- Breaking News: * Jodie Foster marries Alexandra Hedison * Title holders Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova ease to last eight * Death of Prince Charles' brother-in-law ruled accidental * Reddit, Dogecoin support NASCAR racer at Talladega * 'Bachelorette' contestant Eric Hill dies after paragliding mishap * Doctors in Afghanistan didn't die in vain * Israel: Hamas presence a no-go for talks * The battle over gun policy: Old fight, new strategies * Opinion: Did flammable cargo doom Flight 370? * Novak Djokovic to become a father for the first time * Families angrily confront officials over South Korea ferry search * CNN TV Exclusive: Malaysian PM not declaring passengers dead * Opinion: The 'cold calling' pope * Opinion: Why a minority opposes affirmative action * Chicago pediatrician among 3 killed by Afghan guard * Playground pot trade lands fourth-graders in hot water * Malaysia to release MH370 report, Prime Minister tells CNN * Pivotal royal pictures from Prince William's family tour * Five police officers killed in Maoist rebal attack in eastern India * Classmates of teens lost on South Korean ferry grieve back at school * FDA proposes crackdown on e-cigarettes * Take your kids to work day survival guide for parents * Ukraine tense as Russia launches military drills, activists are killed * Oklahoma executions back on; court keeps drug sources secret * Opinion: NYPD's Twitter campaign was a fiasco * CNN Student News - April 24, 2014 * What Cliven Bundy's comments on race reveal * MH370 passengers' relatives: Release the information we've asked for * Opinion: Why we're teed off at golf * 3 sex abuse lawsuits against Elmo actor dismissed * Opinion: Gun law packs dangers, police chief says * #D'oh! NYPD Twitter campaign backfires * Pakistan's military strikes suspected militant hideouts * Report: Teen stowaway was having school troubles, father says * Afghanistan: Partial vote count puts Abdullah Abdullah ahead * The most insane new roller coasters in the U.S. * MH370 search: Object found on Australian coast wasn't from plane * The question no one wants to ask: What if Flight 370 is never found? * Brazilian army occupies Rio shantytown ahead of World Cup * Meet the millionaire behind embattled South Korean ferry company * Kentucky postal worker jailed for stashing 44,900 pieces of mail * From the vault: Vintage World's Fair photos * 8 ways Lyon outshines Paris * 'Game of Thrones': George R.R. Martin on that controversial scene * Teen fan of supercars creates YouTube business * South American bird 'nests' at English golf course * Despite bloody weekend, Chicago's murder rate is down, chief says * Sevens sister Kayla McAlister aiming to emulate All Black brother * Ex-Blue Angels commander reassigned in sexual harassment inquiry * Travel Photo of the Day
- Breaking News: * Jodie Foster marries Alexandra Hedison * Title holders Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova ease to last eight * Death of Prince Charles' brother-in-law ruled accidental * Reddit, Dogecoin support NASCAR racer at Talladega * 'Bachelorette' contestant Eric Hill dies after paragliding mishap * Doctors in Afghanistan didn't die in vain * Israel: Hamas presence a no-go for talks * The battle over gun policy: Old fight, new strategies * Opinion: Did flammable cargo doom Flight 370? * Novak Djokovic to become a father for the first time * Families angrily confront officials over South Korea ferry search * CNN TV Exclusive: Malaysian PM not declaring passengers dead * Opinion: The 'cold calling' pope * Opinion: Why a minority opposes affirmative action * Chicago pediatrician among 3 killed by Afghan guard * Playground pot trade lands fourth-graders in hot water * Malaysia to release MH370 report, Prime Minister tells CNN * Pivotal royal pictures from Prince William's family tour * Five police officers killed in Maoist rebal attack in eastern India * Classmates of teens lost on South Korean ferry grieve back at school * FDA proposes crackdown on e-cigarettes * Take your kids to work day survival guide for parents * Ukraine tense as Russia launches military drills, activists are killed * Oklahoma executions back on; court keeps drug sources secret * Opinion: NYPD's Twitter campaign was a fiasco * CNN Student News - April 24, 2014 * What Cliven Bundy's comments on race reveal * MH370 passengers' relatives: Release the information we've asked for * Opinion: Why we're teed off at golf * 3 sex abuse lawsuits against Elmo actor dismissed * Opinion: Gun law packs dangers, police chief says * #D'oh! NYPD Twitter campaign backfires * Pakistan's military strikes suspected militant hideouts * Report: Teen stowaway was having school troubles, father says * Afghanistan: Partial vote count puts Abdullah Abdullah ahead * The most insane new roller coasters in the U.S. * MH370 search: Object found on Australian coast wasn't from plane * The question no one wants to ask: What if Flight 370 is never found? * Brazilian army occupies Rio shantytown ahead of World Cup * Meet the millionaire behind embattled South Korean ferry company * Kentucky postal worker jailed for stashing 44,900 pieces of mail * From the vault: Vintage World's Fair photos * 8 ways Lyon outshines Paris * 'Game of Thrones': George R.R. Martin on that controversial scene * Teen fan of supercars creates YouTube business * South American bird 'nests' at English golf course * Despite bloody weekend, Chicago's murder rate is down, chief says * Sevens sister Kayla McAlister aiming to emulate All Black brother * Ex-Blue Angels commander reassigned in sexual harassment inquiry * Travel Photo of the Day
Cool Links
NY Education
Statement from Chancellor Tisch and...Statement from Chancellor Tisch and Commissioner King on Governor Cuomo's 2014-15 Budget Proposal
Statement from Chancellor Tisch and Commissioner King on Governor Cuomo's 2014-15 Budget ProposalNewly Recovered Recording of Dr. Ma...Newly Recovered Recording of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Speech
Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch and State Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr. today announced a new online exhibition on the New York State Museum's website featuring the only known audio recording of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1962 speech commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. The online exhibition is available at: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/mlk.ESEA Waiver Renewal ApplicationESEA Waiver Renewal Application
For Public Comment: Proposed Amendments to New York State's Approved Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Flexibility Waiver for 2014-2015RFP Released: 1003(g) School Improv...RFP Released: 1003(g) School Improvement Grant (SIG) Round 5
The primary purpose of the SIG is to provide Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with an opportunity to support the implementation of a whole-school change model in its Priority Schools.RFP Released: School Innovation Fun...RFP Released: School Innovation Fund Grant (SIF) Round 3
The purposes of the School Innovation Fund are to increase high school graduation, college and career readiness of high school graduates, college persistence, and college graduation rates by increasing the availability of new high quality seats for students at most risk for dropout, disengagement, and poor academic performance.Statement from Chancellor Tisch and...Statement from Chancellor Tisch and Commissioner King on Governor Cuomo's State of the State Address
Statement from Chancellor Tisch and Commissioner King on Governor Cuomo's State of the State Address
InsidehigherEd
- When lectures fall short as a teach...
When lectures fall short as a teaching tool (essay)
Sarah Demers tried (and failed) to teach a new card game to her family. She's the one who ended up learning something -- about when lectures aren't the right approach.
Essay on the importance of academic...Essay on the importance of academics learning how to delegate
Faculty members with long to-do lists need to think about when and how to trust others with key tasks, writes Nate Kreuter.
Struggling to find the right lesson...Struggling to find the right lessons in tragedy (essay)
Susannah Clark wasn't sure how to help her students make sense of the Boston Marathon bombings -- but one of them bailed her out.
Essay on how to manage teaching-ori...Essay on how to manage teaching-oriented postdoc programs
It's not enough to bring a new Ph.D. to campus and say "teach," writes Gary DeCoker. These young academics need a real plan and real mentors.
Essay on new college presidents who...Essay on new college presidents who get their advice from the wrong people
When new presidents take office, they need to make judgments based on good information, or they will get rid of those they may most need, writes Tara M. Samuels.
Essay urges colleges to consider su...Essay urges colleges to consider succession planning for CIOs
With a wave of retirements approaching, higher education needs to consider how to prepare the next generation of technology leaders, write Jerome P. DeSanto and Robyn L. Dickinson.
BBC News Education
- Tuition-fee change savings 'unclear...
Tuition-fee change savings 'unclear'
A study says the public cost of higher university fees and loans is "highly uncertain" and depends on how much future graduates will earn.'More consider' an overseas degree'More consider' an overseas degree
Rising numbers of UK students would consider studying abroad, according to research by the British Council.Asthma inhalers may go into schoolsAsthma inhalers may go into schools
Plans to allow schools to keep asthma inhalers go to public consultation, as campaigners say current rules endanger hundreds of thousands of children.'Trojan Horse' probe schools named'Trojan Horse' probe schools named
A list of the schools Ofsted has been sent in to inspect over an alleged plot by Muslim hard-liners to seize control of governing bodies is published.Education warnings 'six years ago'Education warnings 'six years ago'
A lack of a long-term vision for education in Wales, highlighted in a critical OECD report, were first raised more than six years ago, BBC Wales has learnt.Men win sex discrimination pay caseMen win sex discrimination pay case
Eighteen men unhappy at being paid less than their female colleagues win an equal pay claim against a university.
US Govt Dept of Education
- 2014 Investing in Innovation Compet...
2014 Investing in Innovation Competition Continues with Invitation for Scale-Up and Validation Applications
The U.S. Department of Education today announced the start of the 2014 grant competition for the Investing in Innovation (i3) program's Scale-up and Validation categories.The Hollywood We All Need to KnowThe Hollywood We All Need to Know
?Thi6 Things You Must Know About Repayi...6 Things You Must Know About Repaying Your Student Loans
When it comes to repaying your federal student loans, there?s a lot to consider. But, by taking the time to understand the details of repayment, you can save yourself time and money. This should help you get started.2014 U.S. Department of Education G...2014 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools and District Sustainability Awardees Announced
Acting Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality Mike Boots joined U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today to announce the 2014 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award honorees.U.S. Department of Education Announ...U.S. Department of Education Announces Awards to Arizona and New Hampshire to Continue Efforts to Turn Around Lowest-Performing Schools
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that Arizona and New Hampshire will receive more than $12 million to continue efforts to turn around their persistently lowest-achieving schools through new awards from the Department's School Improvement Grants (SIG) program.Recognizing Green Schools on Earth ...Recognizing Green Schools on Earth Day
To celebrate Earth Day, earlier today U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the 2014 U.S.
