http://www.schoolsk-12.com/parents/ School News provided by Schools K-12 en-us Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:29:44 PDT Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:29:44 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

 A lot has been said and written about the funding crisis that Philadelphia schools are facing. Apparently, most Philadelphia public schools and over 90% of the entire state’s schools could very well do with more funding. After all, a good education is one of the fundamental rights of all children in this country.

 

 

How Bad is the Situation in Philadelphia Schools?

 

It is reported that the currently the Philadelphia School District is faced with a more than $200 million shortfall in funding. ]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 14:49:23 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

When Hurricane Katrina ripped through New Orleans, it left behind a number of victims, not least of all was the city’s education system, which was fractured and in disrepair. Many students were evacuated to neighboring cities, and millions of dollars worth of infrastructure at New Orleans schools was destroyed.

 

Now, as New Orleans slowly begins to regain some of its former glory, New Orleans schools that are part of the city’s largest school district are embarking on a new program of change that seeks to revamp the existing system and streamline it. ]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 14:46:14 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

 In recent years, Nashville schools have made great improvements in test scores and school graduation rates, two very important parameters in judging the state of a school system’s health.  For this, the education system here deserves praise.

 

But the fact is that budgets are getting increasingly tighter at many school districts.  When inflation rises and costs increase, it’s harder to maintain the kind of high standard levels in Nashville schools that have been achieved with such hardship. ]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 14:44:47 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

 These have been troubling times at Kansa City schools. Instability has been constant in the school district, and the district has seen superintendents change every year.  In April last year, the elections to the Kansas City schools district board had just one contestant which is indicative of a serious and worrying lack of interest in the school’s health.

 

Superintendents in Kansas City schools have been known to last for a maximum of 12 months in recent years, with fresh and expensive elections with their associated politics being conducted on a regular basis. ]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 14:42:47 PDT Written by Meenakshi Iyer for…

‘When employees of big retail chains wear a uniform to work every day, why can’t students in Orange County Schools do so too? What is this big fuss all about?’ This is what comes to most people’s minds when they hear about this debate.

 

Why is a Dress Code Policy not enough for Orange County Schools?

 

Will a comprehensive dress code not serve the purpose? Why do Orange County Schools have to go in for uniforms? Well, we need to think about how comprehensive and inclusive can a dress code policy get? These days, with increasingly fashion-conscious, peer-pressure-stricken children, and ever-changing fashion trends, how fool-proof can a dress code policy be? Obviously, the list of what is not allowed is going to much longer and more detailed than that of what is. ]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 14:36:45 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Industry experts and leaders in Indiana have long known that the secret to boosting the economic potential of the state lies in developing a skilled international class workforce.  Towards this end, an organization of no profit groups is making efforts that will encourage low income Indianapolis schools students to go to college after graduating from high school. 

 

The project, called College Summit is the brainchild of a Washington based group that has recently launched its efforts in a few Indianapolis schools. ]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 14:31:52 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Students at Baltimore schools get a taste of a health career

 

A new initiative at Baltimore schools provides yet another glimpse into the possibilities that a public school system can throw up for its students, if it only makes the effort.  Baltimore schools have tied up with MedStar the Columbia based health care system, to offer students an opportunity to intern at health facilities. The exposure, it is believed will help students who have already considered a move into a health career as part of their future, to make a firm decision. ]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 14:23:39 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Other States Hire Virginia Schools Teachers

 

If there was one fact that was glaringly obvious in the recent Educator Expo at Marshall University, it was that teachers in Virginia schools have a great demand for their services.  The demand however is not from Virginia schools.  It’s from schools in other states. 

 

At the Expo, which sees thousands of interviews conducted and dozens of booths representing school districts from all over the country, representation for Virginia schools was at a bare minimum. ]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 14:22:14 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

On the face of it, the MAP For Kids project, an ambitious $700 million renovation and construction program that aims to benefit Oklahoma City Schools is a program that can’t fail.  It has all the criteria needed to make it a success – it has the backing of the city administration and in fact, is the corner stone of Mayor Cornett’s time in office.  It has the funding required to renovate dilapidated buildings, broken down classrooms, ill equipped labs and the other infrastructure necessities that are so apparent in Oklahoma City Schools. ]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 14:17:52 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

March this year marks the 40th anniversary of the so called Chicano walkout in 1968 at Los Angeles Schools. Angered at the perceived discrimination against Mexican Americans, a small band of Hispanic students walked out of their Los Angeles schools in protest. 

 

The walkout then, was a reaction to the appalling conditions that Hispanic majority schools had to suffer through. The school buildings at these Los Angeles schools were dilapidated, paint peeling, and there were in many cases, not even enough desks for the students. ]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 14:14:20 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Atlanta School District Faces Severe Leadership Crisis

 

At the Clayton County schools in Atlanta, parents are worried about their children’s future while the school administration authorities find themselves trapped in a quagmire of distrust.  A regional accrediting agency has proclaimed the Clayton County Atlanta schools district as needing a complete change in leadership to have any hope of retaining its accreditation. ]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 14:08:27 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

If all goes according to Governor Spitzer’s plan, New York schools all over the state could have more mayoral representation in their boards.  While schools in the city of New York have been lobbying and making other hectic efforts to eliminate mayoral interference in their matters, New York schools elsewhere in the state could find themselves having exactly that – more representatives from the mayor’s office sitting on their boards.

 

It’s a prospect that has many Miami schools are no exception. While some states have brought in an anti-bullying legislation, there are many, including Florida that have yet to have one. Besides, easy access to guns seems to have made revenge and/or expression of pent up anger more possible than before – both for the bullies and the bullied alike. Given the circumstances, one would agree that Miami schools do have an uphill task in front of them. ]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 14:00:36 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

 A spate of school related violence and shootings across Las Vegas schools have left the community feeling bewildered.  On February 15, Christopher Privett was shot dead by a classmate as he made his way home.  Then, a student of Bonanza High school was shot and wounded, although the police were reluctant to connect that crime to Las Vegas schools since it happened inside an apartment building, which should give you some idea of how safe Vegas really is. ]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 13:59:29 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In response to a recent evaluation of Los Angeles schools, Superintendent Brewer released a new strategy for helping failing secondary (high schools, grades 9-12) schools improve. Called “The Strategic Plan for High Priority Schools”, it is a document that is intended to address the problems inherent in these schools and the goals that have been set to solve them.

 

Los Angeles schools who attend these failing schools (approximately 13 in all) may feel like they are being taken care of by their school board, if they take the time to even think about it. ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:55:38 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

E-mentoring in Dallas Schools is a program endorsed by the Dallas Bar Association (DBA), Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (DAYL), and the Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) that assists students in becoming the first in their family to graduate from college.  This program is called the Advancement Via Independent Determination (AVID) Program.  Dallas Schools AVID program students interact with these older college graduates via email. ]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2008 01:41:18 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Denver Schools want parents to know just how powerful they are in educating their own children.  Parents are a student’s rock and their foundation for learning.  Parents are obligated to provide their children with education even when their students are not inside the school system. The  Denver Schools especially wants to educate parents on the power they hold over their children with regards to simple conversations and are encouraging parents to talk to their students about sex at an age that they feel is most appropriate. ]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2008 01:39:45 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The recent news that the graduation rate from Cincinnati schools has increased from 51 percent to 79 percent is beyond simply very encouraging. The fact that this increase in the number of graduates from Cincinnati schools has come during a time when the academic expectations for students have increased makes this accomplishment even more impressive and potentially a model for any large school district to study.

 

No Gap Between Graduation Rates for African-American and White Students

 

The news item made a point of mentioning that the gap between graduation rates for African-American and white students had been closed. ]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2008 01:37:58 PDT Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Chicago Schools are participating the in National School Lunch Program in order to ensure all of their students have the opportunity for proper nutrition needed to grow healthy ands realize their educational potential.  The growing cost of living in the Chicago area has made it increasingly difficult for some parents to afford the proper diet for their children as healthy food has become so  expensive now. Even the cost of a gallon of milk is nearly double its price of two years ago.   Children in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools know their weaknesses and have a plan for the future. ]]> Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:13:03 PDT Patricia Hawke

 

 

Charlotte is one of the fastest growing cities in one of the fastest growing regions in the Country.  School districts can find the challenge of maintaining educational quality in the face of swelling student bodies and squeezed budgets daunting. Typically, academic standards and results slip when so many children are flooding the school system at one time.  But, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools know their weaknesses and have a plan for the future. ]]> Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:11:53 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) wants to increase the amount of students that attend college.  In order to do this, they are providing students, as well as parents, all the information they need in order to make college happen.  Houston Schools believes that college is the best way for a student to succeed in the world. 

 

How are Houston Schools Helping Students Attend College?

 

The schools in Houston Independent School District, are dedicated to the focus of providing a quality education for all of its students. ]]> Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:48:11 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) wants to increase the amount of students that attend college.  In order to do this, they are providing students, as well as parents, all the information they need in order to make college happen.  Houston Schools believes that college is the best way for a student to succeed in the world. 

 

How are Houston Schools Helping Students Attend College?

 

The schools in Houston Independent School District, are dedicated to the focus of providing a quality education for all of its students. ]]> Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:46:29 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) wants to increase the amount of students that attend college.  In order to do this, they are providing students, as well as parents, all the information they need in order to make college happen.  Houston Schools believes that college is the best way for a student to succeed in the world. 

 

How are Houston Schools Helping Students Attend College?

 

The schools in Houston Independent School District, are dedicated to the focus of providing a quality education for all of its students. ]]> Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:46:08 PDT Patricia Hawke

 

Arizona Schools have made a plan to help the overall quality of their schools by 2013.  It isn’t just through making sure that their students are the best they can be, though.  Arizona Schools are ensuring that their faculty and staff are the best they can be in order to provide your child with the education that he or she deserves.  There are four very specific goals that Arizona Schools wish to accomplish in order to ensure academic excellence for all of their students. ]]> Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:28:02 PDT Patricia Hawke

Boston Schools have decided to pool their knowledge and focus on their students.  Their ultimate goal is to accelerate the improvement of teaching and learning in all of their schools by creating a comprehensive reform plan that details everything that they know as well as the things that need to be worked on in order to create a successful school system. 

 

Knowledge of Boson Schools Learned Over the Years

 

Boston Schools have gained quite a bit of knowledge over the last few years of teaching. ]]> Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:14:50 PDT Patricia Hawke

With over 133,000 students in attendance, San Diego Schools have a lot to live up to. Parents expect excellence when they send their children off to school each day, and that’s certainly the case in this California community. There are over 250 public schools in this city. 

 

San Diego Schools are viewed as some of the best educational facilities in the nation. This school district was recently the recipient of a grant in the amount of $17. ]]> Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:10:52 PDT Patricia Hawke

School rankings as a means to assess the success of the nation’s public schools have become as much a part of our culture as report cards and cafeteria food. While there are a lot of opinions on how effective and accurate there rankings are, and on there ultimate impact on the schools system, it sure seems like they are here to stay. As someone who is NOT fond of the whole rankings system, I do understand it. Having state or national standards are a means to hold educators and administrators responsible for doing their jobs. ]]> Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:07:40 PDT Patricia Hawke

High school rankings seem to be getting a lot of attention these days.  Parents and officials are always on the look out for new information about how their child’s school is ranked.  High school rankings can be a nice way to get an idea about a schools performance, but parents should understand that not every ranking system is as good as it may seem.

 

Newsweek’s High School Rankings

 

One of the most popular high school rankings comes from Newsweek. ]]> Sun, 23 Dec 2007 08:56:50 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is the seventh largest district in the nation and is working toward making all of their students college ready in the future by creating a “college-bound culture” in all of

Houston

schools.  Essentially, all a college-bound culture consists of is sending students and parents the message that college is possible for their children from a very early standpoint in their educational career and reinforcing those ideas through in-school programs.

 





 



How Do Houston Schools Create a College-Bound Culture?

 





 



It’s easy enough to what Illinois Schools now have several different options available to them through the school system to ensure that they are receiving the proper nutrition needed daily to stay healthy. ]]> Sun, 23 Dec 2007 08:51:41 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke

Achievement has been on the docket as a major issue in recent years for Indianapolis Schools.  Students just didn’t seem to be living up to the standards put before them.  So, Indianapolis schools had to take drastic measures for improving achievement among their students.  So far they’ve seen drastic improvements but want to see even more in the coming years. 

 

Methods of Improving Achievement in Indianapolis Schools

 

Indianapolis schools have different methods and practices put in place to make their schools as successful as possible. ]]> Sun, 23 Dec 2007 08:49:35 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

What was it that Officer McGruff was famous for saying? “Crime Doesn’t Pay…Take a Bite out of Crime”. The governor of Illinois certainly didn’t get that message. Convicted over a year ago in 2006 of racketeering and fraud, he was found guilty of trading government contracts for benefits for himself as well as for his family. What a despicable thing for a governmental leader such as a governor to do. How can the residents of his state look to him as a role model now? What’s more important, what message does this bonehead mistake send to the students of Illinois schools?

 

Heroes and Role-Models

 

All kids attending

As the Sacramento schools struggle to manage funds for federally mandated testing programs, and to divide those funds among several areas in need of the money, it’s no surprise that arts programs have lost out in recent years. Without pointing to specific winners and losers, it’s safe to say that all children in the Sacramento public schools are getting less arts education than they deserve. ]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:14:07 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Vouchers System in Salt Lake City Schools Up for Vote 

Presidential candidate Rudy Guiliani recently said that education was the new civil rights issue in America.  From the looks of it, candidates in the running for the Salt Lake City’s mayoral office certainly seem to agree.  The issues concerning Salt Lake City schools have featured prominently on the agenda.  The issue of vouchers in Salt Lake City schools is an especially sensitive one.  Voters are set to vote on a referendum on the state’s voucher system, the most extensive in the country. ]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:08:37 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Hispanic Students from San Antonio Schools Participate in Debate Contest

 

Four San Antonio schools participated in the National Hispanic Institute’s debate and speech tournament held in October.  The competition was held in Austin in October and four San Antonio schools – Central Catholic, Keystone School, Incarnate Word High, Boerne High and Health Careers High School participated.  San Antonio schools already have sizable Hispanic populations, and this competition keeps students abreast of Latin issues while also helping them sharpen their competitive edge. ]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:06:42 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

No one can deny that private San Francisco schools serve their purpose; they offer some families the choice of the school their children attend. For those who can pay for it, a private San Francisco school education is looked at as not only highly desirable, but one that is fashionable and caters to the elite.  

 

Why Choose Private School?

 

For many families, attending private San Francisco schools is a given; it’s what the parents did, so the kids will do so as well. Some parents want the characteristics that may be more available to the students of private Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:02:07 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

For the past 100 years or so, teachers have traditionally been female. Before that, women could only teach school until they married; it was considered unseemly for women to continue working after marriage. Known as “schoolmasters”, men filled a majority of the teaching positions throughout U.S. schools. The pendulum has definitely swung the other way; of the approximately 2,700 teachers in St. Louis schools, only 600 are men.

 

Why Don’t More Men Teach?

 

No one knows for sure why more men don’t choose careers that lead them to Oklahoma City public schools are 4 times more likely to stand out in their academic studies; they are often recognized for academic achievement, find they are successful in getting elected to class office, and are more likely to participate in a math or science fair. ]]> Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:14:13 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

If you are reading this right now, chances are you can thank a teacher. Of course, your parents most likely gave you your first literary exposure, but it is typically the elementary school teachers who see the spark light in a child’s eyes and run with it.

 

I’m making another guess here, and supposing that if you’re reading this article you are an “educated” person, likely to have least finished high school. Maybe the road for you from kindergarten to 12th grade was paved in roses; everything came naturally to you, you had tons of friends and clear skin. ]]> Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:12:21 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Phoenix Schools Get a Literary Lift

 

A laudable new initiative by community and business leaders is helping students in Phoenix schools to enhance math skills and hone reading abilities.  This community involvement is not restricted to single business or organization. Rather, Phoenix schools in recent years have benefited from partnerships with many business owners, community agencies, large corporations and small enterprises.  These companies and agencies boost learning efforts at Phoenix schools by offering valuable resources which include financial help, materials and their expertise to students. ]]> Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:10:38 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Philadelphia Schools at the Bottom of the Heap Face Tough Decisions

 

Some Philadelphia schools which are performing so badly they have been failing the No Child Left Behind Act provisions for five years in a row are facing the heat.  The Schools Reform Commission recently met to discuss a series of measures to tackle the problem at dysfunctional Philadelphia public schools.  No Child Left Behind empowers school bodies and regulating authorities to make a complete overhaul of a school system if it consistently fails to meet its benchmarks. ]]> Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:09:04 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

It’s hard to remember a time when the world was not connected by the World Wide Web.  No other technological invention of the modern world has broken newer ground, or touched more lives than the Internet has. It would be impossible to count the number of benefits that going online has brought to us. At the same time the Internet in the wrong hands is a tool for the most harmful and destructive purposes. The recent rise of social networking sites, while they have provided the opportunity to break social barriers and forge friendships, has been especially worrisome to Internet police; they warn of the dangers of these sites to impressionable teenagers. ]]> Sat, 13 Oct 2007 05:03:13 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12com

A Closer Look at Drop Out Rates in Texas Schools 

According to the East Texas Review, every hour 93 students drop out of Texas schools. A majority of these are inner city minority males. Close to one third of all high schoolers in Texas schools will fail to graduate. Statistics like these point to the failure of the No Child Left Behind Act, a one size fits all system that has made preparing for standardized tests the focus of the education system throughout the country.

 

When asked the reason for their decision to drop out, many students cite “disinterest in classes”. ]]> Sat, 13 Oct 2007 05:01:25 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Florida Schools Push for Sex Education  

Some Florida schools are pushing for health lessons instead of focusing heavily on scores in standardized tests for the Florida school grades.  There is a general consensus that an increased focus on standardized test scores in Florida schools has led to a decline in the other measure of a student’s success – his or her health.  This fact was brought to light recently at Broward County public schools where one of the students, an exemplary scholar, aced the high pressure standardized test only to learn later that she had HIV/AIDS. ]]> Sat, 13 Oct 2007 04:59:20 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

There is a lot of talk going on these days on Capitol Hill. The Iraq War, relations with Iran, the environment, and the No Child Left Behind Act. Among all these topics, there is one that the school children attending Washington D.C. Schools are most passionate about…the environment.

 

Getting kids involved with saving the environment is not new. For years, we have educated them on the three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. In a continuing effort to raise responsible citizens, school systems across the nation have worked to educate our youngsters on the importance of working to protect the environment. ]]> Sat, 13 Oct 2007 04:57:35 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

There is a lot of talk going on these days on Capitol Hill. The Iraq War, relations with Iran, the environment, and the No Child Left Behind Act. Among all these topics, there is one that the school children attending Washington D.C. Schools are most passionate about…the environment.

 

Getting kids involved with saving the environment is not new. For years, we have educated them on the three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. In a continuing effort to raise responsible citizens, school systems across the nation have worked to educate our youngsters on the importance of working to protect the environment. ]]> Sat, 13 Oct 2007 04:56:49 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

It seems like all we hear about these days is test scores, assessments, and how our students score as compared to those across the nation and the world. For some reason, no one ever seems satisfied with the hard work our students put into their studies each year. Sure, there are some slackers, some with legitimate family problems that distract them from school, or special ed. Situations. But for the most part, Columbus Schools’ kids work hard each and every day of the year to learn their lessons and do well on the tests. ]]> Sat, 13 Oct 2007 04:54:33 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Ah, the Renaissance. Encompassing the revival of learning based on classical sources, the Renaissance was a time period that had wide-ranging consequences in all intellectual pursuits, and one which still influences us today. Learning in areas of painting, architecture and mathematics were especially important.

