US Census data is out and is being sliced and diced liked done on this edudemic article:
98% of students aged 6-14 are enrolled in school; 93% aged 14-18 are enrolled in school. 60% of 3-5 year olds are enrolled in nursery school; 92% of 5-6 year olds are enrolled in kindergarten. These numbers represent huge increases for the 3-6 year olds compared with 1970.
In 1970, 20% of women and 27% of men attended college, compared with 38.6% of men and 47.5% of women in 2010.
Generally only about 52% of school expenditures are for instruction. 29.7% go to 'support services' (a category that is not clearly defined here)
Only four states spend more than $9,000 per pupil per year. 20 states spend $6,000 to $8,999, leaving the vast majority of states spending under $6K per year, per pupil.
"A new report, published today by King's College London, shows the findings of four projects that for the first time in the UK placed Nursery, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 children in their local museum for extended residencies. The groups undertook many of their daily lessons and activities at their local museums for a period of between two weeks and up to a full term."
"GOSH Charity is encouraging schools, nurseries and playgroups to get involved with the popular fundraiser between 21-27 May. The charity is inviting the next generation of budding bakers and patisserie pros, teacher and pupils alike, to roll up their sleeves, don their aprons, and bake up tasty treats to raise vital funds that will help support children cared for at GOSH, and their families too."
"From September 2019, Ofsted will refocus inspections of schools in England, early years settings and further education and skills providers, to make sure that learners are receiving a high-quality education that puts them on a path to future success.
Ofsted inspectors will spend less time looking at exam results and test data, and more time considering how a nursery, school, college or other education provider has achieved their results. That is, whether they are the outcome of a broad, rich curriculum and real learning, or of teaching to the test and exam cramming."
A lovely set of online games and activities for young children to practise their computer, problem solving and thinking skills.
http://ictmagic.wikispaces.com/Early+Years
Speakaboos brings classic children's entertainment into a digital world. Beloved characters and treasured stories are given new life through amazing celebrity performances, beautiful illustrations, and original music. At Speakaboos, children develop literacy skills while learning about technology in a safe and fun environment.
"Alternative and contemporary version of the Three Little Pigs from the Guardian newspaper. The story slowly unfolds as new information is produced. Use in lessons to focus on evidence and plot twists."
"Not only do Montessori children do better overall than those in conventional preschools, but Montessori preschools help low-income children to perform as well as wealthier children
Children in Montessori preschools show improved academic performance and social understanding, while enjoying their school work more, finds the first longitudinal study of Montessori education outcomes. Strikingly, children from low-income families, who typically don't perform as well at school, show similar academic performance as children from high-income families. Children with low executive function similarly benefit from Montessori preschools. The study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, suggests that well-implemented Montessori education could be a powerful way to help disadvantaged children to achieve their academic potential."