Schools
Film Schools in Mumbai
Film Schools in Mumbai are choc-a-bloc. Admissions are simple but not cheap. Here's a low down on the way film schools in Mumbai work.
Sharply Divided Supreme Court Votes 5-4 on Schools’ Integration
A landmark opinion was handed down today by the U.S. Supreme Court in deciding that schools in Kentucky and Seattle cannot use race as a factor in integrating schools.
School Stages Gunman Attack on 6th Graders
Teachers at a Tennessee elementary school thought it would be a good "learning experience" for sixth-graders to be terrified and fear for their lives.
Cheating Among U.S. Students--Making the Grade At Any Cost
Cheating is on the rise in American schools, and cheating methods are becoming more sophisticated with technological advances. A look at why this is happening and what parents can do to help their children avoid the temptation to cheat.
Parents Charged $36 Per Day When Children Miss School for Play
A school in Scotts Valley, CA, is trying to curb the amount of children missing school for family vacations by charging the parents $36 per day for missed class time.
Benefits of the Old—and New—One-Room Schoolhouse
Far from being a thing of the past, the methods employed in the old one-room schoolhouse are making a comeback today. Modern educators have discovered the benefits to be derived by students from being a part of multi-age classes.
Free Concealed-Carry Gun Classes for Utah School Employees
More than a dozen teachers and public school employees spent part of their weekend at school learning how to use a gun.
Multiple Shootings at Amish School Leave Four People Dead
Police say that four people were killed Monday morning in a shooting at a one-room Amish schoolhouse, including the gunman.
The Debate over Lengthening Time in School
As educators search for ways to comply with government programs like "No Child Left Behind," a national debate over adding time to the school year is taking place.
Schools Working Hard to Attract More Male Teachers
School districts around the country are exploring ways to attract more men to a career field that has always been dominated by women.
Year-Round School Or Traditional: Which Is Better For Your Child?
To decide whether your child will fare better in a traditional school or a year-round school, you need to carefully compare the benefits and drawbacks of both systems.
Coming to a School Near You Soon
This small town school's prom fever results in the giving out of sexual gifts, condoms and other items as a 'prom gift bags' for all attendees of this high school Prom.
E-government Can't Even Provide a Free School Lunch
Michael Cross: Instead of computerizing a complex process, why not simplify it, or abolish it altogether?
It is Not a Shift to the Left to Insist That Entry to Schools Should Be Fair
Jonathan Freedland: Critics of the admissions inquiry were largely the anxious affluent but, for those with a legitimate concern, a solution exists
Plan to Put 16m African Children Into School
Britain and France to announce joint initiative in partnership with international football authorities
Union Calls for End to Single-faith Schools
Schools would offer faith-based instruction, prayer facilities and a choice of religious holidays, under NUT plans
HSLDA: Homeschooling is Ruled Illegal in California
California is now the only state in the union where homeschooling is illegal, thanks to Justice Croskey's erroneous decision.
Who Is To Blame?
What has changed to make school violence happen?
Why You Should Volunteer At Your Local School
If you have never considered volunteering in your local school then you should because it can make a huge difference in the lives of the children, it can be very beneficial to your community, and it can be good for you as well. Just a few hours a month can make a big difference in the lives of others as well as your own.
The Benefits Of Montessori Schools
When our children are born we have the responsibility,of making choices for them, and one of the most fundamental is that of their education. You may be at the stage when you are choosing a first school for your little one, or you have a child who is already in the school system, and is not fitting in, or is unhappy. Whatever stage you are at, it is worth looking into the Montessori method. The benefits are numerous.
Good for Headlines, Bad for Schools
Figures on 'bad teachers' don't add up, says Mike Baker
The Best Bartenders Today are Trained at the ABC Bartending School
For every party you can usually find lots of drink being served. These drinks can be the alcoholic variety and the non alcoholic type. For the non alcoholic type of drink all that you need to do is just serve the drinks as the guests like.
Free Our Schools From a Fatally Flawed System
Anthony Browne: Parents and children are still being failed 10 years after Tony Blair's famous promise on education
Short Sharp Lesson Puts Coltart Back in School
He is sweet-swinging and smart but Andrew Coltart has been left behind by big hitters, writes Lawrence Donegan
5 Tips for Surviving International School Job Fairs
International school job fairs can be a zoo. Learn how to survive and thrive with these 5 easy to follow tips. The keys to landing a teaching job abroad are - knowing what you’re doing and being prepared…
Extracurriculars for Elementary School Children: How to Negotiate the Activity Maze
Manage your young children's activities without losing your mind by following these tips.
Faith Schools Should Not Be Tax-funded, and Here's Why
Zoe Williams: If the Catholic church is prepared to ban Amnesty because of its stance on abortion, what other rights might it censure?
They're Best Friends. So Why Are They Separated When the School Bell Rings?
An emergency all-black primary school set up to teach the children of African immigrants who have failed to get places in the overloaded Irish education system has canceled its launch tomorrow because it is massively over-subscribed.
Where to Get Funding For Back-To-School Expenses
It's back to school. Do you have funds for your schooling yet?
School's Out But You're Not! (The One Lesson You Must Learn)
Discover the one lesson you must learn no matter what your goals or objectives are in life. Theone thing you must constantly do each day inorder to succeed.
School Head Bans Hugs and Handshakes
Headteacher Deborah Hernandez was accused of being out of touch, literally and scholastically, after banning physical contact between her 1,100 pupils.
Inequitable Funding for Some within the New York Schools
In an attempt to get more funding into the poorer school districts and reduce funding for the wealthier districts, Governor Eliot Spitzer replaced the very rigid, long-standing formula for funding of the New York schools.
10 Tips for Talking to Children About School Shootings
Advicie for parents about talking to thier children about the school shootings.
Houston Schools Superintendent Highest Paid in State — Or Is He?
The Houston Chronicle conducted a study and published its results in mid-March. As part of the Sunshine Week open-records program of the American Society of Newspaper Editors, the newspaper surveyed the compensation packages of superintendents across the state, finding that ten regional superintendents in greater Houston exceed $199,000 in annual salary.
Villaraigosa and Los Angeles Schools Are at It Again!
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Los Angeles schools have had several run-ins over the past couple of years. Villaraigosa has been trying to gain control over the Los Angeles schools through both the legislature and the courts. Thus far, his efforts have been only marginally successful, having been given some control at the end of last summer.
Houston Schools’ Students Get Hands-On Experience at Space Center
NASA’s Johnson Space Center Houston recently hosted a two-day BP Physics Challenge for 886 Houston schools’ students, mostly juniors and seniors, with 800 more students expected to attend.
Balanced Budget for the Denver Schools — An Unfamiliar But Welcome Place to Be
I have been writing about school districts across the nation for some time. It is unfortunate that many districts today generally are experiencing more problems than successes. Budgeting, finances and funding are the biggest headaches and challenges for school administrators and district officials.
Scott Parks’ Wish List for Dallas Schools
Scott Parks is the education columnist for the Dallas Daily News. He had some interesting items on his January 2007 wish list for the Dallas schools. Some are poignant and in dire need. Some are possibilities during this new year.
Sense at the School Gate
The crucial thing to listen to is not what parents say to politicians but what they say to each other. By Lucy Ward
3,200 Students Remain Excluded from Baltimore Schools Due to Required Vaccinations
In 2005, state legislators added two additional immunizations to the list that Baltimore schools must ensure all children through the ninth grade have before attending school. The first deadline for Baltimore schools’ children for the new vaccinations was the start of school for school year 2006-2007.
Choosing The Right Art School
You should consider both personal factors about yourself, and general factors about your prospective school before making this important decision.
Growing Legal Costs in the School System
Legal costs have grown significantly. Schools now pay for lawyers and find themselves on the defending end in court. While legal support has become a part of today’s school system, it also means money that would go toward future education is affected.
