Daily Education News- 10/15/12
Local News
The News Journal
World-class schools are here – in Delaware
An op-ed by Paul Herdman
The day-to-day classroom teaching we saw from Helsinki to Singapore didn’t look a lot different from what I’ve seen in strong schools from Indian River to Red Clay. The difference is that they systematically took what worked and then made it the norm. I am convinced that if we continue to bring to light what is working, and doing more of it, we can bring these good ideas to scale.
Ideas welcome at overcrowded school
An editorial
Come Sept. 30 of every year, public school districts spend time prepping for a possible deluge of new students. That’s the date when Delaware schools need to confirm enrollment numbers to align the related costs with their state and local income. There is adequate research to support the case for reducing class size to improve student outcomes. But to do this kind of large-scale reshuffling without input from parents and guardians would incite unnecessary rancor that could be as disruptive to these students as leaving them in overcrowded schools.
National News
Education Week
On education, U.S. doesn’t match rhetoric with action, report says
The United States seriously lags in keeping our youngest citizens healthy and ensuring they are ready to learn, according to a new report. The nation earned an average C- overall with lackluster grades in five separate categories: Economic security, early childhood, K-12 education, permanence and stability, and health and safety. Those factors all play heavily into outcomes in student learning, dropout prevention, and discipline.
More student data would inform teaching, report says
Digital Learning Now! released its second report in a series that aims to provide guidance for states on implementing Common Core standards as well as transitioning to a digital learning environment. This report focuses on the sharing of student information and data, something the report contends is not being done well in today’s education system.
Orlando Sentinel
State seeks to double enrollment in charter schools
The Florida state board adopted a new strategic plan that envisions about 17% of one-time public school students attending either charter or using taxpayer-funded vouchers to attend private schools by the 2017-18 school year. This year, about 9% of students are in charter schools or using Tax Credit or McKay scholarships.
The New York Times
Want to ruin teaching? Give ratings
An op-ed by Deborah Kenny, chief executive and founding principal of Harlem Village Academies and author of “Born to Rise: A Story of Children and Teachers Reaching Their Highest Potential”
For more than a decade I’ve been a strong proponent of teacher accountability. But the solution being considered by many states — having the government evaluate individual teachers — is a terrible idea that undermines principals and is demeaning to teachers. Principals need to create a culture of trust, teamwork and candid feedback that is essential to running an excellent school.
Related Topics: Funding Flexibility, Higher Education, international competiveness, Teacher Evaluation, teacher pathways, Teacher Preparation