board has put together a number of resources to help educators prepare for the transition, but here are some key things you need to know.

These are just a few of the ways the digital SAT will be both a familiar and completely new experience for students, teachers, and administrators. There are also a number of subtle, but important ways the new exam has shifted how it assesses skills.

To continue to support students on the new digital assessment, Districts will need to use updated instructional resources designed for the new exam. Khan Academy Districts is here to support districts in transitioning to the digital SAT. With practice, students can get the extra support they need to prepare for the test and reach their full potential. Khan Academy Districts offers a variety of resources, including practice questions, instructional videos, and customized feedback, to help students improve their skills and feel confident on test day.

District-Wide SAT Preparation: Developing a Transition Strategy As an administrator, you play a crucial role in supporting your students as they prepare for the digital SAT. By providing the right resources and guidance, you can help your students make a smooth transition to the new format. First, start by asking yourself the following questions:

What resources, systems, and curriculum does our district currently use to support students preparing for the SAT? Consider your state’s requirements, the size of your student population, and whether or not you participate in In-School Testing.
How are you currently communicating with teachers and students about how and when they should be preparing for the SAT?
Which students are currently taking which exam? Does the timing of the digital transition for the PSAT and SAT impact who will sit for what exam when?
If you are currently providing preparation resources or curriculum, when will those resources be updated and available to support students on the new exam format?
What data are you currently using to track SAT preparation progress and student performance on the exam? How do those systems need to adapt and adjust?

These are some focus areas that your district needs to identify as you transition through the changes to Digital SAT. Once you’ve worked through the answers to these questions, here’s a checklist to help you support your district through the transition:

Understand the testing schedule or schedule tests in advance: Understand when and how students will be taking the exams. If you are a district with School Day administrations of the test, work with your contact at The College Board to make your plan.
Communicate Early and Often: Communicate to students, teachers, and parents about the upcoming changes so they know well in advance what to expect. For students who took the PSAT this year in a paper-based format, they’ll need to know that they’ll be taking a digital assessment in the Spring of 2024.
Understand student readiness: Evaluate how students are preparing for the exam. Are they using resources designed for the paper-based or digital assessment? Khan Academy Districts, as the official partner of The College Board, has updated our resources for the new assessment.
Train teachers: Teachers have a vital role in ensuring students are preparing for the Digital SAT. Consider dedicating professional development time to support teachers involved in SAT preparation, so they are ready for the changes to the test.
Access to technology: Ensure that your students have access to the technology they need to take the digital SAT. Students may use a personal device, or one will be provided for them on test day.
Encourage practice: Encourage your students to practice taking the digital SAT before the actual exam using the College Board’s Bluebook app. This will help them become familiar with the format and feel more confident on test day. Then, they can utilize Khan Academy for free, personalized practice for the SAT, including interactive practice problems and instant feedback.
Align your data: Track student progress as the exam approaches if your preparation platform supports that, and set benchmarks and expectations based on prior performance so you’ll know how to evaluate student results when they come in.

You are critical in supporting your students as they prepare for the digital SAT. By aligning your preparation resources with the new exam and communicating clearly and frequently with students, teachers, and parents, you can ensure that everyone knows what to expect. This is how you can plan for SAT success in the digital era.

Want to learn more about the transition to the Digital SAT? Khan Academy Districts is hosting a webinar on April 13th to review the upcoming changes. Sign up here for this webinar!

How Khan Academy Districts supports district-wide SAT PreparationSince 2015, Khan Academy has offered free, openly available SAT practice resources in partnership with the College Board. Official SAT Practice helped millions of learners better prepare for the SAT. With the transition to the digital SAT, Khan Academy Districts is transitioning to Official Digital SAT Prep as our free resource for anyone, anywhere to prepare for the digital SAT.

Since 2019, Khan Academy Districts has been supporting districts who want to support and reach all students with an SAT support strategy through Khan Academy Districts. These paid district partnerships offer robust professional learning for educators and robust data and tools like automatic rostering to enable student success.

This Florida district improved student sat success immediately after implementing khan academy districts Official Digital SAT Prep is the first and only official digital SAT prep course. Official Digital SAT Prep uses the same mastery course format as other Khan Academy Districts content, helping teachers easily incorporate SAT prep into their classroom workflows.

With a library of over 1,000 lessons, videos, and practice questions, our materials will help students sharpen their skills and prepare for every type of question they might see on the test. Students will also learn test-taking tips and strategies shared by Khan Academy experts to help them feel confident and prepared come test day.

Our digital SAT Math course is organized into 37 math skills and features three levels of difficulty in each skill. Our digital SAT Reading and Writing course is organized into 11 skills and covers the full range of questions for the exam. Throughout these courses there are articles and videos covering each skill, followed by practice opportunities and related exercises. The more skills students level up to proficient, the better prepared they’ll be for test day.

For our district partners, our Professional Learning offerings to help teachers and administrators support student preparation for the digital SAT will be available starting in Spring 2023. Topics will include the differences in how students will need to prepare and how student performance data should be analyzed by teachers and administrators.

Administrators will have more data on student performance on SAT skills, and will be able to better track student progress over time. For more on how Khan Academy Districts can support a district-wide SAT strategy, visit us on our website here.

Skills Progress reporting in Khan Academy Districts enables you to track students progress in each skill If you’d like to learn more about how other schools are planning for the Digital SAT: watch this webinar here to get more insights. Stay tuned for more resources coming from Khan Academy Districts to help you plan for Digital SAT success.

Partner with Khan Academy DistrictsLearn about our paid partnership and achieve school success.

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The last several years have upended education! The disruptions in education go beyond just learning loss. Schools are dealing with many challenges including staffing issues, student absences, and behavioral challenges. Our students, especially in mathematics, are behind over .75 in each grade level. Our students are not just behind a year or two, which in itself is affecting students’ abilities to just graduate high school, but often they are 3, 4, or 5 plus years behind. They cannot pass basic math. How do we meet grade level expectations? Ensure the rigor necessary in content? Remediate, sometimes years, of content? Has remediation filled in the gaps in the past efficiently and adequately? Can we do all of this at the same time?