Fuel Efficient School Bus Ready Soon
Students would be brought to school and would be traveling home in a bus that is fuel efficient. And this new kind of school bus would be working on batteries from Valence Technology, Inc.
San Antonio Independent School District Welcome New Additions
Current and former students, community members and staff from the San Antonio Schools staff gathered in the historic auditorium of Douglass Academy on Sept. 26 for a homecoming celebration and dedication ceremony to mark the completion of a major construction and renovation project at the school.
Pittsburg Schools’ Magnet Schools Programs
The Pittsburg Schools is holding an Information Fair aimed at providing parents with the information they need to provide their children with the best opportunities. The Pittsburg Schools’ Magnet Information Fair will be held on October 7th at the Frick International Studies Academy.
Nashville Schools Begin New Projects to Help Teachers and Parents
The Nashville Schools has started a new telephone information service that offers valuable information to parents.
Miami Schools Provides Programs for Students’ Future
In an aim to make students better prepared for the global marketplace, Miami Schools is creating the Education Council of International Cities. This council aims to help students gain the education they need to take part in the challenges of a new global economy.
Indianapolis Schools Work With Their Communities to Improve Schools
Parkview Elementary School 81 will receive a new playground on October 2nd but the work has already started. An asphalt lot will be a brand new playground thanks to the Allstate Foundation and Injury Free Coalition for Kids at Riley Hospital. About 50 volunteers are expected to be involved in the project.
Detroit Schools Has a Difficult Start to the 2006-2007 School Year
There has been a slow and turbulent start to the Detroit Schools ’ new school year. In a battle over contracts, some 7,000 teachers and 2,000 staff members refused to start school in September.
Cleveland Schools Students and Programs Supported by Politicians and Celebrities
Otis Sallid, a choreographer and director, is offering Cleveland Schools ’ students a chance to gain from classes in dance and acting. The classes are in cooperation with the Ohio Theatre, which is using the classes as a way to recruit for its upcoming productions. The classes will be held at the studios in the Playhouse Square.
Charlotte Schools Team Up With Local Businesses to Improve Schools
One Charlotte Schools ’ member started off the school year with a big boon. Nations Ford Elementary School has received a $5,000 donation from Office Max. This donation is linked to the opening of a brand new Office Max in Rivergate Town Center on Sept. 6.
Seattle School Librarian Honored
There was a group of children in one of the Seattle schools who came up with an idea. They wanted to turn sad things into happy things, find the positive in the negative. The idea came about because when you are in the third or fourth grade, life can be sweet one moment, stale candy the next.
San Jose Schools Has a Rewarding Summer
This summer several San Jose Schools won some kind of award or honor for their continued achievements in education.
San Francisco Uses Weighed Student Formulas to Track School Needs
One of the primary features of the WSF is that it allows San Francisco Schools more flexibility than the previous system, called the "staffing ratios" model.
Nashville Schools Examines Its 2005-2006 Performance
Every year, every school district in Tennessee must examine its performance from the pervious school year. This summer Nashville Schools had to do this as well. The Nashville Schools’ Board of Education, which included both the outgoing members from 2005-2006 and the incoming members from 2006-2007, reviewed the results from the Tennessee Adequate Yearly Progress.
Miami Schools Expands and Prepares for the 2006-2007 School Year
This school year Miami Schools is opening four new schools and several new facilities to cope with increased student enrollment for the 2006-2007 school year. The new schools will cater to elementary, middle and high school students.
Long Island Schools Rethink Gym Credit
Teachers, students, and parents at Long Island schools have been struggling with how to give credit for physical education classes. On the one hand, many argue that counting gym like an academic class can badly affect the GPA of students who are strong academically but do not do well in gym.
Indianapolis Sees Success Involving Fathers
Superintendent Eugene G. White’s call to fathers in the Indianapolis schools has met with strong success. Mr. White asked fathers to bring their children to the first day of classes in order to establish a stronger presence on campus and hopefully continue to stay involved with Indianapolis schools throughout the school year.
Cleveland Opens Five New Schools for 2006 – 2007
Three Cleveland schools received complete and comprehensive renovations. These schools will appear completely different to returning students and take learning in Cleveland to a new and modern level.
Cincinnati Schools Establishes Programs That Unite Educators and the Community
This summer saw the creation of the Cincinnati Schools ’ Parent Leadership Institute. The program reflects the changing role that parents play in public education. As Vanessa White, the Board President of the Parents for Public Schools (PPS) stated: "The days of bake sales are long gone.
International Baccalurette Programs Heat Up Charlotte
The science program at Davidson IB Middle, one of the schools in the Charlotte – Mecklenburg area, has been recognized as a School of Distinction by Intel and Scholastic.
Pittsburgh Schools Use the Summer to Prepare for the Future
This summer Pittsburgh Schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt announced the creation of the Pittsburgh Schools High School Reform Task Force. The Pittsburgh Schools High School Reform Task Force will be comprised of education professionals, private foundations, business professionals, parents, and community members.
Orlando Schools Make Plans for the 2006-2007 School Year
Orlando Schools has made several changes that will go into effect this fall. The first official day of school in the Orlando Schools is August 7th. This school year’s students attendance for the Orlando Schools has increased by around 4,000 students to 181,210 total students.
Nashville Schools Prosper and Grow this Summer
Students from the John Overton High School participated in Students Taking Action with Recognition Events at. The Nashville Schools’ team included Overton High School graduates Rosa Abernathy, Jontyce Otey, and Brittany Shook.
Indianapolis Schools Teachers Receive Awards Recognizing Positive Performance
An Indianapolis Schools Center for Inquiry teacher, Maysee Herr, was among twelve young leaders from throughout Indiana to be awarded the Governor's Award for Tomorrow's Leaders.
Cleveland Schools Career Fields Program
All Cleveland Schools high schools have developed the Career Fields path of study to help students choose and succeed in higher education, work, and life after high school. The Career Fields places occupations into paths that share common skills. This allows teachers and students to combine educational study with more technical instruction.
Washington DC Schools Improves Its After-School Program
Washington DC Schools after schools and out of school programs are getting a boost from the nonprofit DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation and The Wallace Foundation. The DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation is works to increase the quality, quantity and accessibility of services for children, youth and families in the Washington DC area.
Seattle Schools Participate in Washington Assessment of Student Learning
The class of 2008 in all Seattle Schools will be required to pass the 10th-grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning, this will be the way that most students will earn the Certificate of Academic Achievement, one of the four new statewide graduation requirements.
San Francisco Schools’ Small Schools Program
The Small Schools program in San Francisco Schools was established back in 2000. One successful example of a small school is the San Francisco Schools’ Leadership High School. This high school has a total of only 345 students, uses high standards and close relationship with teachers to help at risk students.
Miami Schools Teach Entrepreneurship
This summer, 126 students from Miami Schools entered a six-week training session and contest to learn about entrepreneurship. Funded and run by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, the six week summer session will teach the students how to create a business plan, how to secure start up funds and then how to pitch the idea to real business people.
San Jose Schools Changes School Nutrition and Limits Junk Food
Following in the footsteps of both federal and state trends to limit junk food and provide better nutrition to students, San Jose Schools will implement new some changes starting in September 2006. These changes may appear sudden but actually is part of a long term goal for improving student nutrition.
San Antonio Schools Celebrate Successes and Create New Programs to Further Achievement
Beginning this school year, Ninth grade students in San Antonio Schools will have more resources in helping them gain success in academic studies, college, and future careers. In addition to their regular classes ninth grade students will be required to take Freshman Prep class. San Antonio Schools’ Freshman Prep class helps students create a plan for the next four years and their future.
