"Facebook is pulling in – gasp – your parents" (Sacramento Bee, 02/26/09)

The social networking Web site that started off as an online hangout for college kids is exploding in popularity among grown-ups. The real kind. The kind over 35.

Between June 2008 and January, the number of Facebook members age 35-54 nearly quadrupled – and members older than 55 tripled, according to iStrategyLabs, a digital marketing agency.

"Educating 'Middle-Skill' Workers" (InsideHigherEd, 02/27/09)

To the chagrin of many in technical education, the bachelor’s degree still hogs the spotlight in the minds of most students. Now, days after President Obama challenged the government to assist everyone in attending at least one year of college, many scholars and business leaders are hoping to make a strong public case for the value of the associate degree and work skills credentials.

"Obama's Budget Blockbuster" (InsideHigherEd, 02/27/09)

The 2010 budget blueprint released by the Obama administration Thursday was decidedly bare bones, lacking detailed numbers for most federal programs and clocking in at about one-tenth the normal number of pages of explanatory material. But while the administration's proposal might have skimped on specifics, its proposal for the Education Department had no shortage of blockbuster ideas that, taken together, would begin to radically transform federal higher education programs.

"It's never too late to learn" (Augusta Chronicle, 02/26/09)

Tubman Middle School is home to a new Parent and Adult Literacy Center. The center, which opened Feb. 19, will provide free classes on literacy, writing development and computer and math skills. Adults can also get referrals to certificate programs and GED programs at other schools.

"Turnaround Strategy Raises Tough Questions" (Chicago Public Radio, 02/27/09)

Figuring out how to improve low performing schools is an on-going national debate. Chicago gets a lot of attention because it’s aggressive in closing failing schools and replacing them with new schools it says will better educate kids. The most radical reform is called “turn around” where every teacher gets fired and new staff takes over. Here's a look at this strategy from the perspective of one highly qualified teacher. And then meets a less experienced educator who wants her job.

"Teaching Techno-Writing" (InsideHigherEd, 02/24/09)

A new report calls on English instructors to design a new curriculum and develop new pedagogies -- from kindergarten through graduate school -- responding to the reality that students mostly “write to the net.”

"The race to save our languages" (MSNBC, 02/26/09)

The Indiana Jones movies make it look as if the archaeologists have all the fun - but if you really want to see lost worlds and uncover cultural riches, you should think about becoming a linguist. At least that's the message I got from "The Linguists," a documentary that makes the leap from the film-festival circuit to the airwaves on PBS tonight.

"Adults Going Back To School For New Start" (Tampa Bay Online, 02/28/09)

With unemployment rising, they and hundreds more out-of-work adults in Hillsborough County are swamping adult education classes to prepare for the General Educational Development test or to strengthen their English-speaking skills.

"More KY Students Go Online for Class" (Lexington Herald-Leader, 02/28/09)

But Gentry, 39, participates in class discussions and completes his assignments during the rare nooks and crannies of free time through Bluegrass Community and Technical College's online classes.

Gentry, who is working toward a master's in education so he can teach high school, is among the ever-growing ranks of students who are forgoing the classroom to amass credits online.

"'Oldest English words' identified" (BBC News, 02/26/09)

Some of the oldest words in English have been identified, scientists say. Reading University researchers claim "I", "we", "two" and "three" are among the most ancient, dating back tens of thousands of years.

"Schools See Flex Time As Valuable Exercise" (Wash Post, 02/12/09)

High schools in Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties have been inserting these chunks of time -- from 40 to 90 minutes, depending on the school -- for several years, often to reduce after-school tutoring costs but also to raise achievement in the era of the federal No Child Left Behind law.

"School tries to overcome language barrier" (Daily Press, 02/10/09)

Students share all their knowledge of multiple languages.

"Multilingualism Brings Communities Closer Together" (Science Daily, 02/10/09)

Learning their community language outside the home enhances minority ethnic children's development, according to research led from the University of Birmingham. The research, which was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, found that attending language classes at complementary schools has a positive impact on students.

"Knowledge Is Power Program shown as urban triumph" (USA Today, 02/11/09)

The Knowledge Is Power Program is a group of high-achieving public schools that has reshaped expectations about urban education. Out of one fifth-grade class in 1994, KIPP has grown to 66 schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia. It educates more than 16,000 children from preschool through high school, virtually all of them low-income.