So what is learning loss?First, let’s talk about “learning loss”. The term is problematic because learning loss gives responsibility to students for the loss, however, how can they “lose” what they haven’t learned yet? Our students have unfinished learning, but where and when do they finish?

Teachers and students, especially during the pandemic but also through other losses of school time including natural disasters, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, did not meet expectations, rather they are further behind. Regardless of the disruption, students did not master the specific grade level content and the gaps in knowledge have grown.

According to the middle school NAEP data, there was a 4x greater drop in math compared to English Language Arts (ELA). Schools have double their time in ELA, however, they have not in mathematics and it is more dire! This is not new, math is as important as reading but the focus has been on reading first.

Math is cumulative. Students learn about .7 grade levels per year in math, they are already at a disadvantage. Compounding loss can lead to a student in the 12th grade but on a 7th grade math level. Consider, our current 8th and 9th graders were in 5th and 6th grade when the pandemic began in 2020. Math curriculum at the 6th and 7th grade levels include fractions and decimals, while 8th grade math consists of pre-algebra and algebraic concepts. The deficit that students encountered prior to the pandemic has been compounded by everything from student and teacher absence, substitute teachers who probably do not have a mathematics background, and gaps that shake student foundations causing disengagement and lack of confidence. Our students have larger gaps in foundational math knowledge and are even more behind.

The solution to learning loss? What’s the solution then? Mastery learning offers the opportunity to meet current standards while filling in gaps. Schools have been exploring the impact of mastery learning in their schools, and it has led to skill mastery, higher standardized test scores, and filled in the learning gaps. Students in mastery learning programs work on their curriculum standards while remediating targeted skills. Providing an opportunity for students to complete an assessment that focuses on their curriculum, identifies specific skills that fill in the gaps from prior grade levels and provides teachers with the specific skills that each learner needs to “fix” their foundation.

Each learner moves at their own pace. They have the opportunity to watch videos, read articles and practice, but not drill and kill. If a student cannot do 4 problems, they cannot do 20. If a student is not successful with 4 problems, students can get feedback, see another example, and try again until they master the skill. This self paced learning helps students understand that they can “get it” they just don’t have it “yet”. Teachers can easily track student progress and support students as they fill their gaps.

We know that time is not on our side, but what if a student could spend 30 – 40 minutes a week working on those skills? What if that doubled the learning for each student? What if students closed their learning gaps with the right instructional tools?

In a 2018 study, students who used Khan Academy for 30 minutes a week gained an additional 22 points on their state math assessment. That is a 0.2 effect size, a demonstrated proficiency 2x the district’s target for groups compared to those who did not use Khan Academy.

What do support do students need?Students need more time in math, just like they need more time in reading. As administrators help teachers identify time, that 30 minutes can make a difference in mastering prior content knowledge while continuing to learn at current levels. Khan Academy content balances the management of skills not yet met while embedding the problem solving skills that support math fluency. Students are provided the necessary support addressing their current knowledge gaps creating that strong foundation while meeting current standards.

We need to keep our expectations for learning high, and not undermine confidence in our students. We must be sure that teachers do not lower expectations and have tools to be able to teach on level and simultaneously, be able to fill in those gaps in content.

For administrators this is not only a concern, but something you face every day! Ensuring teachers have the tools in their classrooms as well as ways to remediate within class time, after school or finding time to support students, is a huge undertaking.

Algebra – the gateway to higher mathAlgebra is the foundation and the gateway to higher math. As administrators we understand how important Algebra 1 is to SAT, college success, and the overall success of our students. Teachers may know this, but our students probably do not. This is important to communicate and have tools to support teachers and students as they master algebra content and algebraic thinking. This can be communicated to parents on back to school nights, newsletters, PTO meetings, or in the course syllabus. It needs to be said often so parents can truly hear and understand how important Algebra is.

A district partner in Florida uses Khan Academy to support Algebra 1A students. This course which focuses on a combination of foundational skills and Algebra 1 content uses our Get Ready for Algebra 1 course. This course supports students with building the foundational skills necessary to access Algebra 1 content while at the same time filling in learning gaps for individual students. The district continues to see tremendous growth in their Algebra 1A students so they added Khan Academy content to their pacing guide. This insures that all students are able to meet their academic learning goals.

Another district partner in the northeast uses Khan Academy courses to differentiate instruction in the Algebra 1 classroom. Teachers are expected to teach all levels of students at the same time, even students who have been placed in Algebra 1 to repeat the course. These teachers simultaneously place students in their class into one of three courses: Get Ready for Algebra 1, Algebra Basics, or Algebra 1. Many teachers use test scores from the end of the last school year to identify which course specific students need. Their learning is individualized and all students have access to critical Algebra 1 content at their instructional level.

How does Khan Academy Districts help with math instruction?Khan academy has a new program that works with districts. Parents, students and teachers have long used the Khan Academy courses and lessons. Khan Academy Districts allows for automatic rostering for teachers and students. Administrators can view dashboards and reports to see teacher and student progress data. This can be used with parents showing progress and learning opportunities.

Khan Academy is adored by millions of teachers and students and is helping close deep learning gaps. By partnering with Khan Academy Districts, district leaders can improve student performance, focus on grade-level skills progress, and address learning gaps, to improve overall student achievement. To learn more, connect with our sales team here.

Partner with Khan Academy Districts Learn how you can partner with us and achieve school success.