Long Island Schools Improve in the 2005-2006 School Year
Long Island Schools had over 30 schools not meet the New York State Standards for the 2004-2005 school but this year the number of schools rose dramatically. Schools that succeeded this year that had not last year include East Hampton, Ronkonkoma, Mineola, and Valley Stream.
Detroit Schools Excel in National Competitions
Detroit Schools Win Awards in the Academic Games Leagues of America Competition
Nashville Schools Release 2005-2006 Data and Makes Plans for the 2006-2007 School Year
Nashville Schools have made a lot of progress in the 2005-2006 school year. The Nashville Schools this school year has, in several key areas, had a higher percentage of students meet the required levels of proficiency as determined by the No Child Left Behind Act.
Cleveland Schools Aim for Healthy Students and Teachers
Eighty-three students and teachers from seven Cleveland Schools are participating in a program designed to increase health and self-confidence. The eleven week Motivating Movement Through Marathoning Challenge is a joint program between Cleveland Schools and the Cleveland YMCA.
Cincinnati Schools Creates Programs to Improve Teaching and Learning
Three Cincinnati Schools have volunteered to take part in a new program next school year that is aimed to improve the school’s instructional strategies and increase professional development. The aim of the program is to illustrate the connection between effective teaching and the student’s academic performance.
Washington D.C. School District Takes Aim at Language and Cultural Education
In 2004, the Washington D.C. enacted the Language Access Act. The Act was created in order to grant greater access to and participation in public schools and other public services for those residents that have limited or no English proficiency.
Different Schools in the Seattle School District Honor Graduates
On Monday, June 19th, Richard Coone received an honorary diploma from Garfield High School, a Seattle High School. He walked with the Garfield High graduates at the graduating ceremonies held at Qwest Field. Mr. Coone has waited over sixty-five years to receive a diploma. In 1941, Mr. Coone was a senior at Garfield High School and was prepared to graduate with his friends but World War II got in the way.
San Francisco Schools Connect to China and its Chinese Community
The Alice Fong Yu Alternative School, one San Francisco School, is the first Chinese immersion school in the United States. The school is designed as a two-way Chinese/English instructional environment. The school provides an outstanding educational experience for children of all backgrounds.
Miami Schools Get Top Marks this Year
Fifty-three percent of Miami-Dade’s schools – 179 out of 328 receiving grades Wednesday – received an "A" based on their students’ performance on the 2006 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test this spring. This is an improvement from last year when the percentage was around forty-six percent.
Indianapolis Schools Attend National Meetings and Competitions While Making Improvements for the Next School Year
Students from three Indianapolis middle schools will compete in the African American History Challenge held June 7-11 in Atlanta, Ga. The team is composed of Kenneth Rush from Crispus Attucks Middle School, Gordon Jackson of Park Tudor and Adrian Wynn of Craig Middle School.
San Jose Schools’ Alternative Education Program Saves Troubled Students
San Jose Schools face the same problem that all school districts around the country face, losing at risk students. The San Jose School District has found a solution to this problem while still including these students as a part of the traditional school population. San Jose Schools alternative school program allows for individual attention to the students’ needs while having them participate in activities at the regular campuses.
This Summer is Full of Honors and Functions in the San Antonio School District
Harris Middle School is being recognized for its students’ efforts to improve their community’s quality of life. This summer Harris Middle School has received the National Youth Crime Watch of America Casey Award presented during the international conference in Ogden, Utah.
Long Island Unified School District’s Foundation for the Advancement of Student Technology
The Roslyn Union Free School District, a part of the Long Island Schools, is composed of five schools: a pre-kindergarten to first grade school; an elementary school with first to fifth grade; a second elementary school with second to fifth grade; a middle school with sixth to eighth grade; and a high school.
Detroit School District Makes Connection to Minorities
The Detroit School District’s Department of Contracting and Procurement has created a special community outreach program which gives immediate notification to certified minority businesses when bids are posted. These bids are used to determine which businesses will provide construction or services for the Detroit School District.
Charlotte Mecklenburg School District’s CMS-TV3
The Charlotte Mecklenburg School District is the main school district for the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The Charlotte Mecklenburg School District is composed of one hundred fifty schools: ninety one elementary schools, thirty two middle schools, seventeen high schools and ten alternative programs.
Family Math Nights Bring Together Parents and Teachers in Seattle Schools
Seattle Schools hosted a series of Family Math Nights to help parents and students learn about upcoming changes and challenges to the Seattle Public School Mathematics Curriculum.
Summer HEAT 2006 Offers Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers in Miami – Dade County School District
Miami Schools are offering a range of summer professional development courses for its public school teachers and administrators in order to help teachers meet federal requirements and learn new methods and approaches to teaching. Teachers are eligible to take one Summer Heat course. These courses will be offered during June and July. Most courses last about a week and meet from 8:15 AM to 3:15 PM daily.
Detroit Schools Partner for Engineering Success
The Detroit Schools has partnered with local universities to get students thinking about careers in science and engineering. Students at different levels of the Detroit Public Schools are being targeted in a statewide effort to get more women and minorities enrolled in engineering programs. One program that makes this its mission is the Detroit Area Pre College Engineering Program (DAPCEP).
Cleveland Schools Open Applications for New Magnet School
John Hay High School is poised to host the two newest additions to the Cleveland Schools‘ long list of academically challenging magnet schools. Rather than focusing on only one discipline, John Hay High School will develop two completely separate programs for specially selected students.
Charlotte – Mecklenburg Schools Lead the Nation in Preschool Education Programs
One program in Charlotte Schools is focusing on the littlest learners. Recognizing that good learners begin early, education officials have developed an award winning preschool program called Bright Beginnings.
The Teacher Advancement Program at Cincinnati Schools Seeks to Keep Good Teachers
Cincinnati Schools are pleased to announce that three area schools have been selected to participate in a nationwide pilot program to improve teacher quality. The three Cincinnati Public Schools chosen include John P. Parker School in Madisonville, South Avondale School in Avondale, and Whittier School in Price Hill.
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program Comes to Washington D.C. Schools
Washington D.C. Schools are eager to begin a new language immersion program at the primary school level. Beginning in August of 2006, pre – Kindergarten students of various foreign language backgrounds will join the new language immersion program. In particular, French and Spanish speaking children are needed to start this two way immersion experience.
The San Jose Unified School District wins honors for its Board of Education Driven Public Engagement Model
A series of teacher strikes, bankruptcy, and changes in leadership gave the San Jose Unified School District a bad reputation among the local community. Students weren’t achieving state standards and many parents and teachers didn’t know what to do to fix the situations. The San Jose Unified School District faced the daunting task of regaining public trust and integrating itself into the needs of the community.
Take Stock in Children College Scholarships for Orlando Schools and Seminole County Public Schools
Take Stock in Children is a statewide scholarship program being implemented by Orlando Schools and the Seminole County Public School system. The program targets students with strong financial need as well as strong motivation to succeed in college. Beginning in eighth grade, students are invited to apply for the scholarships.
WebQuests Let Students Explore Independentally in Indianapolis Schools
The Indianapolis Schools Click Program, a professional development program for teachers, helped teachers designed web based learning activities for students, called WebQuests. The Indianapolis Public School website offers a range of WebQuests, arranged by grade level (K – 2, 3 – 5, 6 – 8, 9 – 12) and subject area.
The John Muir Learning Garden Brightens San Francisco Schools
The John Muir Learning Garden is designed to give San Francisco Schools students a change to take learning further outside of the classroom. The Garden builds on the fundamental curriculum concerns of the elementary school and provides an opportunity for students to gain real life experience that complements their academic studies.
Teachers Explore New Methods for Teaching Literacy in Long Island Schools
Sachem School District teachers completed another professional development activity thanks to the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning. The program is called the Strategic Instructional Model (SIM) and looks at how teachers can improve literacy in low performing adolescents.