 

Chicago Schools are hoping for a Renaissance of their own – all by the year 2010. With 600 schools, that may seem a daunting task. ]]> Sat, 13 Oct 2007 04:48:27 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Couch potatoes. Video game junkies. Computer nerds. Phone hogs. No, these aren’t cutsie names for new hobbies; they are descriptions of today’s youth. Students attending the Charlotte Schools fit this description. Students attending every school in every city or town in this country can be said to fit this description. Granted, there are many, many kids who participate in a plethora of physical activities. Gymnastics, soccer, Little League, football, cheerleading, dance, the swim team, basketball, track and karate are all great examples of some of the options kids have today. ]]> Sat, 13 Oct 2007 04:46:10 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

NCLB Does Not Benefit, say California Schools 

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act has been mired in controversy ever since it was introduced by president Bush five years ago. Its proponents insist the bill is the only solution to improve the education system in the country. Opponents argue that it’s a one size fits all option that attempts to micromanage schools with out taking into consideration other factors that are a measure of a school’s success.

 

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 04:30:30 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In this great nation, every citizen is granted certain rights on the federal level as stated by the Bill of Rights. There are 10 amendments, which came into effect on December 15, 1791. Since that time, individual states were given the option of binding themselves to these rights, in order for all citizens to have the security of living in a state that’s laws and rights are consistent with those of the federal government. ]]> Sat, 13 Oct 2007 04:26:43 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

One Houston Schools middle school was recently closed to a chronic problem – kids, teachers and staff were constantly getting sick. What was the culprit? Mold, and lots of it. As an immediate, but temporary, fix Houston Schools’ students from that campus were relocated to another location, where they are sharing everything from desks, books, space, and teachers.

 

Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with this fix, but I think they are failing to see that is a temporary situation. Yes, the kids are not now getting the benefits they are used to in those Houston Schools. ]]> Sat, 13 Oct 2007 04:24:48 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for schoolsk-12.com

Raising the Bar in Las Vegas Schools 

 As the fierce debate over the No Child Left Behind Act continues, and Las Vegas schools face the prospect of students migrating to charter schools under the voucher system, school authorities are faced with the challenge of creating fertile learning conditions to ensure that NCLB regulations are met.  Like in other schools across the country, Las Vegas schools are constantly on the look out for new teaching talent and in many Kansas City schools is so fascinating that one man, William S. ]]> Sat, 13 Oct 2007 04:19:37 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Indianapolis Schools Set Dress Codes

 

Students at Indianapolis schools this year have to get used to leaving many of their personal preferences at home. The school district, the largest in the state, has laid down a set of rules that govern the way students dress when they come to class.  The new dress requirement at Indianapolis schools touches almost every item of clothing a student could be wearing from shirts, pants and skirts to belts and shoes, and even under garments.  Under the new dress code students in Philadelphia Public Schools will handle violence or even threats of violence from now on.

 

In the past, the filing of a police report against a student has been left up to the discretion of the principal. In a March 2007 meeting between School districts of Philadelphia Chief Executive Offices Paul Vallas, union representatives, and Police Commissioner Sylvester M. ]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:54:50 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Something exciting is happening in Pittsburgh. The educators and leaders of Pittsburgh Schools have committed themselves to improving not only the quality of education that students receive, but also the excellence at which they perform. But is this just talk, or really some action? Here are the facts.

 

Representing the 2nd largest school district in Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Public Schools

serve 29,447 students in 65 schools. Three- and four-year-olds are served through the Early Childhood program which is held at 95 of Pittsburgh Schools. ]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:53:06 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Many people understand the importance of exposure to the arts. We love art; it is a necessary part of our society. In fact, for every culture and every society, art in some form or another is critical to how we live. For many, many years, arts programs have been cut in Oklahoma City Schools in efforts to divert funds to “more pressing” subject areas like reading and mathematics. While these are indeed necessary subjects for Oklahoma City Schools students to master, including an arts education in a student’s learning experiences can do nothing but improve their time attending Oklahoma City Schools, as well as contribute to the amount of success they see as a whole. ]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:50:46 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

There have been many instances over the past 20 years or so where people have been so unhappy about the schools that they have decided to step up and do something about it. In response to this discontent, charter schools have been formed. For many New York City Schools families, charters appear to be the way to go.

 

Virtually anyone concerned with the state of New York City Schools can open a charter school. Parents, teachers, principals (whether they are from public New York City Schools or private ones), community leaders, philanthropists and nonprofit organizations are all examples of the types of folks who open charter schools in response to a perceived lack in quality public education. ]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:45:43 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

There have been many instances over the past 20 years or so where people have been so unhappy about the schools that they have decided to step up and do something about it. In response to this discontent, charter schools have been formed. For many New York City Schools families, charters appear to be the way to go.

 

Virtually anyone concerned with the state of New York City Schools can open a charter school. Parents, teachers, principals (whether they are from public New York City Schools or private ones), community leaders, philanthropists and nonprofit organizations are all examples of the types of folks who open charter schools in response to a perceived lack in quality public education. ]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:43:22 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Ever wonder what to do with school choice? For families who have ample amounts of money and can afford any school, the decision about what school to send the kids to may seem simple. After all, most people believe that private is best. Other parents may not be able to afford private school and have to send their kids to public schools and keep their fingers crossed. For still yet others, scrimping and saving to send little Johnny and Suzie to private school is their top priority. Sure, for most private schools, there are lots of benefits: smaller class sizes, a wider array of programs available such as Latin or Montessori, and the quality of amenities the school has to offer (pool, track, state-of-the-art computer labs, etc…) are all examples. ]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:41:35 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Cell Phone Ban in Milwaukee Public Schools 

It’s hard to imagine a world without cell phones.  Next to the Internet it’s probably the single most important invention that has affected the maximum number of lives around the globe.  People run entire businesses through their stylish gizmo fitted cell phones and it’s normal to find a family with each member sporting his or her individual phone.  

 

But, students in Milwaukee Public schools won’t be among those yakking on their cell phones this year. ]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:39:24 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

A Step in the Right Direction at Nashville Schools 

We’re all familiar with the kinds of students who are projected to be potential leaders in high schools – the debate team member, the math club geek, the student council president.  These are the stereotypical American leaders of tomorrow; lucky enough to have their special abilities recognized while they are still in school.  But what of the other less visible role models? The kid with a stammer who has a lot to say if he could only get the words out clearly enough, the teenaged mom with unlimited potential, even the kid at the back row who spends more time in detention than in class? 

 

You’d cringe at the thought of these students being portrayed as leaders and nobody would blame you. ]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:36:31 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Menace of Sexual Harassment in Memphis Schools 

Mention the words “sexual harassment” and images of leering executives making lewd comments to or in the presence of co-workers or employees comes to mind.  We tend to associate sexual harassment as an adult phenomenon; the kind that gets men – and in rare cases women – in deep trouble, or at the very least leaves them with a lighter wallet.  We don’t associate it with young students in schools. 

 

There is enough evidence to show that we should, at least where Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:23:43 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Controversy over Book Ban Rattles Miami Schools 

Miami Dade Public schools have been rocked by allegations of throwing aside civil liberties in favor of pleasing parts of the local populace.  First came the unnecessary controversy over an innocuous children’s book that portrayed life in Cuba from a child’s perspective.  The book “A Visit to Cuba” was not a prescribed textbook for young children in Miami schools, rather it was part of the school library.  A young Cuban American girl bought the book home and showed it to her father; a Cuban dissident and political prisoner who was upset at the soft picture the book portrayed of life under Castro. ]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:15:38 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Disrespect on the Rise in Cincinnati Schools 

In order to raise students who turn out into successful and high performing individuals, it’s imperative that they attend school and behave appropriately.  In 2003, however, 13,000 students in Cincinnati public schools were ordered to spend time out of school – suspended or expelled for poor behavior or actions.  This was the highest number of suspensions in schools in the state, and has rightly given rise to concern whether such suspensions and expulsions serve the purpose for which they are used, i. ]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:27:00 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Causes of Racial Divide in Cleveland Schools 

There is a deep and long reaching divide in achievement levels between black and white or Asian students in the Cleveland Public Schools; and the reasons might be more clear cut than we previously imagined.  At least that’s what a new report on Cleveland schools says.  PolicyBridge, a local African American analyst group says the causes for the visible chasm between performances of black and white students can be traced to pop culture that glorifies life on the streets and parents who undermine the value of education. ]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:25:38 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Enrollment Figures in Columbus Schools are Falling

In the glory days back in the 50s and 60s, Columbus schools could expect to find at least 3000 students lined up for admissions.  These days, however you are more likely to find that number armed with transcripts waiting for a transfer into charter or private Columbus schools.  This downward enrollment trend is nowhere close to the mass exodus that took place from Columbus schools in the years following desegregation, but the numbers are high enough to warrant concern. ]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:19:17 PDT By Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Dallas Schools Lead the Way in Single Gender Education 

The trend towards all female education has caught on in Texas in a big way.  The Dallas Independent School District  kicked off the trend when the first all girls public school was started in the city three years ago.  Today, attendance at the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School has more than tripled, and the school has relocated to a bigger campus. ]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:16:11 PDT

Denver Schools Struggle with Declining Enrollment 

“May you live in interesting times,” goes the ancient Chinese curse.  These are “interesting” times indeed at Denver schools.  The district is grappling with declining enrollment figures and the decreased funding that issue brings about.  The reasons for the drop in numbers are not hard to fathom.  Although there are exceptions to the rule, by and large the reputation of Detroit public schools, Detroit Medical Center and the Wayne County Community College District, will kick off in the 2007-08 school year. ]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:11:57 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

All schools throughout the country have dress codes. They are an attempt to make sure that students are properly clothed and covered, without limiting their right to self-expression, which falls under the coverage of the Bill of Rights’ Freedom of Speech. While some schools have “optional” uniform dress codes in place, many schools require uniforms from every student. Indianapolis Public Schools are taking it one step further; they are requiring all students, in Kindergarten through 12th grade to not only adhere to the same dress code, but to ALL wear uniforms, with very few exceptions. ]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:56:15 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Students attending Las Vegas Schools who are need of special programs need not fear they will be ignored. In fact, every single student attending one of the many Las Vegas Schools can count on the fact that there is at least one, if not more, programs in place to serve their educational needs. These are magnet programs, special education, accelerated/honors programs, as well as other programs to support transitional bilingual students, and specialty learning experiences including “Safe and Drug Free Schools”, “School-to-Careers” and “Math and Science Enhancement”. ]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:33:51 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

No parent wants to hear the words, “Mom, dad, I’m pregnant, or I’m going to be a father.” Children having children drastically alters everyone’s lives – the teens themselves, their parents, siblings, and other family members. While not a popular discussion in regards to education, the Houston Independent School District  have realized the need to address the education of these teens, especially young mothers. ]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:28:28 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Chicago Schools Increase Thrust on Vocational Training 

With more than 400,000 students spread over 600 public elementary and high schools, Chicago Public Schools, also known as CPS is the third largest school district in the United States.  This extensive network of schools is confined to Chicago’s city limits, and is the second largest employer in the city.  Chicago schools differ from some other school districts in the country in that the entire system is under the control of the Mayor. ]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:26:29 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

High School Rankings concern everyone. From the school board members on down through school administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and students, High School Rankings show, at a glance, how well a school is doing. Test scores on state and national tests, the successes of students with a low socioeconomic background, and how many students take advanced placement exams are all considered. If you look a bit further into the schools that are at the top of High School Rankings, you will most likely find that an active surrounding community is vital to the success of the schools that find themselves at the top of High School Rankings. ]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:24:33 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Not everyone attends a school that’s on the top of the heap. While not ideal, it’s simply a fact. There are many things that can cause a school to perform below the standards set by the district or state board of education. While a lot of the responsibility for improving the school in trouble lies with the teachers, staff, administration, and district employees, there is a lot that parents can do to help the school move up in Public School Rankings. Even schools that find themselves near the middle or top of the list of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools know all about educating students. They know how to efficiently and effectively run a school system. They also know the importance of parental involvement. To that end, they have developed the slogan, “What a family DOES matters more than what a family HAS”.

 

Recognizing the fact that a child’s first teacher is a parent, Charlotte Schools are working to communicate this belief to Charlotte Schools parents and to encourage them to get involved in their child’s education. ]]> Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:29:13 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

No one can argue that teachers aren’t important and, next to students, are the lifeblood of any school. So why are so many teachers leaving the profession? New York Schools, while they haven’t lost their entire teaching staffs, are experiencing a high turnover of teachers, just like the rest of the country.

 

New York Schools, which is the nation’s largest school system, recruited approximately 5,000 new teachers this summer (2007) by the middle of August. They were looking for teachers certified in Math, Science, or Special Education. ]]> Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:27:52 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In the news recently, a middle school student – a 14 year old boy, to be precise – was suspended from Arizona Schools because of a drawing he made while sitting in class. No teacher wants to find his or her student doodling, but must admit that not all students will be as enamored of their subject as the teacher is.

 

The Arizona Schools district the boy attends has a zero tolerance policy concerning weapons; this includes drawing them, or even writing about them. In response to the Columbine massacre in 1999, most Arizona Schools have some version of such a policy in place. ]]> Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:25:28 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com



Problems that Face Washington DC Schools

District of Columbia Public schools are faced with increasingly serious challenges.  The 55,000 student system is plagued by gaping disparities between schools that serve the affluent, and those that serve the city’s poorest neighborhoods.  And that’s just the beginning.  Education officials and concerned Washington DC citizens have identified numerous shortfalls in the system which threaten to polarize schools and students based on their social status. ]]> Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:22:04 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com



The standards of California schools, once regarded as some of the best in the country have begun to slip in nationwide rankings, not just in comparison to past levels but also in comparison to other states in the country.  To understand the reason for this decline in California schools, it’s necessary to cast an eye on what makes the golden state the richly diverse melting pot it is – its legions of immigrant populations. 

 

Fairfax County Public Schools  have always had a favorable reputation among parents and students because these institutions meet the biggest indicator of a school’s success- how well its students are able to fare in the real world.  In fact, the quality of Fairfax, VA schools is what prompts so many Americans to move here every year. By and large the Fairfax, VA schools are amply funded, have access to high tech resources like computers, and are staffed by trained and motivated teachers. ]]> Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:52:44 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Increased Interest in School Rankings

It’s difficult to remember a time when the public school system in this country was under greater scrutiny.  Newsweek is running features on the subject, there are a plethora of sites online that cater to a growing demand for comprehensive school rankings, and that most vociferous of public speech mechanisms, the blogosphere, has enough to say on the subject of listing schools based on rankings.  Now, the richest man in the world has stepped into the picture. ]]> Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:50:46 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Happy Days in Texas Schools

Texas school districts are enjoying a revival, and how!  In recent years, the state’s schools are finding increased success meeting all the measures of a school’s success- motivated well performing students, and schools and teachers who set the bar higher for themselves.  More tellingly, these high achievement levels of Texas schools cover students across all racial and linguistic divides, a happy state of affairs in a system where educational proficiency differences between ethnic groups are still marked. ]]> Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:48:59 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Middle school students attending two Virginia Schools have had the opportunity to meet an award-winning author. Sharon Flake has written a work of fiction about a 13-year-old African American girl who struggles to fit in with her peers. The book, Skin I’m In, has universal appeal to students as well as adults. Kids like those attending Virginia Schools have a great novel to read that conveys an even greater message – to be happy with who you are; and Virginia Schools students may gain some insight into how others feel along the way. ]]> Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:46:44 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke by www.schoolsk-12.com



High Poverty Florida Schools have Negligible Tech Equipment

Florida schools have long struggled with the wide disparities between schools in affluent neighborhoods, and those that serve the state’s weaker sections in high poverty pockets of the state.  Low economic status of the students has been proven to be detrimental to a student’s learning ability. Along with other factors like the student’s intellectual capacity and economic status of the schools he or she attends, its not anything that Florida schools can do much about. ]]> Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:42:51 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Denver, Colorado…Home of the Mile-High stadium, a city with amazing scenery and a high altitude. It is one in which Denver Public Schools have set lofty goals for themselves. All school districts have mission statements, visions, and school improvement plans. Denver Schools break their goals down into three areas:

 

1.      Set high expectations for all students.

2.      Raise the overall achievement level. ]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:14:52 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Ah, Detroit. While the smell of rubber and welding may no longer emanate through the air in this city of automotive manufacturing, the schools are still working to keep production up; the production of well-educated, successful members of society. In the last decade, Detroit Public Schools have lost more than 60,000 students. While much of this loss has been due to the city’s steadily declining population and shrinking birthrates, leaders of Detroit Schools also say that this is attributable to poaching from charter schools and neighboring public school systems. ]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:12:44 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

All parents have big dreams for their children. Fame, fortune, happiness, security, love, confidence, success, and a good education- to name a few. Parents of Long Island Schools students have dreams like these, too. A lot of these kids are told as they grow up that college is what you do after high school, end of discussion. Of course, most if not all parents would like to see their kids head off to college.

 

But let’s look at the big picture; not all graduating seniors want to head off to a 2- or 4-year college. ]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:08:31 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Houston Schools families who have children who are identified as “gifted” or “talented” academically face unique problems. The biggest one is ensuring that the child in question is being adequately challenged, without suffering burn-out. “I’m bored” is one of those phrases that all parents hate hearing. I mean really hate. It’s frustrating for a parent to be relied upon for entertaining and keeping the child busy, especially when that child is of school-age. By the time they are in 2nd or 3rd grade, kids should be able to find things to entertain and keep themselves occupied. ]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:05:55 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

When I was in high school, I attended the only high school our town had. A one-high school town, our school was home to every 14-18 year old in residence. My senior year, there were about 250 of us graduating. I thought that was a lot; but I still at least knew everyone’s name, even if I wasn’t friends with them all. Looking back, our school wasn’t that big compared to some; the name of every person in my graduating class fit on the back of the Prom T-shirt! I never thought of my school as small; it seemed big to my small-town eyes. ]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:02:29 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Every city in every state in this nation has a homeless population. These are people who are “down on their luck”. They may have suffered a series of financial disasters and have been driven from their homes because they simply couldn’t pay the bills. They may suffer from a mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or clinical depression and are unable to care for themselves financially, as well as physically. It is beyond them to provide themselves with adequate food or shelter. ]]> Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:21:12 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Without students, there are no schools. Of course, amassing students without teachers doesn’t make a school either. This is the problem that Las Vegas Schools are currently facing. In fact, it is a problem they have had for a very long time. Las Vegas Schools have made a public plea. The Las Vegas Schools need 1,163 teachers to fill vacancies before the upcoming school year, beginning in August 2007. That is almost twice the number the district needed last year. If teachers aren’t hired to fill the gap, the district serving Las Vegas Schools will not have many options. ]]> Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:16:40 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Many, many people live in Los Angeles. As of the latest census there were an estimated 9,948,081 people living there. Los Angeles covers a land area of 4,061 square miles, with 2,344 persons occupying each of those areas. It goes without saying that this is a lot of people! Several of these residents have children; 27.6% of these residents are persons from 5 years old to 18 years old. That’s a lot of kids…over 710,000 to be exact. These students attend one of the many Los Angeles Schools, where they are served by the Los Angeles Schools 74,000 district employees. ]]> Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:09:27 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Being a parent of a school aged child has never been an easy task. And with all the choices facing young people these days, the job is getting even harder. But a new program run by Miami Schools is trying to alleviate some of the burden on parents with a number of programs designed to keep parents informed on some of the most important issues facing young people in the Miami Schools.

 

Parent Academy in Miami Schools

 

The Miami-Dade Public County School system runs a year-round “Academy” to inform and assist the parents of students in Miami Schools and other schools in the county. ]]> Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:05:13 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Schools come up with action plans every day. In fact, the Milwaukee Schools recently announced the adoption of an action plan that is designed to make its students competitive with some of the best schools in the country. The plan, designated “Working Together, Achieving More,” was adopted by the board of Milwaukee Schools in July 2007. But gauging whether a plan means real change, or just a good press release isn’t always easy. The Atlanta Public Schools parents are no exception. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:33:39 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Most people would agree that most change is for the better. Leaders of Baltimore County Public Schools hold this belief in relation to improving the 180 schools and 82,000 students they serve. They know that for students and their Baltimore Schools, working to enact change is to the benefit of all – since the district is in need of drastic student achievement. A school system that is dire straits, Baltimore Schools are in need of some major overhauling. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:31:19 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Awards always reflect high achievement and excellence. Winning an award or “just being nominated” for one is a huge boost to one’s ego.  It demonstrates to the world just how hard a person or organization has been working to achieve superiority over others in the same field.  Actors, scientists, novelists, corporations, sports teams and school districts are all examples of professionals or organizations that strive to win awards. 