Yahoo
- Boy and girl on Korean ferry tied l...
Boy and girl on Korean ferry tied life jackets together before they drowned
By James Pearson and Meeyoung Cho SEOUL (Reuters) - A boy and girl trapped in a sinking South Korean ferry with hundreds of other high school students tied their life jacket cords together, a diver who recovered their bodies said, presumably so they wouldn't float apart. Almost 250 teenagers and teachers at the school have died or are presumed dead.Californians overwhelmingly approve...Californians overwhelmingly approve new education standards: poll
Most Californians support dramatic changes set to take hold in public education, including funneling more money to schools with disadvantaged students and implementing rigorous national standards known as the common core curriculum, a new poll shows. Nearly three-quarters of Californians also say they support free preschool for all 4-year-olds, a measure that has been proposed by Democrats in the legislature but met with skepticism by Governor Jerry Brown, the poll by the Public Policy Institute of California released Wednesday night showed. "Public support is solidly behind the significant changes that are being made to school funding and classroom curricula this year," said PPIC President Mark Baldassare. After hearing a brief description of the Common Core, criticized by some conservatives as a federal takeover of local public schools because the Obama administration is pushing for the change, 69 percent of California residents interviewed said they supported the standards, Baldassare said in a news release.Murray breaks down in tears at Scot...Murray breaks down in tears at Scottish ceremony
DUNBLANE, Scotland (AP) ? Andy Murray burst into tears on Wednesday as he accepted a civic honor in his Scottish hometown of Dunblane.Rand Paul Wants Minorities to Embra...Rand Paul Wants Minorities to Embrace the School Vouchers Rural Republicans Are Rejecting
Rand Paul went to President Obama's adopted hometown on Tuesday to pitch private school vouchers as the "great equalizer" for inner-city minority students. That message doesn't work as well in mostly-white rural areas, where Republicans don't want to send sparse federal dollars to private schools. Paul visited Chicago's Josephinum Academy, a Sacred Heart-affiliated school that is 5 percent non-Hispanic white, according to The New York Times. The thing is, Democrats and Republicans in rural areas oppose private school vouchers ? which divert money from public schools to private schools ? for the same reason: public schools need that money more.
Smaller share of US high school gra...Smaller share of US high school grads entering college. Why?
A new annual review finds that 65.9 percent of 2013 high school graduates were enrolled in colleges or universities as of last October. That compares with a 66.2 percent enrollment rate in 2012 and 68.3 percent in 2011. All those numbers are below the all-time high of 70.1 percent in 2009, according to the Labor Department, which tracks the numbers and released its latest tally Tuesday. The share of high school grads heading for advanced degrees remains high compared with enrollment rates in many prior decades. But today?s enrollment rates are little changed from the late 1990s, despite efforts by President Obama and others to ramp up educational opportunities as a path to economic success ? and despite polls showing that Americans view higher education as financially worthwhile.SERIOUSLY? Texas teachers scare, sh...SERIOUSLY? Texas teachers scare, shame and bully kids about standardized tests
If, as The Daily Caller speculates, there?s a special place in hell reserved for people who think up ways to make little kids feel horrible about themselves when they disappoint adults, then a bunch of teachers and school officials at Lamar Elementary School in El Paso, Texas should consider praying for mercy. Some parents of Lamar Elementary students believe teachers and school officials bullied their third-grade kids by sending home a bizarro, menacing handout about this week?s state-mandated STAAR standardized tests, reports local FOX affiliate KFOX. The Daily Caller has obtained the full text of the handout, entitled ?What if I don?t try on the STAAR?? (See the image below.) However students who don?t do it to the satisfaction of the adults at Lamar Elementary risk flunking for the entire school year ? so, no pressure kids! ? and being labeled as ?lazy.?
Independent
- Surge in bursaries for middle incom...
Surge in bursaries for middle incomes explains sudden rise in boarding school numbers
A rise in bursaries for disadvantaged pupils has fuelled a sudden surge in the number of boarders admitted to independent schools, according to this year?s annual census of private school numbers published today.
Section 28-style bans on promoting ...Section 28-style bans on promoting homosexuality on the rise in UK schools, teachers say
Growing numbers of schools are introducing Section 28-style bans on promoting homosexuality in the classroom, delegates told the National Union of Teachers' annual conference in Brighton today.
Children shun competition in school...Children shun competition in school sport
Competitive dads across the country should brace themselves. Almost two out of three children would either be relieved or ?not bothered? if the competitive element were taken out of school sport.
Girls need science mentors, says te...Girls need science mentors, says teachers union chief Max Hyde
Mentors could encourage girls to take up science careers in a campaign established by the new president of the National Union of Teachers (NUT).