Ohio Schools Question Perfect Attendance Reports of Internet Schools
The Ohio schools have had state-funded, online charter schools for a few years. Students do their work over the Internet from their homes or other sites. They can work anytime but must log 920 hours per year for perfect attendance.
Baltimore Schools Experiment Raises Expectations and Results
In 2004, the Baltimore schools joined with Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Social Organization of Schools in an experiment in education. The ten-year, cutting edge program was developed to stem the dropout rate throughout the United States.
San Diego Schools Closing Gap in Math
As the San Diego schools graduating class of 2007 begin their senior year, school district superintendents across San Diego County are celebrating. The San Diego County Schools announced in September that, as of the class of 2006, the gap in passing the crucial math portion of the state exit exam is nearly closed between black/Latino and white/Asian students.
Philadelphia Schools and Privatization — Is It a Mistake?
The Philadelphia schools have been contracting out (also called privatization) many schools services to for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations for four years and are entering their fifth.
The Los Angeles Schools Bond Measure — Is It Needed?
On November 8th, the voters of who live in the Los Angeles schools district will be faced with their fourth proposition, called Measure Y. The $3.985 bond measure, which will be paid by property taxes, is for more planned expansion within the Los Angeles schools, allowing them to add another 25 elementary schools to the current list of 160 schools that are scheduled to be constructed by year 2012.
Top Artists Join Music Project to Benefit the California Schools
Over the past decade, music has been severely declining within the California schools. A recent study showed that within the past five years there has been a 50 percent decline in student participation in music programs. Additionally, it showed that one third of all music teachers have lost their jobs within that same time frame.
Arizona Schools Math Standards — Is There a Better Way
All states across the United States require standards that must be met in different subjects by specific grades, especially in reading and math. End of year testing is required for specific grades to ensure schools and students are meeting these standards.
Olson’s Fourth Bid to Represent the Tampa Schools
The Tampa schools are part of the Hillsborough County School Board, and Candy Olson has represented the south Tampa schools for 12 years. The nonpartisan District 2 covers the south Tampa schools and curves into part of southwest Hillsborough County. Olson has twice been chairman of the school board.
Confidence in the St. Louis Schools Hitting All-Time Low with Philanthropists
Philanthropists, business leaders, and educational advocates across the region have lost confidence in the St. Louis schools board’s ability to correct the ongoing problems in its district, according to a September 2, 2006, article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
New Experience for Some San Diego Schools Students and Their Teachers
This July, Annie Santana, a Spanish teacher at Mission Bay High School, part of the San Diego schools, departed the city and headed for the island of Robinson Crusoe, Chile. In the seventh year of her career, Santana joined the Fulbright teacher exchange program.
Phoenix Schools’ Roosevelt District in Serious Trouble with Arizona Department of Education
The Roosevelt Elementary School District, located in the Phoenix Schools area on the south side of the city, is in serious trouble. The primarily low-income district has been dealing with turmoil for years, and the possible takeover by the Arizona Department of Education only exacerbates the situation.
Two Orlando Schools in Trouble with State Board of Education
Two Orlando schools are in trouble with the State Board of Education. Both Evans and Jones High Schools have repeatedly failed the state’s annual school grading system that is based on student scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.
Ohio Schools Achievement Committee to Review Guidelines for Teaching Controversial Topics
The Ohio schools board has drafted a framework that will set teacher guidelines to be used when teaching controversial topics in the classroom. The proposal is not a lesson plan, but rather an optional template that guides teachers to enable students to form judgments by critically analyzing all sides of a controversial subject.
Dress Code Is New Hot Button for the Houston Schools
School dress codes have been around for decades, but they gained more prominence in schools and are stricter in recent years in response to the permeation of gangs and violence within the schools at all levels.
Foundation Supports Student Achievement in Denver Schools
The Denver Public School Foundation is a "portal" for community and business philanthropy for the Denver schools. Originally started in 1984, it played a passive role in the Denver schools, until it was revitalized in 2002.
Dallas Schools Tackling Tough Issue of Ethnic Slurs
I am of a generation where Richard Pryor was the only person who ever used the N-word in a public venue. Today, however, rappers and hip-hop music is inundated with the word, and our youth who listen to it mimic their idols.
Charter Schools in Boston Are Urged to Join Boston Schools System
In an unprecedented move in April, the Boston schools launched an initiative to convert all the charter schools within the city over to their school system as pilot schools.
Baltimore Schools Lose in Court — Ruling Favored Charter Schools
In 2005, City Neighbors and Patterson Park Public, two charter schools in Baltimore, appealed the Baltimore schools’ per student funding formula to the state board. The board ruled in their favor, and the Baltimore schools appealed the board’s decision in the Court of Special Appeals, Maryland’s second highest court.
State and Feds at Odds Over New Rules for Scoring Arizona Schools
The U.S. Department of Education changed its rules for measuring the progress of public schools during the 2005-2006 school year. The impact was devastating to the Arizona schools, which had more than 600 schools marked as "failed". That is nearly three times as many schools as last year.
Preparing To Go Back To School
This article offers several suggestions for both mom and child to prepare to go back to school.
Philadelphia Schools Gains New Institute for Teacher Diversity
The Philadelphia schools need to improve the effectiveness and diversity of their teacher workforce. Currently, 85 percent of their students are African American, Latino and Asian, but they have only 38 percent teachers of color.
Mayor Villaraigosa Shares Control of the Los Angeles Schools
Last month, I wrote in an article about Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa proposing a legislative bill to take control of the Los Angeles schools (see Los Angeles Schools Strongly Opposed to Takeover by Mayor Villaraigosa). Reform Bill 1381 passed the state legislature at the end of August, with some changes.
Houston Schools Support 2007 Goal of Success for McReynolds Middle School
On the evening of August 31, a meeting was held for the parents, students, teachers, staff, business partners, and other community members of McReynolds Middle School, a member of the Houston schools that is located on the east side of the city. Hundreds of people filled the school’s auditorium, leaving standing room only.
High Sugar Sodas to Be Phased Out of Dallas Schools
An agreement was reached this past spring with Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo and Cadbury Schweppes to eliminate all non-diet soda and other sugary drinks from most public school vending machines, unless they have a nutritious value, such as juice and low-fat milk.
California Schools Educators Retirement System and Lionstone Group Create Investment Fund
The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CSTRS) is the second largest public pension fund in the nation, providing retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California schools educators.
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program Benefits the Tampa Schools
A constitutional amendment was passed in November 2002 that established the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program for all four year olds in the state of Florida. The program benefits not only the children but the Tampa schools, as well, by preparing children for kindergarten and beyond.
New Committee Appointed by State to Work with St. Louis Schools
In July, St. Louis schools’ Superintendent Creg Williams abruptly resigned. Since then, many members of the community, government officials, and parents have called for various types of intervention for the St. Louis schools.
Los Angeles Schools Strongly Opposed to Takeover by Mayor Villaraigosa
There is currently legislation AB 1381 in the state legislature that, if passed, will give the okay to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to take over a subset of the Los Angeles schools. Recently, the mayor’s school reform team announced its latest round of changes to the bill in order to sidestep some possible problems to it passing.
California Schools’ Audit Shows Excessive Spending and Overpayments to Chain of Charter Schools
Superintendent of Instruction for the California schools, Jack O’Connell, initiated an audit more than a year ago into the fiscal concerns of the Options for Youth and Opportunities for Learning (OYO) schools.
Three Arizona Schools Candidates Hold Differing Views
Three candidates are running for the post of Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Arizona schools in the September 12th election. Current Superintendent Tom Horne is running as the unopposed Republican candidate, seeking his second term in office.
Baltimore Schools Designate Six Schools as Persistently Dangerous with a Warning to Another
The federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act requires that all states report any schools that are considered persistently dangerous. The state of Maryland is only one of six states that have reported having such schools. Some metro areas with similar or worse problems report no dangerous schools at all.
