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Montessori Education Explained: What It Is, How It Works, and What the Science Says

February 16, 2026 · 5 min read

Parents hear the word Montessori everywhere—on preschools, toys, bookshelves, and Instagram reels. It’s often associated with calm classrooms, independent children, and beautiful wooden materials. But what is Montessori education really? And more importantly, does it work? This article explains the Montessori method in plain language and summarizes what decades of research—including studies published in Science […]

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Mental health

What Actually Works for School-Based Anxiety Interventions?

Anxiety in school settings is more than just a fleeting challenge—it can seriously impact school attendance, academic performance, and overall well-being. Recent research shows that targeted, evidence-based interventions can make a meaningful difference. In this post, we break down what the latest research finds about effective school-based interventions for anxiety, with a focus on practical […]

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Neurodevelopmental

Human Trafficking in Central America: Trends, Challenges, and Hope for Change

This article is cross-posted with our friends over at This Week in Public Health. Human trafficking is a widespread crisis throughout Central America, capturing countless children, women, and men into modern slavery. From forced labor on farms to sexual exploitation in illegal brothels, trafficking in persons violates fundamental human rights and creates serious public health […]

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Mental health

Lab-Grown Mini Brains: Shedding Light on Schizophrenia

The intersection of neuroscience and psychology continues to yield profound insights, with recent developments in lab-grown “mini brains” opening the door to better understanding and intervention strategies for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. But how does this relate to the educational environment? Mini Brains: A Revolutionary Tool Researchers have utilized organoids, or miniaturized organ […]

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Academics

Unveiling the Long-Term Impact of Montessori Preschool Education

The Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, emphasizes self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play to cultivate a child’s innate desire to learn. Recent studies have shed light on the profound and long-lasting impacts of Montessori education, particularly in preschool, on various aspects of children’s development. Academic Excellence and Cognitive Development Research has highlighted […]

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Discipline

Do School Discipline Practices Actually Improve Behavior?

We used to call my High School Vice Principal, the one who was in charge of discipline, Dr. Doom. School discipline is a topic that often sparks heated debates among educators, parents, and policymakers. While punitive measures may seem like a straightforward solution, recent research in educational psychology calls for a more nuanced understanding. Evidence […]

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Mental health

When Parents Burn Out, Kids Feel It

At 8:17 a.m., a second grader melts down over a broken pencil. By lunchtime, a middle schooler snaps at a teacher for asking them to redo an assignment. By dismissal, a kindergartener refuses to get on the bus. We often call these “behavior problems.” But what if part of the story is happening at home—long […]

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Mental health

Childhood Trauma: the Current Research

Childhood trauma can have devastating effects on a child’s mental health, often leading to significant challenges that persist into adulthood. Recent studies continue to uncover the complexities of how early traumatic experiences affect school-age children and their psychological development. Understanding these effects is crucial not just for psychologists but also educators striving to create supportive […]

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Mental health

Understanding the True Impact of ADHD Drugs: Waking Up the Brain

Recent findings suggest that ADHD medications, commonly thought to function primarily by improving focus, actually operate by waking up the brain. This can have profound implications for both understanding ADHD treatments and aligning therapies more closely with individual needs. The Real Mechanism Behind ADHD Medications Traditionally, ADHD stimulants such as Ritalin were believed to work […]

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Development

Nutrient Deficiencies in Children: A Hidden Driver of Anxiety and Depression Risks

Introduction As school psychologists strive to create optimal learning environments, understanding the subtle yet significant influences on student mental health is crucial. Recent research suggests that nutrient deficiencies, particularly of choline, could be a hidden driver of anxiety and depression in children. This blog explores current findings, their real-world implications, and strategies to mitigate these […]

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