Teachers vote for summer strike as ...Teachers vote for summer strike as they chant 'Gove must go'
Hundreds of teachers stood chanting ?Gove must go? as their union forged ahead with plans for classroom disruption this summer as a result of national strike action.
Teachers: ?Our pupils are targeting...Teachers: ?Our pupils are targeting us on social media? with more than a quarter victims of abuse
Teachers are facing an increasing barrage of ?vile? sexual abuse, unfair allegations of incompetence and videos of themselves taken without their consent being posted online by their pupils, according to a report seen by The Independent.
Education Week
- House panel OKs Missouri student tr...
House panel OKs Missouri student transfer bill
Feds probe district's immigrant tea...Feds probe district's immigrant teacher hiring
FCAT testing resumes after computer...FCAT testing resumes after computer glitch
SD high school group considers tran...SD high school group considers transgender policy
California bill reignites affirmati...California bill reignites affirmative action fight
GOP candidate releases education po...GOP candidate releases education policy overview
Educause
- The Role of Campus Leadership in En...
The Role of Campus Leadership in Ensuring IT Accessibility
“Everyone should have an opportunity to participate in higher education.”
With those words, Michael K. Young, President of the University of Washington, opens a new video from his institution’s AccessComputing Project, IT Accessibility: What Campus Leaders Have to Say. Developed with support from the National Science Foundation, this video presents university presidents, chief information officers, and other higher education leaders who stress the importance to higher education of accessibility for persons with disabilities, and of having campus technology environments that support it.
The Game is Changing. What Will Be ...The Game is Changing. What Will Be Expected of You?
“When we were doing our studies for the National Academies, the typical first response of university presidents or CFOs or provosts was to say: ‘I understand things are changing very rapidly, but I'll ask my CIO to take care of it. The CIO usually can.’ We would then ask: ‘Suppose you wake up in the morning and come in to your office and nothing works anymore. You can't access e-mail. All of your course systems have collapsed. Who fixes the problem?’ They begin to scratch their heads, and pretty soon it's like the five phases of grief. They start off with denial and anger, move through bargaining and depression, and finally reach acceptance.” — James J. Duderstadt, Change and the Research University
The Top-Ten IT Issues, 2012The Top-Ten IT Issues, 2012
EDUCAUSE Top 10 IT Issues, 2012
The EDUCAUSE annual publication of top IT issues has long resonated as a yearly snapshot of the most pressing issues for IT leaders in higher education. At the top of list for 2012:
- Updating IT professionals’ skills and roles to accommodate emerging technologies and changing IT management and service delivery models
- Supporting the trends toward IT consumerization and bring-your-own device
- Developing an institution-wide cloud strategy
Below are the EDUCAUSE Review article summarizing the IT Issues Panel's findings for 2012 and accompanying resources.
Tune In June 5 -- Rolling Out a BYO...Tune In June 5 -- Rolling Out a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Program
This free hour-long session, “Rolling Out a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Program,” will offer ideas, sample policy statements and guidelines, and lessons learned for campuses interested in implementing a BYOD strategy for mobile devices on campus.
Those unable to attend may wish to visit the archives after the event or browse related resources.
Interact on Twitter at #EDULive.
Get Involved with EDUCAUSE -- Volun...Get Involved with EDUCAUSE -- Volunteer Submissions Are Due June 1
As someone who has a vested interest in higher education IT, you are part of a dynamic and close-knit community where we share new ideas, network with peers, and work toward the common good of the profession.
EDUCAUSE provides opportunities to be an active member by volunteering in a variety of roles, either short- or long-term, throughout the year. These opportunities include:
Is Agile the Future of Project Mana...Is Agile the Future of Project Management?
Gartner predicts that by the end of 2012, agile development methods will be used on 80 percent of all software development projects. Project Management Institute’s research shows that agile project management tripled from December 2008 to May 2011, and can help decrease product defects, improve team productivity, and increase business value.
Read the latest article release on agile project management from the Project Management Institute.
To help you apply project management processes at your organization, EDUCAUSE members have access to a selection of professional development resources:
Huffingtonpost.com
- Trading Stuff for Knowledge: How Tr...
Trading Stuff for Knowledge: How Trade School LA Wants to Change Community Learning
Last February, a short time after I traded New England winter for Los Angeles winter, I responded to a posting by Trade School LA (TSLA) seeking teachers willing to offer classes for barter by offering to teach a writing workshop on Flash Fiction. Trade School LA is part of an international network of 50 self-organized barter for knowledge chapters. But I didn't really get it until I spoke with Leanne Pedante who started LA's Trade School chapter and organized May's inaugural slate of classes.
Leanne explained to me that TSLA teachers offer classes in exchange for one of their list of barter items. Students sign up for classes and pick one of the barter requests to bring to the class. Even over the phone, I found Leanne's conviction that TSLA would fill a void for the many adults eager to learn new things without going into debt genuine. The Trade School community, she pointed out, is part of a growing barter and time-bank movement.