"A School-for-Scribes Program Turns Kids into Novelists" (Edutopia, 02/09)

Meet NaNoWriMo, a nationwide program that in which students write novels -- for fun.

"Children's author Byars tells her own tale" (Reuters, 02/11/09)

One of the world's most successful children's writers, Betsy Byars has sparked the imaginations of youngsters worldwide for half a century.

"Differentiate teaching among students" (Munster Times, 02/11/09)

One-size-fits-all teaching does not serve students effectively. And teachers are an indispensable ingredient to student success, experts contend.

"Who’s failing – the student or the test?" (CSM, 02/11/09)

Refugee Bill Clinton Hadam’s tears of frustration in school have ended – and he relishes challenge. But his progress is not considered adequate by federal government standards.

"School of Education | Graduates face uncertain job prospects" (Daily Orange, 02/11/09)

According to a recent SU report, which studied a total of 1,090 2006 and 2007 alumni, the School of Education has the lowest job-placement rate of any college at SU, at 47 percent.

"Part-timer motivates with smile" (Accent Advocate, 02/11/09)

At the mere mention of an English course, it is likely that the minds of many envision a seemingly interminable session of lectures along with torturous, sleepless nights spent completing boring essays containing content that will regrettably be forgotten under the assumption that it will never be of any importance.

Yet, there is always that one teacher emitting an infectious, positive personality that completely revolutionizes the atmosphere of teaching and revives a student’s eager spirit for learning.

"Sats replacement ideas divisive" (BBC News, 02/11/09)

Two education unions have called again for national curriculum or "Sats" tests in England, and school league tables derived from them, to be scrapped.

"Many Americans vexed by spelling" (Washington Times, 02/10/09)

According to a study released Monday by the London-based Spelling Society, 62 percent of the nation can't spell the dreaded e-word correctly, along with liaison, botched by 61 percent, and millennium, misspelled by 52 percent.

"In rural Newman, profanity gets a book banned" (LATimes, 02/04/09)

The school board cuts 'Bless Me, Ultima,' a Chicano coming-of-age novel, from a sophomore required reading list after a parent complains about some content. The ACLU might get involved.

"Controversial student newspapers disappear" (Highland Park News, 02/10/09)

The most controversial edition of the Stevenson High School student newspaper in years has disappeared from circulation -- and that led to the largest attendance in recent memory at a District 125 School Board meeting.

"Group helps black parents, students in Sacramento schools" (Sacramento Bee, 02/08/09)

The Black Parallel School Board is an education advocacy group working to help African American students in Sacramento improve subpar performance in school.

"Classrooms adding 'M' for meditation" (Sacramento Bee, 02/09/09)

Math tests, soccer matches, the cafeteria bully. Grammar diagrams, global warming, dad losing his job. Now add this to some 8-year-olds' schedules: a second- period class on dealing with stress.

Before graduating another generation of workaholic, road-raged adults, a number of California schools are intervening as early as kindergarten, reworking adult relaxation techniques for little ones.

"Prime time to shine" (Cincinnati Enquirer, 02/08/09)

The Enquirer's College Quest project is following 13 students through the college admission process. The high school Class of 2010 will be the largest entering college freshman class in history, a demographic that will make the college search more challenging for many.

"Read-In: A celebration of books by black authors" (Winston-Salem Journal, 02/10/09)

The African-American Read-In, now in its 20th year, encourages making literacy a significant part of Black History Month. Individuals and organizations are urged to play host to read-ins in their communities. More than a million readers of all ethnic groups have participated, according to the National Council of Teachers of English.

"School uses nursery rhymes to promote early literacy" (Citizen Patriot, 02/09/09)

A group of elementary teachers at Miller Elementary School decided to host Family Nursery Rhyme Night last week, where students would not miss out on learning about "Humpty Dumpty" and "Jack and Jill," among others.

"Professors and Students Split on AP Credits" (Inside Higher Ed, 02/10/09)

The number of Advanced Placement credits granted by Tufts University has jumped 32 percent in the last five years. During the same period, the percentage of submitted tests with the maximum score of five has grown by almost 26 percent. To some, this suggests the university is enrolling brighter students. To others, these figures show the potential for AP credits to diminish the value of college degrees.

