Biola University School of Education

It's officially Welcome Day at Biola! The Biola School of Education is ready to equip you with the skills and knowledge to inspire the next generation. Your journey to becoming a transformative teacher begins here. Welcome to our community!

Find more information on new student orientation, and a full schedule of Welcome Day events, here:

Fall 2024 New Student Orientation Check out the New Student Orientation Schedule! Get more information on dates, events, registration and more as you prepare to attend Biola University.

'There’s something really tragic that happens when students are not getting what they need every year, and they’re not feeling successful."

Nicole Knight, the executive director of English language learner and multilingual achievement at Oakland Unified School District, recently responded to data that reveals a concerning trend — long-term English learners perform worse on tests compared to their peers with fewer years in U.S. schools.

Read the full article here:

Long-term English learners do worse on tests than peers with fewer years in U.S. schools, data shows California released data for the first time on long-term English learners’ achievement in standardized tests in math, English language arts and science.

At Biola's School of Education, we believe in the transformative power of education and creativity. We're excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts studio, a place where future filmmakers and educators can come together to create meaningful content.

Join us, along with President Barry H. Corey and Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson of In-N-Out Burger, for this special event. The first 700 attendees to register will receive free In-N-Out!

Date: Friday, September 6
Time: 11:30 a.m. (ceremony), 12:30 p.m. (lunch)

Let's come together to support this exciting new chapter in our university's history!

Register here:

Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts Groundbreaking Mark your calendar for Friday, September 6, 2024, and join us at Biola University for a historic occasion as we celebrate God's faithfulness and break ground on the new Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts studio facility.Groundbreaking CeremonyTime: 11:30 a.m. PacificLocation: Parking Lot D, at the...

In Livingston, Calfornia, when you miss school, you’re not just absent – you’re missed. In this article by NPR, dedicated teachers take proactive measures and tackle absenteeism head-on. From attendance rituals to personalized health guidance, every effort is made to ensure that when kids miss school, they're not just absent, they're missed.

Read the full article here:

Kindergartners are missing a lot of school. This district has a fix In many places, kindergartners are as likely to be chronically absent as high school seniors, but one school district in rural California is doing something about it.

"Social media has not been proved safe."

Dr. Vivek Murthy calls for action in this Huffington Post article, as social media's impact on adolescent mental health sparks a crisis.

Read the article here:

Surgeon General Calls For Tobacco-Style Warning Labels On Social Media Platforms “Social media has not been proved safe” and emergency action is needed, Dr. Vivek Murthy said in an opinion piece Monday.

Dr. June Hetzel, dean and professor of education at Biola University, offers invaluable insights into crafting an effective language arts program for Christian schools. Her expertise in literacy processes and curriculum development, combined with a focus on spiritual formation, enriches educational practices.

Read the Association of Christian Schools International article here:

Essential Components of Research-based Reading Practices - ACSI Blog Dr. June Hetzel shares the essential components of research-based reading practices in this week’s blog post.

Texas State Technical College's Waco campus offers hands-on training in a variety of fields, from automotive technology to robotics, attracting students seeking lucrative career paths in Texas's thriving economy.

Read the full EdSource article here:

Texas-style career ed: Ties to industry and wages State funding for Texas State Technical College depends on graduates' pay. Majors include robotics, welding, cybersecurity and cooking.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the governor of Arkansas, is advocating against smartphones for children.

Read more in this article from First Things:

Sarah Huckabee Sanders Against Smartphones | Michael Toscano We have to take risks like Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and fight Big Tech all the way up to the highest court in the land.

"This achievement is a foundation for future success, both academically and in their personal and professional lives."

Dr. Tamara Anderson, senior associate provost at Biola University, highlighted a college'es Dean’s List as a testament to students' exceptional academic performance, reflecting on their diligence and commitment.

Read the article in the Sun Gazette here:

Local scholars make the ‘grade’ at Biola - The Sun-Gazette Newspaper Students from Reedley, Dinuba and Fowler excel, landing on Biola University’s Dean’s List for academic excellence

Several California school districts and charters were fined in the 2022-23 school year for exceeding class size limits and failing to meet staffing ratios in transitional kindergarten (TK).

Read the full Ed Source article here:

These districts and charters were fined for violating TK requirements These school districts and charters were fined for violating state transitional kindergarten guidelines around staffing ratios and/or average class enrollment.

Explore how schools in the Christian community can cultivate a vibrant faith by engaging with biblical truth and contextual relevance.

From curriculum to community, see the transformative journey towards faith in today's cross-cultural environment.

Read more here:

Go and Make Disciples: Education as Christian Mission - Trevor Cooling, 2008 As we consider the aspirations we have and the particular contribution that schools in the Christian tradition can make for our students, we must have a vision ...

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology in education, this article delves into the future possibilities of pushing the boundaries of tech in education.

Learn more here:

How technology is reinventing K-12 education Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and other education scholars weigh in on what's next for some of the technology trends taking center stage in the classroom.

Discipleship Ministries recently explored the essence of Christian education as a transformative journey, inviting individuals and communities to deepen their connection with God through Jesus Christ.

In alignment with Christian Education Week, this guide provides a timely opportunity for congregations to reflect on their role as stewards of creation and cultivate a culture of gratitude.

Learn more here:

Christian Education Week 2024 The 2024 Christian Education Week resource focuses on generosity and being good stewards of what God has provided to us.

"It is the first time in many years that the number of Christian schools is rising."