 

Charlotte Mecklenburg schools system is that there are a lot of northern transplants- like myself.  And being a newcomer to the Charlotte Schools, or any other district can be overwhelming. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:27:13 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Chicago public schools have been going through a transformation designed to take the district’s mammoth high schools and turn them into more intimate, student-focused environments. Educators and administrators seem to love the concept. And deep-pocketed philanthropists think it’s a great idea too. Various groups like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation have invested $26 million to the small schools concept. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:20:58 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In June the Cincinnati Public Schools received a grant of $747,768 for high school foreign language instruction. This is part of President Bush’s National Security Language Initiative. And while I love the fact that the Cincinnati Schools are putting some more money towards foreign language instruction, it’s sort of a backward approach. It’s ironic that terrorist activity and concerns about the nation’s safety are the impetus for encouraging Cincinnati Schools and American students to learn a second language. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:19:18 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Cleveland Public Schools have gotten a lot of press lately for both their dismal college graduation rates and their innovative small schools transformation. Cleveland Schools see about 30% of students in the state graduate from college in 10 years or less. One approach to the problem is transforming the massive high schools to smaller ones with 500 students or less. But the truth is that the success or failure of students in the Cleveland Schools starts long before high school. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:16:00 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Cleveland Public Schools have gotten a lot of press lately for both their dismal college graduation rates and their innovative small schools transformation. Cleveland Schools see about 30% of students in the state graduate from college in 10 years or less. One approach to the problem is transforming the massive high schools to smaller ones with 500 students or less. But the truth is that the success or failure of students in the Cleveland Schools starts long before high school. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:16:00 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Like all of the public schools in Ohio the Columbus Public Schools have a low graduation rate for its students. And like all of the public schools in this country the Columbus Schools have a racial gap that is disheartening and depressing. Two methods used by the Columbus Schools to help minority populations achieve are mentoring and smaller sized high schools.

I like both of these ideas because I think they address two of the core difficulties of minority achievement: income and role models. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:04:24 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The necessity to assess students is irrefutable. In fact, a lot of people believe that formal assessments are the only way to tell how a student is progressing, and teachers feel pressured to teach to the test. For many educators, part of their paycheck is based on how well students score on standardized tests.  Fortunately for students and teachers alike, New York Public Schools recognize the need to not only assess them fairly and accurately, but also see the necessity of offering various kinds of tests to be used at the teachers’ discretion. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:58:24 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Throughout life, we are constantly comparing ourselves to others.  New moms compare pregnancies, labor, and their babies’ growth and development. Parents of school-age children compare their children’s success in school and their prowess in sports, arts, and intelligence.  Teenagers compare wardrobes, grades, boyfriends or girlfriends, and their cars.  High school graduates compare colleges or universities based on the party-factor, excellence in their choice of study, athletic programs, or the vision or philosophy of the school. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:51:16 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsK-12 .com

Lists assessing high school rankings for K-12 are hugely popular right now because of the intense scrutiny of American education. These rankings are important because parents make moves to areas, or away form them, based on how schools rate. The schools then get more money per pupil, or less if they are losing students. Using high school rankings for K-12 is different from using them for the lower age groups. To gauge the effectiveness of a high school, these are the things you need to look for. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:48:24 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Newsweek, websites, and local blogs- everyone seems to have a hand in rating the nation’s schools. And that little thing known as the No Child Left Behind Act does its part too. Parents browse school rankings for K-12 gen interest on the Internet with increasing frequency. Well, it’s no surprise. National and state standards are being tightened, but no one in the country actually seems happy with the state of education. So I have to ask, just how useful are the school rankings for K-12 gen interest? The long and the short of it is this. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:44:02 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

An article about the various summer programs available to students in Virginia Public Schools was written recently. The school system is to be commended for recognizing the needs of its students and implementing programs that will best serve their needs. But how does a summer program truly meet the needs of the students?

 

Well, the most obvious is that a good summer program keeps the kids of Virginia Schools off the streets and involved in something beneficial. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:41:32 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Students attending Texas Public Schools have many choices.  They literally have a plethora of magnet programs to choose from.  Depending on their grade level, they can choose to attend a school that focuses on providing the 3 Rs with a slant; the Arts, Science, Technology and Foreign Language are all examples of the different types of Texas Schools kids and their parents can choose from. 

 

But what is a magnet school, anyway?  A magnet school is a one that, while meeting the educational needs of its students by following state standards, also offers students the chance to study in a unique way. ]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:38:48 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Corporate sponsorship of public education has become an incredible boost for districts trying to meet stricter federal and state mandates on tight budgets. Organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation, and the Ford Foundation have invested billions of dollars in the nation’s public schools. While this is essential, the Sacramento Schools are focusing on an even more important partner in public education. The Parents.

 

Importance of Parent Involvement in Sacramento Schools

 

Washington DC Public Schools face a struggle that epitomizes the state of education in this country. While the elite and affluent live in the best districts, or send their children to private schools, many students in the Washington, DC Schools function in poverty and need.

 

Why does this matter? The discrepancy between the haves and have-nots in the Washington, DC Schools mimics that which has led to the glaring racial achievement gap in the country. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:48:13 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Every year the North Central Association evaluates Several St. Louis Schools seeking accreditation. The goal for the organization is to assist St. Louis Public Schools in developing and demonstrating effective curriculums. The process also keeps transient students in the St. Louis Schools up to date with their work. Family relocation is the most common cause of drastically falling grades in the St. Louis Schools. Accredited schools are better able to tackle this problem because they all share a consistent curriculum. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:45:16 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com



The Seattle Public Schools, located in Washington, are considered a fairly progressive district. With help from giant Microsoft, they receive local funds that any school would envy. But they also face issues with diversity and minority achievement. The Seattle Schools system is a diverse organization of 97 schools, serving 45,800 students in. Seattle Schools offer a broad range of programs and learning opportunities, which are enhanced by strong support from parents, volunteers and community members. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:42:26 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

You know that racial gap that’s getting so much attention? Well, I’m thrilled that it’s on the minds of politicians, because it’s a problem. Unfortunately, it’s a problem with some pretty deep roots. In 1971, San Jose Public Schools had a dilemma. It seemed to parents that the schools were knowingly and purposely segregating students. Hispanics were the group most targeted in this segregation. So some parents filed a class action suit with the intention of forcing the district to remedy the situation. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:39:48 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Educators in the San Francisco Public Schools are frustrated by the lack of balance in education. The recent focus on mandatory testing has moved schools nationwide away from holistic education. And this can have serious consequences on children in the San Francisco Schools.

 

Richard Florida in The Flight of the Creative Class says, “What we really need in order to prepare our children for the creative economy is a comprehensive education. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:37:17 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Moving can be stressful.  Finding a house, a job, and good schools for the kids can be big hurdles to overcome. And sorting through all the school ranking for general education lists can be tiresome. So I set out with goal to do a lot of that research for you and unearth one district that sounds like a good move for relocating a family.

 

Keep in mind that all the awards, school rankings and on-line praise you hear won’t ever give you the same information as actually visiting an area. But it’s a good place to start. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:34:48 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Every day children show up to school tired and hungry. I’m not talking about homeless or abused children. But kids from loving homes near the San Antonio Schools

whose parents don’t understand the impact of nutrition and a good night’s sleep on a student’s ability to focus and learn. Good nutrition is a necessity of life. A healthy diet enables the body to work more efficiently, improves mental health, and makes learning possible. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:32:18 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In this day and age, we are required more and more often to be technologically literate.  Florida Public Schools need to adapt to that technology or fall behind. We are becoming a mobile society, with the ability to talk to anyone at anytime from anywhere; we can even do a “virtual commute” and have an office at the park, in the coffee shop, or even at a bookstore. While some districts are slow to rise to the task, others have stepped up to the plate. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:29:06 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Ever wonder what to do with your Fairfax County Schools student over the summer?  Are you reluctant to place your elementary student in daycare or let your middle or high school student “just hang out”?  The summer programs at Fairfax, VA Schools may be for you!  Studies suggest that students can lose the knowledge they have gained during the school year over the summer holidays.  No matter how academically successful kids are, most of them choose entertainments such as arcades, beaches, lakes, or water parks, being with friends, or going to the movies over learning activities. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:26:07 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

A large part of the country’s education systems have long looked to California Schools to demonstrate what works in education.  While many California Public Schools  are indeed exemplary, there are also many that are struggling.  In 1999, the state of California decided that it needed to take a closer look at these struggling schools, and that these California Schools needed help to overcome their problems. 

 

The California Schools in question shared one common characteristic - a relatively high level of student poverty. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:23:23 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Going to school is all about learning the facts.  It’s also about gaining knowledge on how to interpret these facts and form opinions based on them.  While many students excel academically, there are an equal amount of those who do not. And the number of minority and low-income students in the San Diego Public Schools who don’t succeed is way too high.

 

It’s important to not only identify the students who are struggling, but to get them the help they need to succeed in school without feeling discouraged or stupid. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:52:16 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

What data is considered for High School Rankings? Newsweek Magazine is the most popular publication that ranks public high schools, and most high schools strive for inclusion. Newsweek journalist Jay Mathews devised the formula used by the magazine to determine which schools make the list.  It looks at how many students took the Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate &/or Cambridge tests, and divides that number by how many graduating seniors the school has; and that is the standard for determining High School Rankings for K-12 general interest. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:42:43 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Imagine you are about to make a move. Your employer has decided that your skills are needed in another part of the country. What neighborhoods are best?  What kinds of schools serve the communities you are considering? How do you find out?  One option is to research school rankings for gen interest; this way, you’ll be armed with valuable, consistent information for the schools you are considering.

 

So what goes into school rankings for gen interest? How do the “experts” determine which schools are the best, and which schools are improving? There are numerous government agencies and private companies that examine, assess, and analyze a school’s progress. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:36:49 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

 

Imagine you are about to make a move. Your employer has decided that your skills are needed in another part of the country. What neighborhoods are best?  What kinds of schools serve the communities you are considering? How do you find out?  One option is to research school rankings for gen interest; this way, you’ll be armed with valuable, consistent information for the schools you are considering.

 

So what goes into school rankings for gen interest? How do the “experts” determine which schools are the best, and which schools are improving? There are numerous government agencies and private companies that examine, assess, and analyze a school’s progress. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:36:17 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com







There are many factors that go into Public School Rankings For K-12 Gen Interest. To compare schools based on only one or two items of data would be inaccurate and foolhardy at best.  For example, simply relying on test scores and graduation rates would give the user a skewed if not a faulty view of Public School Rankings For K-12 Gen Interest.  The really good Public School Rankings.

for K-12 Gen Interest scores look at all kinds of things to decide which ones are the best, the worst, and in between. ]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:25:05 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com



All schools across America strive for excellence, which is reflected through various regional, state, or national awards.  Being recognized as an excellent place of learning can help schools in numerous ways.  Some awards give the recipients a cash bonus, while others give an endorsement of excellence.  Oklahoma City Public Schools are no exception.  Recognized for numerous, innovative programs, and admirable improvement, Oklahoma Schools enjoy a high status within the 50 states. ]]> Sun, 22 Jul 2007 08:24:43 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com



All schools across America strive for excellence, which is reflected through various regional, state, or national awards.  Being recognized as an excellent place of learning can help schools in numerous ways.  Some awards give the recipients a cash bonus, while others give an endorsement of excellence.  Oklahoma City Public Schools are no exception.  Recognized for numerous, innovative programs, and admirable improvement, Oklahoma Schools enjoy a high status within the 50 states. ]]> Sun, 22 Jul 2007 08:24:22 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Corporate sponsorship of public education has become an incredible boost for districts trying to meet stricter federal and state mandates on tight budgets. Organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation, and the Ford Foundation have invested billions of dollars in the nation’s public schools. While this is essential, the Sacramento Schools are focusing on an even more important partner in public education. The Parents.

 

Importance of Parent Involvement in Sacramento Schools

 

Memphis Schools it made free pre-kindergarten and extra tutoring by teachers during school hours available to help achieve higher test scores and. Also, Memphis Schools’ low-income students received free extra-curricular tutoring.

 

However, an extensive study but the University of Memphis found that these students are not getting ahead, and the Memphis Schools are not getting what they are paying for. ]]> Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:12:50 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”…is the most recent slogan to come out from the city, enticing tourists to come out and cut loose. Unfortunately, Las Vegas Schools are struggling, while the casinos enjoy seemingly limitless profits.  In fact, most Nevada tax dollars actually go to the casinos! Not only do the Las Vegas Schools struggle on a meager budget, but they also struggle consistently to recruit and keep teachers. ]]> Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:11:34 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In terms of numbers, Los Angeles Schools make up the second largest public school district in the country. Only New York City Schools top them. The issues of running any urban system are complex, but in massive districts the numbers make efforts even more difficult.

 

Los Angeles Schools Struggle with Graduation Rates

 

Simply getting students to graduate is a challenge for the Los Angeles Schools. A 2006 USA Today study reported that Los Angeles Schools were among several large urban districts with less than 50% of its students gradating from high school on time. ]]> Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:08:10 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Minneapolis Schools, like most school districts, struggles with diversity. They struggle with making sure their schools are not segregated based on color or economic status. That is difficult when people of like economic status tend to live in certain areas.

 

One of the ways Minneapolis Schools achieves this is through parent choice. Parents in Minneapolis Schools are given options such as private school vouchers, charter schools, and opting to send their children outside of their neighborhood. ]]> Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:55:30 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Nashville Schools are bracing for a budget cut. While costs are rising at about 3.4% due to inflation and other needed costs, the increase in the overall budget is only 1.1%. Despite the Nashville Schools best efforts to insure this deficit is not felt by students-there will certainly be changes felt by the loss of 40 classroom teachers and almost 100 custodians.

 

 

While the cuts will hurt some areas of the district, the Nashville Schools will still have some winners in the budget game. ]]> Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:54:09 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

New York City Schools started converting many of its massive high schools into smaller, thematic schools in 2002. The 2006 graduates who were the first students in New York City Schools to have spent their entire four-year high school experience in the smaller venues had impressive results. And the 2007 results continue to look good. Graduation rates of the 47 small-sized New York City Schools are significantly higher that the city’s overall rates. ]]> Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:51:58 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

If you’re considering a move to Indiana and are planning to send your children to Indianapolis Schools, this is the article for you.  With numerous magnet programs, a clear instructional framework, and 5 district initiatives to improve learning, Indianapolis Schools are highly organized and are the place to learn.

 

Mission:

 

The mission of Indianapolis Schools is to increase student achievement for all within a safe environment resulting in graduates who are knowledgeable, responsible, productive, employable citizens. ]]> Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:43:38 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Kansas City Schools are sensitive to the needs of its students.  Not only is the goal of academic success encouraged, the school system is also giving attention to the needs of its students who require extra attention.  These students’ needs are addressed through programs such as PE4Life, Homeless Student Services, and the Missouri Schools Comprehensive Guidance Program.

 

Kansas City Schools have a mission in which the goals are to work in partnership with parents and the community and to produce students who have the knowledge, skills and abilities to develop the necessary attitude to become life-long learners with capacity for leadership and service. ]]> Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:42:41 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

A 2006 newspaper report and a 2005 Princeton study spell costly problems for the students and residents of Detroit Schools. In 2006 USA Today reported on a study funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It said that several of the nation’s largest school districts had less than a 50% graduation rate. Detroit Schools, the 11th largest district in the country, was dead last with an appalling 21.7%.

 

Of course, the study spurred heated debates regarding its accuracy and impartiality. ]]> Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:35:21 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for schoolsk-12.com

In June of this year, the United States Supreme Court ruled to restrict schools across the nation, including Denver Schools, from using race to determine attendance. This decision will limit the integration at many schools across the nation. The decision was split with a five justice majority ruling that school programs in Seattle and Louisville violated the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection to ALL students. Educators in Denver Schools fear that the decision may lead schools to stop efforts to balance the racial mixes within their districts. ]]> Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:34:13 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Dallas Schools presented a budget to the trustees that may have teachers receiving raises as high as $5000 next school year. The proposed $1.16 billion budget contains nearly $31.5 million for salary increases and new incentives for educators and support staff of the Dallas Schools. The Dallas Schools will also cover the rise in health insurance costs for its employees, instead of passing that cost on through higher premiums, which means lower pay checks.

Budget Impacts Sizes of Dallas Schools

The budget for the Columbus Schools area who were hoping to see a ballot initiative in November will be disappointed. The Campaign for Ohio’s Future, a group made up of 12 separate educational groups, simply ran out of time to collect all the signatures needed to put their proposal on the 2007 November ballot. Supporters in the Columbus Schools had hoped that the proposal would shift financial obligations from the local community to the state, and improve the quality of public education. ]]> Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:31:46 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Cleveland Board of Education approved a new budget with millions of dollars in cuts. The cuts are so drastic that there are some employees of the Cleveland Schools who don’t know if they have jobs next school year. Some non-instructional union employees, such as cleaners, custodians and clerical workers, will most definitely see job cuts. Other non-union jobs are also at risk.

Chief of Staff, Lisa Marie Ruda, said specific numbers won’t be known until early next week, when district officials finish adding up positions already lost to retirement or attrition. ]]> Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:30:46 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Superintendent of the Cincinnati Schools recommended a budget for the 2007-2008 school year that is lower than the current budget by about $308 thousand dollars. This budget will mean that the Cincinnati Schools must continue to curb their spending, and direct the majority of the funds towards the educational basics: teachers, supplies and buildings. This budget focuses support on the Cincinnati Schools’ five year strategic plan. This plan was unanimously approved by the Board of Education in April. ]]> Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:29:31 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

On the last day of the 2006-2007 Supreme Court, Chief Justice John Roberts announced a decision that will inevitably stir up diversity issues within schools across the nation, and the Chicago Schools. It will most certainly change the way most school systems, including those within the Chicago Schools, run their magnet programs. And it will affect how they decide which students to steer towards, and to accept into, each program. ]]> Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:28:15 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The magnet program of Charlotte Schools is committed to increasing educational opportunities for students. Magnet programs are theme based learning centers within Charlotte Schools which aim to promote students’ interests, abilities and talents. Researchers have noted that magnet programs promote innovation in teaching and learning, increased parental involvement, greater student engagement, and diverse student bodies that lead to higher student achievement. ]]> Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:26:33 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Everyday educators, whether they are teachers, administrators, or board members, are striving to improve the services they offer. Teachers attend in-service training; principals meet with other administrators in their district, state, or even the nation; and board members travel to see what other districts are doing right All with the intention of gleaning the best methods and practices for their own schools. Atlanta Schools are no exception. ]]> Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:16:36 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

At the end of June 2007 the Supreme Court made a split 5-4 ruling that limits the ability of schools to use race as a factor in determining student participation in academic programs like magnet schools.  Around that same time, the Alliance for Excellence in Education released a study out of Princeton University that reports the cost of high school drop-outs to the country over the next decade will be about $3 trillion.

 

Houston Schools will have to make some decisions in years to come based on both of these results. ]]> Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:14:12 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Sacramento Schools are the epitome of the problems and concerns held by all public schools in the state of California. Recent and ongoing debates about funding arts education, construction costs, and new initiatives play out in Sacramento Schools daily. The most recent fuel to the fire was added when a study titled Getting Down to the Facts was released: it’s an evaluation of the adequacy and efficiency of the current funding of California’s public schools. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:24:26 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Parents of special needs students in the Atlanta Schools rejoiced this past week when Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signed into law the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship bill. Formerly known as Senate Bill 10, the proposed voucher plan has been watched closely by parents and educators in Atlanta Schools.