"Citizens give board views on Follett book" (Cleburne Times-Review, 02/09/09)

Spectators reacted passionately or politely Monday night to 12 speakers who spoke their minds to Cleburne school trustees about the controversial Ken Follett novel “Pillars of the Earth.”

Superintendent Dr. Ronny Beard removed the book last week from a summer reading list for a dual credit, high school English class.

"Educators discuss integrating diversity, literacy, arts" (Standard-Times, 02/10/09)

Conclusion: The arts can play a powerful role in helping students make the most of their education — and their individual potentials.

"Immigrants in Little Havana learn the language of community" (Miami Herald, 02/10/09)

What started out as a place for immigrant parents in Little Havana to learn English has become a launching pad to a better life in a new country.

"African-American Read-In at Lane College highlights value of literacy" (Jackson Sun, 02/10/09)

Without literacy there is no freedom.

That belief is at the core of the 20th National African-American Read-In held at Lane College Monday, according to Tony Rafalowski, assistant professor of English and director of the writing program at Lane.

"High Hopes for College Despite Low Test Scores" (New America Media, 02/10/09)

In a state where fewer than half of low-income students graduate from high school, this school is taking the mantra of "high expectations" to another plane.

"Teens targeted in net safety push" (BBC News, 02/10/09)

Half of Europe's teenagers browse the web with no parental oversight or supervision, a survey suggests.

"Mason students hone, share writing skills" (Lansing State Journal, 02/09/09)

Whether it’s a poem, short story or novel, eighth-grade language arts teacher Kristine Brickey said she knows how scary it is for writers to share their work.

So the Mason Middle School teacher created an after-school writing club to help students feel more comfortable sharing and discussing their writing. Sometimes, she even shares some of her own.

"Minority GPAs reflect lack of preparation" (Daily Kent Stater, 02/10/09)

As more minority students continue to graduate from high school, their presence in colleges across the country has increased during the last three decades. But these rising numbers have not been reflected by their college grades.

"Phonics is Not Enough to Improve Reading Skills of Young Readers" (AScribe, 02/09/09)

Reading programs focused on changing daily teaching practices do more to improve children's reading skills than programs focused on textbooks and technology, according to a comprehensive research review by the Johns Hopkins University School of Education's Center for Research and Reform in Education. Simply using books with a stronger emphasis on phonics was not enough to improve reading.

"Interview: Stephen King On Kindle: ‘This Device Will Not Replace Books’" (paidContent.org, 02/09/09)

Rest assured, bookstores and publishers: Amazon’s Kindle will not do to books what Apple’s iPod and MP3 downloads did to the music industry. That’s the word from novelist Stephen King, who was the special guest at this morning’s well-choreographed Kindle 2.0 launch.

"This I Believe: How To Survive Life's Tests" (NPR, 02/09/09)

Kendra Jones is an English instructor at Wallace Community College in Selma, Ala. She says she assigned her classes the task of writing This I Believe essays, and felt she owed it to her students to write one of her own.

"Foundation aims to help L.A. immigrants" (LATimes, 02/09/09)

The California Community Foundation plans a campaign to help L.A. immigrants become more active citizens by helping them learn English, improve job skills and increase civic participation.

"Trimmed Bill Still Offers Vast Sums for Education" (NYTimes, 02/09/09)

The economic stimulus bill that is expected to win passage in the Senate on Tuesday would provide about $83 billion for child care, public schools and universities.

That is a lot less than the $150 billion voted by the House, but would still account for a vast increase in the federal share of the nation’s education spending.

"Scholastic Accused of Misusing Book Clubs" (NYTimes, 02/09/09)

Scholastic Inc., the children’s publisher of favorites like the Harry Potter, Goosebumps and Clifford series, may be best known for its books, but a consumer watchdog group accuses the company of using its classroom book clubs to push video games, jewelry kits and toy cars.

"Orlando-area students learn to escape the FCAT writing 'cage'" (Orlando Sentinel, 02/09/09)

At Southwood Elementary in Orange County, writing is infused into every subject, to make putting words to paper interesting, fun and relevant.

And to make sure it is not a neglected subject.

But learning to write does not involve memorized formulas or phrases to use on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. "I'm proud of our teachers that we don't teach them to pass the test," Principal Laurie Storch said.

"Looking at the world through blue-colored glasses" (EastBayRI, 02/09/09)

Reading used to be so difficult for Emily Warburton that headaches sent her to the school nurse's office on a daily basis. After being diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome, she now wears filtered glasses to keep the letters from dancing around on the page.