Tampa Schools Encouraged — Student Referrals to County Disciplinary Panel Down
The Tampa schools are a member of the Hillsborough County School District, in which the Disciplinary Committee resides. The disciplinary panel deals with the troubled youth who commit serious offenses and policy violations at school. The panel imposes such measures as expulsion or reassignment to another school.
Financial and Political Problems Plague the Troubled St. Louis Schools
The 2006-2007 school year for the St Louis schools brings with it a financial deficit and accreditation problems carried over from the previous board majority. Additionally, superintendent Creg Williams’ proposed budget was voted down on June 13, so currently there is no budget for the upcoming school year.
Five New Area Superintendents Appointed to the San Diego Schools
In June 2006, Superintendent Carl Cohn appointed five new area superintendents for the San Diego Schools.
How to Choose a School
If you know you want to go to school but don't know how to choose the "right" one, have no fear! I've provided a list of questions to consider when selecting that perfect school.
This small town school's prom fever results in the giving out of sexual gifts, condoms and other items as a 'prom gift bags' for all attendees of this high school Prom.
E-government Can't Even Provide a Free School Lunch
Michael Cross: Instead of computerizing a complex process, why not simplify it, or abolish it altogether?
It is Not a Shift to the Left to Insist That Entry to Schools Should Be Fair
Jonathan Freedland: Critics of the admissions inquiry were largely the anxious affluent but, for those with a legitimate concern, a solution exists
Plan to Put 16m African Children Into School
Britain and France to announce joint initiative in partnership with international football authorities
Union Calls for End to Single-faith Schools
Schools would offer faith-based instruction, prayer facilities and a choice of religious holidays, under NUT plans
HSLDA: Homeschooling is Ruled Illegal in California
California is now the only state in the union where homeschooling is illegal, thanks to Justice Croskey's erroneous decision.
Who Is To Blame?
What has changed to make school violence happen?
Why You Should Volunteer At Your Local School
If you have never considered volunteering in your local school then you should because it can make a huge difference in the lives of the children, it can be very beneficial to your community, and it can be good for you as well. Just a few hours a month can make a big difference in the lives of others as well as your own.
The Benefits Of Montessori Schools
When our children are born we have the responsibility,of making choices for them, and one of the most fundamental is that of their education. You may be at the stage when you are choosing a first school for your little one, or you have a child who is already in the school system, and is not fitting in, or is unhappy. Whatever stage you are at, it is worth looking into the Montessori method. The benefits are numerous.
Good for Headlines, Bad for Schools
Figures on 'bad teachers' don't add up, says Mike Baker
The Best Bartenders Today are Trained at the ABC Bartending School
For every party you can usually find lots of drink being served. These drinks can be the alcoholic variety and the non alcoholic type. For the non alcoholic type of drink all that you need to do is just serve the drinks as the guests like.
Free Our Schools From a Fatally Flawed System
Anthony Browne: Parents and children are still being failed 10 years after Tony Blair's famous promise on education
Short Sharp Lesson Puts Coltart Back in School
He is sweet-swinging and smart but Andrew Coltart has been left behind by big hitters, writes Lawrence Donegan
5 Tips for Surviving International School Job Fairs
International school job fairs can be a zoo. Learn how to survive and thrive with these 5 easy to follow tips. The keys to landing a teaching job abroad are - knowing what you’re doing and being prepared…
Extracurriculars for Elementary School Children: How to Negotiate the Activity Maze
Manage your young children's activities without losing your mind by following these tips.
Faith Schools Should Not Be Tax-funded, and Here's Why
Zoe Williams: If the Catholic church is prepared to ban Amnesty because of its stance on abortion, what other rights might it censure?
They're Best Friends. So Why Are They Separated When the School Bell Rings?
An emergency all-black primary school set up to teach the children of African immigrants who have failed to get places in the overloaded Irish education system has canceled its launch tomorrow because it is massively over-subscribed.
Where to Get Funding For Back-To-School Expenses
It's back to school. Do you have funds for your schooling yet?
School's Out But You're Not! (The One Lesson You Must Learn)
Discover the one lesson you must learn no matter what your goals or objectives are in life. Theone thing you must constantly do each day inorder to succeed.
School Head Bans Hugs and Handshakes
Headteacher Deborah Hernandez was accused of being out of touch, literally and scholastically, after banning physical contact between her 1,100 pupils.
Inequitable Funding for Some within the New York Schools
In an attempt to get more funding into the poorer school districts and reduce funding for the wealthier districts, Governor Eliot Spitzer replaced the very rigid, long-standing formula for funding of the New York schools.
10 Tips for Talking to Children About School Shootings
Advicie for parents about talking to thier children about the school shootings.
Houston Schools Superintendent Highest Paid in State — Or Is He?
The Houston Chronicle conducted a study and published its results in mid-March. As part of the Sunshine Week open-records program of the American Society of Newspaper Editors, the newspaper surveyed the compensation packages of superintendents across the state, finding that ten regional superintendents in greater Houston exceed $199,000 in annual salary.
Villaraigosa and Los Angeles Schools Are at It Again!
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Los Angeles schools have had several run-ins over the past couple of years. Villaraigosa has been trying to gain control over the Los Angeles schools through both the legislature and the courts. Thus far, his efforts have been only marginally successful, having been given some control at the end of last summer.
Houston Schools’ Students Get Hands-On Experience at Space Center
NASA’s Johnson Space Center Houston recently hosted a two-day BP Physics Challenge for 886 Houston schools’ students, mostly juniors and seniors, with 800 more students expected to attend.
Balanced Budget for the Denver Schools — An Unfamiliar But Welcome Place to Be
I have been writing about school districts across the nation for some time. It is unfortunate that many districts today generally are experiencing more problems than successes. Budgeting, finances and funding are the biggest headaches and challenges for school administrators and district officials.
Scott Parks’ Wish List for Dallas Schools
Scott Parks is the education columnist for the Dallas Daily News. He had some interesting items on his January 2007 wish list for the Dallas schools. Some are poignant and in dire need. Some are possibilities during this new year.
Sense at the School Gate
The crucial thing to listen to is not what parents say to politicians but what they say to each other. By Lucy Ward
3,200 Students Remain Excluded from Baltimore Schools Due to Required Vaccinations
In 2005, state legislators added two additional immunizations to the list that Baltimore schools must ensure all children through the ninth grade have before attending school. The first deadline for Baltimore schools’ children for the new vaccinations was the start of school for school year 2006-2007.
Choosing The Right Art School
You should consider both personal factors about yourself, and general factors about your prospective school before making this important decision.
Growing Legal Costs in the School System
Legal costs have grown significantly. Schools now pay for lawyers and find themselves on the defending end in court. While legal support has become a part of today’s school system, it also means money that would go toward future education is affected.
Fuel Efficient School Bus Ready Soon
Students would be brought to school and would be traveling home in a bus that is fuel efficient. And this new kind of school bus would be working on batteries from Valence Technology, Inc.
San Antonio Independent School District Welcome New Additions
Current and former students, community members and staff from the San Antonio Schools staff gathered in the historic auditorium of Douglass Academy on Sept. 26 for a homecoming celebration and dedication ceremony to mark the completion of a major construction and renovation project at the school.
Pittsburg Schools’ Magnet Schools Programs
The Pittsburg Schools is holding an Information Fair aimed at providing parents with the information they need to provide their children with the best opportunities. The Pittsburg Schools’ Magnet Information Fair will be held on October 7th at the Frick International Studies Academy.
Nashville Schools Begin New Projects to Help Teachers and Parents
The Nashville Schools has started a new telephone information service that offers valuable information to parents.
