Consumer confidence jumps in June (chainstoreage.com)

Learning technology company HMH today announced that the company’s supplemental and intervention solutions were fully reviewed and approved by Chicago Public Schools for usage across the district. These HMH digital tools comply with the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA), the student data privacy law that regulates students' covered information by schools, the Illinois State Board of Education, and education technology vendors. Through the SOPPA approval process, HMH entered into an agreement with Chicago Public Schools to provide additional guarantees that student data is protected when collected by the company and that the data is used for beneficial purposes only. Protecting student data and therefore the students themselves is of vital importance to HMH. https://www.hmhco.com/about-us/press-releases/chicago-public-schools-approve-hmh-digital-tools-as-student-data-privacy-compliant

Workers express little interest in seeing learning and development (L&D) activities taken over by artificial intelligence (AI), according to new survey data from Wiley. Nearly six in ten respondents (59%) in the latest Wiley Workplace Intelligence report, Artificial Intelligence in Learning and Development: Five Surprising Facts You Need to Know, say they prefer to see an instructor—in-person or virtual—direct their workforce development learning, while only 7% prefer AI-directed learning. In addition, the vast majority (87%) of respondents say they want the L&D content to be developed by a subject matter expert as opposed to AI technology (12%). “When it comes to learning and development, employees crave a human connection,” said Dr. Mark Scullard, senior director of product innovation at Wiley. “They want a person to create and lead their instruction, even if it’s in an online setting.”

Parents magazine unveiled a fresh, new look with its September 2017 issue, on sale nationwide August 8. The dynamic redesign incorporates a modern logo, lively layouts and photography, and an evolved personality that reflects the candor, humor and confidence of today's mom. The September 2017 cover features Rebecca Minkoff – the fashion designer powerhouse and mother of two – as its Back-to-School Mom star with a personal interview and exclusive photos. Under the direction and leadership of Parents Editor-in-Chief Liz Vaccariello, the print redesign focuses on revitalizing the iconic brand. The magazine continues to offer readers its signature trusted content and focus on the needs of diverse millennial women in families of all shapes and sizes. Health and safety articles will advocate for every child's wellbeing, while the lifestyle coverage has evolved to reflect the millennial's unique mindset about food, home and travel. Click Read More below for additional details.