"Students, parents crowd school for reading night" (Maui News, 02/09/09)

Kihei Elementary students and parents are packing in by the hundreds to launch the first Read Aloud America program on Maui. Includes tips for families.

"Museum-quality love letters" (Phila Inquirer, 02/09/09)

Visitors seeking inspiration for Valentine's Day can read several love letters, poems and other documents from the museum's collection.

"Students urged to learn inside and outside school in DARE2XL program" (Uniontown Herald-Standard, 02/09/09)

This is the second installment in a three-part series on an after-school enrichment program designed to motivate students to learn. The program is used in elementary schools in the Uniontown, Connellsville and Brownsville school districts.

"Scholars See Comics as No Laughing Matter" (EdWeek, 02/09/09)

Once fuel for mass book burnings, comic books are gaining a foothold in the nation’s schools, with teachers seeing them as a learning tool and scholars viewing them as a promising subject for educational research.

"Judge Gives State Deadline for Struggling Schools" (EdWeek, 02/08/09)

A Superior Court judge has given state educators 60 days to improve conditions for students in struggling rural schools in Alaska.

"For Some Minn. Students, Online Learning is Best" (EdWeek, 02/08/09)

More than 5,000 students in Minnesota opted to "attend" all of their high school classes online in 2007-2008, instead of sitting in a traditional classroom with their peers.

The number was nearly double the number of students who took classes entirely online in 2006-2007.

"Recession sending more students to comm. colleges" (AP, 02/08/09)

The two-year schools are reporting unprecedented enrollment increases this semester, driven by students from traditional colleges seeking more bang for their buck and by laid-off older workers.

"How early to start career planning?" (Minnesota Public Radio, 02/06/09)

Gov. Pawlenty's (Minnesota) Workforce Development Council says one way to improve the state's economy is to have high school students choose their career path in the ninth grade. (Audio Story)

"At Parkland, other school districts, more students learning online" (The Morning Call, 02/09/09)

Educational software has evolved from video games to material that can be used to teach and test students. The technology also helps teachers craft individual lesson plans based on a student's ability and share data with parents

"Do Children Understand How Feelings Affect School Performance?" (Science Daily, 02/06/09)

Do children understand the link between feelings and performance? A new study by researchers at the University of Washington and the University of California, Davis, tells us that children comprehend the influence of one on the other, but only under certain circumstances.

"In New Jersey, Magnets Give Suburban Schools a Race" (NYTimes, 02/06/09)

In the state’s annual School Report Cards released last week, the county magnet schools once again dominated almost every high school category for 2007-8, with its students acing the state’s graduation test.

"School improves literacy through brain fitness" (Salt Lake Tribune, 02/07/09)

Scientists now widely believe the brain is "plastic," not rigidly wired, and can rewire itself given the right training. Applying that idea, FastForWord doesn't aim to teach students to read, but to improve their capacity to read. The games are like mental aerobics, "retraining" kids' brains for learning and literacy.

"Gordon Gee’s Call for ‘Reinvention’ of Higher Ed" (Inside Higher Ed, 02/09/09)

Gordon Gee told his fellow college presidents Sunday evening that the current economic crisis is no reason not to consider bold and far-reaching reforms of the institutions. “I am calling for intentional upheaval at our colleges and universities just when fiscal chaos already places us on the edge,” Gee said here at the annual meeting of the American Council on Education.

"The Senate Sheds Education Aid" (Inside Higher Ed, 02/09/09)

A compromise amendment worked out by moderate Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Senate late Friday slashed billions of dollars that would have flowed to colleges and universities in the Senate’s original version, with the biggest cuts coming in education aid to states and funds to modernize college facilities.

"25. We Never Do Random Things. Until We Do." (WashPost, 02/06/09)

Narcissism? Pseudo-celebrity? Boredom? Whatever the motivator, Facebook's "25 Things" lists are surely clogging up your news feed.

"Play Games With Your Resume" (WashPost, 02/09/09)

Eric Klopfer says that a number of recent studies have examined what practical skills a person can pick up by playing electronic games. Can you legitimately learn something from WoW besides efficient techniques for slinging fireballs at foes?

