Heather Miller, a first grade teacher in Austin, Texas, works with a small group of students in her classroom on reading skills. Credit: Jackie Mader/ The Hechinger Report The Hechinger Report covers ...

First grade hit us like a freight train. After coasting through kindergarten, excelling in all areas, my daughter and I were not prepared for the giant leap into academics this next level would bring.

Incoming first-graders offered advice to students starting first grade this year. Many students said they were nervous on their first day but made friends quickly. Reading, math and making friends ...