Curriculum and Learning

The latest stories on the application of courses and their content in schools.

Sex Education Looms in Health-Care Overhaul

Advocates on both sides are watching to see whether Congress will come down on paying for "abstinence-only" or "comprehensive" programs. November 20, 2009

Commentary

Cellphones in Schools: Flip ’Em Open

With online cheating growing and the use of mobile devices a way of life for students, schools cannot continue to operate as if nothing is changing, writes Matt Levinson. November 20, 2009

Final Chapter for Texas Textbooks?

With the state moving toward online material, textbooks could be going the way of slide rules and Big Chief tablets in Texas classrooms. November 20, 2009, MCT

Hispanics Ignored in Texas Standards, Board Told

Sixteen of 162 historical figures that must be covered in social studies are Hispanic, in a state where Hispanics are 40 percent of the population. November 20, 2009, MCT

Parents' No-Homework Deal Stirs Debate in Canada

November 20, 2009, AP

News Briefs

Work Groups Picked for K-12 Standards

The members of the "work groups" for developing K-12 standards in English-language arts and mathematics were announced last week. November 17, 2009

Comprehensive Sex Ed. Programs Effective, Panel Finds

A panel of experts has concluded that comprehensive sex education programs help reduce teenagers' risky sexual behavior. November 13, 2009

Student Debates

African-American students who took part in debate leagues had higher grade point averages, were more likely to graduate from high school, and were more college-ready in English and reading, a study as found. November 3, 2009

Indian Education

At least five Northwest states have academic curricula and standards that address Native American culture and history, according to a study. November 3, 2009

Long-Term ELLS

Among students in Los Angeles classified as English-language learners, 29 percent are not reclassified as fluent in English by the 8th grade, according to a study. November 3, 2009

The 'STEM' Pipeline

The flow of qualified mathematics and science students through the American education pipeline is strong—except among high-achievers, a report finds. November 3, 2009

More News Briefs

Games Evolve as Tools for Teaching Financial Literacy

Many educators are turning to digital games to teach students about personal finance and investing. November 16, 2009

Commentary

Remembering 'Horace,' Too

Ted Sizer may be best remembered for his fictional teacher, Horace Smith, writes Robert Barsanti, who sees Horace's struggles in his own career. November 16, 2009

Commentary

Schools Need a Culture Shift

Stringent testing and accountability measures have taken away the passion, fun, and collaboration that marks effective learning, writes Betty J. Sternberg. November 16, 2009

N.C. Principal Retires After Cash-for-Grades Blunder

November 13, 2009, AP

U.S. Solicits Input for New Ed-Tech Plan

Some people in the field are concerned about the lack of recommendations from educators for guiding the plan's development. November 13, 2009

N.C. District Nixes Cash-for-Grades Fundraiser

November 12, 2009, AP

N.C. School Officials Nix Cash-for-Grades Fundraiser

November 12, 2009, AP

Commentary

Educating for the Environment

School is an obvious place to root out our collective failure to understand and practice sustainable living, writes Lisa Bennett. November 11, 2009

For $20, Kids Can Buy a Better Grade

A donation at one North Carolina school will get a student 20 test points—10 extra points on two tests of the student's choosing. November 11, 2009, MCT

Decades Later, 'Parents as Teachers' Has Spread Beyond Mo.

November 10, 2009, MCT

High School Sports Hall of Fame Going Up in Pa.

November 10, 2009, AP

States Lag in Educational Innovation, Report Says

Updated: November 13, 2009

Commentary

Teaching Girls to Tinker

November 9, 2009

Commentary

Reimagining the Textbook

November 9, 2009