October 22, 2014
Local News
The News Journal
Rodel report pushes personalized learning
Some Delaware teachers are working on classrooms of the future, but the state needs to make some big changes before every student can learn in one. These are the main conclusions of a blueprint released Tuesday by the Rodel Teacher Council. The report offers suggestions for how to personalize learning for students using technology and alternative models for schools and classrooms.
Delaware’s Teacher of Year named
When Gov. Jack Markell called Megan Szabo’s name, she shot back about 3 feet in her chair and threw up her hands to cover a yelp of surprise. “I am dumbstruck,” she said. “I am so, so proud to be able to represent all of Delaware’s teachers. It’s such a big honor I don’t even know what to say.” Szabo, a 7th and 8th grade science teacher at Postlethwait Middle School in Rising Sun, in the Caesar Rodney School District, had just been named Delaware’s Teacher of the Year.
A chance to examine standardized tests
An op-ed by Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education
As a parent, I want to know how my children are progressing in school each year. The more I know, the more I can help them build upon their strengths and interests and work on their weaknesses. The more I know, the better I can reinforce at home each night the hard work of their teachers during the school day. The standardized tests my kids take are one gauge on the dashboard, but parents and educators know that tests are not the only indicator.
Dover Post
Local teacher wins state teacher of the year
All of her supporters agree one of Szabo’s strongest traits is her ability to make science fun for her students. She said her driving force is taking her passion and using motivating kids to want to learn. “The best way for my students to really learn science is to experience it themselves,” Szabo said.
WDEL
Classroom at William Penn turned into college, career center
A classroom at William Penn High School got a full makeover on Tuesday, one that teachers say will help kids get more interested in going to college. The new room is packed with new furniture, 400 books, laptops and college guides.
WHYY Newsworks
Delaware libraries debut inspiration space
Some Delaware libraries now offering a variety of technology spaces where residents can use a 3D printer or work with design and coding software. The bookshelves are still there, but today’s library offers much more than a quiet place to read and find a book. The Delaware Division of Libraries has launched Inspiration Spaces in seven libraries around the state. The spaces are designed as mini “makerspaces” where residents can design and create with technology.
Middletown Transcript
Amazon donates Kindles, app money to Appoquinimink schools
In total, Amazon donated 55 Kindles to the Appoquinimink School District as well as $2,500 in gift cards for app purchases. Some 12 Kindles will be used at Brick Mill Elementary and the other 43 devices will be split between Silver Lake and Townsend Elementary Schools.
National News
Daily Herald
State seeks input on revamping social studies standards
Illinois education officials are seeking input from students, educators, parents and taxpayers on new civic course requirements and social studies learning standards.
The Tennessean
Tennessee seeks $70 million in federal pre-K funding
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam’s administration wants nearly $70 million in federal funding for Nashville and Shelby County to expand early childhood education, but it won’t go toward expanding the state’s current prekindergarten program.
The Christian Science Monitor
As overtesting outcry grows, education leaders pull back on standardized tests
A new study finds that U.S. students are tested on average once a month, with some students tested as often as twice a month. The White House announced it will support a movement by education officials to dial back the amount of testing.
The Kansas City Star
Missouri to vote on teacher evaluation changes
Missouri could be the first state to enshrine the role of student performance data in teacher evaluations in its state constitution if an initiative on the Nov. 4 ballot gets enough support.
Hechinger Report
More AP courses slated for major overhaul
Despite the recent fallout over new guidelines for Advanced Placement U.S. History, the College Board is making similar changes to most science and history AP courses in an effort to emphasize critical thinking.
The Arizona Republic
Many school board elections canceled across Arizona
A slew of Arizona school board races were canceled because the candidates ran unopposed or, in many instances, no candidates stepped up.