Request a DemoAuthor: Bernadette Bennett

Resources:

Mahnken, Kevin. 74 Interview: Educator & Khan Academy Founder Sal Khan on COVID’s Staggering Math Toll. February 8 2023

Wakelyn, David. Learning Loss Is Worse than NAEP Showed. Middle School Math Must Be the Priority. December 14, 2022

Khan Academy Correlational Study with Long Beach Unified School District, 2018

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Time, time,time, see what’s become of me…

A Hazy Shade of Winter by Simon & Garfunkel

The lyrics of A Hazy Shade of Winter by Simon & Garfunkel can awaken what teachers and administrators feel when they are trying to find more time for learning. We cannot take back the time we lost from Covid but there is time for filling in the gaps in learning.

Time in school is used in a variety of ways, but where do we find more time for learning? School days are filled with lots of distractions and disruptions. When students walk into school they are on school time, but within the school day students transition to other classes, have lunch, use the restroom! Of course we will keep this time, but what about time that is scheduled for learning.

Once students are in the classroom they are on class time. Teachers and students are often interrupted by announcements, fire drills, phone calls from the office, attendance, and the list goes on. Schools have limited distractions from the outside the classroom but we are still struggling with time inside the classroom.

Within the classroom, students and teachers have instructional and academic learning time. In a 50 minute class, often instructional and learning time is cut to 30 minutes or less. This is not enough time for teachers to do their job nor for students to do theirs, learning.

Is it the student’s responsibility to learn? Increasing academic learning time may not look the same in every classroom. Students, teachers and administrators each have a role in academic learning time. If students are on task, not interrupting each other or the teacher, there is more time for instruction. Much easier said than done! Teachers are teaching, students are learning, but is it enough to fill the gaps and have students on or beyond level?

Students must take responsibility for their learning. They know when they are off task, do not understand a concept, and when they can make time for study. While they know these things, they are kids. While we would like to say they don’t make good choices, they may be overscheduled! Students are involved in sports, after school clubs, and the arts. Some have obligations, work even full time, taking care of siblings, making dinner and helping with homework. While they may not make good choices, some of the choices are out of their control.

Teachers really know how they use the time in their classroom. They know what they have covered, what is on the exams and the curriculum standards they are expected to cover. They also know their students, when they are off task, often when they do not understand a concept, and how they may not be able to study.

Administrators know the schedules of teachers and students. They may know what they think is going on in classrooms. They probably know the most “notable” students in the school, positive and negative!

Everyone has a piece of the time puzzle but who sees the whole picture. Of course there is communication, studies regarding time in schools, but is there time for that? Haven’t we tried this before? Let’s face it, all stakeholders, students, teachers and administrators want to be successful.

Using our instruction and learning time more effectivelyMaybe we need to think less about time but more about the tools we are using or should be using. “Remediation” has become the tool used to fill the gaps, but it hasn’t worked and it has taken too much time. There are so many skills and standards that may need to be learned, how do you prioritize which ones a student needs? It is crucial that students are continuing on grade level, but which skills do they need to be there?

Course mastery allows students to work on gap areas that need to be filled while at the same time working with on level content and skills. Course mastery allows teachers to help students fill in gaps while assigning specific skills for current content mastery.

Using Khan Academy Districts as Your Instructional Tool Khan Academy Districts can be used by schools to accelerate learning for all students. This makes it easier for administrators and teachers to address gaps in knowledge, and use data to inform real changes in instruction. There are many ways that schools can use Khan Academy Districts to find time and fill in those gaps.

Khan Academy Districts Tools for Students:Khan Course Challenge: Students need to know their gaps in knowledge so they can purposefully find time and know what they need to remediate. T

Khan Mastery Reporting for Students: Students need to know when they really understand a concept and they have reached mastery .

Khan Academy Districts Tools for Teachers: Activity Report: Teachers need to be able to know at a glance what students need to remediate and be able to assign targeted activities to help students purposefully remediate necessary skills.

Khan Mastery Reports and Assigning Assignments: Teachers need to see when a student reaches mastery and when a student is stuck needing more assistance

Khan Academy Districts Tools for Administrators:Activation Reports: Administrators need to know who is using the resources to fill in gaps for students and monitor at a glance teachers and students .

Progress Overview Reports: Administrators need to know the data regarding minutes on resources and the number of skills mastered.

Once everyone has the information that they need, and the correct tools to support learning and filling gaps, the time problem is different. Armed with the information, administrators and teachers can talk about their classes, specific students within classes and what is needed to support all learners.

The conversation is now around helping students be successful. As a team, administrators and faculty can:

Have conversations about time before, during, and after school when support can occur.
Identifying small groups of students, across grades and teachers, with similar skill deficits and finding opportunities to work with them.
Have team conversations (faculty, students)identifying time around student schedules for added support.
Communication with the school community, like coaches and after school programs, to help carve out time for mastery.

Teachers and administrators are also a bridge for parents. Parents want their children to be successful. Students’ gaps did not just spring up, they have struggled, as have their parents, in supporting them. With the data from the Khan Academy Districts reporting, teachers and administrators can meet with parents and discuss a specific plan for students. Parents can help identify time, monitor mastery, (Khan Parent accounts) and support their children through their mastery programs.

Using all the tools available, and by working together, all can celebrate! Using Khan Academy District’s tools, administrators, teachers, students and parents can all celebrate student achievement and success!

Partner with us Learn how you can partner with Khan Academy Districts and achieve school success with our paid offerings.

Request a demoResources

An Introduction to Khan Academy for Teachers

6 tips for motivating students

Phillips, Vicky. Finding Time For More Teaching, Learning And Joy In The School Day (December 2022)

Silva, Elena. ON THE CLOCK: Rethinking the Way Schools Use Time (January 2007)

Superville, Denisa R. Making time for academic recovery in the School Day: Ideas from 3 Principals (December 2022)

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The difference between traditional learning and mastery learning. learning loss is more evident within traditional learningWith math leading in losses, why is it so hard to address the learning gaps? So often in the media learning losses and gaps are focused on reading. The latest data suggests that math has bigger learning gaps than reading and is even more difficult for middle and high school students.

