The U.S. plans to implement a universal standardized testing program, where all the states will have the same standards for success. To date some states that may have failing students in math and science could be passing if they lived in another state. Improving the school system nationwide is a goal for the program, hoping that equality in testing standards will create a group of students who all meeting the same requirements.

New York City has been replacing its larger 'trouble' schools with smaller schools with themes like environmental science and performing arts. Instead of focusing on the problems at the larger schools, they are shut down so smaller ones can open. The program has had success but it isn't doing much for the overall program. The high schools who were poor performing are still having problems (low attendance, grad rates); but it appears as if the smaller school trend is on the rise.

New reform in the school tracking system to help eliminate the achievement gap, along with the stigma of who is better than another in the school. The schools division of students based on academic performance in the past has determined their path through school based on a single standarized test. The school is now working to mix the ability in each class. Why it took so long for this school to catch up to others around it I have no clue but this new development seems to be a much better idea, and will also promote self-efficacy among all students.

This article relates to the school voucher article we read this week. It doesn't directly suggest the use of school vouchers but one of the main suggestions by opponets of vouchers was to create stimulating learning opportunities for those kids who come from less affluent backgrounds. This article also suggest the same thing. In subjects like math and reading all kids lose a bit of what they learn and especially in reading w/ the poorer children. This article mentions Fairchild's center which helps promote learning over the summer from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Public schools have begun using portfolio style assessments for individuals in special education, and those who have high test anxiety. It appears these tests are proving successful and are able to fully assess the individuals learning and knowledge of subject matter. The portfolios are a pricey investment for the public schools at $500,000 for the school year and numerous teacher hours spent grading them; but who should put a price on education? I wonder if more schools will begin using portfolios for all assessments over the standarized test?

Connecticut school is going back to the basics with their math instruction. They are going online to provide lessons for their students and THROWING OUT the textbook. Its just what we discussed in a prior reading about the girl getting up in the middle of the night to do algebra on the computer. I find it interesting that their approach to getting back to the foundations of math has already improved student retention of material and better standardized test scores. Could this be a trend for more courses to come??

This article is just perfect for discussion this week. It comes at a great time for us when we are discussing NCLB and how those tasks set forth in "A Nation at Risk" and "A Democracy at Risk" are affecting us today.

I found this interesting since one of my newspaper analysis articles focused on a school that was shutting down due to poor performance. Also, one of those articles was from the Chicago Tribune which boasted about how great their public school system was in 1858, what has happened now?

I found this article in a local paper in Texas; the Academy was built on the basis of being a "green" institution; and since its open six years ago they have been going above and beyond with replacing bulbs, finding irrigation systems that will minmize water waste, and are conscientious about improving the environment.

I decided to post this article becuase last week I found one similar about schools who had improved achievement on test scores and were going to stay open; and now this article is talking about comparing some of the schools in that same ISD and making budget cuts because of test comparibility. The schools are magnet schools and learning centers that are facing these cuts and some of those schools are funded more than others. Parents are upset becuase the schools are funded equally and that the superintendent is trying to enforce cuts based on tests that don't show a true comparibility, like the school district is stating. It will be interesting to see the outcome of this vote. Education News - The Dallas Morning News is your trusted source for news from schools and school districts.

From Abkhazian to Zulu, Tampa Bay area students speak a world of native languages, enriching the melting pot of cultures. This article was interesting to me because it made me think of the Postman reading and the narrative on diversity. It is amazing that so many students in this area of Tampa speak so many different languages. The god of multiculturalism is definitely present in this community!

I found this article extremely interesting. 1. I think it is great that the school was able to rebound itself from being a low performer to fitting in with the rest of the schools in the ISD after many years below the norm. 2. The approach the principal and school district took to achieve there goals was something i'd never seen before. They took out the 10th and 11th grades to focus on those students who wanted to learn and were willing to graduate. I'm not sure how I feel about the principal/district sorting students by those willing and those not, how are they to make that decision? Education News - The Dallas Morning News is your trusted source for news from schools and school districts.

In Keller, TX an elementary school club is learning and teaching their peers about Tafadzwa. What started as a group with an interest in Afrian music and musical instruments has now turned into a much larger group of three clubs incorporating art, drama, and music. It started with homemade insturments from PVC pipes and a teacher who was looking to inspire children with music. If only all educators were as dedicated and passionate about their careeers.

When I came across this article in the paper it made me think of current discussion we had about "Public Schools for Private Advantage". We had mentioned what may happen if academic programs began to focus more on what skills will be needed to get a job rather than programs that may not provide as much monetary gains.

In Keller, TX an elementary school club is learning and teaching their peers about Tafadzwa. What started as a group with an interest in Afrian music and musical instruments has now turned into a much larger group of three clubs incorporating art, drama, and music. It started with homemade insturments from PVC pipes and a teacher who was looking to inspire children with music. If only all educators were as dedicated and passionate about their careeers.

I thought this article was neat. It is great that NYU is offering space on its campus so the younger kids will have a place to go to school. :o)