Miami Schools Provides Programs for Students’ Future
In an aim to make students better prepared for the global marketplace, Miami Schools is creating the Education Council of International Cities. This council aims to help students gain the education they need to take part in the challenges of a new global economy.
Indianapolis Schools Work With Their Communities to Improve Schools
Parkview Elementary School 81 will receive a new playground on October 2nd but the work has already started. An asphalt lot will be a brand new playground thanks to the Allstate Foundation and Injury Free Coalition for Kids at Riley Hospital. About 50 volunteers are expected to be involved in the project.
Detroit Schools Has a Difficult Start to the 2006-2007 School Year
There has been a slow and turbulent start to the Detroit Schools ’ new school year. In a battle over contracts, some 7,000 teachers and 2,000 staff members refused to start school in September.
Cleveland Schools Students and Programs Supported by Politicians and Celebrities
Otis Sallid, a choreographer and director, is offering Cleveland Schools ’ students a chance to gain from classes in dance and acting. The classes are in cooperation with the Ohio Theatre, which is using the classes as a way to recruit for its upcoming productions. The classes will be held at the studios in the Playhouse Square.
Charlotte Schools Team Up With Local Businesses to Improve Schools
One Charlotte Schools ’ member started off the school year with a big boon. Nations Ford Elementary School has received a $5,000 donation from Office Max. This donation is linked to the opening of a brand new Office Max in Rivergate Town Center on Sept. 6.
Seattle School Librarian Honored
There was a group of children in one of the Seattle schools who came up with an idea. They wanted to turn sad things into happy things, find the positive in the negative. The idea came about because when you are in the third or fourth grade, life can be sweet one moment, stale candy the next.
San Jose Schools Has a Rewarding Summer
This summer several San Jose Schools won some kind of award or honor for their continued achievements in education.
San Francisco Uses Weighed Student Formulas to Track School Needs
One of the primary features of the WSF is that it allows San Francisco Schools more flexibility than the previous system, called the "staffing ratios" model.
Nashville Schools Examines Its 2005-2006 Performance
Every year, every school district in Tennessee must examine its performance from the pervious school year. This summer Nashville Schools had to do this as well. The Nashville Schools’ Board of Education, which included both the outgoing members from 2005-2006 and the incoming members from 2006-2007, reviewed the results from the Tennessee Adequate Yearly Progress.
Miami Schools Expands and Prepares for the 2006-2007 School Year
This school year Miami Schools is opening four new schools and several new facilities to cope with increased student enrollment for the 2006-2007 school year. The new schools will cater to elementary, middle and high school students.
Long Island Schools Rethink Gym Credit
Teachers, students, and parents at Long Island schools have been struggling with how to give credit for physical education classes. On the one hand, many argue that counting gym like an academic class can badly affect the GPA of students who are strong academically but do not do well in gym.
Indianapolis Sees Success Involving Fathers
Superintendent Eugene G. White’s call to fathers in the Indianapolis schools has met with strong success. Mr. White asked fathers to bring their children to the first day of classes in order to establish a stronger presence on campus and hopefully continue to stay involved with Indianapolis schools throughout the school year.
Cleveland Opens Five New Schools for 2006 – 2007
Three Cleveland schools received complete and comprehensive renovations. These schools will appear completely different to returning students and take learning in Cleveland to a new and modern level.
Cincinnati Schools Establishes Programs That Unite Educators and the Community
This summer saw the creation of the Cincinnati Schools ’ Parent Leadership Institute. The program reflects the changing role that parents play in public education. As Vanessa White, the Board President of the Parents for Public Schools (PPS) stated: "The days of bake sales are long gone.
International Baccalurette Programs Heat Up Charlotte
The science program at Davidson IB Middle, one of the schools in the Charlotte – Mecklenburg area, has been recognized as a School of Distinction by Intel and Scholastic.
Pittsburgh Schools Use the Summer to Prepare for the Future
This summer Pittsburgh Schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt announced the creation of the Pittsburgh Schools High School Reform Task Force. The Pittsburgh Schools High School Reform Task Force will be comprised of education professionals, private foundations, business professionals, parents, and community members.
Orlando Schools Make Plans for the 2006-2007 School Year
Orlando Schools has made several changes that will go into effect this fall. The first official day of school in the Orlando Schools is August 7th. This school year’s students attendance for the Orlando Schools has increased by around 4,000 students to 181,210 total students.
Nashville Schools Prosper and Grow this Summer
Students from the John Overton High School participated in Students Taking Action with Recognition Events at. The Nashville Schools’ team included Overton High School graduates Rosa Abernathy, Jontyce Otey, and Brittany Shook.
Indianapolis Schools Teachers Receive Awards Recognizing Positive Performance
An Indianapolis Schools Center for Inquiry teacher, Maysee Herr, was among twelve young leaders from throughout Indiana to be awarded the Governor's Award for Tomorrow's Leaders.
Cleveland Schools Career Fields Program
All Cleveland Schools high schools have developed the Career Fields path of study to help students choose and succeed in higher education, work, and life after high school. The Career Fields places occupations into paths that share common skills. This allows teachers and students to combine educational study with more technical instruction.
Washington DC Schools Improves Its After-School Program
Washington DC Schools after schools and out of school programs are getting a boost from the nonprofit DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation and The Wallace Foundation. The DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation is works to increase the quality, quantity and accessibility of services for children, youth and families in the Washington DC area.
Seattle Schools Participate in Washington Assessment of Student Learning
The class of 2008 in all Seattle Schools will be required to pass the 10th-grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning, this will be the way that most students will earn the Certificate of Academic Achievement, one of the four new statewide graduation requirements.
San Francisco Schools’ Small Schools Program
The Small Schools program in San Francisco Schools was established back in 2000. One successful example of a small school is the San Francisco Schools’ Leadership High School. This high school has a total of only 345 students, uses high standards and close relationship with teachers to help at risk students.
Miami Schools Teach Entrepreneurship
This summer, 126 students from Miami Schools entered a six-week training session and contest to learn about entrepreneurship. Funded and run by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, the six week summer session will teach the students how to create a business plan, how to secure start up funds and then how to pitch the idea to real business people.
San Jose Schools Changes School Nutrition and Limits Junk Food
Following in the footsteps of both federal and state trends to limit junk food and provide better nutrition to students, San Jose Schools will implement new some changes starting in September 2006. These changes may appear sudden but actually is part of a long term goal for improving student nutrition.
San Antonio Schools Celebrate Successes and Create New Programs to Further Achievement
Beginning this school year, Ninth grade students in San Antonio Schools will have more resources in helping them gain success in academic studies, college, and future careers. In addition to their regular classes ninth grade students will be required to take Freshman Prep class. San Antonio Schools’ Freshman Prep class helps students create a plan for the next four years and their future.
Long Island Schools Improve in the 2005-2006 School Year
Long Island Schools had over 30 schools not meet the New York State Standards for the 2004-2005 school but this year the number of schools rose dramatically. Schools that succeeded this year that had not last year include East Hampton, Ronkonkoma, Mineola, and Valley Stream.
Detroit Schools Excel in National Competitions
Detroit Schools Win Awards in the Academic Games Leagues of America Competition
Nashville Schools Release 2005-2006 Data and Makes Plans for the 2006-2007 School Year
Nashville Schools have made a lot of progress in the 2005-2006 school year. The Nashville Schools this school year has, in several key areas, had a higher percentage of students meet the required levels of proficiency as determined by the No Child Left Behind Act.
Cleveland Schools Aim for Healthy Students and Teachers
Eighty-three students and teachers from seven Cleveland Schools are participating in a program designed to increase health and self-confidence. The eleven week Motivating Movement Through Marathoning Challenge is a joint program between Cleveland Schools and the Cleveland YMCA.