The gaps are bigger and there are more of them by the time a student is in later middle school! This makes higher level math even more unattainable and college and career ready even more difficult. Unfortunately, many people are fearful of math, especially algebra and higher. “I’m not a math person” or “I just don’t get the”new” math!” are common statements made by many adults. Parents tend to be more comfortable helping their children with reading over math. Math is a progression of foundational concepts. As students have gaps in their learning, parents may have similar gaps. If parents do not have those skills they are reluctant to help their children fearing that they would be hindering their children’s understanding of mathematics.

Often teachers ask “What chapter are you in?”, not “What skill are you working on?” Textbooks often drive what is being taught versus what standards are being met. Standards, regardless of state or national standards, focus on the skills necessary to master content. If 55% of the class passed the test, that means that 45% did not master the skill. If the teacher moves on without a quality focus on the skills not mastered, 45% of the students now have new gaps. Regardless of the materials a teacher is using, the gap exists until it is identified, upskilled, and mastered.

As administrators, addressing these issues addresses learning loss!

It’s time to flip the switch We need to flip the switch on mathematics education. It really isn’t about grades or grading, it is about mastery. How do we ensure that students are learning the foundational concepts well beyond memorizing multiplication facts? Let’s face it, the purpose of grading is to communicate learning, ensuring that students and parents understand what skills a student needs to be successful. We understand that grading is not going away, but if students master content, they are mastering standards and skills and their grades will reflect that.

How does a teacher identify learning gaps, move onto the concepts that need to be mastered, and provide extensions to those who have mastered the material?

When we look at schools and classes, time is constant yet achievement is variable. This is backwards, we need to flip achievement and time. Achievement, ensuring that all students learn, must be constant, and time, regardless of how much, needs to be variable. This is not going to happen overnight. There is a need to transition, allowing students time to master the content while continuing to move ahead. We need to find more time (yup, within our current structures), provide the right conditions, ensure that each student is working on the skills and content they need to master, and do it at the rigorous levels that are required.

It’s important to recognize that seat time does not determine performance. Nor does grading behaviors. We do not need to assign 35 questions around a skill to know if a student understands the material. Do we really want students practicing the wrong way to answer a question? Now they have to relearn what they thought they knew. If they can do 4 -5 questions correctly, they can do 35. If they can’t do 4- 5 questions, we are not undoing incorrect practices. This is also easier for a teacher to grade. Quickly they know which students got it and which students did not!

How do we fill in the gaps with mastery learning? The traditional way we have been teaching does not lead to mastery. Students are left behind with gaps. If we truly believe that all students are capable, that at the very least they can be proficient, we need to rethink what we are doing. We must create learner centered opportunities for students to learn the concepts, allow for more time targeted intervention through formative assessments that then target specifically what students know and what they do not. We need to purposefully target each student’s learning needs.

All you need is 30 minutes a week What if you could do this in 30 minutes a week? What if that 30 minutes could lead to 2 skill levels gained per week?

Utilizing Khan Academy’s resources, students can practice a single concept at a time, move from not-started, familiar, proficient then mastery filling in the gaps while on grade level. Teachers can monitor data quickly and easily, sharing with students and parents, focusing on the standards and not just the chapter in the book. Khan’s resources provide feedback to students and teachers about the skills they have not yet mastered. Students and teachers know what gaps there are and have ways to fill those gaps in each standard or skill, individualized for each student.

The 30 minutes can be 5 – 7 minutes a day during bellringer time, at the end of class, as part of homework, the possibilities can all be in your school day. This is an opportunity for school wide intervention and extension. As an entire staff comes together, is there time before or after the school day? Does this start in an individual classroom or through a professional learning community?

Khan Academy Districts’s resources are set up for targeted intervention. Students and parents can quickly identify which concepts they are missing and have the tools to master each skill and concept.

Looking at the chart below, teachers are in charge of the content. Their instructional focus is featured for all students. As students practice the content, build for their learning level, filling in the gaps they need to access the grade level content.

Driving Content in Practice Teacher directed planning: Current instruction aligned to Khan Academy practiceTeachers, at a glance, can look at the reports and know

The time each student spent learning the concept;
The number of activities they participated in;
How many times they repeated an exercise with different questions;
If they reached mastery;
The exact activities they need to assign to each student…

All in about 5 minutes……

How students can fill learning gaps easily?In 30 minutes per week students can fill in the gaps in learning while working on grade level material.

It is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Teachers log into Khan academy and place students in the appropriate courses. Algebra 1 teachers can assign students into one of 3 courses. Algebra 1 is for students who are keeping up in the traditional Algebra 1 course. If a student has minor gaps that are keeping them from working on level the teacher can assign Algebra Basics. If a student is several grade levels behind, they can assign Get Ready for Algebra 1.
Students take the mastery test for their course. Based upon a student’s gaps, s/he can work on target skills filling in the gaps that they have in content. Teachers can easily monitor and coach students. They can also assign specific content based upon what they are learning in class or as extra support for unmastered skills. Teachers have the ability to assign targeted individual assignments to each student or small groups of students with 4 clicks of a mouse. They truly can target specific skills, fill learning gaps, and provide extension opportunities at the same time.
Monitor and support! Administrators can support teachers and students! By examining the data, teachers and administrators can discuss student performance, gaps that have been filled, and what next steps need to be to get students to mastery. Administrators can help teachers find more time for students who have more skills to master and talk with students in other settings including the lunchroom and hallway. When administrators and teachers meet with parents whether during academic or behavioral conferences this information can help build a bridge to support student learning.