 

The law will use state funds to offer vouchers to parents of children with special needs in order to provide them with more appropriate school options. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:22:44 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Baltimore Schools mirror the rest of the nation in a shortage of qualified and available teachers. The most recent recruitment attempt involves a “grow-your-own” method that is slowly cropping up around the country. The Baltimore Country district of Baltimore Schools awarded 3 college scholarships this year for students to pursue education degrees. The scholarship recipients will be trained and mentored in Baltimore Schools, and will agree to teach in the district upon graduation. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:20:38 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Boston Schools are right in the middle of current concerns over stagnated student scores on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Exam (MCAS). For the second year in a row, test score are flat, causing concern to both Boston Schools and the state of Massachusetts.

 

The main concern is over MCAS results for grades 3-8, and especially at the third grade level. Boston Schools tend to mirror the state, with some minor differences. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:19:10 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Charlotte Schools have a long history of dealing with segregation issues in public education.  While current testing standards focus on the ever-present racial gap, notable efforts to address the issue were first started in Charlotte Schools in 1969. The Civil Rights movement brought the inequalities in educational opportunities of children to the forefront with a 1971 US Supreme Court ruling that imposed a 30-year term of mandatory busing. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:17:29 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) has been making progress in the Chicago Schools just as advocates of the initiative planned.  Students who were transferred out of their failing schools have been replaced and settled into new Chicago Schools.  Based on test scores, the indications are that an improved learning environment for these students was much needed and has enhanced their scores considerably.  Even the unprecedented effects have been positive in Chicago Schools. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:15:54 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Cincinnati Schools have recently endured an increased number of teacher and staff layoffs.  The changes being made are noticeably affecting the function of schools; many parents have perceived the losses and been able to pinpoint the changes these departures have made in the Cincinnati Schools.  Before teachers, other workers in Cincinnati Schools are considered for layoff and the absence of these much-needed classroom helpers has had a debilitating impact on the learning environments. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:14:04 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

If you’re looking for the latest and most innovative educational trends, you need look no further than Cleveland Schools. Charter schools, schools that are run privately, can be either non-profit or for-profit organizations, and can sometimes be selective of the students they accept. Charters in Cleveland schools often receive district money to run the school. 

 

In Cleveland Schools, and indeed throughout the state of Ohio, charter schools are referred to as community schools. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:12:41 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Students who attend the Columbus School district may rest easy knowing that they study in an area that is doing all it can to ensure they receive an excellent education.  District leaders are striving to make their schools top notch; from opening new schools to offering a plethora of programs throughout the Columbus School district.  But how close are they to meeting the district’s mission statement?:  ‘Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community”. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:11:05 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Perhaps one of the most famous cities in the state of Texas, Dallas has many things to recommend it.  From the beautiful downtown architecture to the Dallas Cowboys football team, it seems that everything Dallas is wonderful.  This includes the Dallas Schools. 

 

Dallas Schools honored 13 schools as “exemplary” and 67 as “recognized” this past February, at an IBM Corporation-sponsored dinner.  No other urban school district in Texas had a larger number of exemplary and recognized schools in 2006. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:09:10 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

When thinking of Denver, Colorado, do you think of beautiful, snow-capped peaks soaring into the heavens?  The Denver Schools system has goals that resemble high mountains…attainable yet challenging. The Denver Schools’ district has three “overarching” goals: 

 

1.      Set high expectations for all students

2.      Raise the overall achievement level

3. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:07:28 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Founded in 1842, the Detroit Schools are one of the nation’s largest public school systems.  The Detroit Schools’ system is a district of choice, and is open to children who live outside the city.  The district offers numerous academic and career/ technical programs.  Among these programs are:  the Foreign Language Immersion and Cultural Studies School (the only one of its kind in Michigan), Davis Aerospace (one of only a handful of schools in the country where students can obtain a pilot’s license), multiple award winning performing arts high schools, Detroit School of the Arts, and Crockett Technical High School (is a digital technology school). ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:04:11 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

School systems across the country have just a couple of things on their plate: charter schools, budgets, magnet schools, pension plans, pre-K and dropout rates- to name a few.  Houston Schools are no different, and Magnet and Early Childhood programs appear to be at the top of the list.

 

The cream of the Houston School system’s crop are the Gifted and Talented students.  Currently, 25,000 students are identified as gifted and talented. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:02:58 PDT Written by Patricia Harris for www.schoolsk-12.com

It’s a rare occurrence when both of the state’s teachers’ unions and the governor come to an agreement on funding. That’s exactly what Illinois Schools experienced in March of this year when Governor Rod R. Blagojevich received the endorsements of the Illinois Federation of Teachers and the Illinois Education Association. The praise was given for the Helping Kids Learn plan, which provides $10 billion to Illinois Schools over the next four years.

 

Indianapolis Schools face the same challenges as most of the nation’s urban schools: lack of resources and funding, high poverty levels, and increasing pressure to meet testing standards. The 2001 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act that required all states to have all students to proficient levels in state tests by 2014 was created to raise national standards and demand accountability. No one in Indianapolis Schools is surprised that meeting those standards is proving to be a challenge. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:58:32 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The state of Kansas’ Board of Education is expected to make a change to teacher licensure requirements that could help Kansas City Schools get the teachers it needs. According to Martha Gage, director of teacher education and licensure, the Professional Standards Board recommends the improvements.

 

The changes will allow teachers in Kansas City Schools, and across the state, to add subjects to their portfolios with greater ease. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:56:24 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The most recent Nevada session did little to alleviate the feeling in Las Vegas Schools that public education is low on the state’s list of priorities. As Las Vegas Schools try to educate a large and diverse urban community the state of Nevada doesn’t offer much support. Spending per pupil in the state is about $1,800 less than the national average. Las Vegas Schools, along with other education and healthcare advocates, expressed disappointment at the legislature’s inability to bring the state to what some call a minimal standard of care. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:51:44 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Long Island Schools show marked improvements on statewide math tests for grades three through eight. Albany educational authorities announced the dramatic improvements this month. Long Island Schools tend to mirror statewide improvements across the board. According to Newsday, Education Commissioner Richard Mills said, “The fact that children are achieving higher standards in the middle grades is especially significant.” Long Island Schools, and many across the nation, have faced the challenge of test scores dropping in the middle school years. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:49:35 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Los Angeles Schools are seeing a steady increase in arts education as the dual result of a long-term program and recent state funding. The Arts for All program was initiated in 2002 as a 10-year plan to restore arts education to the 80 districts of Los Angeles Schools. The project focuses on bringing music, dance, drama and the visual arts to K-12 schools in the area. Nine schools have just signed up for the 2007-2008 school year, bringing the total number of Los Angeles Schools involved up to 27. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:47:29 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Educators in Memphis Schools have strong opinions about the 2001 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act that will soon be up for renewal. So do most Americans. A recent Scripps Howard poll reported that two thirds of Americans want to have the act either rewritten or revoked completely. The poll found that those most familiar with the law were the most likely to be opposed to it.

 

The reasons for this are echoed in the halls of Memphis Schools. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:45:42 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Miami Schools district is one of immense size. It serves students from all walks of life. In order to stay connected with their students’ first teachers (the parents) the Miami Schools have devised several ways to encourage parents to become involved in their children’s school experience. Some of these avenues are: The Office of Parental Involvement, The Parent Academy, the Bilingual Parent Outreach Program (offered by the Division of Bilingual Education and World Languages), and the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) or the PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association). ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:43:46 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Michigan Schools have decided that changes need to be made in the statewide Special Education curriculum. Recent updates to federal laws require the Michigan Schools to comply with new rules and requirements. Students with disabilities are depending on the schools that they attend to attain the required standards. Without changes, the programs will be forced to shut down. At the news of change, many are concerned that current services will be compromised. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:42:02 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Milwaukee…home of the Packers and the Cheeseheads. It is also home of some very interesting programs within the Milwaukee Schools. Some of these programs include the TABS program (Truancy Abatement and Burglary Suppression), the Six Trait Writing Model, School Choice, and Chapter 220: the Voluntary Student Transfer Program.

 

The Six Trait Writing Model is a method used in Milwaukee Schools to teach writing. It was developed to give Milwaukee Schools’ writing teachers a uniform way to teach and evaluate writing. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:40:07 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Nashville Schools have been around for a long, long time. The first of the public Nashville Schools, the Hume School, was opened on February 26, 1855. A three-story brick building, it housed 12 teachers and served all grades. The building is still in use today, as the Hume-Fogg Magnet High, serving 874 students in grades 9-12. The oldest of the Nashville Schools presently in operation is the Robertson Academy. This school can trace its roots back to an act of the United States Congress approved on April 17, 1806. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:25:36 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Nearly two years ago, in the fall of 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged her way through New Orleans. Not only were homes, families, businesses, and business owners drastically affected by the storm, so were the students, teachers, staff, and administrators of New Orleans Schools. Prior to the storm, student enrollment in the New Orleans Schools system numbered at approximately 65,000. Presently, fewer than 22,000 students have returned to the area. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:23:38 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In the 5 years since New York City Schools received funding from philanthropic giants like the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, the Carnegie Corporation, and the Open Society Institute New Yorkers have watched closely the development of New Century High Schools (NCHS). The $70 million investment funded an initiative to create smaller high school communities in this vast metropolis. The goal is to provide children in New York City Schools with more choices to drive them toward their goals of college, or practical employment. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:20:26 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act has triggered nationwide changes. In Ohio Schools there is an ongoing effort to update the system in four basic ways. The reform process in Ohio Schools has worked to set standards in assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. Schools that need improvement to meet the No Child Left Behind Standards have received aid from the state to achieve their goals.  

 

Ohio Schools first built models based on student test scores. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:18:17 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Oklahoma City Schools have ridden a roller coaster of ups and downs for the past decade. The district was labeled as “in need of improvement” under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). That federal mandate led to major overhauls which included a district improvement plan, a comprehensive local education plan (CLEP) and numerous initiatives by then superintendent Bob Moore. The changes have seen marked improvements. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:16:35 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Recent education reforms in the state of Florida have shown to be of benefit to the students in Orange County Schools. The reforms have hit their intended target – low-income minority kids.

 

More students than ever are reading at grade level in Orange County Schools. More low-income Orange County Schools students are also enrolling in Advanced Placement classes and taking the SATs.  Once failing inner-city schools are getting As. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:12:19 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Any school district, whether it serves the tiniest of rural communities, or the students of a huge city, must effectively communicate with its parents. Individual schools stay in touch with families most commonly through newsletters, web pages, and sometimes via e-mail.  Teachers in Orlando Schools conduct parent-teacher conferences a minimum of once a year, make phone calls as needed, and send home comments about their students’ progress on report cards and mid-term reports. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:10:47 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Philadelphia Schools are in dire need of reform. In an effort to achieve this goal, two committees, The Right to Education Task Force and The School Reform Commission, have been formed to focus on improving the situation for all Philadelphia Schools students. A new mission statement, a Declaration of Education, an anti-truancy effort, and summer programs have all been implemented within the district of Philadelphia Schools.

 

The Right to Education Task Force, which focuses on special education and persons with disabilities served by Philadelphia Schools, strives to do the following:

 

·         Review state and national legislation that affects improvements of special education classes

·         Participate in active and meaningful discussion about education concerns, and give recommendations to resolve them

·         Serve as advisors and advocates to protect the rights of students with disabilities

·         Encourage and facilitate cooperation between public and private agencies and their officials to provide services to persons with disabilities

 

Philadelphia Schools has put a “School Reform Commission” in place in order to continue the improvement of Philadelphia Schools. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:04:53 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

So often these days, it seems that schools are only in the news for their failures. Journalists love to write about the sensational news of school violence or poor test scores. Well, out west in Phoenix, Arizona, the Phoenix Public Schools are doing some things right! The Phoenix area is divided into dozens of individual districts; and all throughout Phoenix Schools, success abounds.

 

One such district, the Deer Valley Unified School District sums up the mission of the entire system of Phoenix Schools:  “In partnership with families and the community, [Phoenix Schools] will ensure that all students will graduate with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for success in a globally interdependent world. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:03:00 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Pittsburgh Schools are still fully embroiled in the high school reforms enacted in 2006.  A task force, with goals are similar to those of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, is currently leading the reforms. Pittsburgh Schools evaluate the reforms in accordance with the Excellence for All Plan, an initiative that seeks to develop all Pittsburgh Schools academically. The Task Force leading the Pittsburgh Public Schools High School Reform has just recently announced their specific Plan for High School Excellence. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:00:03 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Raleigh Schools have been trying all sorts of initiatives and programs to bring the district up to No Child Left Behind requirements. Charter caps, the achievement gap and school choices are all hotly debated as Raleigh Schools look for roads toward improvement. But until now, no one had asked, “Can you hear me now?”

 

Well, that tagline belongs to Verizon. But it’s QUALCOMM Incorporated and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction who have teamed up to create Project K-nect. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 08:56:16 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In Portland Schools a recent consolidation bill has officially been penned into legislature.  The bill affects the entire state and will reorganize Maine’s 290 school districts into 80 new ones. Now districts in charge of Portland Schools are looking carefully at the choices set before them. Portland Schools are examining partnerships, mergers, and loopholes under the new law. Costs associated with the restructuring are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. ]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 08:54:42 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Salt Lake City Schools recognized the academic success of both a federally funded program, and of its individual students in May. The first group of 150 Utah Scholars has graduated from the rigorous academic high school program.

 

Utah Scholars is a federally funded program that was with the goal of encouraging academic rigor at the high school level. Several Salt Lake City Schools including the Granite, Jordan, Park City and Prove districts had participating students. ]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:18:32 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

San Diego Schools are concerned with closing the achievement gap and providing opportunities for its students from preschool to graduation. The task is challenging because of the district’s size, diversity, and socio-economic makeup. One way that San Diego Schools are trying to meet these challenges is by attacking the problems from both ends.

 

The San Diego Schools and their famous home team the San Diego Padres are in the 13th year of a community service initiative that provides motivation and financial incentives to high school students. ]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:14:25 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

After six months of interviewing applicants nationwide, San Francisco Schools district has filled its top position. Carlos Garcia, Vice President of Urban Markets for McGraw-Hill (educational publishers), has been selected as the next Superintendent of San Francisco Schools. Board members have been seeking a replacement since January after interim Superintendent Gwen Chan announced that she would not return to the post in the fall.

 

Garcia was voted in due to his experience in San Francisco Schools, strong results as Superintendent of other districts, and good reputation as a fiscal manager. ]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:13:05 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

San José Schools are members of a large urban school district serving about 32,000 students from kindergarten through grade twelve. San Jose Schools represent the eleventh largest urban school district in California, with thirty one elementary schools, seven middle schools, and seven high schools. The student population is 31% Anglo, 49% Hispanic, 13% Asian, 3% Black and 4% other minority. The district’s web page states the following Vision Statement:  “San Jose Schools [are] learning communit[ies] that inspire students to be the best they can be, equipping them with world class skills, a commitment to lifelong learning, active citizenship in a diverse society, and respect for self and others. ]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:09:00 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The efforts of St. Louis Schools to serve the needs of its alternative schools are admirable. Through the implementation of new summer schools programs, a virtual school, and 3 new alternative campuses, the district of St. Louis Schools strives to serve all students throughout the city. The district Vision and Mission Statements, as stated on the St. Louis Schools website are as follows: 

 

Vision

 

The St. Louis Public Schools are the district of choice for families in the St. ]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:02:02 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Everyone in any school system has a desire to keep kids safe. Parents, teachers, administrators, and school board members and employees work together to ensure the safety of students. Parents and schools alike rely on each other to educate their students on safety rules as appropriate to the age of the children. Tampa Schools are highly conscious of the need to keep their students safe, and have plans in place which do so.  Two such plans in Tampa Schools are the Life Threatening Allergy (LTA) Responsibility Commitment, and the Jessica Lunsford Act. ]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:00:01 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

As nation’s capitol, and one of the countries most watched districts, the Washington D.C. Schools are at the forefront of controversy and change. Declining enrollment, voucher programs, and curriculum changes, have all been hot topics in Washington D.C. Schools over the past few years. One of the benefits of attending school in the capitol city is that it’s where decisions are made.

Two of the biggest players in determining what Washington D. ]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:58:29 PDT Patricia Hawke





 

For the past three years California Schools have been the subject of an in-depth analysis of school reform. The study, Beyond the Mountains: An Early Look at Restructuring Results in California, conducted by the Center on Education Policy (CEP), is part of a multi-year review of the effects of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) on Maryland, Michigan and California Schools.

 

The examination concerns specific restructuring methods used by California Schools and their success. ]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:56:23 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The national College Board’s 2007Advanced Placement Report to the Nation brought good news to Florida Schools. Findings from the organization reported overall improvements for high schools students achieving high rated Advanced Placement test scores. Nationally, 14.8% of students taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams scored a 3 or higher in 2006, up 14.1% from 2005.

 

Educators in the Florida Schools viewed this report with interest for a couple of reasons. ]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:53:20 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In July 2006 grants of $9 million were given to Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) academics of the Texas Schools. The grants will go to the creation of 12 new academies and centers in the Texas Schools. T-STEM is a program that provides $71 million to various math and science projects at secondary Texas Schools.

 

The T-STEM project is under the umbrella of the larger Texas High School Project (THSP), which has the goal of increasing graduation and enrollment rates in public Texas Schools. ]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:52:17 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In April 2007 the Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) announced an investment of $3.2 million into a K-12 Student & Teacher Discovery Program that will benefit the Arizona Schools. The Arizona Schools grants are the third awarding of SFAz funds intended to create a top-notch science, engineering and medical core in Arizona. The foundation intends to create this by supporting and funding secondary and university level Arizona Schools.

 

Why Fund Science in Arizona Schools?

 

Science Foundation Arizona is a non-profit organization created in 2006 to “strengthen scientific, engineering and medical research programs and infrastructure in areas of greatest strategic value to Arizona’s competitiveness in the global economy. ]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:49:01 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Virginia Schools are not alone in meeting the challenges of rising standards and inadequate funding. Efforts to update the state’s Standards of Learning (SOL) have been on-going since the late 1990s; long before the 2001 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act was implemented. What Virginia Schools have discovered is that there is not a “one size fits all” solution to education reform.

 

A 2007 Center on Education Policy report confirmed this belief when it said that the most successfully reformed schools analyzed data and made targeted and specific reforms. ]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:47:43 PDT Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Even before Hurricane Katrina New Orleans Schools suffered from a lack of teachers, run down facilities and failure to meet state and national guidelines. Since the devastating storm those problems are compounded. As students and families trickle back into New Orleans Schools, those in leadership roles must provide all the necessities to educate the current 27,000 children, along with 100 more who are enrolled each week.

 

New Orleans Schools have a new leadership team in place to guide the way. ]]> Wed, 23 May 2007 16:28:33 PDT Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

What does it take to catch a teacher? Nashville Schools and surrounding districts are trying to answer that question. Incentives including pay increases, job fairs, full time recruiters and on-site child care have been implemented as recruiters and administrators try to lure good teachers to Nashville Schools.  The Metro district increased starting salaries by $2,000 for the ’06-’07 school year. Did it help? Only 8 positions were left unfilled at year’s end, but the reason for that is still unclear. ]]> Wed, 23 May 2007 16:26:10 PDT Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In a decision process that began in the spring district officials have decided to close seven Minneapolis Schools at the end of the current school year. The debate was an emotional one in which school officials claimed too few students and too many unused classrooms made the move necessary. Current enrollment in Minneapolis Schools is around 36,000, while classroom space exists to accommodate up to 50,000 students. This has led to the situation at Minneapolis Schools like Holland Community School. ]]> Wed, 23 May 2007 16:23:06 PDT Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Milwaukee Schools’ District is the largest public school district in Wisconsin; it has 207 schools, 6,055 teachers, and 90,925 students.  Hot topics in the district are voucher programs, Chinese Language education, and WiMAX, a free broadband internet access for all students and staff. 

 

WiMAX, an emerging wireless broadband technology, is a tool that Milwaukee School officials are hoping to install in the homes of all students and staff members. ]]> Wed, 23 May 2007 16:21:09 PDT Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In the state of Tennessee Memphis Schools are lagging behind. With 80-81% of Tennessee’s 4th grade students performing on grade level in both math and reading, the children in Memphis Schools are well behind in the 63-66% range. Dropout rates also plague Tennessee’s largest district. 32.5% of students will drop out of Memphis Schools before graduating.

