“The latest generation of adults in the United States may be the first since World War II, and possibly before that, not to attain higher levels of education than the previous generations. While white and Asian American young people are outpacing previous generations, the gaps for other minority groups are large enough that the current generation is, on average, heading toward being less educated than its predecessor.” (10/09/08)
“Facing a free-speech uproar, the University of Texas backed down Thursday from punishing two students who refused to remove political signs from their dormitory window. Connor Kincaid and his cousin and roommate, Blake Kincaid, said they were barred from registering for spring classes after refusing Wednesday to take down their signs supporting Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.” (10/09/08)
“If you’re applying for the 2009 e-Rate, the $2.25 billion-a-year federal program that provides discounts on telecommunications services to eligible schools and libraries, you won’t find many new additions to this year’s program, e-Rate officials say. Instead, you’ll find live training sessions, online videos, and other web-based resources designed to help you become more comfortable with the e-Rate application process. Mel Blackwell, vice president of the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the agency that administers the e-Rate, said the SLD is ‘trying to show, as much as we possibly can, how to do everything, because when the application is successful, that’s what the program is all about.’” (10/09/08)
“The main organization representing California charter schools gave its seal of approval today to 13 newly ‘certified’ charters, bringing the total to 86. The California Charter Schools Assn. came up with the certification process last year as a way of rewarding schools that meet its highest standards for quality. The organization’s interim Chief Executive, Peter Thorp, issued a statement saying the 13 schools ‘represent a strong commitment to continued achievement and accountability in California’s charter school movement.’” (10/09/08)
“Pueblo City Schools officials weren’t happy to see a competitor offering $100 to any student who would transfer in time for the official count this year. Cesar Chavez School Network sent out flyers to families offering $100 VISA gift certificates to any youngsters who enrolled before Oct. 1, when schools across Colorado take a census that determines how much money they will receive from the state.” (10/09/08)
“The buffet offers a variety of pizzas, with whole wheat crust, organic toppings and hormone-free cheese. The salad bar includes some greens and vegetables grown without pesticides in a nearby garden. And the chef even takes special requests from vegetarians, those wanting gluten-free food or even an extra slice of free-range meat.” (10/07/08)
“To engage today’s students and get them to learn, information must be more than just words on a page, educators told publishers at a recent forum: Instead, students need relevant and interactive material, as well as resources and activities that can provide real-life experiences. That was the key message at the event, which gave educators a chance to tell publishers what their needs and objectives are for 21st-century instruction.” (10/08/08)
“As retention becomes more of a key issue for two-year institutions, some educators argue that they need to focus on what leads students to ask that question. This, however, has not always been an easy task for many community colleges, oftentimes because their many and disparate student services are incongruously spread throughout their administrative structures. Hudson Valley Community College, a State University of New York institution located outside of Albany, has congregated its retention efforts under one banner to relative success and is hoping it can serve as a model.” (10/08/08)
“Three seventh-grade girls at a school in Monroe were ordered to strip to their underwear while a teacher investigated the alleged theft of $42, their parents charge. The principal of Trinity Lutheran School was placed on two-week leave and the investigation into the female teacher’s alleged actions was continuing, Senior Pastor Stanley AuBuchon said Wednesday.” (10/08/08)
“District officials, under mounting pressure from a federal judge to overhaul special education services in public schools, promised significant improvements over the next year, including the return of some children now in private schools because the city could not meet their needs. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, joined by Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee and other top officials on the steps of a Northwest D.C. middle school yesterday, said that two pilot programs underway this academic year will begin to make the school system a more welcoming place for some of the 11,000 children with learning disabilities or behavioral challenges.” (10/08/08)
edited by R. Lee Wrights
Freedom News Daily