OR…4. Teachers log into Khan academy and place students in the appropriate courses. 1. Algebra 1 teachers can assign students into one of 3 courses. 2. Algebra 1 is for students who are keeping up in the traditional Algebra 1 course. 3. If a student has minor gaps that are keeping them from working on level the teacher can assign Algebra Basics. If a student is several grade levels behind, they can assign Get Ready for Algebra 1. 5. Students take the mastery test for their course. 1. Based upon a student’s gaps, s/he can work on target skills filling in the gaps that they have in content. 2. Teachers can easily monitor and coach students. 1. They can also assign specific content based upon what they are learning in class or as extra support for unmastered skills. 2. Teachers have the ability to assign targeted individual assignments to each student or small groups of students with 4 clicks of a mouse. 3. Teachers truly can target specific skills, fill learning gaps, and provide extension opportunities at the same time. 6. Monitor and support! 1. Administrators can support teachers and students! 2. By examining the data, teachers and administrators can discuss student performance, gaps that have been filled, and what next steps need to be to get students to mastery. 3. Administrators can help teachers find more time for students who have more skills to master and talk with students in other settings including the lunchroom and hallway. 4. When administrators and teachers meet with parents whether during academic or behavioral conferences this information can help build a bridge to support student learning.

So how can Khan Academy Districts helps address learning gaps effectively Using course mastery and individual assignments makes success happen! Students move at their own pace and see their learning progress. If it takes a student 2 or three times to fill a gap, only the teacher knows. There is no embarrassment or shaming. Students are learning and being successful in math. Teachers are able to meet the needs of their students without extra work. Administrators are able to celebrate success with teachers and students. It is a win win for all!

Khan Academy Districts helps teachers and students by automating the rostering process. By partnering up with Khan Academy Districts, district leaders can enhance student achievement by prioritizing grade-level skills progress, tackling learning gaps, and boosting overall performance. Contact our sales team to find out more.

Partner with us Learn how you can partner with Khan Academy Districts and achieve school success.

Request a DemoAuthor: Bernadette Bennett

Resources

Listen to Ed Talks with Mike Flanagan

Watch Ed Talks with Ted Coe, Phd

Check out Ed Talks with Matt Townsley, EdD

Read – Kevin Mahnken February 1, 2023 Global Learning Loss: Top 4 Takeaways from Latest International COVID Research

Read – Alyssa Gallagher & Tara O’Brien January 31, 2023 Relationships, Recognition, Shared Vision: Principals Can Ease Teacher Stress

The post How to Address Gaps in Math Instruction and Achieve Student Success appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy

A few weeks ago, I gave a technology demonstration to a handful of public school administrators. I showed them an experimental artificial intelligence tool we’re developing at Khan Academy that uses GPT-4. It is not an exaggeration to say that it was one of the most positive reactions to a technology demo that I’ve ever done—if not the most positive reaction.

One person in attendance said, “This aligns with our vision of creating thinkers.”

Their feedback means a lot to me. The administrators I spoke with that day are champions for a community of students who are growing up in poverty. They know the steep challenges kids face every day before they even step foot in the classroom.

They also know what I know: AI is nascent technology, but we already find ourselves at a critical juncture. Will we amplify its benefits equally across society? Or will we allow a new, deeper digital divide to take root that leaves out even more students?

A small AI pilot for a limited number of teachers, students, and donorsWhen GPT-4 is carefully adapted to a learning environment like Khan Academy, it has enormous potential. It can guide students as they progress through courses and ask them questions like a tutor would. AI can assist teachers with administrative tasks, which saves them valuable time so they can focus on what’s most important—their students.

To be clear, there is a long way to go. AI makes mistakes. Even the newest generation of AI can still make errors in math. AI can still “hallucinate,” which is the term the industry uses for making stuff up. A lot of work needs to be done.

But I do think we’re at an inflection point in education. If we harness AI carefully and share its benefits equally across society, all students can benefit.

To test the possibilities of AI, we’re inviting our district partners to opt in to Khan Labs, a new space for testing learning technology.

Today we’re introducing a small AI pilot for a limited number of teachers, students, and donors. As society grapples with AI, we view it as our responsibility to work deeply with this new technology to explore its potential in education. I believe we are uniquely suited to do this work.

As a nonprofit organization, our focus is students, teachers, and administrators. Our North Star is driving more learning, not driving shareholder value or driving profits. You could say that we do have a bottom line and it’s that every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

More than 500 public school districts and schools across the country partner with Khan Academy (up from nine before the pandemic). They turn to us because students who use Khan Academy achieve better-than-expected gains. From Khan Academy’s earliest days, research-backed pedagogy and learning science have underpinned our learning platform. Today, partnering with us helps schools and districts achieve the full power of Khan Academy, with rich insights and powerful support for teachers and administrators. This drives deep learning for students.

To test the possibilities of AI, we’re inviting our district partners to opt in to Khan Labs, a new space for testing learning technology. Our goal is to ethically and responsibly provide access to our experimental AI tool, which we’re calling Khanmigo. These few teachers and students will be our partners on this learning journey, helping us improve AI so that it meets their needs in the classroom. We want to maximize the benefits while mitigating the risks.

Learn about our approach to AI ethics and safety.

Testing Khanmigo within Khan LabsWithin Khan Labs, we are introducing a new layer on top of Khan Academy that heavily leverages a new large language model from OpenAI. Only the limited number of people who are taking part in our pilot will see this layer and Khanmigo, our new experimental AI interface.

People in our pilot can use Khanmigo as a tutor and as a teaching assistant.

Even the newest generation of AI can still make errors in math.

Now, there’s been a lot of talk about tutoring as a way to address the steep learning loss from the pandemic. A lot of public dollars have been spent on “high dosage tutoring” after school. But recent research shows tutoring is less effective when it’s not connected to classwork—it needs to happen during class time.

That’s why I’m excited to test Khanmigo. In our small pilot, Khanmigo is integrated into the classwork teachers are already assigning to students. When students are working on an assignment, they can get help from Khanmigo during class.