 

When the “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLBA) was signed into law in 2002, every school in the nation became accountable for reaching a minimal level of competency. ]]> Wed, 23 May 2007 16:12:40 PDT Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Who wouldn’t love to live in sunny L.A.?  The beach, the movie stars, the extremely crowded schools, poor school maintenance, and incompetent administration…Actually, a significant number of the district’s schools do not possess such conditions, despite the reputation of Los Angeles Schools.

 

There really are many good things about Los Angeles Schools.  First of all, former Superintendent Roy Romer is staying involved by heading up “Ed in ‘08”, a project of Strong American Schools. ]]> Wed, 23 May 2007 16:10:20 PDT Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com



Want to know more about Long Island Schools?  Long Island Schools consist of 125 public school districts, 416,093 students and 29,901 teachers. About 88.4 percent of high school students on Long Island go on to enter post-secondary education.   

 

The biggest issue as a whole for Long Island Schools is determining the budget. A recent challenge to the state school funding system, by the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, led the New York State Court of Appeals to require the state to adopt a special funding plan to make sure that all students are given access to a proper high school education within the public school system. ]]> Wed, 23 May 2007 16:08:39 PDT Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Families who are considering a move to Las Vegas in order to be closer to all that fun may need to think twice before doing so.  The entire state is suffering a drought on educational funding, and Las Vegas Schools are no exception. 

 

Despite a recent Review-Journal poll that had 25 percent of respondents saying that education should be the top priority for the Nevada Legislature, Governor Jim Gibbons, is instead pushing for improved traffic congestion. ]]> Wed, 23 May 2007 16:01:56 PDT Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Kansas City Schools have undergone many changes in the past five years. The resignation of the superintendent for embezzlement of funds in 2002 highlighted the district’s need for change. Since then, Kansas City Schools have experienced reforms and new initiatives that are credited with giving the district some of the lowest dropout rates in the country. Kansas City Schools are still struggling and in a bit of turmoil, but they are making good progress in their efforts to get back into the game. ]]> Wed, 23 May 2007 15:58:12 PDT Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Indianapolis Schools make up the state’s largest school district. Recently Indianapolis Schools have been the focus of a reform package designed to target struggling schools in the state. Due to its immense size, the superintendent has implemented strict reforms that can control and equalize the pacing of individual Indianapolis Schools. However, this most recent motion to tack on an extra 25 days at the end of the year has been met with opposition from all sides. ]]> Wed, 23 May 2007 15:53:56 PDT Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The current Superintendent of Columbus Schools has some strong ideas on how children should be assessed and placed. In an era of constant testing and “no child left behind” there is some touchiness between those who are in favor of strongly mandated state testing, and those who oppose it.

 

Proponents feel that Columbus Schools need to have uniform statewide tests in order to hold both students and teachers to a higher standard. ]]> Sat, 12 May 2007 09:27:36 PDT Patricia Hawke

On the border of Mexico, the student population of Dallas Schools is about 43% Hispanic. The current climate of tensions over border control and bilingual education is no stranger to teachers, administrators, and families of the Dallas Schools. Who to educate in a new language, and how to teach them is a topic that has caused Dallas Schools a lot of conflict over the years.

 

In 2005 many residents of Dallas Schools were infuriated when the school board passed a bill that required some school principals to gain fluency in Spanish or lose their jobs. ]]> Sat, 12 May 2007 09:25:39 PDT Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com



Colorado has a reputation as one of the healthiest places to live in the country. Lots of skiers and healthy outdoors types usually come to mind. Denver Schools are doing their best to make that perception a reality. Denver Public Schools Student Services and the Nutrition Center have created a unique health initiative to bring information and medical attention to needy children in Denver Schools. The Nutrition Center is run by the University of Denver and is aimed at providing communities like Denver Schools with ways to improve the problems of childhood obesity and malnutrition. ]]> Sat, 12 May 2007 09:24:06 PDT Patricia Hawke for schoolsk-12.com

Detroit Schools battle the classic struggles of a major city: high teacher turnover, high dropout rates, low test scores, and on-going violence. For some of Detroit Schools, however, all these problems may soon disappear. 34 Detroit Schools are slated to close by fall of 2007. Problems such as deteriorating buildings, failing test scores, and shifting populations compelled board members of Detroit Schools to recommend the closing of such facilities. ]]> Sat, 12 May 2007 09:22:03 PDT Patricia Hawke

In any part of the country, the choice between private and public education is a tough one.  The Atlanta Schools are no different in this respect.  Parents have debated the positive and negative aspects of each side for many years.  On the one hand, private Atlanta Schools often provide a more rigorous environment and pay attention to the progress of specific students.  Public Atlanta Schools are an entirely different thing. ]]> Sat, 12 May 2007 09:16:24 PDT Patricia Hawke for Schoolsk-12.com

Baltimore Schools are still feeling the effects of reform.  Five years ago in 2002, massive funding went to the Baltimore Schools, which are one of the most under funded school systems in the state.  This particular plan was for improvement concerning six basic standards including academic achievement and curriculum upgrading.  The fact that Baltimore Schools continue to strive for excellence is heartening and shows that the spirit of educators is not daunted by low performance results. ]]> Sat, 12 May 2007 09:15:08 PDT Patricia Hawke for Schoolsk-12.com

One of the most urban and populated cities in America, Boston is subject to the dangers that come with this description.  Boston Schools have worked desperately to protect impressionable students from negative situations.  Not only do Boston Schools focus on after school activities to occupy the time of students, they have reformed the in-school experience as well.  The curriculum shakedown and new academic standards in Boston Schools have transformed the situation of many inner city students. ]]> Sat, 12 May 2007 09:14:01 PDT Patricia Hawke

Charlotte, North Carolina has a reputation as an affluent banking community where southern hospitality still exits, and a gentile lifestyle pervade. Of course, Charlotte Schools are also trying to educate one of the larger city populations in the country. So it depends on who you ask whether or not a recent report on increased drug use among school age children in Charlotte Schools is a shock or not.

 

The nonprofit group Substance Abuse Prevention Services released the disturbing results of a recent study that targeted children in grades 6-12 of the Charlotte Schools. ]]> Sat, 12 May 2007 09:12:32 PDT Patricia Hawke

Chicago Schools face many barriers in providing equal and effective learning to one of the nation’s largest student populations. The prospect of school can be daunting for students and parents. The system demands enrollment at earlier ages each year and the curriculums of Chicago Schools are constantly raised to new levels in order to stimulate educational development.  But not all children learn at the same rate, or even in the same ways. ]]> Sat, 12 May 2007 09:07:15 PDT Patricia Hawke for Schoolsk-12.com

With a district of 58,000 school age children Cleveland Schools face all of the challenges you expect in a large city: poor attendance, low test scores, and behavior issues. So the new CEO of Cleveland Schools, Eugene Saunders, has decided to address the problems from the top. As a part of his strategy to turn around a struggling district, this former Toledo Schools CEO is sending Cleveland Principals back to school.

 

At monthly classes principals are expected to gain insight into recent educational best practices, successful business strategies, and better support networks. ]]> Sat, 12 May 2007 09:05:14 PDT Patricia Hawke for Schoolsk-12.com

Public school is not the right fit for all students.  Sometimes not even private school is the right fit.  All over the country and Cincinnati Schools families are looking for a different choice.  Increasing numbers of students are making the decision to be pulled out of Cincinnati Schools and be home schooled each year.  The image called to mind is usually one of parents teaching their obedient children in the quaint comfort of their own living room. ]]> Sat, 12 May 2007 09:03:19 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

As the Houston Schools get approval for funding new and existing facilities, they may also stand to save land costs and reap benefits from a partnership with the Greater Houston YMCA. Public discussions between the two involve a shared facility that would house both a YMCA campus and a Summerwood Middle School. The proposed site involves 18 acres of land owned by the YMCA.

 

As more reports are released on childhood obesity, more findings link a sedentary lifestyle to diseases like diabetes, and television watching and video games seem like national pass-times, parents of Houston Schools would love to see the middle school facility merged with the YMCA. ]]> Sat, 12 May 2007 09:01:21 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

New York City’s Carnegie Hall is world renowned for hosting the world’s best artists — all of whom have considered it an honor and privilege to perform there.  In April 2007, the Hall will host the National Invitational Band and Orchestra Festival.

 

The festival is sponsored by Field Studies International, allowing high school musical groups from across the country to compete using a recorded audition tape. This year, 18 groups have won the coveted opportunity to perform on the stage at Carnegie Hall. ]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2007 09:19:37 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Previously, the Virginia schools were required to test, under the No Child Left Behind Act, many of its children with disabilities in reading, math and science, regardless of their ability to do so. Unless they were severely disabled, the children had to take state-required tests for their grade level — whether or not they had the skills and understanding. Thus, many of these special students failed the tests. Testing grades were third, eighth and 11th on an annual basis. ]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2007 09:18:08 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

For many students in the Dallas schools, the start of their sophomore year means looking at their future plans. The Highland Park High School within the Dallas schools system, for example, began mandatory counseling sessions for all sophomores this year. Though only a few students within the Dallas schools are required to attend such guidance sessions, University High School in Irvine has had these mandatory sessions for nearly 30 years. Many school districts in California require college guidance counseling for high school sophomores, while some districts in Wisconsin require sessions during the freshmen year. ]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2007 09:15:33 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The kindergarten through 8th grade virtual school was created in the

Florida

schools in 2003. It was sold to lawmakers as a great way to save money, offering coursework to replace on-campus teachers and classrooms at a savings of $700 per student. Only students who had attended the Florida schools the previous year were eligible to participate at a cost to the Florida schools of $4,800 per student. The savings over physical classroom instruction for the

Florida

schools was expected to be $700,000 with a 1,000 student enrollment in the virtual school program. ]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2007 09:13:31 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The children of thousands of families within the Michigan schools are on waiting lists for admittance to charter schools. Not only does this underscores the parents’ commitment to school choice, but it also indicates their desire for their children to have a better education — one they obviously do not believe they can achieve in the traditional Michigan schools.

 

Like many other states, the Michigan schools has a cap of 150 on the number of charter schools each district may have. ]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2007 09:10:53 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In an attempt to get more funding into the poorer school districts and reduce funding for the wealthier districts, Governor Eliot Spitzer replaced the very rigid, long-standing formula for funding of the New York schools.  The old formula gave the same per student funding to all New York schools districts without regard to needs or demographic/economic differences. Spitzer convinced Senate Republicans in wealthier districts, such as Long Island, to vote for his final budget by including special funding add-ons for only this year. ]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2007 09:08:50 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Though many parents have opted to home school their children for religious reasons over the years, the alternative to traditional public schools gained momentum after the Columbine High School shootings in Colorado. Each year, the number of children being removed from public schools and schooled at home increases. Public schools across the nation have finally recognized that the trend is here to stay. Many recognize that the alternative can be supplemented through the public schools, giving students a more rounded education. ]]> Tue, 03 Apr 2007 09:43:07 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Houston Chronicle conducted a study and published its results in mid-March. As part of the Sunshine Week open-records program of the American Society of Newspaper Editors, the newspaper surveyed the compensation packages of superintendents across the state, finding that ten regional superintendents in greater Houston exceed $199,000 in annual salary.

 

They narrowed their research to Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Galveston and Brazoria counties, looking only at the base salaries for superintendents. ]]> Tue, 03 Apr 2007 09:40:15 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Los Angeles schools have had several run-ins over the past couple of years. Villaraigosa has been trying to gain control over the Los Angeles public schools through both the legislature and the courts. Thus far, his efforts have been only marginally successful, having been given some control at the end of last summer.          ```````

 

This latest drama has at its center a high school student called Zoner. ]]> Tue, 03 Apr 2007 09:36:38 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Since 2003, the Texas schools have required background checks for all newly hired teachers and certified employees. Anyone not falling into these two categories or hired before 2003 were not included in the background checks, though some school districts included them on a local basis.

 

In the fall of 2006, several newspapers investigated the quality of these background checks and found that the information was often incomplete or received weeks or even months after educators were hired. Here are some of the problems with the previous Texas schools system, according to an article on March 27 by the Dallas Morning News:

 



The Dallas school district conducts checks, but they did not report the criminal histories of educators to a state agency within the required seven days. ]]> Tue, 03 Apr 2007 09:34:50 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Long Island schools’ Up-Island district was charged with trimming its proposed budget by $450,000. The West Tisbury Finance Committee (FinCom) voted at the end of January not to recommend the Long Island schools budget to the voters of the Up-Island school district. FinCom opposed the increased funding request of 3.82 percent during a period of declining student enrollment at the district’s Chilmark School. FinCom also requested such budget cuts from another Long Island schools district  — Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School District. ]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:25:12 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

In 1969, Minnesota lawmakers passed a little known law that gives public schools within the state immunity from liability lawsuits, if the district could not purchase liability insurance for $1.50 or less per child. These were 1969 insurance prices, so a companion law provided that the immunity law would no longer apply sometime in the 1980s. In 1999, lawmakers repealed a series of outdated laws. The companion “sunset” law was one law that was repealed; however, its companion immunity law was not and stands on the books today as a state statute. ]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:16:54 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

Mount Sinai cardiologist Arthur Agatston always said he wrote his best selling “The South Beach Diet” book because friends and family of his patients were constantly asking him for the diet, which he created to help his cardiac patients. He stated in his book that he could always tell a patient had serious heart problems, when the patient’s stomach entered the examining room before he or she did.

 

Agatston has “put his money where his mouth is” by creating the Agatston Research Foundation, which had more than $200,000 in assets in 2005 from the sale of the doctor’s diet book since 2003. ]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:15:05 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

Across the United States, parents, lawmakers and government oversight officials are not only wanting more school accountability but, in many instances, demanding it. Clark County School District Superintendent Walt Rulffes is making a unprecedented move by instituting new methods to measure academic success, eliminating the unpredictable and erratic measures with which most districts must contend. This bold move by the district, of which the Las Vegas schools are a part, preempts its critics by creating a framework that gives quantifiable levels of accountability that will be verifiable by parents, lawmakers or any other interested parties, including administrators of each of the Las Vegas schools. ]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 11:58:10 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

In the fall of 2005, the Indianapolis schools unveiled the first of several educational improvement initiatives, making 24 new small schools on the campuses of five former high schools. Each campus has four-to-six learning communities of no more than 400 students each. This is a vast difference from traditional schools that generally have between 1,200 to more than 2,000 students.

 

The smaller school atmosphere offers Indianapolis schools students a more intimate learning environment, where their needs are better addressed (including special needs students). ]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 11:53:24 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

In its quest to select a new superintendent of the Detroit schools, the school board is receiving increasing pressure to start the process all over again. Community activists and several board members, including board President Jimmy Womack, have criticized the search process. Even the city council has advocated reopening a national search.

 

The Detroit schools search committee has narrowed the search down to three finalists, recommending Connie Calloway be offered the position with a four-to-one vote. ]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 11:46:04 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

In 2006, more than a fifth of the students from impoverished families within the Washington D.C. schools were reading below basic levels, according to the Washington D.C. schools’ No Child Left Behind (NCLB) report.

 

Without an adequate reading ability, these Washington D.C. schools students will not only do poorly throughout their elementary and secondary schooling, but they will experience greater difficulties in life, as well, especially in finding a decent job. ]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 11:36:21 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

For the past four years, the Columbus Dispatch has requested a student directory from the Columbus schools, along with 16 other central Ohio school districts. The directories generally contain student names, addresses and date of birth. Because such information is considered public record under the Ohio Revised Code and the federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, it must be given to anyone who requests it.

 

Dispatch Editor Benjamin Marrison said the paper uses the information to ensure any stories they publish on Columbus schools students throughout the year is correct, including the spelling of student names and their ages. ]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 11:31:15 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

Public schools across the country are taking a hit for poor student test performance, which has become the all-important measurement for school district performance and attached to most state and federal funding. Many schools are being closed, educators are losing their jobs, and some districts are being taken over by the state.

 

The Cleveland schools is the nation’s poorest, large city school district. It was placed under state control in 1995 by a federal judge, due to mismanagement and low student scores. ]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 11:29:33 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

It is estimated that 11,500 students in the Cincinnati schools are eligible to receive state paid vouchers in order to attend private schools next year. The state, however, has run into a snag with the Cincinnati schools, which refuses to provide the needed student contact information. Without the information, the Ohio Department of Education cannot let the parents know this opportunity exists for their children.

 

State officials say that the Charlotte schools hosted six community forums to discuss with parents the superintendent’s strategic plan for education in the Charlotte schools. By the fifth meeting held in mid-March, only 12 parents attended.

 

Throughout the forums, parents have been very vocal about their concerns. ]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 11:23:08 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

In the year 2000, the Atlanta schools began a five-year comprehensive school reform program, Project GRAD, in a third of their schools. The purpose of the program is to ensure a quality education for all of the Atlanta schools students, especially those in economically disadvantaged communities. The program also intends to graduate more of its students, preparing them to enter college, and be successful during college and in life. According to Dr. ]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 11:21:14 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

 

 Last fall, the Nashville schools partnered with Nashville Public Works and Red River Service Corporation, the waste management company serving more the 86,000 homes within the city of Nashville. As part of Mayor Bill Purcell’s Celebrate Nashville, the group created and sponsored a very unique third and fourth-grade student art contest, called “Celebrate Nashville — Keep It Beautiful”.

 

The purpose of the Pittsburgh schools. Though the student population is declining within the county, there were 179 assaults on teachers last year, according to the Allegheny County Juvenile Probation Department. This is the highest in history for the county, with a total of 621 cases from 2002 through 2006.

 

The Pittsburgh schools have three open teacher claims for worker’s compensation, related to assaults by students. ]]> Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:07:35 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

The findings of a demographic study, commissioned by Superintendent Robert Durón last fall and conducted by Harner and Associates, was presented to the San Antonio schools’ trustees in February. The study cost $51,000 and will help San Antonio schools’ officials to handle their declining enrollment problem.

 

The study findings were not positive, expecting declining enrollment within the San Antonio schools to continue over the next ten years with no discernible improvement. ]]> Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:05:25 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

In 2003, a committee was created with members appointed from the city Board of Supervisors and the Board of Education. In the beginning, the committee was used to discuss joint concerns on issues, such as affordable housing for teachers, student nutrition, and graffiti in the San Francisco schools. Unfortunately, the structure of the joint committee was a matter of contention from the committee’s inception with an imbalance of power. ]]> Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:02:48 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

Art programs, such as art appreciation, drama, theater and music, have been suffering across the nation for 30 years, as school officials concentrate on the basics of learning. With federal programs, such as No Child Left Behind, even more focus has been placed on basic learning skills, which excludes the arts. This also means that any extra funding is funneled into these basic learning programs in order to meet state and federal-set standards. Arts education is one of the standards that should be met by schools within the state of California, yet the state does not impose penalties on schools that do not met these particular standards. ]]> Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:00:43 PDT Written by Jason Thomas for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Seattle schools have a new “guest” teacher. Zhu Dan arrived in the Seattle schools in January and will stay for an 18-month guest teacher program. Dan, who teaches college-level English in her native Kunming, China, has the option to extend her stay for another year.

 

Dan is one of 34 guest teachers in 19 states that are participating in a new partnership between China’s institute Hanban and the College Board, a nonprofit organization that administers the Advanced Placement exams and SAT testing). ]]> Mon, 12 Mar 2007 10:52:19 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

I have worked at one business or another, since I turned 16. I worked for both private and nonprofit businesses, for big corporations and small professional firms. I still remember the excitement, as well as the culture shock, of my very first job. Because of my own experience, I made both of my children get part-time jobs as soon as they turned 16. It was not for the money, though they enjoyed that aspect of working. It was for the experience of being a part of the workplace.

 

While our children are in school, they lead a totally different life than when they graduate and enter the workforce. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:51:21 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Last month, Columbus, Ohio, police arrested an individual who drives bus for one of the Ohio schools in Columbus. The driver was charged with possession of cocaine and further investigation found the individual had three previous convictions for driving under the influence.

