May 12, 2010

Education Week, Vol. 29, Issue 31
Curriculum Report Roundup High School Journalism
Only half of the public high schools in New York City have student newspapers or journalism programs, while three-quarters of the public high schools nationwide do, according to a new study.
Catherine Gewertz, May 11, 2010
1 min read
School & District Management Report Roundup Too Many Forms?
A new study of Louisiana schools suggests that the paperwork load may be greater in low-performing schools.
Debra Viadero, May 11, 2010
1 min read
Teaching Profession News in Brief Obama Lauds High School Educator Named 2010 National Teacher of the Year
A high school English teacher from Iowa who sees herself as the "lead learner" in her classroom has been named the 2010 National Teacher of the Year.
Elizabeth Rich, May 11, 2010
2 min read
Law & Courts News in Brief Conn. ACLU Sues to Stop Graduations at Church
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to stop two Connecticut high schools from holding their graduation ceremonies at a megachurch.
The Associated Press, May 11, 2010
1 min read
Law & Courts News in Brief Iowa Teachers Regain Right to Early Look at Accusers
Iowa teachers will be able to find out the names of people who accuse them of wrongdoing before an investigation is complete under a new law that critics say will scare off whistle-blowers.
The Associated Press, May 11, 2010
1 min read
Education News in Brief Study: Oregon Posts Lowest Rate of Childhood Obesity
Oregon has the nation's lowest rate of obese children, according to a new government study, which found big gaps between regions and ballooning obesity rates in many states from 2003 to 2007.
The Associated Press, May 11, 2010
1 min read
School & District Management News in Brief Mich. School Wins Contest to Have Obama as Speaker
Kalamazoo Central High School in western Michigan has won a national contest to have President Barack Obama as its commencement speaker this spring, the White House announced last week.
The Associated Press, May 11, 2010
1 min read
School & District Management News in Brief Foundations Help Charter Network Secure Bonds
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation are helping a California charter school network secure $93 million in tax-exempt bonds to aid in its expansion.
The Associated Press, May 11, 2010
1 min read
Ed-Tech Policy News in Brief District-Funded Report Finds no Evidence of Laptop Spying
There's no evidence a Pennsylvania school district used school-issued laptop computers to spy on students, despite its questionable policies and its lack of regard for students' privacy, a report issued last week by lawyers hired by the district says.
The Associated Press, May 11, 2010
1 min read
School & District Management News in Brief Indianapolis Schools Chief Suspends 40-Plus Students
Students at Arlington High School in Indianapolis might want to shape up the next time the superintendent pays a visit.
The Associated Press, May 11, 2010
1 min read
School & District Management News in Brief Eugenie Scott Awarded Medal
Eugenie C. Scott, the executive director of the National Center for Science Education, has been awarded the Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences.
Mary-Ellen Phelps Deily, May 11, 2010
1 min read
School & District Management Phys. Ed. Legislation Generates Mixed Reactions
Critics argue the measure moving through Congress would burden schools with additional mandates.
May 11, 2010
4 min read
School & District Management Opinion Making Teacher Quality Reform's Latest Red Herring
No one would fix the health-care system by replacing doctors and nurses with better ones, writes Peter Berger, so why should that work in education?
Peter N. Berger, May 11, 2010
5 min read
Students at Hunter College High School in New York watch as U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan is introduced as President Barack Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court on May 10. Kagan attended Hunter College High School before going on to Oxford, Princeton, and Harvard.
Students at Hunter College High School in New York watch as U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan is introduced as President Barack Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court on May 10. Kagan attended Hunter College High School before going on to Oxford, Princeton, and Harvard.
Seth Wenig/AP
Law & Courts High Court Pick Has Sparse K-12 Policy Record
U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan had education as part of her portfolio during a White House domestic-council stint under President Clinton.
Mark Walsh, May 10, 2010
8 min read
Harrison School District Two Superintendent Mike Miles is rolling out a system for teachers in the Colorado district that will scrap the salary schedule and reward teachers in part for student achievement.
Harrison School District Two Superintendent Mike Miles is rolling out a system for teachers in the Colorado district that will scrap the salary schedule and reward teachers in part for student achievement.
