July 2, 2013
Local News
The Dover Post
Dover High lauded for innovative credit recovery program
It was a bright and sunny afternoon back on June 5 as Dover High School’s Class of 2013 received their diplomas. However 28 of those students would not have been able to take that long-awaited walk across the stage if they hadn’t had an extra bit of Daylight. Dover High was recognized June 26 for the success of those students, who graduated after five months of intensive online work that gave them the credits they needed to finish their studies. The program, nicknamed Daylight, gave failing seniors a chance to make up lost credits during school hours. It is the twin of the school’s successful Twilight program, which offers the same opportunities in after-school sessions.
Middletown Transcript
Wicks named new principal at Bunker Hill Elementary
Bunker Hill Elementary’s newest principal will be a familiar face to the students, parents and staff at the school. Laurie J. Wicks, who has served as the assistant principal at Bunker Hill since it opened in 2009, has been hired succeed current principal Jeff Davis, who is moving to Virginia later this summer, district officials announced Monday
National News
Education News
Special-needs students gain workplace experience
For students with emotional or behavioral disabilities, navigating the transition from high school to a job or to college can be more daunting than it is even for other students with special needs. Research suggests that these students have no more trouble than other students finding work after leaving school, but that they often lack the “soft skills” required to stick with employment for the long term.
The Washington Post
Key federal student loan rate doubles
The interest rate on a key federal student loan doubled Monday, as expected, but it is unclear whether Congress will allow the increase to stand before the new school year gets under way. Federal law has set the rate for new subsidized Stafford loans at 6.8%, up from 3.4%. It is estimated that the rate hike would add about $1,000 in interest over the life of a loan for many borrowers.
Ed Surge
Teachers need blended learning too
A partnership between Verizon Foundation and ISTE is creating more opportunities to use mobile devices in the classroom. The two organizations have spent the last year working on the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) program, aimed at increasing engagement and interest in STEM subjects through the use of mobile devices.
The Houston County News
School board approves early release next year
The La Crescent-Hokah Board of Education on June 19 approved early class dismissals on Wednesdays next year that will give teachers more time to collaborate with each other, but not before one board member expressed her reluctance to implement it long term. At the board’s March meeting, Superintendent Ron Wilke presented the idea of the early release, which would send elementary school students to the buses at 2:10 p.m. and middle and high school students at 2:20. With that extra time, Wilke said, teachers from all three district schools can meet with each other in professional learning communities to discuss curriculum planning, something that right now is difficult because not all buildings run on the same schedule. Doing so will lead to improved instructional practices, an increase in student learning and more staff collaboration.
Related Topics: 3.4 percent rate, alternative compensation program, annual market benchmarks, behavior problems, Capital School District, community, community-based instruction, disabilities, district Teacher of the Year, Edmentum, engagement, Evelyn A. Edney, Inc., James Bailey, mobile implementation, mobile learning, National Post-School Outcomes Center, National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, President Obama, professional development, professonal learning communities, small businesses, Specialized Education Services, Superstars in Education, Twilight program, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program, VILS