But it was Leanne's infectious enthusiasm for TSLA's ability to create community jumping out of my phone that made want to be a part of TSLA. Big city, small community. I've traded classes for grades at colleges and I like teaching. But the opportunity to teach as part of a community was and instant draw for me. I don't know who signed up for my class, but I know that we share the belief that community matters. To paraphrase Grace Paley, a community might not be changed by talking to one person at a time, but it can be known.
As it turned out, the hardest part for me was figuring out what to ask for in exchange for teaching my Flash Fiction writing workshop. That wasn't a surprise for family and friends who know that I don't celebrate my birthday. So I cheated. I looked at what other teachers around the globe had asked for and picked a few of theirs. The community came to my rescue!
Since TSLA doesn't own a 'school', classrooms are offered throughout the area. I get to teach at Spirit Art Studio in Silverlake. Other spaces are hosted by HM157 art collective in Lincoln Heights, Chin's Push art gallery in Highland Park, on a patio behind Kaldi Coffee in Atwater Village, in the backyard of Paniolo Productions in Palms, at the reDiscover Center in Santa Monica, in parks, and in people's home studios and living rooms.
To learn more about Trade School L.A., visit their website where you can register for classes and learn more about the Trade School model of community learning.The Real Future EconomyThe Real Future Economy
We hear a lot about the "future economy" and the need to acquire post-secondary education and training in order to participate in this economy. Indeed, I have written about the need for people to attend colleges, particularly FM, in order to prepare for the "future economy." This is all true.
However, it seems to me that we have been writing about the current economy and the "near future economy." Everything that I have read and every conversation in which I have participated has centered on preparing yourself, through a college education, for the high-tech and innovation economy; this is where the jobs will be found.
But I've been thinking about the more distant future. To have that conversation, let's start with the not-too-distant past. America has been one of the top producing countries for decades. The productivity of our workforce has always been high. However, in the '50s to '70s, much of that productivity was actual labor. Assembly lines, glove stitchers, carpet weavers, etc. used machines to produce products, but they were human-operated machines.
Today, we're hearing that companies are bringing manufacturing back to the United States, now called "reshoring." There are several reasons for this trend: productivity of U.S. workers, cost of transportation, tariffs on imports, locating closer to the markets, etc. However, there is another trend; a technology trend. Companies are using more and more "smart" machines to improve productivity. Workers no longer "operate" the machines as much as "watch" them. They measure the output and make adjustments if needed, but many things are made by machines, robots, automation, etc., without people touching them at all. This drive to improve productivity with machines, software, and sensors will continue. Currently, it means we have to have more companies with fewer workers in order to sustain our community.
But what does it mean for the future? If this trend continues, it means that industry will need fewer and fewer human workers. It means that we are working toward creating an economy that provides very few jobs. I believe this will be a reality a few decades from now. The jobs that are provided in such an economy will require very highly educated and innovative employees. They will be wealthy. There will be no jobs for the unskilled or semi-skilled masses. Sound frightening? It should.
I hear people say "this group of folks are lazy," or, "that group of folks just wants to live on welfare and be supported by the government." Well, the fact is, we have an economy now that has little room for those without skills. Factories that once employed essentially illiterate employees who could perform assembly line tasks and "make a living" no longer exist. So as this "future economy" comes into existence and there is only need for a few workers, what will the rest of us do? Will we all be the lazy ones?
This workerless economy isn't going to happen tomorrow, but we should begin to think about it. What will our society look like when only 15 percent of us hold jobs? How will the rest of the people sustain themselves? Is the drive for productivity and "cost reduction" more important than creating a society where people work? Is it a question of money or values?
Do I know that this will happen? No. Do I think it will happen? Yes. Whether I'm right or wrong, if we don't start talking about it now, it will surprise us in the future with no time to figure it out. However, no matter what happens, Fulton-Montgomery Community College will be here to prepare our students for the future.The Answer-Driven CultureThe Answer-Driven Culture
How much attention do you pay to the quality of questions? Do you cringe at some of the questions broadcast journalists ask in interviews? Have you ever become impatient with questions from children that are asked even when the answers are obvious? One way to evaluate a teacher is to see how he or she fields a question from children. But I'll get to that later.
I've just finished reading Kerrie Logan Holliman's Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids. What impressed me most about Newton, in this meticulously researched and very accessible narrative of an extraordinary man, is that he filled a notebook with questions when he was young. These questions became the basis of his life's work leading him through mathematics (and the invention of calculus), mechanic, optics, chemistry, astronomy and more. Some of the questions might seem dumb to the average observer:
Why do things always fall down?
Why doesn't the moon fall down onto the earth?
How fast does a cannonball fly before it starts to fall to earth?
The new emphasis on high-stakes standardized exams has changed the culture of schools -- it is now overwhelmingly answer-driven. Why? Teachers and students are not thinking about questions as much as seeking answers so that they can perform well on tests. The emphasis is on giving the correct response, not thinking about the material. Here's one personal example: When meeting with two young teachers to plan a unit on the solar system, I opened the conversation by asking, "So how do we know about the solar system?" The teachers looked at each other, frightened. I knew they were thinking "What's the right answer to this question? What is she looking for?" So to take them off the hook, I made the question rhetorical and answered it myself, "We look at the sky." Then I asked a follow-up question "And what do we see in the sky?" Again they were flummoxed, mute. "The sun?" one teacher finally responded tentatively. Here were teachers paralyzed with fear because they experienced an inquiry-driven conversation as if it were an exam. Not good. (I tried this conversation with some young children and they engaged spontaneously and joyfully.) The fear of making a mistake and giving an incorrect answer is not a way to foster learning at any level. Brainstorming -- fearlessly contributing ideas no matter how off-the-wall -- leads to creativity.
