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Test stress not likely to go away
Today's paper has pictures of parents drawing encouraging pictures on sidewalks in an effort to alleviate some of the stress students feel about the TAKS tests. Some schools bring in special music, pencils, dancing bears, etc. All of it is aimed at getting Read More...
Learning really can be fun
After my one hour session with Camera Guy yesterday, I now know how to use my camera. For those of you who don't know about Camera Guy, I responded to an ad in my local paper because my new camera didn't come with a manual. When I asked for one, I was Read More...
Check the bottled water at the door
Students are frequently finding themselves under microscopes during testing time. Leaving their backpacks in front of the room and raising both arms so the teachers can check for hidden notes are just some of the ways students can prove they are not cheating. Read More...
Want peppermint with that test?
Some educators are enhancing test days by passing out peppermints with the hopes that a whiff or taste of the minty snack will help students maintain their focus and concentration. The idea is not new and does have some scientific backing. Charlotte Boucher, Read More...
Oops, TAKS might not be making the grade
Texas has had its share of headaches when it comes to testing. Does anyone else remember the TECAT? That was a test that every Texas teacher had to take to keep on trucking. It was an absurd, expensive ordeal where teachers were treated like cattle because Read More...
Don't mess with the lesson plans
In an effort to help teachers facing problems with low performing students, the state of Rhode Island has placed step by step lesson plans on a Web site available to teachers and everyone else. The article on boston.com also explains that using the plans Read More...
More Money for Colleges Tied to Incentive Program
In an effort to increase state money flowing to universities , Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, has outlined a plan that ties funds to students graduating from college earlier and willing to pursue high demand engineering and computer degrees. The money, Read More...
Choosing To Do the Right Thing
The U.S. Department of Education threatened yesterday to take " enforcement action" against Virginia if any school districts defy a federal mandate to give reading tests to thousands of immigrant students. An update to this story on washingtonpost.com Read More...
To Boldly Go
On washingtonpost.com there is more news about the No Child Left Behind Law. In Fairfax, a group of educators have put Virginia into a debate about the best way to test kids who speak English as a second language. They want to see that these kids are Read More...
Entire Staff Must Reapply for Their Jobs
The superintendent for Anne Arundel is making an entire staff of a high school reapply for their jobs. This includes teachers, administrators, custodians, and secretaries. Get out the broom, and get ready for a clean sweep. Annapolis High School has failed Read More...
Bush Wants Vouchers Part of No Child Left Behind
On sandiego.com we find suggested changes by the Bush administration for the No Child Left Behind Law. Proposed changes for the law are: Holding schools accountable for science scores, something not currently in the law. Requiring states to publish a Read More...
Research Indicates Poverty Leads to Problems in School
Everyone wants to blame teachers for low test scores. After all, teachers are the easiest targets. I have to wonder how much money is being spent on all of the research studies about improving teacher quality. What about the time and effort spent on discussions Read More...
Reserve a Seat for the Principal
Plans are in the works for the DISD principals to become more active in the classroom according to dallasnews.com . They are going to be doing less administrative paperwork and more time visiting classrooms, talking to teachers, and getting to know the Read More...
Competitive Race for Elite Public High Schools
Students are actively working towards gaining admittance into prestigious public high schools around the country. On washingtonpost.com the story of thirteen year old Nathan Saunders is one of a young man who is working extremely hard to gain admittance Read More...
Bush Backs Renewal of No Child Left Behind
President Bush plans to seek renewal of the No Child Left Behind law for another five years. An article on CNN.com reminds us that education will be a big focus when lawmakers meet on Monday. Bush expects to have support from both Democrats and Republicans. Read More...
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