"Schools Face Sharp Rise In Homeless Students" (WashPost, 02/08/09)

The economic plunge has generated a growing wave of children nationwide who are sleeping in shelters, motels, spare bedrooms or even the family van as their parents seek to keep them in school. Educators are scrambling to help, with extra tutoring, clothes, food and cab fare.

"On the verge of extinction?" (Montgomery Advertiser, 02/08/09)

It's far from extinct, but cursive handwriting in­struction, and penmanship itself, is becoming less and less a priority in schools, ed­ucation experts and cursive writing enthusiasts say.

"AmeriCorps reading program faces threat" (Wenatchee World Online, 02/06/09)

An AmeriCorps program that helped nearly 700 local children catch up on reading last year is under threat in the Washington state governor's proposed budget.

"Reading online or flipping pages with cell phone becoming part of an e-book revolution" (Argus Leader, 02/08/09)

Many readers are eschewing traditional books in favor of electronic versions, whether on a reader like the Kindle, or in an audio format on an MP3 player like Apple's iPod.

Call it an e-reading revolution. And it's only going to continue to grow, says Florrie Kichler, president of the Independent Book Publishers Association and publisher of Patria Press, a publishing house in Indianapolis.

"Texas school reformers try to learn lessons from Finland" (Dallas Morning News, 02/08/09)

Educators from across the world have looked to Finland for ideas on improving public education. Dallas reformers are especially intrigued with how Finland gets positive results from all of its schools and nearly all of its students – an equality that has been a chronic problem in Texas since the days of racial segregation.

"Board backs book removal" (Gustine Press-Standard, 02/08/09)

After three months of swirling debate and controversy, including four sometimes contentious board meetings, school district trustees voted Monday to uphold Superintendent Rick Fauss’ decision to pull the novel “Bless Me, Ultima” from the required reading list at Orestimba High School.

"Reading Coaches Cut From Budgets" (Lakeland, FL Ledger, 02/08/09)

At the height of the state's push to improve reading, more than 2,500 reading coaches worked in Florida schools.

But just when students started reading better - 60 percent read at grade level in 2008 compared with 50 percent in 2004 - budget cuts may slash the number of reading coaches by more than half, leaving many schools without one.

"Some Cleburne Parents Want Assigned Book Banned" (DFW CBS11tv, 02/06/09)

Members of a North Texas community are trying to keep a book out of a high school curriculum, but the teacher is refusing. The controversy is in Cleburne and involves the book titled the 'Pillars of the Earth'.

"Advanced placement lags behind" (Cincinnati Enquirer, 02/07/09)

Ohio and Kentucky trail national averages in the percentage of high school seniors taking and passing Advanced Placement exams.

"Student Fights Record of ‘Cyberbullying’" (NYTimes, 02/07/09)

Katherine Evans said she was frustrated with her English teacher for ignoring her pleas for help with assignments and a brusque reproach when she missed class to attend a school blood drive.

So Ms. Evans, who was then a high school senior and honor student, logged onto the networking site Facebook and wrote a rant against the teacher, Sarah Phelps.

"Debacle spells victory, defeat for Ark. 6th-grader" (WashPost, 02/07/09)

Sixth-grader Morgan Sims knew how to spell "debacle," but she got an unfortunate lesson on its meaning when her northern Arkansas school district forgot a spelling bee entry fee.

"Palo Alto superintendent: Achievement gap can't be eliminated" (Mercury News, 02/02/09)

When it comes to closing the achievement gap, Palo Alto schools Superintendent Kevin Skelly says educators are deluding themselves. And he dares to say what's become almost unspeakable publicly:

"It's just not possible for the average kid who comes to this country in seventh or eighth grade, or even third grade, without a word of English and parents with little formal education, to match the achievement levels of kids whose mom has a Ph.D. in English from Stanford and can afford to stay home and spend time supplementing the education of her kids."

"Teachers' Staff Training Deemed Fragmented" (EdWeek, 02/05/09)

Although American teachers spend more working hours in classrooms than do instructors in some of the top-performing European and Asian countries, U.S. students have scored in the middle of the pack on a number of prominent international exams in recent years. That paradox appears to stem at least in part from a failing of the United States’ systems for supporting professional learning, concludes a new report.

"Coraline author Neil Gaiman an explorer of strange, new worlds" (Vancouver Sun, 02/05/09)

British author Neil Gaiman has never found a doorway he didn't want to open — no matter how dangerous the world on the other side.

Doorways and portals between worlds — one usually mundane, the other magical — are fundamental to his celebrated stories, including the film adaptation of his novella Coraline, opening in theatres Feb. 6.

"Teachers fan love of learning" (Arizona Daily Star, 02/05/09)

Ask a good teacher the recipe for classroom success and the answer invariably comes down to dedication. But ask great teachers for the answer and they'll say it's passion.

"Program instills love of reading in students" (Gazette.net, 02/05/09)

Motivated by a new initiative at the Bowie school that encourages and rewards independent time spent reading, 10-year-old Dajayla said she likes discussing the books with friends and regularly spends free time at home reading.

"Teaching (and Learning) the Lessons of Black History" (WTVM, 02/09)

Throughout Black History Month, you'll probably hear your kids talking more about the well-known accomplishments of major civil rights figures, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. But they will also likely be learning about the myriad ways that African Americans have made important contributions to American history. Schools across the country will be teaching children about these historic contributions in several unique ways.

"Getting the most out of parent-teacher conferences" (WINK, 02/05/09)

Parent-teacher conferences have been the norm for many years. A number of schools around the country are trying something different, however - student-led conferences.

"What Arne Duncan Thinks of No Child Left Behind" (USNews & World Report, 02/0509)

The new education secretary talks about the controversial law and financial aid forms

"A Daughter's Struggle With Learning To Read" (NPR, Morning Edition, 02/06/09)

StoryCorps piece on a family's work to ensure that their dyslexic daughter will learn to read.

"Laura Bush Book Pick Banned" (LATimes, 02/03/09)

"Bless Me, Ultima," a novel on former First Lady Laura Bush's Top 10 Reading List for All Ages, was officially banned this week by board members in central California's Stanislaus County because it contained "excessive profanity," the Los Angeles Times reported.

"Stimulus Package Expected to Boost Education" (Edutopia, 02/04/09)

Educators have their eye on the federal government's funding plan, and how it might trickle down to the classroom.

"More Low-Income Students Taking AP Classes" (EdWeek, 04/04/09)

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: More students from low-income families are taking and passing Advanced Placement tests, but non-Asian minority students—particularly African-Americans—are still underrepresented among those taking and passing the tests of college-level material, according to results released today.

"Blacks Less Likely to Take A.P. Exam" (NYTimes, 04/04/09)

More than 15 percent of the three million students who graduated from public high schools last year passed at least one Advanced Placement exam, the College Board said Wednesday, but African-American students were still far less likely to have passed, or to even have taken, an A.P. exam than white, Hispanic or Asian students.

"Immigrant Parents Push to Protect English Classes" (Wash Post, 04/05/09)

As the School Board seeks to close a $250 million budget gap, funding for the adult English classes could be trimmed and the course fee could increase, potentially by a few hundred dollars a class. Dozens of students born in China, Nicaragua, Italy and other corners of the world attended a public hearing last month to urge the School Board to maintain the funding that keeps the classes affordable to new immigrants.

"Classrooms Where Odds and Ends Are the Textbook" (Wash Post, 04/05/09)

Spaghetti, crumpled cereal boxes and other household goods have become teaching tools in some Manassas classrooms as educators deviate from traditional methods and seek innovative ways to challenge students in the 21st century.

"'Expanded Learning Opportunities': Re-Branding 'After School' for the 21st Century" (EdWeek, 02/04/09)

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: After school no longer adequately describes the depth and breadth; in fact, it no longer even correctly captures the time and place. In essence, the field has outgrown the term as it has matured and diversified, and a new brand for its offerings can better capture the expanded universe of activities, experiences,...

"Teachers want dogs to help students learn" (Northern Star, 02/03/09)

It is not unusual to see dogs helping disabled people do everyday activities.

Three teachers from Cortland Elementary School, 50 W. Maple Ave., want to take it a step further and use therapy dogs to help students learn.

First grade teacher Amy Boona and third grade teacher Shelly Quade went before the Board of Education to propose a 14-week pilot program with their own dogs.

"High School and Beyond" (EdWeek, 02/03/09)

Charter school's curriculum focuses on the fact that educators and policymakers increasingly recognize that in middle school, a combination of strong academic preparation, close monitoring, and good support is pivotal to success in high school.

