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)

Teacher Leaders Network

Professional Development: How to Reset Your Attitudinal Dial

Educator Vicky Gilpin suggests how to embrace professional development workshops when it’s the last thing you feel like doing. (February 3, 2010)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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)

Parent Sues Teacher For Humiliating Student

An Ohio mother is accusing a 6th grade teacher and a teacher’s aide of tying her son’s long hair into ponytails, making him stand in front of classrooms, and encouraging students to mock him. (January 28, 2010, AP)

Obama to Seek Up to $4 Billion Boost for Education

The president voices support for K-12 education in a State of the Union speech that calls for freezing other domestic spending. (January 27, 2010)

Alaska Ed. Chief Defends Merit-Based Scholarships

The state’s education commissioner said the merit-based scholarships should aim to improve all students’ attitudes toward learning, regardless of their economic class.