Khanmigo engages students in back-and-forth conversation peppered with questions. It’s like a virtual Socrates, guiding students through their educational journey. Like any great tutor, Khanmigo encourages productive struggle in a supportive and engaging way.

Participants in our limited pilot can use Khanmigo to:

Get help with math
Write a story together through back-and-forth idea generation (but Khanmigo won’t write the story for them!)
Prep for AP exams
Practice new vocabulary words
Learn computer programming
Interview a historical figure like Cleopatra or Jane Austen
Debate a topic like “Should schools ban AI?”

Khanmigo does not, however, give students answers. Nobody learns anything by being given the answer. Instead, Khanmigo asks questions. Questions are thought-provoking. Questions are open-ended. And most importantly, questions lead to learning.

It’s important to know that AI isn’t always great at math. In fact, these “large language models” are just that—language models. They are not perfect at math. Yet.

Developing AI tools for teachersWe think AI may have the power to reduce the burden on teachers. It can be a tool that will make teachers’ lives easier by:

Writing lesson plans
Creating lesson hooks
Writing exit tickets
Helping with time-consuming administrative tasks

What’s more, we’re curious to see if we can tailor AI so that teachers can use it to get a snapshot of student progress on Khan Academy at any given moment or on any given day. If so, overburdened teachers could quickly and easily identify which students need extra support and which students need more of a challenge.

How you can helpIn addition to teachers and students, we’re inviting the general public to join a waitlist to test Khanmigo. You’ll need to live in the United States and, if you’re under 18, your parents will need to sign you up. You will be asked to donate $20 monthly (or more if you like!) once you are selected from the waitlist. This is an evolving project and the donation amount may change after June 15.

I want to be clear: We can’t do this without financial support from people like you. Khan Academy is a small nonprofit funded by donations. That’s why we’re asking for help. Contributions will help us continue working on our mission of providing a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.

Looking to the futureAI is a transformational technology, and we’re eager to explore its potential. There’s a lot of work we need to do to make sure all students benefit while we mitigate the risks. We plan to proceed responsibly and ethically, and we plan to share our learnings with the world.

The post Harnessing GPT-4 so that all students benefit. A nonprofit approach for equal access appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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As a nonprofit educational organization, we see it as our responsibility to explore what AI could mean for the future of education. We believe that AI has the potential to transform learning in a positive way, but we are also keenly aware of the risks. For that reason, we’ve developed the following guidelines for our AI development.

We believe these guidelines will help us responsibly adapt AI for an educational setting. We want to ensure that our work always puts the needs of students and teachers first, and we are focused on ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared equally across society. As we learn more about AI, these guidelines may evolve.

We educate people about the risks and we are transparent about known issues.We are in a testing period and have invited a limited number of people to try out our AI-powered learning guide. For the subset of participants who opt in to use our experimental AI tools, we provide clear communication about the risks and limitations of AI before providing access. Participants must read and accept the known and potential unknown risks and limitations of AI. For example, AI can be wrong and may generate inappropriate content. AI can make errors in math. We provide an easy way for participants to report any issues they encounter.

More broadly, we are launching a course for the general public entitled AI for Education. In our course, users will learn:

What large language models are
How large language models apply to education
What AI is good at
What AI is not good at
Questions we should all be asking about AI

We learn from the best practices of leading organizations to evaluate and mitigate risks.We’ve studied and adapted frameworks from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Institute for Ethical AI in Education to evaluate and mitigate AI risks specific to Khan Academy.

AI is not always accurate and is not completely safe. We acknowledge that it is not possible to eliminate all risk at this time.

Therefore, we work diligently to identify risks and put mitigation measures in place. We mitigate risk by using technical approaches such as:

Fine-tuning the AI to help increase accuracy
Prompt engineering to guide and narrow the focus of the AI. This allows us to train and tailor the AI for a learning setting.
Monitoring and moderating participant interactions so that we can proactively respond to inappropriate content and apply appropriate community controls (such as removing access)
“Red teaming” to deliberately try to “break” or find flaws in the AI in order to uncover potential vulnerabilities

In addition:

Communication clearly conveys that there will be errors (even in math) and the possibility of inappropriate content.
We limit access to our AI through Khan Labs, a space for testing learning tools. We use careful selection criteria so that we can test features in Khan Labs before broadening access.

We believe these efforts will make our AI stronger and more trustworthy in the long run.

At this time, we only grant access to our AI applications through Khan Labs.In order to sign up to test our AI-powered learning guide, users must be at least 18 years old and register through Khan Labs. Once registered, if adults have children associated with their Khan Academy accounts they have the ability to grant access to their children. Our in-product messaging clearly states the limitations and risks of AI. We limit the amount of interaction individuals can have with the AI per day because we have observed that extended interactions are more likely to lead to poor AI behavior.

Every child who has parental consent to use our AI-powered learning guide receives clear communication that their chat history and activities are visible to parents or guardians and, if applicable, their teacher. Teachers can see the chat histories of their students. We use moderation technology to detect interactions that may be inappropriate, harmful, or unsafe. When the moderation system is triggered, it sends an automatic email alert to an adult.

We embrace and encourage a culture where ethics and responsible development are embedded in our workflows and mindsets.Individuals and teams are asked to identify ethical considerations and evaluate risks at the outset of every project. Our decision making is guided by risk evaluation. We prioritize risk mitigation, we embrace transparency, and we continuously reflect on the impact of our work.

We have a detailed monitoring and evaluation plan in place during this testing period. We will learn, iterate, and improve.

AI is a nascent field that is rapidly developing. We are enthusiastic about the potential for AI to benefit education, and we recognize that we have a lot to learn. Our ultimate goal is to harness the power of AI to accelerate learning. We will evaluate how AI works and we will share our learnings with the world. We expect to adapt our plans along the way.

The post Khan Academy’s approach to the responsible development of AI appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Can you solve this problem correctly?

We encounter percentages almost every day. But many people don’t calculate percentages correctly.