"NUSD adapts to teaching mandate" (Nogales International 02/03/09)

In spring 2008, the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) issued a mandate to all school districts: separate your English language learners (ELLs) for four hours a day of intensive instruction until they are fluent in English reading, writing and speaking.

It sounded like a good plan to the state Legislature. But it required schools to create more classes at each level, said officials of the Nogales Unified School District No. 1. Where was the money for more teachers?

"What makes for a good teacher?" (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 02/02/09)

Minnesota's Department of Education sets dozens of standards for teachers, while education experts and authors write hundreds of books and pamphlets on the subject every year. The experts say that's because the job of teaching involves a multiplicity of tasks: talking, planning, measuring learning, fitting teaching to learning styles, working with school administrators and other teachers, and keeping parents informed.

"'Letters to the Next President: The Video Campaign' Encourages Teen Filmmakers to Address Obama Administration" (PR Newswire, 02/03/09)

Letters to the Next President: The Video Campaign, sponsored by the Pearson Foundation and the National Writing Project (NWP), encourages filmmakers ages 13-18, with the support of their teachers, to voice their points of view by creating and sharing digital videos about the issues they want President Obama and his new administration to address.

"Governor urges statewide Q Comp" (Waseca County News, 02/02/09)

Governor Tim Pawlenty announced his budget recommendations for education in the state of Minnesota last week, which, if approved, would impact public and charter schools in numerous ways.

Among his suggestions were a new method of determining how teachers are paid, utilization of new technologies to help improve student achievement, and providing funding to schools based on student success.

"Study links children's lead levels, SAT scores" (USA Today, 02/03/09)

Could a decades-long drop in the concentration of lead in children's blood help explain rising SAT scores?

"High school tutors aid younger learners" (Columbus Telegram, 02/02/09)

Caras, a 10th-grader at Columbus High School, is among 15 CHS students who are helping tutor Emerson students in reading. Through the Learning Together program started this semester, the students are meeting twice a week at the elementary school.

"Student's Free Speech Case May Lead To Legislation" (Hartford Courant, 02/02/09)

In his ruling on a pioneering Internet free speech case last month, U.S. District Judge Mark R. Kravitz offered something of a plea to higher courts: Revisit the boundaries of free speech for students.

"States failing to develop systems to keep good teachers, fire bad" (Arizona Daily Star, 01/30/09)

tates are not doing what it takes to keep good teachers and remove bad ones, a national study found. Only Iowa and New Mexico require any evidence that public school teachers are effective before granting them tenure, according to the review released Thursday by the National Council on Teacher Quality.

"It’s Culture, Not Morality" (Inside Higher Ed, 02/03/09)

What if everything you learned about fighting plagiarism was doomed to failure? Computer software, threats on the syllabus, pledges of zero tolerance, honor codes — what if all the popular strategies don’t much matter? And what if all of that anger you feel — as you catch students clearly submitting work they didn’t write — is clouding your judgment and making it more difficult to promote academic integrity?

"NEA reports rise in reading, but increase may be partially reluctant" (Ledger Dispatch, 02/02/09)

More people are turning pages, but they may be turning fewer of them, says a recent government study that reports a surprising and welcome increase in the number of adults who recently read a novel, short story, play or other work of literature.

"Assigned Reading Raises Questions For Some" (Click On Detroit, 02/02/09)

Some parents in a metro Detroit community have raised concerns over a book they said is too sexually explicit for their students. The book in question is called "The Bookseller of Kabul," a nonfiction account of what life is like inside an Afghan household.

"Debate stirs on what makes 'highly qualified' teacher per NCLB" (Oshkosh Northwestern, 02/02/09)

The federal No Child Left Behind law requires a "highly qualified" teacher for every academic class in public school, and the Oshkosh Area School District boasts 100 percent compliance with the law, which requires every teacher to be certified in his or her subject area.

However, critics of No Child Left Behind say districts are even further away from achieving the federal law's teacher quality goals than the states' own numbers indicate.

"Good News for Ed Tech in the Economic Stimulus Bills" (THE Journal, 02/09)

There is good reason to believe that educators in ed tech may have the opportunity to use some of the federal dollars in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to improve student achievement with technology. In the current version of the bills, there are a number of opportunities for technology. It is possible that the legislative process will change certain aspects of the bill, but the sections on education in both the House and Senate versions are very similar, so significant change is unlikely.

