Positive Action, a leader in social-emotional learning (SEL) for over four decades, has transformed from traditional print-based materials to the cutting-edge digital platform . This innovative platform empowers educators with customizable lessons, real-time feedback, and streamlined training, modernizing how SEL is implemented in schools and significantly enhancing student outcomes. The transition to a digital format was shaped by input from educators and other stakeholders, ensuring that Pasela integrates seamlessly with existing systems and workflows. “We worked closely with educators and end-users to gather feedback, ensuring that Pasela would meet their needs and improve upon the limitations of the previous print-based system,” says Alex Allred, president and CEO. The success of Pasela can largely be attributed to Positive Action’s strong emphasis on customer feedback. This customer-centric approach has allowed the platform to remain adaptable and responsive, preserving the core principles of Positive Action’s original materials while continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of educators. Digital Platform Built for Educators and Students Pasela is a powerful and intuitive platform designed specifically for teachers. Its content library offers over 2,000 lessons on a wide range of SEL topics, making it a comprehensive, one-stop solution. A key feature of Pasela is Content Genome, an innovative sorting system that categorizes lessons on key SEL topics like friendship, cooperation, and resilience. This tool allows educators to quickly find resources that perfectly align with their teaching goals. Teachers can search for lessons based on the themes they want to focus on, preview the content, and incorporate it directly into their lesson plans. The Content Genome simplifies content discovery, saving valuable time and allowing educators to focus on what matters most. Pasela also features a standout in-browser editor that allows educators to customize lesson content. Teachers can modify lesson settings, adjust story details, and update cultural references to ensure the lessons resonate with their students’ backgrounds and interests. For instance, if a lesson features soccer but the schoolcommunity is more interested in football, educators can easily alter the content. These personalized modifications can be saved and reused, ensuring the content remains relevant and engaging year after year. To support the effective use of Pasela, Positive Action offers comprehensive and tailored training for each client. The process begins with a thorough needs assessment, acknowledging that every school and district has unique challenges. Based on this assessment, trainers customize sessions to meet the specific goals and requirements of each institution. Whether helping educators implement lessons with fidelity or demonstrating how to use Pasela’s content discovery tools, the training ensures teachers are equipped to maximize the platform’s potential.

Money Management Learning App of the Year

For decades, Americans have grappled with a glaring gap in financial literacy—a void left by schools that failed to prioritize practical money management education. The consequences of this oversight are evident in the staggering levels of credit card debt—$1.7 trillion as of December 2024—and total household debt, which reached $17.94 trillion in September 2024. Addressing this crisis requires innovative solutions that blend technology with sound financial principles. Enter BusyKid, a pioneering platform co-founded by Gregg Murset, Mike Prusinski and Jack Bennett, designed to equip children with essential financial skills through hands-on learning experiences. At its core, BusyKid isn’t just a financial app with a Visa® prepaid card; it’s a transformative platform fostering real-world financial education. Aimed at children aged 5 to 16, the app introduces users to the ‘financial circle of life,’ encouraging them to earn, save, donate, invest, and spend money wisely. Murset, a Certified Financial Planner, built BusyKid on the principles he used to teach his six children about managing money—a system he also shared with his clients. The result is a platform that modernizes traditional financial lessons by combining them with cutting-edge technology..

Student Engagement Tool Company of The Year

Shakespeare’s timeless works offer a unique opportunity for a fresh approach, making them as engaging and relevant to today’s learners as they were centuries ago. By embracing innovative methods, educators can unlock the beauty of the Bard’s complex language and intricate themes, transforming them into a source of inspiration and excitement for students. This is where myShakespeare steps in—a groundbreaking EdTech platform that transforms Shakespeare’s plays into captivating, interactive experiences. Born from a vision to make Shakespeare more accessible and enjoyable, myShakespeare began with playful, in-character interviews. These featured professional actors bringing the characters to life in ways students could understand and connect. “The goal was to get students past the intimidation of the text and into the world of Shakespeare’s imagination,” says Greg Watkins, founding partner. This creative approach evolved into a fully interactive resource that redefines how Shakespeare is taught and experienced today. Through a combination of engaging videos, modern translations, and interactive tools, it offers a dynamic learning experience that resonates with today’s learners. Innovating with Purpose myShakespeare serves as both a valuable tool for educators and an open door for students, inviting them into Shakespeare’s imaginative worlds with excitement and curiosity. “We are reshaping the teaching experience by integrating professional performances, comprehension quizzes, audio narration, and modern translations,” says Watkins. Actors infuse key scenes with emotion and nuance, while audio guides clarify tone and pacing, making the text accessible to all. Interactive translations simplify Shakespeare’s language without sacrificing depth, which is especially beneficial for English Language Learners (ELLs). Meanwhile, comprehension quizzes, historical footnotes, and animated videos enrich understanding and create a dynamic learning experience. By breaking down barriers, myShakespeare makes Shakespeare more relatable and enjoyable for students of all backgrounds..

IN FOCUS

Transformative Learning: The Shift Toward Social-Emotional Intelligence Platforms

Social-emotional learning (SEL) platforms have gained significant traction in recent years as educational institutions, workplaces, and communities recognize the importance of emotional intelligence in overall success.

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Smart Finance at Your Fingertips: The Rise of the Money Management App

In an era of economic uncertainty and increased consumer debt, the money management app sector has grown significantly.

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EDITORIAL

Pioneering Future-Ready Education

Technology is advancing, and so is the need for well-rounded learning experiences. Beyond academics, students must develop financial literacy and emotional intelligence during their learning journey. Technology-driven solutions are making this possible, making education an interactive and enriching experience. Advancements in AI, gamification and data-driven learning are transforming education, making it more personalized, engaging and effective. Intelligent financial literacy tools provide real-time simulations and budgeting exercises, helping students develop responsible money management skills. Interactive platforms use adaptive learning and immersive experiences to enhance participation, ensuring knowledge retention through real-world applications. AI-powered emotional intelligence tools support student growth by offering insights into well-being, fostering self-awareness and building resilience. Real-time analytics and predictive learning models enable educators to tailor instruction, identify learning gaps and provide targeted interventions, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive. This edition of Education Technology Insights explores how technology is transforming education through interactive and personalized learning experiences. It features Patty Patria, chief information officer at Babson College, who emphasizes how combining AI and nudge technology improve student outcomes through timely support, engagement and collaboration. Megan Aebi Opeña, director of programs center for art, design, and community engagement, K-12 at Pratt Institute, underscores the importance of integrating arts into STEM education to engage students by meeting them where they are, respecting their interests and fostering creativity as a gateway to technological learning. We hope this edition provides valuable insights into the latest innovations shaping modern education and new approaches creating dynamic and effective learning environments.