With the growth of online learning, many colleges are now taking steps to build online programs. Even before the pandemic, face-to-face attendance was decreasing. Meanwhile, the enrollment for online courses indicated a positive gain. Yet again, college enrollment has dropped. Some causes have been students dropping out because of mental stress. High tuition costs create another barrier for students not to enroll in a college program because they fear student loan debt. Higher-ed leaders can review these 4 critical considerations when creating online college programs.

Publishers can give schools various digital tools that support competency-based education (CBE). But, districts may put off buying a CBE curriculum as they are overwhelmed by product choices. So, publishers can help school districts by making and supporting quality products. Read about the products and supports publishers should prioritize for schools for competency-based education.

Publishers now face new barriers when selling textbooks. The needs of the teachers and students are at risk unless providers can make flexible, adaptable, and scalable resources. Florida’s rejection of math textbooks for SEL and Common Core standards brings providers new challenges. Publishers may face some of these challenges.

Students enter college from different backgrounds and situations. They might be fully college-ready; meanwhile, others need help. Besides that, college students might not know how to effectively study and attend classes. Thus, colleges have created first-year courses to help guide these students. The What Works Intervention Report produced by the Department of Education shows that students who attend first-year courses did better in college. With more online learning, first-year college courses become a valuable tool for retention and college-career guidance. They can be embedded in core courses like biology and offer various components such as socialization and learning support. Higher-ed leaders can include these five elements for these first-year college courses.

Making a robust curriculum is complex. Without effective processes, learners lack structure and guidance that makes optimal learning. Besides that, schools cannot effectively measure results. Moreover, tomorrow’s curriculum must connect to various types of learning, such as online courses. Content creators can quickly lose focus. Therefore, leaders can utilize the following six steps for the curriculum process.

Sixty percent of prospective college students say mental health services are very important when deciding the school to attend. Before the pandemic, that same outlook was only shared half that amount by students. With this issue, increasing mental health disorders affect students’ academic achievement. Therefore, colleges and universities need to invest in, advocate for, and address the mental health needs of college students. Addressing mental health helps increase student outcomes, raise enrollment and retention rates, prevent suicide, and meet a school’s mission goals and economic needs. Higher-ed leaders consider the following five strategies to improve mental health for both students and institutions.

The pandemic has opened various pathways for K-12 students to learn. Savvy providers think differently about the digital tools they offer schools. Publishers give districts digital solutions for different scenarios students face. Also, leaders create equity by meeting the student where they are in their learning journey. Publishing leaders can create materials to supply these virtual platforms, giving every student an equal opportunity for K-12 schools.

K-12 schools are moving more towards incorporating social and emotional learning (SEL) into their curriculum. The curriculum should include particular elements for the lesson plan materials. These elements ensure that students achieve their outcomes and that teachers rely on efficient and effective instructional materials. As a result, district leaders expect the following five elements in an SEL curriculum. K-12 publishers and providers, therefore, should incorporate these elements as they lead their teams to make instructional products: