Schooled in Sports
Education Week contributing writer Bryan Toporek brought you K-12 sports coverage that reached far beyond box scores. He wrote about education for Education Week and Education Week Teacher, high school sports for the Falls Church News-Press in Virginia, and was a Quality Editor for Bleacher Report. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: sports.
Student Well-Being
New Book Aims to Debunk Myths About Youth-Sports Concussions
In their new book, "Back in the Game," Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher and journalist Joanne Gerstner set out to dispel some of the myths regarding youth-sports concussions.
Student Well-Being
Parents File Class-Action Lawsuit Against Pop Warner Over Head Trauma
Two parents allege Pop Warner Little Scholars, the nation's largest youth-football organization, misled parents about the safety of its program.
Student Well-Being
Limiting Tackling Drills Leads to Fewer High-Magnitude Head Impacts
Youth football leagues could drastically reduce the amount of high-magnitude head impacts their players endure by limiting the amount of time they spend on tackling drills during practice.
School Climate & Safety
Hazing Allegations Lead High School to Forfeit Two Football Games
With a majority of its varsity football team under investigation for alleged hazing, an Indiana high school was forced to forfeit its first two football games because it couldn't field enough players.
Student Achievement
Baltimore Schools Weighing New Academic Standards for Student-Athletes
The Baltimore City board of school commissioners is considering implementation of a minimum grade point average for students to participate on interscholastic sports teams.
Student Well-Being
Football Players at Greatest Risk of Heat Illness Within First Days of Practice
Football players are at the greatest risk of suffering an exertional heat illness within the first 14 days of preseason practices, according to a new study, underscoring the importance of heat-acclimatization programs.
Student Well-Being
High School Football Player Dies After Collapsing on Field During Practice
A 14-year-old football player in South Carolina died Wednesday evening after collapsing on the field during practice, according to the Lexington County Coroner's Office.
Law & Courts
USA Gymnastics Reportedly Failed to Report Sexual-Abuse Claims
USA Gymnastics, which develops the U.S. Olympic team, reportedly failed to inform authorities of numerous allegations regarding sexual abuse by coaches.
Student Well-Being
Limits on Full-Contact Football Practices Reduce Head Impacts, Study Says
In Michigan, head impacts among football players plunged by nearly 42 percent after restrictions on full-contact practices were put in place.
Student Well-Being
Questions Emerge About Effectiveness of 'Heads Up Football' Program
Were USA Football and the NFL exaggerating the effectiveness of its "Heads Up Football" program's ability to reduce injuries among youth-football players?
Student Well-Being
Majority of Americans Think Tackle Football Is Unsafe Before Age 14
Nearly four-fifths of Americans believe it's inappropriate to introduce tackling into football for children under the age of 14, according to a new poll.
Student Well-Being
National Federation to Limit Number of Throws for H.S. Baseball Pitchers
The National Federation of State High School Associations will now require each state's member federation to adopt a limit on the number of pitches that baseball players can throw during a game.
Student Well-Being
Study Finds Concussions Prevalent Among H.S. Water Polo Players
Nearly a third of water polo players who only played the sport in high school reported suffering at least one concussion during practice or a game, according to a study.
Student Well-Being
Researchers Draw Link Between Physical Activity, Academic Success
Beyond the fitness-related benefits, physical activity can also contribute to students' academic success, suggests a new consensus statement from international researchers.