According to a recent article from Christian Network Europe, the number of Christian schools in Europe are increasing.

Read here to learn more:

The times are “dark”, but Christian schools in Europe are growing Hurdles and obstacles are there enough for Christian schools. But in many countries, the need is growing.

This recent article from NBC highlights how an elementary school in Ohio is integrating faith into public school in the form of bible study and times of worship through "LifeWise Academy."

Learn more here:

How an Ohio group is bringing God back to public school LifeWise Academy is on a mission to reach school children with the gospel. Opponents say the weekly Bible studies blur the line between church and state.

“People who chase total solar eclipses all around the world will tell you that seeing the moon blot out the sun, plunging the world into sudden darkness, can be a transformative, unforgettable experience.”

In this article by Ed Source, teachers asked students what they remembered most about the solar eclipse. Their answer may surprise you. Read more here:

A lot of kids got to see the last total eclipse. What they remember may surprise you Total solar eclipse chasers say that seeing the moon block out the sun, revealing the corona, is a life-changing experience. Kids, on the other hand, remember eating moon pies.

Biola Alumna with a Masters of Arts in Education Patricia Weaver will be honored on Saturday May, 18 at the 26th Annual First Lady's High Tea Ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Weaver was a vital part of the ministry at Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda and now serves at Atherton Baptist in Hawthorne.

“Get Lit is an amazing organization, giving you the space and the opportunity to share your voice and to be creative and to be wild and to be heard.”

Get Lit is a new program that spreads a love of literature through spoken word, poetry and performance. Read this recent Ed Source article to see the impact Get Lit is making in the LA area:

LA arts education group fights falling literacy rates through poetry Spoken word performance can help inspire students to love language, some experts say, finding joy in literacy.

“From the belief that academic advisors only handle course scheduling, to the assumption that they make all decisions for students, there are a few persistent myths about academic advisors and their responsibilities.”

This article discusses the role of academic advisors and how they are helping students thrive. Read here to learn more:

Myth vs. Fact: Academic Advisors - ED.gov Blog BY: Gabriel Bermea, Visiting Scholar at The Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions (CMSI) From the belief that academic advisors only handle course scheduling, to the assumption that they make all decisions for students, there are a few persistent myths about academic advisors and their re...

Biola University recently scored as the most comprehensively Christian university out of 562 Christian colleges and universities in North America.

As we equip the next generations of leaders in the classroom, we make it our priority to put the Gospel first, teaching students in heart, mind and soul to make an impact in the world of education.

What Makes Biola the #1 Christian University? Biola is the most comprehensively Christian university in North America, scoring #1 overall — out of 562 Christian colleges and universities — for making fai...

"Representation matters, especially in the classroom. Students can do better when they are instructed by a person who looks like them."

This article discusses the new initiatives schools have taken to support families of diverse backgrounds and their positive effects. Read more here:

COMMENTARY: Teacher diversity is an investment in students worth making and keeping Despite the state's fiscal troubles, school districts should move forward on promises to establish and maintain a diverse workforce.

This EDSource article talks about their are new literacy standards. Read here to learn more:

Sharp divisions over how California’s aspiring teachers will be taught to teach reading Critics condemn the accreditation of a teacher preparation program they say ignores important new standards for teaching reading.

It was a joy celebrating the Spring Class of 2024 at tonight's Commencement Ceremony! We can't wait to see all the ways God uses you as educators in and outside the classroom, and beyond! Blessings to you all!

Commencement is finally here! Help us celebrate all of our students tonight at 7 p.m. PST!

If you are unable to join in person, join the livestream link, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcpy4O97P0I

We enjoyed celebrating our students at the School of Education Masters Banquet Celebration last night!

We look forward to watching you receive your diplomas at our Commencement ceremony taking place on May 4, at 7 p.m. PST. Graduates, make sure to attend your mandatory rehearsal at 6 p.m. tomorrow night in Chase Gym.

More details: https://www.biola.edu/commencement/ceremonies-and-events

“A rich sense of context is key to fueling both vocabulary growth and reading comprehension."

This EDSource article talks about the science of reading and the importance of reading comprehension in a Q and A format. Read here to learn more:

Why knowledge matters for literacy: A Q&A with Natalie Wexler Science of reading expert explains why teaching kids background knowledge, from science to history, is vital if you want them to become deep readers.

We can't believe it's already the last week of the spring semester! We are praying for our students as they complete their finals. We are also looking forward to our Spring 2024 ceremony taking place this Friday, May 3 at 7 p.m.

To learn more about our Commencement ceremony and activities, visit here:

Commencement at Biola - Biola University Get information on Biola's upcoming commencement. Find details for graduating students and friends, family and guests of graduates planning to attend the ceremony.

“The topic of AI has already grown trite, but don’t let that fool you. It’s not a fad.”

This article gives commentary into adjusting to the introduction of AI to schools. Read the full article here to learn more:

COMMENTARY: We must be proactive in guiding the influence of artificial intelligence on education Artificial intelligence could breathe new life into education if it is handled right, with a focus on equity and collaboration.

“Californians remain anxious about the mental health of public school students four years after the Covid virus closed down school.”

This article share about how results from a recent survey share concerns from parents in student wellbeing.

Read the full article here to learn more:

Survey: Californians are worried about student health, lukewarm toward a state school bond The annual Public Policy Institute of California survey on education issues found wide support for universal TK and teaching about slavery but divisions on transgender issues.