Teacher Leaders Network

These Things We Believe

A dozen teachers ponder the three things they believe will improve schools and the teaching profession. (February 10, 2010)

Commentary

The Case for Literature

Common standards should not take the joy and power of book reading away from students, Nancie Atwell writes. (February 10, 2010)

Snow Incapacitates Mid-Atlantic Students

An unusually snowy winter has left schools in Virginia scrambling to figure out how to make up lost time and keep students attentive. (February 9, 2010, MCT)

First Lady Launches National Obesity Fight

First lady Michelle Obama launched a nationwide campaign Tuesday to fight childhood obesity, part of her effort to teach America's children about better nutrition and exercise. (February 9, 2010, AP)

Web Watch

The Politics of a Snow Day

The Washington Teachers Union is claiming some of the credit for the closing of District of Columbia schools today. (Feb. 8, 2010)

Engineering Class Designed to Bridge Gender Gap

Teachers at a Maryland school hope their engineering course will encourage female students to retain their interest in the field. (February 8, 2010, AP)

Standardized Tests Going Digital

Three Washington school districts will participate in a statewide pilot program to bring the state’s standardized tests to the computer. (February 4, 2010, MCT)

Utah Charter School Has Students Exploring Interests

For a three-week period in January, students at a public charter school in Utah take a break from math, English, and science instruction to explore a career field first hand. (February 4, 2010, AP)

Az. Teens Warned of DUI Dangers

A former star volleyball player who had her arm amputated after a DUI accident in 2003 has been touring middle and high schools around the country, warning students of the dangers of driving drunk. (February 4, 2010, AP)

Mo. Schools Seek Legal Loophole to Protect Students

Missouri school superintendents want to change rules that restrict them from sharing information on why teachers lose their jobs, in order to keep children safe in the classroom. (February 3, 2010, AP)

Principal Suspended for Sarcastic Letter

An Arizona elementary school principal was suspended after his sarcastic letter chiding parents for their children being “too lazy or too stupid” to finish assignments in class was mistakenly sent home. (February 3, 2010, AP)

Obama Budget Calls for Major Shifts on ESEA

The administration’s spending plan would change the law’s accountability rules and significantly increase funding for competitive-grant programs.

Commentary

Attention, Gates: Here's What Makes a Great Teacher

Before shelling out $45 million for research, ask retired teachers like himself the secret of good teaching, writes James D. Starkey.

Digital Directions

Digital Tools Expand Options for Personalized Learning

Targeting students' individual needs could help build a kind of individualized education plan for every student. (February 3, 2010)

Parent Volunteers Help School District

Phoenix-area schools have been benefitting from parent volunteers who help teachers in the classroom, put together science kits in the warehouse, and usher during performances. (February 2, 2010, AP)

Twitter, Texting Blamed for Students’ Bad Grammar

A recent Canadian study blames little to no grammar teaching in schools, cellphone texting, and social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter for a decline in students’ grammar and writing proficiency. (February 1, 2010, AP)

Trend Tracker

Report: Teachers and Policymakers Differ on Effectiveness Measures

Teachers’ views on how instructional effectiveness should be measured, as well as how it could be improved, are not well-aligned with current education policy initiatives, according to a new survey report. (January 27, 2010)

Nev. Teachers’ Union Protests Student’s Article

A teachers' union continues to challenge a Nevada school district's decision allowing a high school newspaper to publish an article critical of a teacher. (February 1, 2010, AP)