Cincinnati Schools Creates Programs to Improve Teaching and Learning
Three Cincinnati Schools have volunteered to take part in a new program next school year that is aimed to improve the school’s instructional strategies and increase professional development. The aim of the program is to illustrate the connection between effective teaching and the student’s academic performance.
Washington D.C. School District Takes Aim at Language and Cultural Education
In 2004, the Washington D.C. enacted the Language Access Act. The Act was created in order to grant greater access to and participation in public schools and other public services for those residents that have limited or no English proficiency.
Different Schools in the Seattle School District Honor Graduates
On Monday, June 19th, Richard Coone received an honorary diploma from Garfield High School, a Seattle High School. He walked with the Garfield High graduates at the graduating ceremonies held at Qwest Field. Mr. Coone has waited over sixty-five years to receive a diploma. In 1941, Mr. Coone was a senior at Garfield High School and was prepared to graduate with his friends but World War II got in the way.
San Francisco Schools Connect to China and its Chinese Community
The Alice Fong Yu Alternative School, one San Francisco School, is the first Chinese immersion school in the United States. The school is designed as a two-way Chinese/English instructional environment. The school provides an outstanding educational experience for children of all backgrounds.
Miami Schools Get Top Marks this Year
Fifty-three percent of Miami-Dade’s schools – 179 out of 328 receiving grades Wednesday – received an "A" based on their students’ performance on the 2006 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test this spring. This is an improvement from last year when the percentage was around forty-six percent.
Indianapolis Schools Attend National Meetings and Competitions While Making Improvements for the Next School Year
Students from three Indianapolis middle schools will compete in the African American History Challenge held June 7-11 in Atlanta, Ga. The team is composed of Kenneth Rush from Crispus Attucks Middle School, Gordon Jackson of Park Tudor and Adrian Wynn of Craig Middle School.
San Jose Schools’ Alternative Education Program Saves Troubled Students
San Jose Schools face the same problem that all school districts around the country face, losing at risk students. The San Jose School District has found a solution to this problem while still including these students as a part of the traditional school population. San Jose Schools alternative school program allows for individual attention to the students’ needs while having them participate in activities at the regular campuses.
This Summer is Full of Honors and Functions in the San Antonio School District
Harris Middle School is being recognized for its students’ efforts to improve their community’s quality of life. This summer Harris Middle School has received the National Youth Crime Watch of America Casey Award presented during the international conference in Ogden, Utah.
Long Island Unified School District’s Foundation for the Advancement of Student Technology
The Roslyn Union Free School District, a part of the Long Island Schools, is composed of five schools: a pre-kindergarten to first grade school; an elementary school with first to fifth grade; a second elementary school with second to fifth grade; a middle school with sixth to eighth grade; and a high school.
Detroit School District Makes Connection to Minorities
The Detroit School District’s Department of Contracting and Procurement has created a special community outreach program which gives immediate notification to certified minority businesses when bids are posted. These bids are used to determine which businesses will provide construction or services for the Detroit School District.
Charlotte Mecklenburg School District’s CMS-TV3
The Charlotte Mecklenburg School District is the main school district for the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The Charlotte Mecklenburg School District is composed of one hundred fifty schools: ninety one elementary schools, thirty two middle schools, seventeen high schools and ten alternative programs.
Family Math Nights Bring Together Parents and Teachers in Seattle Schools
Seattle Schools hosted a series of Family Math Nights to help parents and students learn about upcoming changes and challenges to the Seattle Public School Mathematics Curriculum.
Summer HEAT 2006 Offers Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers in Miami – Dade County School District
Miami Schools are offering a range of summer professional development courses for its public school teachers and administrators in order to help teachers meet federal requirements and learn new methods and approaches to teaching. Teachers are eligible to take one Summer Heat course. These courses will be offered during June and July. Most courses last about a week and meet from 8:15 AM to 3:15 PM daily.
Detroit Schools Partner for Engineering Success
The Detroit Schools has partnered with local universities to get students thinking about careers in science and engineering. Students at different levels of the Detroit Public Schools are being targeted in a statewide effort to get more women and minorities enrolled in engineering programs. One program that makes this its mission is the Detroit Area Pre College Engineering Program (DAPCEP).
Cleveland Schools Open Applications for New Magnet School
John Hay High School is poised to host the two newest additions to the Cleveland Schools‘ long list of academically challenging magnet schools. Rather than focusing on only one discipline, John Hay High School will develop two completely separate programs for specially selected students.
Charlotte – Mecklenburg Schools Lead the Nation in Preschool Education Programs
One program in Charlotte Schools is focusing on the littlest learners. Recognizing that good learners begin early, education officials have developed an award winning preschool program called Bright Beginnings.
The Teacher Advancement Program at Cincinnati Schools Seeks to Keep Good Teachers
Cincinnati Schools are pleased to announce that three area schools have been selected to participate in a nationwide pilot program to improve teacher quality. The three Cincinnati Public Schools chosen include John P. Parker School in Madisonville, South Avondale School in Avondale, and Whittier School in Price Hill.
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program Comes to Washington D.C. Schools
Washington D.C. Schools are eager to begin a new language immersion program at the primary school level. Beginning in August of 2006, pre – Kindergarten students of various foreign language backgrounds will join the new language immersion program. In particular, French and Spanish speaking children are needed to start this two way immersion experience.
The San Jose Unified School District wins honors for its Board of Education Driven Public Engagement Model
A series of teacher strikes, bankruptcy, and changes in leadership gave the San Jose Unified School District a bad reputation among the local community. Students weren’t achieving state standards and many parents and teachers didn’t know what to do to fix the situations. The San Jose Unified School District faced the daunting task of regaining public trust and integrating itself into the needs of the community.
Take Stock in Children College Scholarships for Orlando Schools and Seminole County Public Schools
Take Stock in Children is a statewide scholarship program being implemented by Orlando Schools and the Seminole County Public School system. The program targets students with strong financial need as well as strong motivation to succeed in college. Beginning in eighth grade, students are invited to apply for the scholarships.
WebQuests Let Students Explore Independentally in Indianapolis Schools
The Indianapolis Schools Click Program, a professional development program for teachers, helped teachers designed web based learning activities for students, called WebQuests. The Indianapolis Public School website offers a range of WebQuests, arranged by grade level (K – 2, 3 – 5, 6 – 8, 9 – 12) and subject area.
The John Muir Learning Garden Brightens San Francisco Schools
The John Muir Learning Garden is designed to give San Francisco Schools students a change to take learning further outside of the classroom. The Garden builds on the fundamental curriculum concerns of the elementary school and provides an opportunity for students to gain real life experience that complements their academic studies.
Teachers Explore New Methods for Teaching Literacy in Long Island Schools
Sachem School District teachers completed another professional development activity thanks to the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning. The program is called the Strategic Instructional Model (SIM) and looks at how teachers can improve literacy in low performing adolescents.
Ohio Schools Question Perfect Attendance Reports of Internet Schools
The Ohio schools have had state-funded, online charter schools for a few years. Students do their work over the Internet from their homes or other sites. They can work anytime but must log 920 hours per year for perfect attendance.
Baltimore Schools Experiment Raises Expectations and Results
In 2004, the Baltimore schools joined with Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Social Organization of Schools in an experiment in education. The ten-year, cutting edge program was developed to stem the dropout rate throughout the United States.
San Diego Schools Closing Gap in Math
As the San Diego schools graduating class of 2007 begin their senior year, school district superintendents across San Diego County are celebrating. The San Diego County Schools announced in September that, as of the class of 2006, the gap in passing the crucial math portion of the state exit exam is nearly closed between black/Latino and white/Asian students.
Philadelphia Schools and Privatization — Is It a Mistake?
The Philadelphia schools have been contracting out (also called privatization) many schools services to for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations for four years and are entering their fifth.
The Los Angeles Schools Bond Measure — Is It Needed?