Let’s see how you do with this practice problem from Khan Academy:

A clothing store is advertising a 30% off sale.
If the original price of a jacket is $68, what is the sale price?

Scroll down to see the answer.The answer is…Answer: The sale price of the jacket is $47.60.

How did it go?Did you know Khan Academy has 70,000 practice problems? Start practicing percentages on Khan Academy for free today.

Keep going!

The post Do you make one of the most common math mistakes? appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Allison Leedie, MEd, former Literacy Specialist and Instructional Coach

You might be surprised to see a post about early literacy on the Khan Academy blog—a subject and age range that we’re not closely associated with. In fact, Khan Academy has supported millions of learners ages 2-8 since the launch of Khan Academy Kids in 2018.

If you’re reading this post, then you’ve most likely already heard about how important phonics-based reading programs are for creating successful readers. You’re also probably familiar with the sobering learning loss demonstrated by young learners during the pandemic. This post isn’t another article about how we’re failing to teach kids to read. You know that, but you’re probably wondering what to do about it.

Supporting early readers means making sure each child has an excellent teacher who is equipped with the resources and knowledge to support student learning. Foundational literacy, with an emphasis on reading science, is hard to teach well. Many districts are facing a teacher shortage or have new teachers working to hone their skills. Below are five practical strategies school leaders can use to support teachers as they shift their practices to embrace the science of reading.

Emphasize the research.Every teacher wants their students to succeed. But many teachers don’t have the resources and knowledge to successfully support reading acquisition. Pointing out failing test scores makes teachers feel like failures. Providing research and methods that are proven to get kids reading helps teachers feel like there’s a clear pathway toward success. The research shows that explicit and systematic phonics instruction is effective. Teachers want to be effective. Boom! Winning combination.

Selecting programs with a proven track record of driving literacy gains is a key way you can support your teachers. In a controlled study conducted by researchers at UMASS Amherst, Khan Academy Kids was shown to propel at-risk learners from well below the national average in foundational reading skills to within the national average in just 10 weeks. Those are the same results you would expect to see with expensive one-on-one tutoring sessions. When teachers start experiencing these types of gains in their classroom, they will be convinced that a phonics-focused approach is effective and makes them feel successful.

Embrace technology.I know we’re all sick of screens after multiple years of virtual learning. Yet, for the first time ever, many lower elementary classrooms are now 1-1 with devices. This means teachers have access to programs and teaching methods that they couldn’t use in the past.

Skillful phonics instruction can be deceptively tricky to master. I’ll never forget the self-conscious moment when, as a first-year teacher, my admin pulled me aside after an observation to tell me I needed to work on how I isolated sounds. The trouble was, I hadn’t yet had any formal training in phonics instruction and had no idea what my principal was talking about.

By harnessing the power of technology to support phonics instruction, you’re able to provide expert models for new and inexperienced teachers. When teachers are unsure of how to cue a sound, they can lean into technology to model for students until they feel like they have sufficient expertise to model the sound themselves.

While new teachers are getting up to speed, leaning on technology can ensure kids are still getting the instruction they need without cementing any misunderstandings. Programs like Khan Academy Kids are built to provide students with explicit phonetic modeling, which allows them to work independently as they continue to grow their reading skills.

Provide professional development.After my principal recognized my deer-in-headlights look during that disastrous phonics lesson, he arranged to have me attend intensive phonics development workshops offered by my district. It gave me the confidence I needed to better serve my students. When you’re adopting new programs or asking teachers to adjust their practice, make sure you’re giving them adequate time and support to absorb what they’re supposed to be teaching.

It’s important to ensure your reading programs come with ongoing professional learning opportunities. Ideally, PD should be customized based on your goals and your teachers’ level of expertise. Better yet, make sure you and other instructional leaders in your building are well-versed in the practices you’re asking teachers to deploy so that you can model and answer questions in the moment. Contact us to learn more about how Khan Academy Kids supports teachers and administrators.

Encourage fun and creativity.One of the reasons schools moved away from phonics-based instruction in the first place is that teachers felt it was rote, impersonal, and not culturally responsive. The phrase “drill and kill” doesn’t exactly exude the vibe most of us think of or want for our kindergarteners, but that is (sort of) what a systematic approach to phonics instruction requires.

But that doesn’t mean phonics instruction can’t be fun, and it also doesn’t mean teachers can’t put their own personality and style into practice. Thoughtfully adopted resources can move teachers away from the endless worksheets of old and toward activities that are both engaging and delightful while also being incredibly efficacious. Programs like Khan Academy Kids, which are designed specifically to make learning joyful while also maintaining a rigorous alignment to standards, will make phonics feel less rote and more exciting. Plus, high engagement means students will eagerly come back again for more.

Increase family involvement.This step is obvious in theory, but tremendously challenging in practice. If some of our teachers are still learning about phonics instruction, parents are likely at a loss when it comes to supporting their children along the path to reading. That’s why finding resources that are effortless to use at home is so important.

Similar to using technology to model for teachers, tech at home can act as a model for caregivers and make at-home learning more manageable. With Khan Academy Kids, parents can easily connect to a teacher’s classroom account, and kids can work at home on phonics activities assigned by their teacher. Data appears instantly in the teacher reports, which means there’s no lost information between home and school.

In addition to sharing instantly deployable resources, it’s helpful to give caregivers an overview of how children develop reading skills. Articles like this one offer a high-level view of reading acquisition, as well as practical and proven strategies that are backed by reading science and are fun for parents and kids.

Our team cares deeply about the success of the world’s youngest learners. We strive to provide a resource that will stop achievement gaps in their tracks and prepare children to become lifelong readers. I hope you download the app, explore our literacy content, and share it with your teachers. If you like what you see, connect with us to learn more about using Khan Academy Kids at your school or district.

The post 5 strategies to support teachers with phonics-based reading instruction appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Can you solve this problem correctly?