 

First Student, Inc., is the private company, who employs the driver and provides bus drivers for many of the Ohio schools.  They employ 22,000 drivers to over 500 school districts in 38 states across the country, transporting nearly two million children each school day. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:49:35 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In December 2006, the Michigan schools board approved a new measure that affects students within the Michigan schools — the use of seclusion and restraint for unruly students.

 

These disorderly control techniques have been used within the Michigan schools for several years; however, parents and educators, alike, have been clamoring for more definitive guidelines on their use in order to protect both the students and the educators who must employ their use. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:45:21 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Many states are experiencing the shock of new governors who are breaking the mold of former elected officials. In past generations, new state governors created a transitional governing period during which they and their staffs could get up to speed on the operations and issues of their states’ governments. In 2007, many new governors are hitting the ground running. Transitional periods seem to be nonexistent with the newly elected governors barely settling into the governor’s residence before making changes within their states. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:43:46 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave his State of the City speech recently and included some unexpected changes for the New York City schools that could profoundly change their current operation. Though the pre-speech release noted that his speech would focus on tax cuts, many were caught by surprise on what could be called only his second reorganization of the New York City schools.

 

The announcement was followed by a prepared public relations campaign of press briefings and New York City schools’ chancellor Joel Klein spoke to business leaders the following day. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:37:39 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

NASA’s Johnson Space Center Houston recently hosted a two-day BP Physics Challenge for 886 Houston schools’ students, mostly juniors and seniors, with 800 more students expected to attend.  The math and science students either made their own rockets that would be launched outside at the Space Center or conducted other experiments inside.

 

For those Houston schools’ students, who made their own rockets, they got the full astronaut experience as most rocket launchings were scrubbed due to inclement weather. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:35:21 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Currently, the Los Angeles schools have $20 billion in construction and renovation projects for Los Angeles schools’ facilities underway or planned. Unfortunately, the Los Angeles schools’ officials expect a funding shortfall from known resources and are looking to the state legislature for a solution.

 

According to Los Angeles schools’ chief facilities executive, Guy Mehula, the Los Angeles schools have identified all but approximately $1. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:28:00 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Some established Phoenix Schools districts are just a few areas in the Valley that are losing students to charter schools, private schools, and other districts. These Phoenix schools districts have for many years added classrooms and teachers to keep up with their growing populations. Now, they are experiencing decline in enrollments for various reasons.

 

Since funding is readily available to Phoenix schools that are in a growth cycle, the enrollment decline means loses in badly needed revenues. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:25:24 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The San Diego schools is the largest school district in the state. Last year, almost 13 percent of its eighth graders failed two or more core subjects of English, mathematics, history and/or science. This does not include those who received Ds. They were all grades of F.

 

The San Diego schools is cracking down. Beginning with the current eight grade classes within the San Diego schools, these students will be subject to a new policy recently passed by the San Diego schools board with a vote of four-to-one. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:11:21 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

 

For sometime now, I have written about the problems within the St. Louis schools. They have been “provisionally accredited” for several years now and are facing being unaccredited in less than three years.  The St. Louis Schools is Missouri’s largest public school system with 37,000 students. For the past several and consecutive years, they have received unacceptable ratings from the state, meaning the St. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:07:21 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In 1996, then governor Jeb Bush co-founded the first charter school within the state of Florida, when most educators across the nation thought of charter schools as nothing more than a fad. Now, there are more than 350 charter schools within the state of Florida; there are 38 across the Tampa Bay area with several in the Tampa Schools area — private and public. The movement has mushroomed across Florida with charter school enrollment expected to top 100,000 students this year. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:55:31 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Professional athletes have been in the news a lot over the past few years, either being accused or admitting to taking performance-enhancing drugs. Major league baseball has taken several hits with accusations being brought against some of their top players, such as home-run king Mark McGwire, who took the fifth amendment to not incriminate himself during Congressional questioning on the subject. Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants, Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees, and Olympic sprinter Marion Jones are a few others, who have been accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:53:17 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Over the years, the Virginia schools  (like many school systems across the nation) have been losing their public school students to home schooling. Henry County, for example, has seen an increase in home-schooled students from eight to 99 over the past 11 years.

 

In April 1999, the nation watched in horror the news reports on Colorado’s Columbine High School shootings, where 12 students and one teacher were fatally shot and 24 others were wounded by two teens who then killed themselves. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:48:27 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In 1896, the Plessey v. Ferguson court decision established the “separate but equal” doctrine, allowing that it was legal and fair to separate public school students by race and color as long as the education given was “equal”.  As history has shown, the education was seldom fair or equal. Thus, in 1954 the landmark court decision of Brown v. Topeka Kansas struck down the 1896 decision. It outlawed racial segregation of public school students, ushering in the desegregation of public school institutions across the nation from elementary through college. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:36:36 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

One of the things I appreciated, only after graduating college graduation, was that my school employed professors, who had “real world” experience. I cannot tell you how many times we heard a professor say, “Okay, that’s what the textbook tells you. Now, let me tell you how it works in the real world.” 

 

Textbooks only give students a foundation on which to build later in a real job. Often times, the real world does not follow the procedures set forth in or look/act anything like those models in the textbooks, making it difficult to adjust. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:33:25 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

I have been writing about school districts across the nation for some time.  It is unfortunate that many districts today generally are experiencing more problems than successes. Budgeting, finances and funding are the biggest headaches and challenges for school administrators and district officials. Though the Bush Administration has provided more federal funding under programs like the No Child Left Behind Act, such funding brings with it federal mandates of how to spend those dollars.  Many school funding programs cost school districts as much as they receive, leaving them to scramble to obtain other funding for their schools’ day-to-day necessities. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:31:33 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Scott Parks is the education columnist for the Dallas Daily News. He had some interesting items on his January 2007 wish list for the Dallas public schools. Some are poignant and in dire need. Some are possibilities during this new year. Others are down right wishful thinking without much chance of succeeding, regardless of the need. Here are only a few items from his wish list for 2007:

 



Bilingual Education Programs. Parks would like Governor Rick Perry and the Texas legislature to standardize the teaching of bilingual and “English as a second language” students. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:29:48 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Ever since George W. Bush took the oath of president of the United States, he and his administration have instituted many federally mandated changes for public schools across the nation. Now, according to Margaret Spellings, education secretary for the Bush Administration, there may be more that directly affect the Chicago public schools and the state of Illinois. Currently, the states of Illinois, Michigan and New York have the lowest caps on the number of public charter schools allowed. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:27:32 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Long before Arnold Schwarzenegger ran for governor of California, physical fitness was at the forefront of his career. He won a succession of bodybuilding titles from 1964 to 1970. He had been named Mr. Germany and Mr. Universe by the age of twenty. Schwarzenegger brought bodybuilding to the national spotlight, when he won the Mr. Olympia title, holding it from 1970-1975 and 1980.

 

His acting career took off with the successful Conan the Barbarian with Schwarzenegger in the lead and chosen specifically for his perfect physique. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:20:21 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The middle school model was conceived in the 70s and implemented throughout the 70s and 80s across the nation. It was thought that middle schools would provide a nurturing bridge between the early elementary school experience and high school. Unfortunately, many education experts now consider the experiment a failure with their poor performance and uprooting children twice during their turbulent and challenging adolescent years. Middle schools now are being viewed as the weak link in the educational chain by many. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:15:15 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In 2005, state legislators added two additional immunizations to the list that Baltimore schools must ensure all children through the ninth grade have before attending school. The first deadline for Baltimore schools’ children for the new vaccinations was the start of school for school year 2006-2007.  Due to lack of compliance across the state, that deadline was extended to January 1, 2007. Students with scheduled appointments for the vaccinations were permitted to attend classes for two additional weeks. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:09:47 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Better for the Students or Just Another Measurement for the State?

There is currently a bill in the Arizona state legislature, proposing that the state create standardized final exams for specific core high school courses within the Arizona schools. The bill was introduced by the Senate Education Committee Chairman and has the support of many key educational figures.  

Arizona public schools chief Tom Horne supports the bill, as does several educational researchers. ]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 06:59:23 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Pittsburg Schools Holds a Magnet School Information Fair 

The Pittsburg Schools is holding an Information Fair aimed at providing parents with the information they need to provide their children with the best opportunities. The Pittsburg Schools’ Magnet Information Fair will be held on October 7th at the Frick International Studies Academy. Pittsburg Schools’ Magnet schools and educational programs aim to provide students with the best opportunities in areas of special interest, talents, or future career pursuits. ]]> Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:23:42 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Awards for Preventing Substance Abuse

Five Orlando public schools will be recognized for outstanding prevention efforts in the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs at the Statewide Prevention Conference in Orlando held at the Caribe Royale Resort. Only 10 schools in the state are being honored during the event to be held on September 20, 2006.

Lancaster Elementary; Gotha and Southwest middle schools; and Boone and Timber Creek high schools will receive special commendation for innovative and community-involved programs to help students make responsible and smart decisions. ]]> Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:20:40 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Arts for Academic Achievement Program

The Minneapolis Schools ‘  Arts for Academic Achievement Program is a program that aims to reform schools by using collaborations between teachers, artists, and artistic organizations. The main goal is to raise the students’ academic achievement with strong content focus and arts strategies.  Minneapolis Schools’ Arts for Academic Achievement Program was launched in 1997 as part of the Annenberg Foundation educational reform grant. ]]> Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:16:37 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Miami Schools Creates Education Council of International Cities 

In an aim to make students better prepared for the global marketplace, Miami Schools is creating the Education Council of International Cities. This council aims to help students gain the education they need to take part in the challenges of a new global economy. Many businesses in Miami and America now have more international services and concerns.

 

The motivation behind the creation of the Education Council of International Cities in the Miami Schools is to adjust and succeed in world where distance and time are increasingly less important as barriers to global commerce. ]]> Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:13:41 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Student Disability: Significant developmental delays including autism, and mental retardation 

Student Age: 5 to 8 (Early Elementary) 

Students who attend this state-of-the-art early education center in Long Island need a highly individualized behavioral approach and small class size (6:1:2). As part of its educational/behavioral approach, the program’s specially trained staff track results of each student’s activities in continuous documentation. Las Vegas Schools ’ Cheyenne High School Host Specialist in Gender Neutral Education 

Dr. Leonard Sax, one of the foremost authorities in the success of gender neutral education, addressed the teachers and staff of Cheyenne High School. This was part of a professional development day scheduled before the start of the new school year. Dr. Sax is an author, psychologist, and family physician who has become a leading scholar on the topic of how gender differences affect student learning. ]]> Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:06:50 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

One Indianapolis Schools’ Elementary School Gets New Playground

 

Parkview Elementary School 81 will receive a new playground on October 2nd but the work has already started. An asphalt lot will be a brand new playground thanks to the Allstate Foundation and Injury Free Coalition for Kids at Riley Hospital. About 50 volunteers are expected to be involved in the project.

 

The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by the Allstate Corporation. The Allstate Foundation works to create safe communities. ]]> Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:04:27 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Kim Burke – Ables

Science Teacher, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School

 

Washington, DC- Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced a congressional resolution recognizing Kim Burke-Ables, a science teacher at Washington D.C. schools ‘ Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, on her selection as the District of Columbia Teacher of the Year for 2006, and “congratulating her for her exceptional dedication to the students and her excellence as a teacher. ]]> Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:00:30 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Nashville Schools’ Telephone Information Program

 

The Nashville Schools has started a new telephone information service that offers valuable information to parents. The Nashville Schools new telephone message service will offer information about such school related information as: schools that are closed due incidents of snow, tornadoes or any other issues; schools on lock-down during drop-off or pick-up times; any important parent meetings; an emergency situation at any of the Nashville Schools; and attendance information. ]]> Fri, 27 Oct 2006 11:53:24 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

San Jose Schools Join San Jose State University’s Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies in Birthday Celebration

 

San Jose State University’s Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies and the San Jose Jewish Film Festival have teamed up with the San Jose Schools in an event to celebrate the San Jose State University’s Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies twenty first year. The celebration event also includes the premiere of the film “Beethoven’s Hair” at the San Jose Jewish Film Festival. ]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2006 16:52:52 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Detroit Schools’ Teachers Delay School Starts with Strike

 

There has been a slow and turbulent start to the Detroit Schools ’ new school year. In a battle over contracts, some 7,000 teachers and 2,000 staff members refused to start school in September. These contract disagreements lead finally to a court battle. The contract disagreement began on August 28 after the Teachers Union rejected a two year contract that included salary cuts of 5% and increased health insurance co-payments. ]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2006 16:48:17 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.Schoolsk-12.com

The Columbus Schools ’ partnership programs will continue into the 2006-2007 school year. These programs are conducted jointly with Columbus Schools and local and state universities, colleges, academic organizations, community organizations and area volunteers. The programs are wide ranging and cover lots of different subjects and grade levels.

 

Columbus Schools’ Art Ventures Partnership Program

 

The Art Ventures Partnership Program is a program that jointly works with Columbus Schools’ elementary schools and The Wexner Center for the Arts. ]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2006 16:46:00 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Film Star Prepares Cleveland Schools’ Students for Future Performances

 

Otis Sallid, a choreographer and director, is offering Cleveland Schools ’ students a chance to gain from classes in dance and acting. The classes are in cooperation with the Ohio Theatre, which is using the classes as a way to recruit for its upcoming productions. The classes will be held at the studios in the Playhouse Square.

 

Sallid is well qualified to teach these classes. ]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2006 16:43:11 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

What It Is

The JASON Project is headquartered in Ashburn, VA. Its mission is to inspire in students a life-long passion for learning in science, math, and technology through hands-on, real-world scientific discovery.  It is named in the spirit of the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts.

For middle-grade students, JASON’s real-time, interdisciplinary science expeditions offer a unique opportunity to participate in real, standards-based, multidisciplinary research directed by leading scientists. ]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2006 15:48:45 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Cincinnati Schools’ Green Renovation

Cincinnati School’s has in effect a long term $1 billion building project that will help to renovate and rebuild many of its older buildings. One Cincinnati School ’s elementary school, Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, has been recently featured in District Administration. This national magazine focuses on issues in K-12 education. The article from the August issue discusses the growing concern and interest in green building and environmentally friendly construction. ]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2006 15:35:13 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Office Max Donates Funds to Charlotte Schools

 

One Charlotte Schools ’ member started off the school year with a big boon. Nations Ford Elementary School has received a $5,000 donation from Office Max. This donation is linked to the opening of a brand new Office Max in Rivergate Town Center on Sept. 6. Charlotte School’s teachers from Nations Ford Elementary Schools were invited to the grand opening ceremony where they could purchase additional school supplies for their classrooms. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 19:05:41 PDT By Stacy Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Atlanta Schools’ “Wellness” Workshops Promote Nutrition and Physical Education

 

When Atlanta Schools opened at the end of August, a new project was initiated. The “Wellness” Workshop Project kicked off the school year with a workshop that included Olympic gold medalist Gail Devers, author Yvonne Butler, 300 students from the Atlanta School District, faculty members, and community leaders. This was the first ever Atlanta Schools’ “wellness” workshop. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 19:00:00 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In May of 2006, the Texas Educator Excellence Grant Program was enacted by a special legislative session in Texas. Governor Rick Perry and several legislators sponsored the bill, which allocates state funds to underwrite merit pay plans in Texas schools across the state. It is the largest incentive pay program in the nation.

 

The program essentially implements a long-standing business concept into the Texas schools, treating teachers as individual professionals rather than an educational team. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 09:06:02 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

As the San Diego schools graduating class of 2007 begin their senior year, school district superintendents across San Diego County are celebrating. The San Diego County Schools announced in September that, as of the class of 2006, the gap in passing the crucial math portion of the state exit exam is nearly closed between black/Latino and white/Asian students.

 

The county school report represented three years worth of student testing. The results break a long-standing pattern of lagging scores for black and Latino students. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:43:01 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Philadelphia schools have been contracting out (also called privatization) many schools services to for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations for four years and are entering their fifth.

 

School Reform Commissioner Daniel Whelan is willing to contract out any service, operational or educational, where there are providers able to meet the Philadelphia schools criteria, according to the Philadelphia Public Schools Notebook, a nonprofit newspaper.

 

School Reform Commission Chair James Nevels endorses contracting in non-academic areas, because it allows educators to focus on education. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:39:25 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Ohio schools have had state-funded, online charter schools for a few years. Students do their work over the Internet from their homes or other sites. They can work anytime but must log 920 hours per year for perfect attendance.

 

With some Internet schools reporting perfect attendance for the past three years, the Ohio schools are questioning the validity of the attendance rates and plan to review the rates and formulas used by the schools. Twenty online Ohio schools reported perfect attendance last year, with many others reporting nearly perfect attendance rates. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:35:39 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Of the 946 high schools within the New York schools, 228 have been identified as needing improvement under federal and state rules, according to an announcement made in mid-September by the New York schools.

 

All schools within the New York schools are held accountable for the academic achievement of students by race and ethnic groups, students with disabilities, students with limited English proficiency, and low-income students. They are graded at the end of each school year by the New York schools, according to their grading standards as well as federal rules. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:26:20 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York City schools Chancellor Joel Klein, together, have made sweeping changes within the New York City schools. Yet, many are questioning their intentions and spending of funds.

 

Creating smaller class sizes, especially in the elementary grades, has long been a priority of most parents, teachers and advocates in New York City. Many states and cities have passed laws requiring smaller classrooms, such as the state of Florida. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:23:37 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

School dress codes have been around for decades, but they gained more prominence in schools and are stricter in recent years in response to the permeation of gangs and violence within the schools at all levels.  In addition to maintaining modesty within the schools, dress codes now ban gang paraphernalia, colors and symbols; shirts with writing; head coverings; and other such accessories that have been linked to gangs or school violence.

 

Though all of the Florida schools.

 

The results were formally announced at an Orlando Hotel with the members of the Task Force and Bush present, as well as Representative Ralph Arza, a Republican from Hialeah and chairman of the House Pre K-12 Committee. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:16:01 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com



I am of a generation where Richard Pryor was the only person who ever used the N-word in a public venue.  Today, however, rappers and hip-hop music is inundated with the word, and our youth who listen to it mimic their idols.  It is considered to be hip, as in “dude” or “homeboy”, and it now has become an issue in the Dallas schools, as well as many other schools across the nation.

 

Recently, a middle-aged, white English teacher in Kentucky used the word toward one of his black students and was suspended for 10 days without pay. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:12:47 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Chicago schools educators were surprised during their teacher training session in mid-September with new state learning standards for kindergarten students.  Previously, Illinois was one of 11 states that did not have learning standards for kindergarten. The state adopted standards for grades one through 12 in 1997 and even have specific “early learning” standards for preschoolers.

 

Setting academic goals for kindergarten students was not a priority, since attending kindergarten is not required in Illinois. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:05:42 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Over the past decade, music has been severely declining within the California schools. A recent study showed that within the past five years there has been a 50 percent decline in student participation in music programs. Additionally, it showed that one third of all music teachers have lost their jobs within that same time frame. The study predicts that music education will be eliminated from the California schools within the next ten years, unless dramatic changes occur. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:02:59 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

All states across the United States require standards that must be met in different subjects by specific grades, especially in reading and math. End of year testing is required for specific grades to ensure schools and students are meeting these standards.

 

The concern is that states, including the Arizona schools, are trying to teach everything at once to students, with teachers losing the ability to teach the important math concepts in depth. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 07:52:35 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In 2004, the Baltimore schools joined with Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Social Organization of Schools in an experiment in education. The ten-year, cutting edge program was developed to stem the dropout rate throughout the United States. 