On November 8th, the voters of who live in the Los Angeles schools district will be faced with their fourth proposition, called Measure Y. The $3.985 bond measure, which will be paid by property taxes, is for more planned expansion within the Los Angeles schools, allowing them to add another 25 elementary schools to the current list of 160 schools that are scheduled to be constructed by year 2012.
Top Artists Join Music Project to Benefit the California Schools
Over the past decade, music has been severely declining within the California schools. A recent study showed that within the past five years there has been a 50 percent decline in student participation in music programs. Additionally, it showed that one third of all music teachers have lost their jobs within that same time frame.
Arizona Schools Math Standards — Is There a Better Way
All states across the United States require standards that must be met in different subjects by specific grades, especially in reading and math. End of year testing is required for specific grades to ensure schools and students are meeting these standards.
Olson’s Fourth Bid to Represent the Tampa Schools
The Tampa schools are part of the Hillsborough County School Board, and Candy Olson has represented the south Tampa schools for 12 years. The nonpartisan District 2 covers the south Tampa schools and curves into part of southwest Hillsborough County. Olson has twice been chairman of the school board.
Confidence in the St. Louis Schools Hitting All-Time Low with Philanthropists
Philanthropists, business leaders, and educational advocates across the region have lost confidence in the St. Louis schools board’s ability to correct the ongoing problems in its district, according to a September 2, 2006, article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
New Experience for Some San Diego Schools Students and Their Teachers
This July, Annie Santana, a Spanish teacher at Mission Bay High School, part of the San Diego schools, departed the city and headed for the island of Robinson Crusoe, Chile. In the seventh year of her career, Santana joined the Fulbright teacher exchange program.
Phoenix Schools’ Roosevelt District in Serious Trouble with Arizona Department of Education
The Roosevelt Elementary School District, located in the Phoenix Schools area on the south side of the city, is in serious trouble. The primarily low-income district has been dealing with turmoil for years, and the possible takeover by the Arizona Department of Education only exacerbates the situation.
Two Orlando Schools in Trouble with State Board of Education
Two Orlando schools are in trouble with the State Board of Education. Both Evans and Jones High Schools have repeatedly failed the state’s annual school grading system that is based on student scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.
Ohio Schools Achievement Committee to Review Guidelines for Teaching Controversial Topics
The Ohio schools board has drafted a framework that will set teacher guidelines to be used when teaching controversial topics in the classroom. The proposal is not a lesson plan, but rather an optional template that guides teachers to enable students to form judgments by critically analyzing all sides of a controversial subject.
Dress Code Is New Hot Button for the Houston Schools
School dress codes have been around for decades, but they gained more prominence in schools and are stricter in recent years in response to the permeation of gangs and violence within the schools at all levels.
Foundation Supports Student Achievement in Denver Schools
The Denver Public School Foundation is a "portal" for community and business philanthropy for the Denver schools. Originally started in 1984, it played a passive role in the Denver schools, until it was revitalized in 2002.
Dallas Schools Tackling Tough Issue of Ethnic Slurs
I am of a generation where Richard Pryor was the only person who ever used the N-word in a public venue. Today, however, rappers and hip-hop music is inundated with the word, and our youth who listen to it mimic their idols.
Charter Schools in Boston Are Urged to Join Boston Schools System
In an unprecedented move in April, the Boston schools launched an initiative to convert all the charter schools within the city over to their school system as pilot schools.
Baltimore Schools Lose in Court — Ruling Favored Charter Schools
In 2005, City Neighbors and Patterson Park Public, two charter schools in Baltimore, appealed the Baltimore schools’ per student funding formula to the state board. The board ruled in their favor, and the Baltimore schools appealed the board’s decision in the Court of Special Appeals, Maryland’s second highest court.
State and Feds at Odds Over New Rules for Scoring Arizona Schools
The U.S. Department of Education changed its rules for measuring the progress of public schools during the 2005-2006 school year. The impact was devastating to the Arizona schools, which had more than 600 schools marked as "failed". That is nearly three times as many schools as last year.
Preparing To Go Back To School
This article offers several suggestions for both mom and child to prepare to go back to school.
Philadelphia Schools Gains New Institute for Teacher Diversity
The Philadelphia schools need to improve the effectiveness and diversity of their teacher workforce. Currently, 85 percent of their students are African American, Latino and Asian, but they have only 38 percent teachers of color.
Mayor Villaraigosa Shares Control of the Los Angeles Schools
Last month, I wrote in an article about Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa proposing a legislative bill to take control of the Los Angeles schools (see Los Angeles Schools Strongly Opposed to Takeover by Mayor Villaraigosa). Reform Bill 1381 passed the state legislature at the end of August, with some changes.
Houston Schools Support 2007 Goal of Success for McReynolds Middle School
On the evening of August 31, a meeting was held for the parents, students, teachers, staff, business partners, and other community members of McReynolds Middle School, a member of the Houston schools that is located on the east side of the city. Hundreds of people filled the school’s auditorium, leaving standing room only.
High Sugar Sodas to Be Phased Out of Dallas Schools
An agreement was reached this past spring with Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo and Cadbury Schweppes to eliminate all non-diet soda and other sugary drinks from most public school vending machines, unless they have a nutritious value, such as juice and low-fat milk.
California Schools Educators Retirement System and Lionstone Group Create Investment Fund
The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CSTRS) is the second largest public pension fund in the nation, providing retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California schools educators.
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program Benefits the Tampa Schools
A constitutional amendment was passed in November 2002 that established the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program for all four year olds in the state of Florida. The program benefits not only the children but the Tampa schools, as well, by preparing children for kindergarten and beyond.
New Committee Appointed by State to Work with St. Louis Schools
In July, St. Louis schools’ Superintendent Creg Williams abruptly resigned. Since then, many members of the community, government officials, and parents have called for various types of intervention for the St. Louis schools.
Los Angeles Schools Strongly Opposed to Takeover by Mayor Villaraigosa
There is currently legislation AB 1381 in the state legislature that, if passed, will give the okay to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to take over a subset of the Los Angeles schools. Recently, the mayor’s school reform team announced its latest round of changes to the bill in order to sidestep some possible problems to it passing.
California Schools’ Audit Shows Excessive Spending and Overpayments to Chain of Charter Schools
Superintendent of Instruction for the California schools, Jack O’Connell, initiated an audit more than a year ago into the fiscal concerns of the Options for Youth and Opportunities for Learning (OYO) schools.
Three Arizona Schools Candidates Hold Differing Views
Three candidates are running for the post of Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Arizona schools in the September 12th election. Current Superintendent Tom Horne is running as the unopposed Republican candidate, seeking his second term in office.
Baltimore Schools Designate Six Schools as Persistently Dangerous with a Warning to Another
The federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act requires that all states report any schools that are considered persistently dangerous. The state of Maryland is only one of six states that have reported having such schools. Some metro areas with similar or worse problems report no dangerous schools at all.
Tampa Schools Encouraged — Student Referrals to County Disciplinary Panel Down
The Tampa schools are a member of the Hillsborough County School District, in which the Disciplinary Committee resides. The disciplinary panel deals with the troubled youth who commit serious offenses and policy violations at school. The panel imposes such measures as expulsion or reassignment to another school.
Financial and Political Problems Plague the Troubled St. Louis Schools
The 2006-2007 school year for the St Louis schools brings with it a financial deficit and accreditation problems carried over from the previous board majority. Additionally, superintendent Creg Williams’ proposed budget was voted down on June 13, so currently there is no budget for the upcoming school year.
Five New Area Superintendents Appointed to the San Diego Schools
In June 2006, Superintendent Carl Cohn appointed five new area superintendents for the San Diego Schools.
How to Choose a School
If you know you want to go to school but don't know how to choose the "right" one, have no fear! I've provided a list of questions to consider when selecting that perfect school.