Khan Academy has 100,000 practice problems. In 2022, this problem was the most challenging. Millions of learners got the answer wrong. Can you get it right?

Henry can write 5 pages of his novel in 3 hours.
At this rate, how many pages can Henry write in 8 hours?

Scroll down to see the answer.The answer is…Answer: Henry can write 13 ⅓ pages in 8 hours.

Want to work on similar practice problems? Check out more rate problems in our 6th grade math course.

How did it go?Regardless of how you did, remember that mistakes are opportunities!

In fact, there are three types of mistakes, and you can learn something from all of them.

Keep going!

The post The most-missed problem on Khan Academy in 2022—can you get it right? appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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Hi everyone!

I’m Elvira (Elly) Valdez, a former public school teacher and financial advisor. I’m excited to introduce you to the Financial Literacy course on Khan Academy!

I believe that financial literacy is crucial for everyone. By understanding the basics of personal finance, you can make informed decisions about your money, avoid common mistakes, and build a secure future. This course is structured in a way that helps you build on your knowledge and apply it to your own life.

Start the course!When complete, this course will cover a wide range of topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, credit, debt, and insurance.

Our initial release in December ’22 includes two mastery-enabled units: Budgeting & Saving and Consumer Credit. Both units feature engaging articles and videos designed to help learners understand the importance of saving and spending wisely. They also include exercises that will put your new knowledge to the test and empower you to take control of your own financial literacy journey. A third unit, Additional Resources, contains a selection of videos and articles curated from our Personal Finance course to reinforce key topics.

We are so excited to provide this new resource that will be beneficial to learners because it aligns with our mission to provide free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.

I hope you’ll check it out and join us on this journey to financial literacy!

Happy learning!

Elvira

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhen can we expect to see the rest of the units?Our goal is to release the remaining course units in July 2023, just in time for the back-to-school season. These units will tackle key topics that we believe are essential for learners. In 2024, we plan to build on this foundation by expanding the course to include a wider range of topics and more challenging exercises.

Who is this course for?This course has been designed with the US financial system in mind, but the concepts and tips it discusses are valuable for learners all over the world. The course is aligned to state standards, so it can be easily integrated into a high school curriculum. It’s also great for the general public.

Which state standards will this course cover?This course initially addresses Texas and Florida’s state standards for financial literacy. However, as we continue to develop the course, we aim to incorporate standards from other states that also require financial literacy education, including Michigan, Alabama, and Iowa, among others.

What grades is this course meant for?Although this course is designed to meet high school state standards, the topics and examples cover everyday scenarios that are applicable to learners of all ages.

The post Empowering learners with Financial Literacy appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.

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By Raven Casseus: As a former high school administrator, I still wonder why eighth graders are starting high school in remedial classes or why high school juniors are struggling to get enough credits to graduate. How and why did the system fail them? They may have been honor roll students in elementary school with great […]

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Hey Teachers! Have you heard of LearnStorm? Wondering what LearnStorm is? LearnStorm is a classroom tool that combines growth–mindset activities and lesson-aligned practice to drive mastery of core academic skills, motivate classrooms, and build students’ confidence. LearnStorm is the world’s only classroom engagement tool that both drives skill mastery AND gets kids dancing — and […]

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Dear teachers, You can take student motivation off your to-do list this year, because Khan Academy’s LearnStorm is back and better than ever. LearnStorm will help you boost engagement and build community in your classroom all year long! You can also sign your class up for the chance to win prizes in the fall as […]

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As teachers and students stream into classrooms for the start of the new school year, we’re heartened to share the results of new research. When students used MAP Accelerator, our personalized math tool jointly developed with NWEA, for at least 30 minutes a week, they achieved better-than-projected gains in math test scores. MAP Accelerator uses […]

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Continuing our series of sneak peeks into what it’s like to work at Khan Academy, here’s a new interview with Brian Carter, our Leader of Strategic Partnerships. Hi Brian! Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Khan Academy. As a product of public education from K-12 through college, I see […]

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Continuing our series of sneak peeks into what it’s like to work at Khan Academy, here’s a brand-new interview with Sujata Salem, one of our amazing Engineering Directors! Hi Sujata! Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Khan Academy. I am a Director of Engineering and I have been at […]

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What makes Khan Academy’s new science videos so engaging? Passion, creativity, and some laughs. Four of our science video creators share their process and what they hope teachers and students gain from watching their content. Stay up-to-date on Khan Academy’s science content Do you want to receive the latest Khan Academy updates for science teachers? […]

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As we emerge from the pandemic and head into our first post-pandemic school year, the results of our new survey of teachers gives us hope for a brighter future and, at the same time, reaffirms our deep commitment to staying laser-focused on recovery. The findings show: Nine out of 10 teachers say they’ve been able […]

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We’re so thrilled to welcome Dr. Sam Kline to Khan Academy as our Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. And thanks so much to Dr. Sam for taking a few minutes to introduce herself and share her journey in the interview below: Welcome to Khan Academy, Sam! Tell us a little bit about yourself. […]

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Teacher Appreciation Week starts on May 2. And after the past two years of remote learning, Zoom teaching, and everything else the world has thrown at our educators, let’s really show them the love! To help you give your favorite teacher a gift they’ll treasure for years, we’ve offering you to things: We’re giving you […]

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We get that the best thing we can give teachers is one less thing. So we’re sharing 1 fun, free and relaxing thing to enjoy with your class each week month- including the chance to win Khan stress balls for your students and a new recording Sal made for teachers to use when taking a […]

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We are excited to announce the launch of our newest Khan Academy language sites: Greek, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Vietnamese! These teams have worked for many years to reach this milestone, and join over 30 other Khan Academy language sites to which we are still adding new translated content. The majority of these sites […]

Educators Archives - Khan Academy Blog: Recent Episodes

Educators Archives - Khan Academy Blog