What happens to inquiry when a teacher gives a quick and correct answer to a student? The student is satisfied and goes away. The inquiry shuts down. This is the total opposite of the Socratic method of teaching, which is still the gold standard for producing learning. Thoughtful responses to questions depend a lot on the question itself. Really good questions generate thinking. Children need to be trained to listen carefully to questions so that they can be responsive to them. If you ask a group of kindergarteners if there are any questions, you will often get them "sharing" a story. The Common Core State Standards includes listening and speaking as two skills that must be practiced so that children understand how to respond appropriately to a question.
So if you want to take the measure of a teacher here are some things to look for:
? In response to a student's question for information does the teacher give the answer, or does the teacher respond with a question of her own?
? When the teacher asks a question of the class that involves a concept does he allow a choral response to engage all children in the conversation or does he pick one kid to give the answer as a surrogate for the group? Note, in an inquiry-driven conversation with a group of students, I ask questions and ask them to say what they think without raising their hands. It keeps them all engaged. Naturally the questions are carefully crafted so the sequence leads to a concept.
? Does the teacher ask questions that require real thinking on the part of the student? Or are they leading questions that give away the appropriate response? (Leading questions emphasize that the correct answer is more important than thinking.)
It seems that some of the powers-that-be for the CCSS have decided that the most important element in student learning is the classroom teacher. Really? How do they know this? Oh, yes. By testing the kids with standardized exam bubbles. Many private schools don't test extensively. Is it possible to compare these students with public school students? Very difficult, according to one report. Are we getting any meaningful data from all these tests? What effect does testing have on the culture of the school? Hmmm... this brings me back to the title of this post...talk about "trickle down."Female Student Reportedly Kicked Ou...Female Student Reportedly Kicked Out Of Prom For Wearing Pants
School officials were reportedly not down with this student's prom outfit.
According to North Carolina's WBTV, Cherryville High School student Shafer Rupard said she was asked to leave her senior prom because she wore pants to the event.
"The teacher tapped me on the shoulder and said she had a problem with what I was wearing," Rupard told the outlet. "I thought it was because of the hat or the leather jacket, and I was like, 'Well I'll take those off,' and she was like, 'No, it's the pants.'"
Rupard?s mother, Shawn McQuaige, told the outlet that neither the prom invitation nor the handbook included a dress code for the event. Indeed, while the 2013-2014 parent and student handbook specifies that students should wear ?appropriate? clothing for school, it does not mention anything about prom attire specifically.
The Huffington Post reached out to the school district but did not receive an immediate response.
In 2013, Cherryville High School was awarded a bronze medal for outstanding student achievement from US News and World Report, the school?s website notes.4th Grader Sells Pot In Northern Co...4th Grader Sells Pot In Northern Colorado
GREELEY, Colo. (AP) ? School officials in northern Colorado are asking parents to take care with their newly legal recreational marijuana, after fourth graders were caught dealing the drug on an elementary school campus.
John Gates, director of safety for Weld County School District 6, said Wednesday that the students involved, three 10-year-old boys and a 10-year-old girl at Greeley's Monfort Elementary School, faced tough discipline but not suspension or expulsion. He would not elaborate on their punishment. Only one student admitted to trying any of the drug, a small bite of an edible marijuana item, and a subsequent medical exam did not indicate any harmful effect had been caused, Gates said.
The marijuana appears to have been legally purchased by adults ? grandparents in two families ? and no charges were expected to be filed, Gates said. He said the parents of the students were concerned and working with the school on discipline.
Gates said a student who was not involved alerted school officials that a student sold marijuana to other students on Monday, and that on Tuesday a student tried to trade edible marijuana for some of the student seller's marijuana.
"This could not have happened had they secured their marijuana," Gates said of the grandparents, urging adults to take care with the drug. "Nothing good's going to come from having 10-year-olds find it, use it or take it to school."
In a letter sent home Tuesday, Monfort Principal Jennifer Sheldon told parents that because it's easier for adults to get marijuana, children potentially have greater access. Denver TV station KDVR posted the letter on its website:
"We urge all parents, grandparents and anyone who cares for children to treat marijuana as you would prescription drugs, alcohol or even firearms. This drug is potentially lethal to children, and should always be kept under lock and key, away from young people."
Gina Carbone, who helped found the group Smart Colorado to publicize concerns about the impact on children of marijuana legalization, applauded Sheldon's letter. Days after tens of thousands publicly lit up for the annual 4/20 marijuana festival in Denver, Carbone said children and adults were hearing too from marijuana proponents, and not enough about the drug's dangers.