 

The first to enter the program, the Baltimore Talent Development High School is one of five Baltimore schools now in the program with a total of 50 such schools across the nation. ]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 07:47:30 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Mayor’s College Fair

The Mayor’s College Fair brings together a variety of programs available for the Washington D.C. schools and their students preparing for college tuition costs.   This event takes place on September 15, 2006 and provides information about a variety of college tuition assistantship programs.   Students in the Washington D.C. schools are encouraged to attend the Mayor’s College Fair in order to learn more about the special programs open to them as Washington D. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:44:30 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

There was a group of children in one of the Seattle schools who came up with an idea. They wanted to turn sad things into happy things, find the positive in the negative. The idea came about because when you are in the third or fourth grade, life can be sweet one moment, stale candy the next. One of the girls in the group, Amy, who just turned 11, had a beloved pet bunny named Roger who died. The loss still smarts.Through their informal club, Amy and her school pals -- Jasmine, Chloe, Hailey, Annie, Madi and Naomi -- would try to turn frowns upside down. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:41:49 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

San Jose Schools Win Awards and Honors This Summer

This summer several San Jose Schools won some kind of award or honor for their continued achievements in education. Three schools in the San Jose Schools system have won awards for successfully competing in the California Student Media and Multimedia Festival. River Glenn Middle School and Almaden Elementary entered a multimedia technology and science project into the competition. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:36:58 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

What Weighted Student Formulas Do

One of the primary features of the WSF is that it allows San Francisco Schools more flexibility than the previous system, called the “staffing ratios” model. Through staffing ratios, the central office basically directed school sites to spend the bulk of their resources in a particular way, through allocations of staff and a small supplies budget. This system gave schools little control over their financial resources. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:34:58 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Grants Help Students Prepare for Postsecondary Education

Three San Antonio Schools’ high schools have received grants from the state of Texas to aid students in achieving their goals of attending college or university. The Texas High School Completion and Success Grants, totaling $200,000, were awarded to Edison Technical High School, Fox Technical High School and Navarro Academy. Each of these San Antonio Schools will use the funds in a way that will address the particular needs of its students. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:32:46 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

The High School Reform Task Force

Superintendent Mark Roosevelt announced the creation of the Pittsburgh Public Schools High School Reform Task Force. The High School Reform Task Force, which consists of leaders of both secondary and higher education, private foundations and businesses, experts in workforce development, parents, and members of the community will carefully examine these principles and determine how best to implement an action plan for high school reform within the www.schoolsk-12.com

What is Available

Vouchers will be issued in two categories: 1) General Purpose Vouchers and 2) Software Vouchers. General Purpose Vouchers may be used to purchase specific hardware (listed below), any non-custom software for that hardware, evaluation tools, information technology (IT) services, and professional development services. IT and professional development services must be obtained from approved providers in Orange County schools. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:28:34 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Nashville Schools Board of Education Reviews Adequate Yearly Progress Results

Every year, every school district in Tennessee must examine its performance from the pervious school year. This summer Nashville Schools had to do this as well. The Nashville Schools’ Board of Education, which included both the outgoing members from 2005-2006 and the incoming members from 2006-2007, reviewed the results from the Tennessee Adequate Yearly Progress. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:26:36 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Fun Partnerships with KBEM

Minneapolis Schools have a unique relationship with local radio.  As radio is the voice of the people and the Minneapolis schools educate those same people, it seems a natural match.   Local radio station KBEM has had a long relationship with Minneapolis schools and been an active partner in community events to help students, teachers, and parents stay in touch and stay active in the Minneapolis school system. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:25:01 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Miami Schools Will Open Four New Schools

This school year Miami Schools is opening four new schools and several new facilities to cope with increased student enrollment for the 2006-2007 school year. The new schools will cater to elementary, middle and high school students.

Miami Schools has added the Ronald W. Reagan High School in the northwestern part of the district. This is an area that is expanding rapidly. The new high school will cover about 20 acres and house extremely modern facilities. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:23:12 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Problem

Teachers, students, and parents at Long Island schools have been struggling with how to give credit for physical education classes.  On the one hand, many argue that counting gym like an academic class can badly affect the GPA of students who are strong academically but do not do well in gym.   On the other hand, others argue that when students know that the gym class does not affect their GPA they do not put the effort and attention into the class in order to improve their physical health. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:21:26 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

“A Celebration of Progress” Marks the Opening of New Las Vegas School Buildings

This past August, leaders from the Las Vegas Schools gathered at the Cashman Theatre for “A Celebration of Progress.” This was a celebration to mark the opening of nine new schools and one replacement school in the Las Vegas School System. In attendance were officials from Las Vegas Schools, Nevada State officials, community leaders, school principals, and architects. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:19:44 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Superintendent Calls for Fathers on the First Day of School

Superintendent Eugene G. White’s call to fathers in the Indianapolis schools has met with strong success.   Mr. White asked fathers to bring their children to the first day of classes in order to establish a stronger presence on campus and hopefully continue to stay involved with Indianapolis schools throughout the school year.   The event was dubbed, “The First Day is Dad’s Day,” and encouraged fathers to have a more active role on campus. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:17:54 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

New Technology Partners

The Detroit Board of Education revealed four new key partners in the ongoing technical development of Detroit schools.   These partners will work together with Detroit schools for the next five years to improve the quality and access to technology throughout the area.   The following companies, three of which are Detroit based, will be part of the program:

VisionIT, which is located in Detroit’s New Center, has offices in Chicago and Atlanta, and counts Wayne State University, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Xerox, Dell and Siemens among its many clients. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:14:42 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Columbus Schools’ partnership programs will continue into the 2006-2007 school year. These programs are conducted jointly with Columbus Schools and local and state universities, colleges, academic organizations, community organizations and area volunteers. The programs are wide ranging and cover lots of different subjects and grade levels.

The Early Childhood Development Center at Columbus Schools’ Weinland Park Elementary School is a partnership conducted with the Ohio State College of Human Ecology. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:12:12 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

A New Look for Cleveland Schools

Three Cleveland schools received complete and comprehensive renovations.   These schools will appear completely different to returning students and take learning in Cleveland to a new and modern level.   These schools include Mary B. Martin at 8200 Brookline Avenue, Mary Bethune at 11815 Moulton Avenue, and John Hay at 2075 Stoke Boulevard.   All of these schools will host Open Houses for parents and students to get to know the new facilities. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:09:48 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Cincinnati Schools’ Parent Leadership Institute

This summer saw the creation of the Cincinnati Schools’ Parent Leadership Institute.  The program reflects the changing role that parents play in public education.   As Vanessa White, the Board President of the Parents for Public Schools (PPS) stated: “The days of bake sales are long gone.   Today, parents need a new set of skills and knowledge if they are to realize their full potential to impact student achievement and drive school improvement. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:06:24 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Davidson IB Middle Wins Schools of Distinction Award

The science program at Davidson IB Middle, one of the schools in the Charlotte – Mecklenburg area, has been recognized as a School of Distinction by Intel and Scholastic.  Intel, the world renowned computer chip maker, and Scholastic, a leader in textbooks and educational materials, chose Davidson for honors in the field of science achievement, bringing both pride and bragging rights to www.schoolsk-12.com

Atlanta Schools’ Office of Public Engagement

The Atlanta Schools’ Office of Public Engagement is responsible for creating and fostering partnerships between Atlanta Schools, community volunteers, teachers, parents, national and local corporations, non-profit groups, and civic organizations in order to advance student achievement. The Office of Public Engagement was created as part of the ongoing educational reform that is occurring throughout the Atlanta Schools. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:59:11 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Virginia schools students recently have returned to school. Along with the studies and coursework they expected to face, they have a new program with which to deal — a bullying prevention program. 

Bullies are prevalent in all schools today. It has been a growing problem for the past decade. The emotional trauma experienced by victims of bullying is, in some cases, beyond belief. The results of bullying, both upon the victim and the bully, also are significant. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:49:03 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

After the Columbine High School shootings in Colorado in 1999, the Virginia police departments across the commonwealth quickly introduced tactical training for police and school resource officers (SROs). They were taught several methods for handling Virginia schools’ students with weapons.

Members of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police wanted to do more than just react to situations in the Virginia schools. They wanted to take preventative measures. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:47:02 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Texas schools released figures in September 2006, showing substantial increases in the number of Texas schools students taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams, as well as their resulting scores.

High schools across the nation are allowed to teach college-level coursework that is first approved by the College Board, the national administrator of the AP exams. Under current rules, a high school need only sign a form promising to teach the specific curriculum for any class to be designated AP. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:44:37 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

There is a proposal on the table by Governor Rick Perry and the Texas schools. They share a commitment to provide a high quality education for every child in the state of Texas. A commendable goal to be sure; however, their latest proposal for the Texas schools is drawing some opposition in high places.

The governor and the Texas schools recently proposed a new policy to require all school districts in Texas to spend at least 65 percent of their operating budgets on “direct classroom instruction. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:43:16 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Tampa schools are part of the Hillsborough County School Board, and Candy Olson has represented the south Tampa schools for 12 years. The nonpartisan District 2 covers the south Tampa schools and curves into part of southwest Hillsborough County. Olson has twice been chairman of the school board.

The 58-year-old mother of two has faced challengers only once during her three previous bids for her school board seat. This year she faces two challengers, who want to represent the south Tampa schools — Logan Cobb, a 17-year-old high school senior, and Bart Birdsall, a middle school media specialist. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:41:45 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

A constitutional amendment was passed in November 2002 that established the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program for all four year olds in the state of Florida. The program benefits not only the children but the Tampa schools, as well, by preparing children for kindergarten and beyond.

Documented studies have shown that preschool is one of the best investments for any city and its youth. A California study found that, for every dollar spent on preschool, the city and schools save $2. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:40:16 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Philanthropists, business leaders, and educational advocates across the region have lost confidence in the St. Louis schools board’s ability to correct the ongoing problems in its district, according to a September 2, 2006, article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The recent forced departure of Superintendent Creg Williams signaled to philanthropic groups and business leaders that problems were escalating within the St. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:38:33 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In July, St. Louis schools’ Superintendent Creg Williams abruptly resigned. Since then, many members of the community, government officials, and parents have called for various types of intervention for the St. Louis schools.  The law allows for such consideration at different levels of the public school system. Thus, the state has appointed a new committee to oversee, work with, gather information for, and make recommendations to the St. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:36:28 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

This July, Annie Santana, a Spanish teacher at Mission Bay High School, part of the San Diego schools, departed the city and headed for the island of Robinson Crusoe, Chile.  In the seventh year of her career, Santana joined the Fulbright teacher exchange program.

For one year, Santana will teach English as a second language at a Chilean school on the island; but her students will not be losing her. A Chilean teacher will be replacing Santana at Mission Bay. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:31:08 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Over the last decade, schools across the nation have experienced the loss of music. The San Diego schools also had to replace music in many of its schools with other curriculum dictated by the state or federal law. The San Diego schools’ budget only stretches so far and, unfortunately, the arts have felt the biggest hit.

Frank Glasson and the Presidio Brass are changing all of that for the San Diego schools.  A trumpet player by profession, Frank is also president of Local 325 of the American Federation of Musicians and director of Presidio Brass, a brass quintet. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:28:44 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Roosevelt Elementary School District, located in the Phoenix Schools area on the south side of the city, is in serious trouble. The primarily low-income district has been dealing with turmoil for years, and the possible takeover by the Arizona Department of Education only exacerbates the situation.

Last December, Arizona Department of Education held a meeting in one of Roosevelt’s school gyms to present the situation to all concerned. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:26:08 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Much attention has been paid over the last few years to the weight (or maybe I should say overweight) condition of Americans. There have and continue to be many articles in the media, televisions shows devoted to the subject, and now even a reality show. The attention has not just been on adult Americans. Much attention is being paid to our overweight children and the health risks posed for them by the time they are adults.

The federal government already had set limits on the amount of fat and calories that schools could offer to children on their main menus. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:23:50 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Philadelphia schools need to improve the effectiveness and diversity of their teacher workforce. Currently, 85 percent of their students are African American, Latino and Asian, but they have only 38 percent teachers of color.

After discussions initiated by Congressman Chaka Fattah with School Reform Commissioner Sandra Dungee Glenn, Philadelphia schools’ secretary of education, President and CEO Dr. Sharon Robinson of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), and the AACTE’s Vice President M. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:16:57 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Philadelphia Education Fund has been in operation for 20 years. A nonprofit organization, the Fund partners with school districts (including the Philadelphia schools), other nonprofit organizations, businesses and individuals to provide scholarships for students in the Philadelphia schools system. Its purpose is to initiate and implement innovative educational programs, of which they have several. They work to improve the quality of teachers in the Philadelphia schools, conduct educational research, and engage the community in school reform. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:15:03 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Orlando schools will be promoting health and wellness to its students this year. As part of the Orange County Schools, the Orlando schools will implement a new wellness policy that was just approved this month.

The new policy is in response to a federal mandate, under the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. All schools that receive federal funding for school lunch programs must have a wellness policy in place. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:13:00 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Ohio schools board has drafted a framework that will set teacher guidelines to be used when teaching controversial topics in the classroom. The proposal is not a lesson plan, but rather an optional template that guides teachers to enable students to form judgments by critically analyzing all sides of a controversial subject.

The Ohio schools board has requested their Achievement Committee review the draft and make recommendations on its final structure. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:11:08 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Susan Tave Zelman, superintendent of public instruction for the Ohio schools, welcomed six visiting teachers from Spain, who will be teaching in the Ohio schools this coming school year.

Last year, the Ohio schools signed a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science, Spain’s sponsor for the visiting international teacher program. The ministry started the program in 1986 and has since provided 1,500 visiting teachers to the United States. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:09:32 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In June 2006, the city announced a proposed operating budget of $14 billion for the New York City schools.  Parents and educators are still waiting pessimistically to see the final cut.

Though this year’s unveiling of the New York City schools budget was received more peacefully than in recent years, the city’s past track record makes optimism difficult. Last year’s proposed budget was drastically different after the final cuts were made. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:06:50 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Though public schools across the nation are improving their school environments for students, the New York schools are falling behind, according to the National Education Association (NEA). In a recently posted web page, the NEA cited many failings of the New York schools.  Here are some of the challenges that the New York schools continue to face during the 2006-2007 school year.



Average Sizes for Schools and Classes

The elementary and secondary New York schools continue to be among the largest schools in the nation. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:05:09 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

According to the National Education Association, the New York schools have made significant strides in academic achievement over the past few years. In a nationwide comparison, the New York schools have improved student achievement, as well as the schools themselves. Though issues remain that challenge the New York educators, parents and the community can be assured that the New York schools are doing everything in their power to remedy these. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:03:22 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child put forth that one primary purpose of schools is to develop respect for human rights and the fundamental freedoms that all children should enjoy. They noted that to truly understand and promote human rights, one has to live them out in relation to others.

The New York City schools has taken this directive seriously and to heart by creating its School for Human Rights, a combined middle and high school academy that is built around the concept of human rights. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:00:55 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

According to an August 14th article in the Detroit Daily News, an unintended consequence of the Michigan schools funding crisis is a growing number of recalls within the Metro-Detroit area.  The grassroots efforts attempt to oust school board officials, who make unfavorable decisions within the Detroit school districts.

With the funding crisis within the Michigan schools, many local district school board members have been forced to make many difficult decisions to cut costs. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:58:12 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

As in other states, Michigan schools are seeing more and more parents of disabled children pulling them out of public schools, providing alternative private education, and then suing the Michigan Schools to foot the bill. It has become a problem and growing expense for public schools across the nation, ever since the passing of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which states that public schools are required to provide special education students with a free, appropriate public education. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:56:34 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Last month, I wrote in an article about Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa proposing a legislative bill to take control of the Los Angeles schools (see Los Angeles Schools Strongly Opposed to Takeover by Mayor Villaraigosa).  Reform Bill 1381 passed the state legislature at the end of August, with some changes.

Villaraigosa, who portrayed himself as the one person who could make a success of the Los Angeles schools system, instead must share control of the school system with the Los Angeles schools board and the Council of Mayors. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:54:06 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

There is currently legislation AB 1381 in the state legislature that, if passed, will give the okay to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to take over a subset of the Los Angeles schools.  Recently, the mayor’s school reform team announced its latest round of changes to the bill in order to sidestep some possible problems to it passing.

Last month, according to the Los Angeles Times’ August 8, 2006 article, Los Angeles Chief Legislative Analyst Gerry F. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:52:04 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

On the evening of August 31, a meeting was held for the parents, students, teachers, staff, business partners, and other community members of McReynolds Middle School, a member of the Houston schools that is located on the east side of the city.  Hundreds of people filled the school’s auditorium, leaving standing room only.

McReynolds, along with Houston schools Kashmere and Sam Houston, will be closed next spring, if they do not improve their state rankings. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:49:20 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Three Houston schools have been persistently rated as unsatisfactory by state guidelines for three or more years. As with most school closing warnings across the nation, the parents, community, and elected officials with a political stake in the area are up in arms over the possibility.

Though parents want their children to attend schools within their own neighborhood, I believe the community must look at the cost of keeping these three schools open — the students are failing, unable to meet the bare minimum requirements of the state! With their futures at risk, I would think that parents would want their children at better performing schools. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:47:28 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The 2005-2006 school year was a tremendous success for the Florida schools, especially at the middle school level. The Florida schools’ educators across the state worked hard to improve student academic achievement levels and were rewarded for their efforts. The state of Florida awarded grades of A or B to 75 percent of its public schools. Not only did this show extraordinary progress for the Florida schools, but it also was a new record for the state. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:45:48 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

With the passing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, schools across the nation are now required to offer services that were before considered a luxury for students with disabilities.  One such service is for speech and language therapy.

In a memorandum to all Florida schools’ special education directors, Chief of Exceptional Education Bambi Lockman wrote that federal officials found that the Florida schools had “failed to provide speech and language-related services to children with disabilities”. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:44:07 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Denver Public School Foundation is a “portal” for community and business philanthropy for the Denver schools.  Originally started in 1984, it played a passive role in the Denver schools, until it was revitalized in 2002.

The purpose of the Denver schools’ foundation is to raise and manage funds in support of the district’s ambitious plan to improve student achievement. The Denver schools leadership develops the funding areas, and the foundation drives community investment and builds partnerships with local businesses. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:42:26 PDT

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper has introduced the “Preschool Matters” program that will greatly impact future Denver schools students, if passed by voters in the November election. The early childhood education program is endorsed by the mayor and other Denver officials.

City Council President Michael Hancock believes the measure to be extremely important to the city and the Denver schools. Denver schools Superintendent Michael Bennett agrees, stating that Denver schools educators will do everything they can to pass the measure in November. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:37:44 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

An agreement was reached this past spring with Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo and Cadbury Schweppes to eliminate all non-diet soda and other sugary drinks from most public school vending machines, unless they have a nutritious value, such as juice and low-fat milk. The voluntary agreement, that affects all of the Dallas schools, was brokered by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a partnership between the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:24:55 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In their May 8, 2006, issue, Newsweek listed their Best 100 Public Schools across the nation. They ranked the schools using a ratio of the number of Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate tests taken by all students within a school, divided by the number of graduating seniors. The 2006 list was based on the 2004-2005 school year. Their aim is to acknowledge those schools that do the best job of preparing average students for college, regardless of their economic background.

Three www.schoolsk-12.com

The Illinois State Board of Education has approved the state’s first virtual public elementary school, the Chicago Virtual Charter School.  The Board acted against State Superintendent Randy Dunn’s recommendation to disapprove the Chicago schools application, as well as against the opposition of the powerful Chicago Teachers Union, by voting a five-to-four approval.

Though virtual schools already exist in the United States, they usually are high schools. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:20:58 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The old Brach’s plant is located at 401 N. Cicero, just north of Lake Street, in a community that has seen many of its Chicago schools closed and others placed on academic probation.  The 30-plus-acre property has been vacant for three years.

LaShawn Ford is the owner of Ford Desired Real Estate and candidate for state representative of the 8th district. The democrat has an ambitious plan to use the Brach property for a new school. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:19:08 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CSTRS) is the second largest public pension fund in the nation, providing retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California schools educators. Over 776,000 kindergarten through community college educators are members of the CSTRS, which currently has an investment portfolio of $142 billion.

Keeping quality educators in the California schools is of primary concern to everyone in the state. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:17:26 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Superintendent of Instruction for the California schools, Jack O’Connell, initiated an audit more than a year ago into the fiscal concerns of the Options for Youth and Opportunities for Learning (OYO) schools. The OYO is a chain of independent study charter schools within the California schools system, which are privately run but funded by the state.