Nathan W. Armes for Education Week
School & District Management Colo. District Boots Traditional Salary Schedule
Teachers in Harrison School District Two will be paid based on observations of classroom practice and student-achievement results.
Stephen Sawchuk, May 10, 2010
9 min read
BRIC ARCHIVE
Susan Sanford
School & District Management Opinion Is Summer School the Key to Reform?
By rethinking a maligned institution, educators could end "summer slide," enrich learning, and close achievement gaps, Ron Fairchild and Jeff Smink write.
Ron Fairchild & Jeff Smink, May 10, 2010
6 min read
Elizabeth Caucutt and her brother Drayton run home after a day at school.
Elizabeth Caucutt and her brother Drayton run home after a day at school.
Andy Manis for Education Week
School & District Management Socioeconomics Replacing Race in School Assignments
Advocates hope to clear the path—blocked by the Supreme Court—to racial diversity in schools, through the use of poverty measures.
Mary Ann Zehr, May 7, 2010
8 min read
School & District Management Closure of Stanford-Run Charter Sparks Debate
Views vary on a California district’s decision to shut one school run by Stanford University but grant a two-year reprieve to the other.
Mary Ann Zehr, May 7, 2010
4 min read
Teaching Opinion Embracing Wikipedia
Though the online encyclopedia has its shortcomings, writes Matthew Shapiro, it’s an excellent place for students to begin the research process and has real pedagogical value for teachers.
Matthew Shapiro, May 7, 2010
4 min read
Federal Push to Spur Innovation Raises Hopes—and Eyebrows
A new effort by 12 major education philanthropies aims to dovetail with the Education Department’s ‘i3’ agenda, raising complex issues.
Erik W. Robelen & Michele McNeil, May 7, 2010
8 min read
Reading & Literacy Reading Programs Yield Few Gains in Comprehension
A federal study of supplemental reading-comprehension programs has found positive effects for only one of the three programs examined.
Catherine Gewertz, May 6, 2010
4 min read
IT Infrastructure & Management Opinion Data Rich But Information Poor
Leveraging schools' investment in data systems will require a parallel investment in strengthening the capacity to use data to improve teaching, William J. Slotnik and Martin Orland write.
William J. Slotnik & Martin Orland, May 6, 2010
3 min read
Edward Boswell, the principal of Richard Ira Jones Middle School in Plainfield, Ill., talks with 7th graders Parker Galt, left, and Shane Yeo as they head back to class after their lunch period.
Edward Boswell, the principal of Richard Ira Jones Middle School in Plainfield, Ill., talks with 7th graders Parker Galt, left, and Shane Yeo as they head back to class after their lunch period.
John Zich for Education Week
School Climate & Safety Anti-Bullying Efforts Gain Fresh Momentum
Recent high-profile incidents prompt school- and district-level leaders to focus anew on prevention, intervention, and response.
Dakarai I. Aarons, May 6, 2010
8 min read
Equity & Diversity Advice Given on Single-Sex Schools for Boys of Color
A qualitative study of single-sex schools for Latino and African-American males provides guidance on interventions for success.
Mary Ann Zehr, May 5, 2010
4 min read
Science Opinion Making Science Labs a Priority
Many students are choosing not to participate in science after high school because of subpar facilities and instruction, writes Francis Eberle, who outlines the goals of this month’s National Lab Day.
Francis Eberle, May 5, 2010
5 min read
School & District Management Race to Top Hopefuls Seek to Crack 'Buy-In' Puzzle
Applicants look for district and union support without diluting proposals and hurting their shot at the $3.4 billion still left.
Michele McNeil, May 4, 2010
5 min read
Teaching Profession Opinion The End of Making Excuses
It's easier to demonize teachers than to understand what they contend with daily in the classroom—or to muster the political will to change it, writes D.C. Lambert.
D.C. Lambert, May 4, 2010
5 min read
School & District Management Coaching of Teachers Found to Boost Student Reading
A study of the Literacy Collaborative approach to instruction finds that putting reading coaches in schools can yield strong gains.
Debra Viadero, May 4, 2010
5 min read
Teaching Profession 275,000 School Jobs on Chopping Block, Survey Says
Local superintendents warn of deep personnel cuts in the 2010-2011 school year.
Alyson Klein, May 4, 2010
1 min read