Fostering student engagement and motivation is essential for cultivating a positive learning environment. This Spotlight will help with insights into educators' strategies for engagement; learn from one teacher who brings his experience as a minor league baseball mascot to the classroom; explore how podcasts are boosting engagement; examine how…

"Harvard Education Letter" is published bimonthly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This issue of "Harvard Education Letter" contains the following articles: (1) Putting the Brakes on "Summer Slide": Modified School Calendars Build in Time to Enrich Learning and Sustain Gains (Brigid Schulte); (2) Closing…