"Pot is celebrated and glorified and promoted. Kids are watching adults and this is the way adults are behaving," she said. "Here we have 4th graders trying to make a buck off marijuana."
While advocates say marijuana need not be treated as a dangerous drug and that its legal sale will have economic benefits, the experiment has so far been a challenge for Colorado.
Denver police say a man ate marijuana-infused candy before shooting and killing his wife last week, an attack that dispatchers heard during a 911 call the woman placed.
Her death followed that of a Wyoming college student who ate well over the recommended dose of a marijuana-laced cookie and jumped to his death from a hotel balcony in Denver.
State lawmakers are debating how to increase safety regulations, and grappling with how to plan budgets amid concerns marijuana tax collections will be unpredictable.7 Financial Tips Every College Stud...7 Financial Tips Every College Student Should Know
By Paula Pant, WiserAdvisor contributor
College is an exciting time, but it's also an expensive time. With the average debt for graduating seniors hovering around $29,000 (according to CNN), every incoming freshman should be taking a crash course in College Finances 101.
So before you hit the books, study up on these seven essential tips to get a handle on your finances and get the most out of your college experience, for the lowest cost possible.
1. Know Your Financial Aid Options
Most students need some kind of financial aid to help pay for their education. The key is in making the most of the options available to you.
In addition to university-specific scholarships, research whether you qualify for other funding thanks to hobbies you pursue, the major you're going into, and organizations you and your parents belong to. There are scholarships and grants out there for more than you might realize, and the more you can avoid borrowing to fund your education, the better.
If you do wind up having to borrow, moderation is key. Research your options, from federal loans to state tuition assistance programs to private loans, and make sure you're clear on the terms of payment so you know exactly what you're getting yourself into. Only borrow the bare-minimum that you need to cover your tuition and books. Don't buy yourself a lavish lifestyle, bankrolled by loans.
Also bear in mind that some college "expenses" aren't necessarily mandatory. If you live close enough, could you commute to class rather than paying for an on-campus residence? Could you learn to cook so you can avoid costly student meal plans? The full college experience doesn't have to be a bank-breaker if you get creative.
2. Budget, Budget, Budget
You wouldn't manage a full class load (plus a part-time job, plus a social life) without some sort of calendar or agenda, would you? (Please say no!) The same goes for your finances: You need to have a plan in place to keep everything in order, or you'll find yourself falling behind fast.
You don't have to track every dollar (who has time for that?), but have a basic idea the money that's coming in and going out every month. You should know, for example, that you earn $1,500 per month through your part-time job, and one-third of that money ($500) goes towards rent. You should also know that you spend about $200 per month on utilities, another $200 on groceries, and another $100 on gasoline, leaving the last $500 per month on household goods from Target, the occasional restaurant meal, and drinks at the college pub.
In other words: You don't need to know that you spent exactly $97.29 on gasoline last month. But you should know ballpark figures.
3. Try the Envelope System
Keep it easy to stay within your budget by using the "envelope system." Under this system, you set a budget for the week, the month, or the next pay period. You might decide, for example, to spend $200 on groceries this month and $50 on gasoline.
You put that money into envelopes marked "groceries" and "gas," and you pay for those expenses out of those envelopes. Once you're out of money, you're out -- no more groceries until your next pay period.
This system keeps you from over-spending and prevents you from accidentally going into debt. When you can physically see how much cash you have left, it's a lot easier be careful with it.
4. Steer Clear of Credit Cards
Whenever possible, try to avoid charging your expenses on plastic. Being able to "afford" an extra concert ticket or fancy dinner isn't worth having to work extra hours to pay down sky-high interest rates later. You're already probably going to emerge from school with some student loans to pay off -- don't saddle yourself with extra payments from credit cards.
If you do think you might need to resort to holding a credit card balance, do your research. Credit card companies can hit students with super-high interest rates and other charges because they know they don't have as many options as those with more established credit. Don't simply sign up for the first offer that comes in the mail. Instead, look for something that offers lower interest rates.
5. Establish Credit
That said, it's a good idea to establish a credit history. The easiest way to do this is through owning a credit card.
But a credit card puts you at risk of potentially overspending. How can you work-around this?
Apply for a credit card. When it arrives in the mail, cut it up immediately -- but keep the underlying account open.
Make a small, recurring monthly purchase, like your Netflix subscription, with the account number. Set up auto-pay so that you'll never be late on a payment. Voila -- you're now building a credit history, without putting yourself at undue risk.
6. Learn to Love Frugality
Yep, you're gonna be one of those people who look back fondly on their Ramen noodle days and their campus apartment furnished with hodgepodge hand-me-downs. And you know why you'll be looking back on them fondly? Because future you will be financially comfortable, since you made smart money decisions now.
Don't be one of those students who decide they must live the high life in order to enjoy their college experience. (On the contrary: Being broke is part of the college experience.) You can reward yourself for a long week of studying by having a game night with your friends, rather than lining up shots at the bar. If ever there was a time in your life when it's okay to play the frugality card, it's now. Your future self will thank you.