"Technology empowers differentiated instruction" (eSchoolNews, 02/02/09)

ISTE webinar offers new strategies for ensuring that all students learn by tailoring instruction to their abilities, needs, and interests

"Tackling illiteracy in Phila." (Philadelphia Inquirer, 02/02/09)

The U.S. Department of Education last month released a national report on illiteracy. The study, based on 2003 data, estimates that 22 percent of Philadelphia residents cannot read or write well enough to handle even elementary school material.

"A Dirty Little Secret: Self-censorship is rampant and lethal" (SLJ, 02/01/09)

Self-censorship. It’s a dirty secret that no one in the profession wants to talk about or admit practicing. Yet everyone knows some librarians bypass good books—those with literary merit or that fill a need in their collections. The reasons range from a book’s sexual content and gay themes to its language and violence—and it happens in more public and K–12 libraries than you think.

"Reading Creates 'Simulations' In Minds" (NPR, All Things Considered, 01/31/09)

A study provides new insights about what's going on in your head when you crack open a good book. Jeff Zacks, associate professor of psychology at Washington University in St. Louis, talks about the study.

"High school curriculums go 21st century" (Crescent News, 02/01/09)

Moving targets are difficult to hit, but area hunters face them constantly.

So do area educators.

From state standards to curriculum requirements, schools must comply with requirements which change every year.

"Teachers, parents gain tools to help kids with dyslexia" (Daily Comet, 02/01/09)

More than 200 people from throughout Louisiana filled the halls of Nicholls State University Saturday to improve their understanding of dyslexia and its effect on human’s intellectual development.

"Internet connection + English = college degree" (Ars Technica, 02/01/09)

Shai Reshef has a vision: soon, anyone with an Internet connection and some proficiency in English can take classes online at his new "University of the People." And not just classes—the school will be accredited, offering actual degrees in subjects like computer science. Charges will be minimal, starting at just $15, and will be based on the student's country.

"Is it 'merit pay' if nearly all teachers get it?" (Minneapolis/St. Paul Star Tribune, 02/01/09)

A state program meant to give only effective Minnesota teachers merit pay raises instead appears to be rewarding nearly all the teachers participating in it with more money.

"Utah teacher's Web site publishes students' books" (Daily Herald, 02/02/09)

In an age of standardized testing, elementary school teacher Chris Wilcox believes writing has become neglected and something needs to be done to motivate children to write.

"Business Brisk at Area Libraries" (Wash Post, 02/02/09)

The Germantown library, like most in the Washington area, has had a rising tide of users as patrons look for free computer access, DVD loans and activities for children during the recession. Circulation in the last six months of the year rose as much as 23 percent in libraries around the region, records show.

"Hi, I'm Jill. Jill Biden. But please, call me Dr. Biden" (LATimes, 02/02/09)

LA Times article suggests that Joe Biden's wife shouldn't use the title of "Dr." since she's not a medical doctor.

Dr. Biden earned her doctorate in education, from the University of Delaware and is currently teaching two courses at Northern Virginia Community College.

"Selfish adults 'damage childhood'" (BBC, 02/02/09)

The aggressive pursuit of personal success by adults is now the greatest threat to British children, a major independent report on childhood says. Family break-up, unprincipled advertising, too much competition in education and income inequality are mentioned as big contributing factors.

"Drunken sailors left out of rhyme" (BBC, 01/30/09)

"Drunken sailors" have been removed from the lyrics of a nursery rhyme in a government-funded books project. But the Bookstart charity says the re-writing of What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor? has "absolutely nothing to do with political correctness".

"Schools Won’t Require Online Class. Yet." (NYTimes, 01/30/09)

NEW JERSEY education officials are working on an ambitious redesign of the state’s public high schools that is intended to better prepare students for college and the work force in the 21st century. The redesign had called for every student — not just those who are college bound — to study Algebra II, laboratory sciences and foreign languages, pass more state tests and complete at least one online course in order to graduate. But education officials recently backed away from the online requirement because of concerns over the cost and whether such courses would meet state standards.

"Want to Get a Degree Online? Get Ready to Work Just as Hard." (Wash Post, 02/01/09)

One way to get an edge in this job market is to earn an advanced degree. Just don't assume that doing it online will be easy. Online master's programs are often cheaper and more convenient than traditional ones, but they also present challenges.