7. Play Up Your Student Discounts
You know what else you'll never be able to enjoy as much at any other point in your life? Getting mad perks just for being a student.
Students can reap all sorts of benefits with their campus ID, from discounts at local restaurants to a percentage off that new laptop you need to get for class. Before you make any major purchases, like a computer or an expensive set of paints for your art class, ask the retailer about student discounts.
College isn't cheap, but if you make the right moves, you can keep these costs at a reasonable level. Enjoy the simple things in life, like spending time with your friends, and accept that you're going to live like a pauper for a few years. But the eventual payoff will be worthwhile.
Collegeadmissionspartners
- Why are Colleges Getting So Competi...
Why are Colleges Getting So Competitive?
There are fewer students applying to college now than there were 5 years ago. Does that surprise you? How can it be that colleges are getting so much more competitive now than in the past when there are fewer students applying to college? Because the number of applications that some students are submitting has been […]
RSS Feed Content © Todd Johnson and College Admissions Partners
Why are Colleges Getting So Competitive?The post Why are Colleges Getting So Competitive? appeared first on College Admissions Counseling.
Is it Safe to Attend Dartmouth Coll...Is it Safe to Attend Dartmouth College?
Dartmouth College is a popular choice for many of my students to apply to. It is a good school academically. However, Dartmouth has always had a reputation as a party school. The movie Animal House was based in part on stories of fraternity life at Dartmouth. But, it appears that things have been getting out […]
RSS Feed Content © Todd Johnson and College Admissions Partners
Is it Safe to Attend Dartmouth College?The post Is it Safe to Attend Dartmouth College? appeared first on College Admissions Counseling.
Are BS/MD Programs Getting More Dif...Are BS/MD Programs Getting More Difficult to Get Into?
Every year it seems that getting into college is more difficult. The past few years, the number of colleges that each student applies to has increased greatly. Although there are actually fewer students applying to college in general compared to 5 years ago, the number of applications has actually increased at the most selective colleges. […]
RSS Feed Content © Todd Johnson and College Admissions Partners
Are BS/MD Programs Getting More Difficult to Get Into?The post Are BS/MD Programs Getting More Difficult to Get Into? appeared first on College Admissions Counseling.
ACT or SAT. Does It Matter Anymore?ACT or SAT. Does It Matter Anymore?
When students start preparing for college admissions tests, one of the first issues is what is the best test. The ACT or SAT? Does it really matter any more which test you take? The quick answer is NO, it doesn’t make any difference. Virtually every college in the country will accept either the SAT or […]
RSS Feed Content © Todd Johnson and College Admissions Partners
ACT or SAT. Does It Matter Anymore?The post ACT or SAT. Does It Matter Anymore? appeared first on College Admissions Counseling.
Parent Over Involvement Hurts Chanc...Parent Over Involvement Hurts Chances for Admissions
Parents, this post is for you. I know you love your kids and want the best for them. You want everything for them that you didn’t have. Good for you. But, being too involved in the college admissions process, and with BS/MD programs in particular, hurts your student. It doesn’t help. I have worked with […]
RSS Feed Content © Todd Johnson and College Admissions Partners
Parent Over Involvement Hurts Chances for AdmissionsThe post Parent Over Involvement Hurts Chances for Admissions appeared first on College Admissions Counseling.
Does Grade Inflation Help Getting I...Does Grade Inflation Help Getting Into Medical School?
While there are a number of factors used to determine who to admit to medical school, the two biggest are the GPA and the MCAT scores. So if a high GPA is good to have does that mean that going to a college with high grade inflation will make you more competitive for medical school? […]
RSS Feed Content © Todd Johnson and College Admissions Partners
Does Grade Inflation Help Getting Into Medical School?The post Does Grade Inflation Help Getting Into Medical School? appeared first on College Admissions Counseling.
Stateline
-
CO: ...
CO: Colorado tuition bill for illegal immigrants clears House committee but still faces death threat
A bill to create a lower college-tuition rate for illegal immigrants passed a House committee Monday evening on a 7-6 vote — a historic first for the legislation, though it still faces potential death before another committee.
DE: ...DE: Charter schools subject of hearing
After heated debates over the future of two charter schools, Delaware legislators plan to hold a public hearing next week to get input from residents as it considers changes to the state's charter regulations.
HI: ...HI: Two Hawaii schools lauded for environmental programs
Two Hawaii schools were among the 78 honored today as part of the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools program.
HI: ...HI: Board of Education to hold community meeting in Kapolei
The Board of Education will hold a community meeting Tuesday night in Kapolei to hear from parents, teachers and others on the education issues facing their communities.
IA: ...IA: Branstad urges tougher stance on bullying
Iowa must strengthen its efforts to combat school bullying, Gov. Terry Branstad declared Monday, as the spotlight focused on the state's troubles in grappling with the issue.
ID: ...ID: Idaho board gathers input on Complete College plan
The state Board of Education is gathering public input on a proposed campaign aimed at doubling the number of Idahoans between the ages of 25 and 34 with a college degree or a certificate from a professional technical school.
Apr 24 Hits : 21066