The OYO California schools serve students who have dropped out of the traditional high schools. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:15:41 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In an unprecedented move in April, the Boston schools launched an initiative to convert all the charter schools within the city over to their school system as pilot schools.  The move was in response to the millions of funding dollars lost each year for the children who attend the charter schools. Converting the schools to pilot schools, under the jurisdiction of the Boston schools, would reclaim future dollars, as well as expand the Boston schools’ portfolio of experimental schools. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:12:20 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In the fall of 2005, the Boston schools began exploring the education reform strategy of extending the school day for its middle schools. The extended school day gives students more time for learning at a crucial time in their education. The middle school years provide the much-needed preparation for students to enter high school, college and the workforce. Last year, the Boston schools applied for and was awarded a $40,000 planning grant for three schools. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:09:56 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In 2005, City Neighbors and Patterson Park Public, two charter schools in Baltimore, appealed the Baltimore schools’ per student funding formula to the state board. The board ruled in their favor, and the Baltimore schools appealed the board’s decision in the Court of Special Appeals, Maryland’s second highest court. Early this month, the court ruled in favor of the charter schools, requiring Maryland school systems to spend as much money per student at charter schools as they spend at their traditional schools. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:07:31 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act requires that all states report any schools that are considered persistently dangerous. The state of Maryland is only one of six states that have reported having such schools. Some metro areas with similar or worse problems report no dangerous schools at all.

Since each state sets its own suspension limits for reporting, the NCLB provision is inconsistent across the nation with many states ignoring it all together. The state of Maryland, however, takes it seriously with rules that are more stringent than most other states. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:05:30 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The U.S. Department of Education changed its rules for measuring the progress of public schools during the 2005-2006 school year. The impact was devastating to the Arizona schools, which had more than 600 schools marked as “failed”. That is nearly three times as many schools as last year.

For the first time, the Arizona schools were forced to include AIMS test scores for reading and math of students, who are in their second or third year of learning English. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:01:53 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Three candidates are running for the post of Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Arizona schools in the September 12th election. Current Superintendent Tom Horne is running as the unopposed Republican candidate, seeking his second term in office. Two Democrats are challenging Horne — Slade Mead and Jason Williams. Mead is a sports agent, a former state senator, a former Kyrene School District board member, and a former Republican. ]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2006 12:59:42 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Dropout rates across the country have been on the rise over the past decade. In school year 2004-2005, an estimated 5,550 students dropped out of the Philadelphia schools. This is the highest dropout rate in the state, about three times higher than the state average.

To assist these Philadelphia schools dropouts and offer them an opportunity for a better life, the Philadelphia schools have partnered with the Community College of Philadelphia, the largest degree-granting institution in the city with over 38,000 students enrolled annually. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:53:54 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Looking for a high school for your child that concentrates on preparing for higher academics? The New York City schools have five such high schools. 

If you have a child now in elementary or middle school, live or plan to live in New York City, and you would like to see your child excel in high school and college, begin planning now for his or her enrollment in one of five specialized New York City schools.

Three of these New York City schools have been around for the better part of the last century. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:51:34 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In 2003, the Los Angeles schools implemented a new policy of graduation requirements. The intention was to graduate Los Angeles schools students that were better-educated and groomed for college and high-level jobs. Requirements included graduates to pass one year of algebra and one of geometry, or equivalent coursework.

Though the intention was good and the Los Angeles schools policy should work in theory, the reality is giving a much different and more dismal picture. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:49:31 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Wallace Foundation Invests $8 Million in Washington DC Schools

Washington DC Schools after-school and out of school programs are getting a boost from the nonprofit DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation and The Wallace Foundation. The DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation is works to increase the quality, quantity and accessibility of services for children, youth and families in the Washington DC area. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:46:33 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Washington Assessment of Student Learning is Enacted for the 2006-2007 School Year

The class of 2008 in all Seattle Schools will be required to pass the 10th-grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning, this will be the way that most students will earn the Certificate of Academic Achievement, one of the four new statewide graduation requirements. The Washington Assessment of Student Learning report will indicate a student’s performance in reading, writing and math with science being in a separate report. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:44:11 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

San Francisco Schools’ Small Schools are Effective

The Small Schools program in San Francisco Schools was established back in 2000. One successful example of a small school is the San Francisco Schools’ Leadership High School. This high school has a total of only 345 students, uses high standards and close relationship with teachers to help at risk students.  Leadership High School was established about 5 years ago and now has some of the highest test scores in all of the San Francisco Schools. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:42:20 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Pittsburgh Schools Create High School Reform Task Force

This summer Pittsburgh Schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt announced the creation of the Pittsburgh Schools High School Reform Task Force. The Pittsburgh Schools High School Reform Task Force will be comprised of education professionals, private foundations, business professionals, parents, and community members. The Task Force will investigate the current practices in the Pittsburgh Schools and determine what the best approach to high school reform should be. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:40:21 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Changes for the 2006-2007 School Year

Orlando Schools have made several changes that will go into effect this fall. The first official day of school in the Orlando Schools is August 7th. This school year’s students attendance for the Orlando Schools has increased by around 4,000 students to 181,210 total students. This increase in enrollment has prompted Orlando Schools to open nine additional schools. The nine schools added to handle the new students are three middle schools and six elementary schools. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:36:54 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Nashville Schools John Overton High School Students Honored

Students from the John Overton High School participated in Students Taking Action with Recognition Events at. The Nashville Schools’ team included Overton High School graduates Rosa Abernathy, Jontyce Otey, and Brittany Shook. The Nashville Schools team won a gold medal in Focus on Children, one of the sixteen Students Taking Action with Recognition events that Family, Career and Community Leaders of America’s 2006 National Leadership Meeting participants can compete. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:34:35 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Minneapolis Schools Honored by Governors

Minneapolis Schools have made numerous changes in order to create better physical education and nutritional programs with the goal to make the healthiest schools in the state. Minneapolis Schools were honored for the many steps that they have taken to improve student fitness at all the schools. Minneapolis Schools have instituted several changes including: changes in school lunch menus, physical education taught through a fitness approach, and participation in the President’s Active Lifestyle Award program. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:32:08 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship Funds Programs in Miami Schools

This summer, 126 students from Miami Schools entered a six-week training session and contest to learn about entrepreneurship. Funded and run by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, the six week summer session will teach the students how to create a business plan, how to secure start up funds and then how to pitch the idea to real business people. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:29:53 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Indianapolis Schools Center for Inquiry Teacher Gets Governor’s Award for Tomorrow’s Leaders

An Indianapolis Schools Center for Inquiry teacher, Maysee Herr, was among twelve young leaders from throughout Indiana to be awarded the Governor’s Award for Tomorrow’s Leaders. The honor of the Governor’s Award for Tomorrow’s Leaders is not the only thing the recipient receives; they also get $1,000 to be used as an educational scholarship or as a donation to the charity of their choice. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:20:02 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

The traditional view of gym class is changing all over the United States.   While most of us remember the endless games of kick ball and calisthenics, students at all grade levels are having a very different experience in elementary schools, middle schools and high schools across the country.   The traditional gym class is shifting from team sports and group oriented activities to more independent and individual activities to keep kids active all year round.

Reasons Behind the Change

Two factors most influence the change in the traditional gym class. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:17:02 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Columbus Schools Have Created a Broad Range of Partnerships

The partnership programs that Columbus Schools are engaged in cover a wide range of disciplines, grade levels, and locations. There are several successful partnership programs in the Columbus Schools.

“Computers Rock 24/7” is a partnership program focused on introducing technology to fourth and fifth grade girls to technology. Students in the program develop their own web pages and learn about computers from the inside out. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:15:16 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Cleveland Schools Aims to Help Students Prepare for Life After High School

All Cleveland Schools high schools have developed the Career Fields path of study to help students choose and succeed in higher education, work, and life after high school. The Career Fields places occupations into paths that share common skills. This allows teachers and students to combine educational study with more technical instruction. The six career paths chosen by Cleveland Schools are: Arts and Communications, Business and Management & Information Technology, Environmental and Agricultural Systems, Health Services, Human Resources/ Services, and Industrial and Engineering Systems. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:13:01 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Cincinnati Schools Woodward High School’s Career Programs

Woodward High School, which is part of Cincinnati Schools, established its career technical programs in 2003 and these programs have been growing ever since. All high schools in the Cincinnati Schools follow a college preparatory curriculum but as part of the restructuring of high schools in the Cincinnati Schools, small specialized courses were developed.  Woodward Career Technical High School is not only a resurrected small school but a replacement school for the razzed Woodward High School. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:11:18 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Charlotte Jaycees Award Charlotte School Teachers

The Charlotte Jaycees have awarded three teachers in the Charlotte Schools on their annual Ten Outstanding Young Charlotteans list. The teachers named are: Emma Barnes, Hawk Ridge Elementary; Jeffrey Joyce, Northwest School of the Arts; and Mary Katherine Patton, Selwyn Elementary. The Ten Outstanding Young Charlotteans list honors area residents ages 21 to 40 who have shown outstanding performance in personal improvement, financial success or economic innovation, social improvement, philanthropic contributions, politics or government service, scientific or technological contributions, legal reform, cultural achievement, academic leadership, moral and religious leadership, athletic accomplishment, success in the influence of public opinion. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:09:14 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Summer GRAD (Graduation Really Achieves Dreams) Programs

Students from Atlanta Schools have been very busy this summer. The GRAD projects and programs aim to insure that Atlanta school students make to graduation and then on to university. Several GRAD programs are designed to spark students’ interest in science, mathematics and arts. This summer rising sophomores, juniors and seniors from South Atlanta, Washington and the New Schools at Carver high schools took part in 2006 Project GRAD Summer Institute. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:07:07 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The purpose of any school library is to promote reading and improve reading and research skills.  Educators have long agreed that good libraries are essential to academic success, since students must be able to read by third grade in order to learn other subjects, such as history and science.

A study by Donna Baumbach, professor and director of the Instructional Technology Resource Center at the University of Central Florida, has found there is a direct link between professionally-staffed libraries and the number of www.schoolsk-12.com

Now, I am all for special education for children with disabilities. I attended school at a time when such children were either put into “special” schools or thrown in with the general student population to sink or swim on their own. It was a terrible inequity. It finally was addressed in the 1970s with a law designed to correct such discrimination by giving these children the civil right to an equal opportunity to learn. The law covered children from birth to age 22, guaranteeing them the right to a free and “appropriate” public education. ]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:01:44 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Changes for the 2006-2007 School Year at San Jose Schools

Following in the footsteps of both federal and state trends to limit junk food and provide better nutrition to students, San Jose Schools will implement new some changes starting in September 2006. These changes may appear sudden but actually is part of a long term goal for improving student nutrition. San Jose Schools have been working to improve student nutrition over the past few years. ]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:46:23 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

San Antonio Schools Creates Program to Prepare Freshman for Future Success

Beginning this school year, Ninth grade students in San Antonio Schools will have more resources in helping them gain success in academic studies, college, and future careers. In addition to their regular classes ninth grade students will be required to take Freshman Prep class. San Antonio Schools’ Freshman Prep class helps students create a plan for the next four years and their future. ]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:43:40 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Orange County Schools’ Native American Parent Advisory Committee

Orange County Schools have taken an active role in the developing quality programs for all their members of their diverse student population. One program that has been developed is aimed at aiding student performance and improving instructional opportunities for students of Native American heritage. In order to better achieve these aims the Orange County School’s Native American Parent Advisory Committee was created. ]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:40:47 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Long Island Schools Meet State and Federal Standards

Long Island Schools had over 30 schools not meet the New York State Standards for the 2004-2005 school but this year the number of schools rose dramatically. Schools that succeeded this year that had not last year include East Hampton, Ronkonkoma, Mineola, and Valley Stream. The Long Island Schools’ ratings were based on New York’s expectations of a school’s test scores and graduation rates. ]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:30:02 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

New Schools Equal New Hires

Las Vegas Schools have ten new schools opening for the 2006-2007 school year. Nine are brand new schools, while one is a replacement of Rancho High School. This is part of a long term plan to meet student population demands and create modern facilities. The schools opening in August are six elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. The new elementary schools are Hayden Elementary, Schorr Elementary, Steele Elementary, Thompson Elementary, Ward Elementary and Wright Elementary. ]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:25:04 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Detroit Schools Win Awards in the Academic Games Leagues of America Competition

Schulze Elementary, representing the Detroit Schools, has won several awards, in this year’s Academic Games Leagues of America Competition. The elementary school had several teams competing in the Academic Games Leagues of America Competition. Both team and individual awards were given for performance. The teams have won state awards at the Michigan League of Academic Games competition held in Grand Rapids and the Academic Games Leagues of America Competition held in Eatonton, Georgia. ]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:22:47 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Literacy has always been a problem for school systems throughout the United States. In the past, however, the impact was minimal compared to today’s workplace, which requires an ever-higher level of literacy to achieve success.

Good reading skills are the foundation for students in any subject. You cannot learn mathematics or science without being able to understand the textbooks. Such skills also are demanded in the workplace. Able readers have a better chance to improve their lifestyle over that of their parents by obtaining well-paying jobs in career fields that would otherwise not be available to them. ]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:05:39 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Tampa schools are a member of the Hillsborough County School District, in which the Disciplinary Committee resides. The disciplinary panel deals with the troubled youth who commit serious offenses and policy violations at school.  The panel imposes such measures as expulsion or reassignment to another school.

This past school year of 2005-2006 had the lowest number of referrals to this disciplinary panel than any other since the 1998-1999 school year. ]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:03:39 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The 2006-2007 school year for the St Louis schools brings with it a financial deficit and accreditation problems carried over from the previous board majority. Additionally, superintendent Creg Williams’ proposed budget was voted down on June 13, so currently there is no budget for the upcoming school year.

Financial Deficit

The current financial deficit was caused by the state, when it refused to honor its contract with the St Louis schools under the desegregation agreement of 1999. ]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:59:33 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In June 2006, Superintendent Carl Cohn appointed five new area superintendents for the San Diego Schools.

Each new area superintendent will be an advocate for the schools under them, as well as the communities for these schools. They will be empowered to ensure that the San Diego Schools have a fully enriched and competitive curriculum that recognizes the importance of the educational basics, as well as the nearly forgotten art, music and physical education programs. ]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:53:49 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

There is a lot of discussion in the news and especially in school districts across the nation about per student spending rates. As noted in the Business Journal of Phoenix, these rates have doubled over the past 30 years, yet test scores and graduation rates have remained the same.

The Phoenix schools would not know what doubling the per student spending rate might do for the achievement of their students. They, along with the rest of the state’s schools, rank 49th in per student spending — next to the bottom! This is according to the Quality Counts 2004 study by Education Week. ]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:42:13 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Philadelphia schools, along with other schools across the nation, are concerned with students who do not enter college upon graduation. Many are left with low-paying, dead-end jobs with little prospects for future improvements — keeping many of those students from impoverished homes in the low-income lifestyle.

This has been of concern also for James Nevels, chairman of the state-appointed School Reform Commission that is responsible for overseeing city schools within the state, including the Philadelphia schools. ]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:39:46 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Since the year 2000 when the Martinez Doctrine was promoted by the Orange County School District, of which Orlando schools is a part, and adopted by Orange County as a planning tool, problems have been building between the schools and the developers across the county. The Martinez Doctrine ensures that growth cannot take place if it overcrowds a current school or near an already overcrowded school. ]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:59:42 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In June 2006, the Ohio schools awarded more than $4 million in competitive grants to school districts across the state. The grants are funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) program, and authorized by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

The MSP grants, which are funded throughout the 2006-2007 school year, will give 1,800 teachers in high-need Ohio schools the opportunity to increase their knowledge of mathematics and science. ]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:44:16 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

In the past, even the mention of creating a single-gender public school raised controversy with a wide array of opponents, including women’s organizations. In 1996, the New York schools created the first all-girl school in the nation, and the controversy still rears its ugly head.

The Opponents

Opponents say that single-gender New York schools undercut the students’ civil rights by denying them access to the schools. Michael Meyers, head of the New York Coalition, brought suit against the New York schools in 1996, challenging the legality of the Young Women’s Leadership School, located in Harlem, but lost the suit. ]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:41:51 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

While other states and school districts are searching for progressive and innovative methods to improve student achievement and graduation rates, the Michigan Schools continue to shore up the current failing system, according to The Detroit News. Rather than improving the current system, teachers’ unions act as oversight bullies, the Michigan schools appear to follow their dictates, and legislators just keep pouring money into the Michigan schools, while complaining that funds are limited. ]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:38:54 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The 2006-07 school year for the Los Angeles schools is still burdened with many of the same overcrowding problems and busing issues of the past; however, improvements are being made and the future is looking brighter.

The $19.2 billion school construction program has provided 12 new Los Angeles schools with 9,300 students attending and will surely alleviate some of the current overcrowding. The program, however, will not be completed until 2012. ]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:36:31 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Houston schools teachers have not had significant pay raise in seven years. The new Houston schools budget plans for an average 8.6 percent pay raise for teachers for the 2006-07 school year, with a total of $49.2 million in funding. The state is providing $31 million for the pay raises, and the Houston schools are providing $18.2 million from their own revenues. An additional $8 million increase also is included for teacher performance pay. ]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:34:45 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The McKay Scholarship Program of the Florida schools offers parents and their children with disabilities the option to attend the public or private school of their choice. Florida schools students in grades kindergarten through high school, who are mentally handicapped, speech and language impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, visually impaired, dual sensory impaired, physically impaired, emotionally handicapped, specific learning disabled, hospitalized or homebound, or autistic may be eligible for this program. ]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:32:11 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Denver Schools have a new roadmap to reform — The Denver Plan. After making the Plan public, the Denver schools then solicited comments from principals, teachers, parents and the community at large. Thirteen public meetings were held across the city. All were packed with people who wanted to discuss the future of the Denver schools.  The Denver schools received hundreds of emails and letters, as well.

Superintendent of the Denver schools, Michael Bennet, described the process as a very powerful experience and was happy to find that many parents support the Denver schools in their work toward reform. ]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:29:42 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Securing enough funding for the Dallas schools is a problem experienced by many school districts in the United States. Most funding has become program specific, with government controlling its use and generally benefiting only a portion of the Dallas schools students. State funding has been scarce, requiring Dallas schools to rely upon local property and school taxes to cover the general needs of the schools. Additionally, federal government oversight creates a lot more administrative requirements. ]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:26:55 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

One of the biggest problems across our nation is large classrooms and too many students falling behind in their education. There are too few teachers for individualized instruction, and generally those parents of children who fall behind cannot afford private tutoring. They personally cannot tutor their own children, in most cases, because they either lack sufficient education themselves or are too busy — sometimes working two and three jobs to support their family.

In the fall of 2005, the www.schoolsk-12.com

In June of 2006, superintendent of public instruction Jack O’Connell awarded $150,000 in grants to 11 districts within the California schools. The funds are for California schools student attendance at the California Health Science Education Institute and associated costs of the program.

Currently, there are numerous jobs in the healthcare industry for applicants with college and only high school degrees.  The healthcare industry is in desperate need of well-educated people to fill an increasing number of positions projected for the future. ]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:21:58 PDT Written by Patricia Hawke for www.schoolsk-12.com

Literacy is a problem across the nation; and with the influx of many poorly educated immigrants, the problem is only getting worse.  The city of Boston has done something about it, and partners with the Boston schools for one phase of its implementation.

In 1995, Mayor Thomas M. Menino founded the ReadBoston project to address the low literacy levels of the city’s youth.  The project’s goal is to have all children in Boston schools reading on grade level by the completion of third grade. ]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:17:39 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Washington D.C.’s Language Access Act

In 2004, the Washington D.C. enacted the Language Access Act. The Act was created in order to grant greater access to and participation in public schools and other public services for those residents that have limited or no English proficiency. The Act is designed to address four crucial areas of language use and access to public services. These four areas are: the need for and the offering of oral language services; providing of written translation of key documents into other languages that have populations constitutes 3% or 500 individuals, whichever is less, of the population served or encountered, or likely to be served or encountered; establishment of language access plans that best services these populations; and finally creating language access coordination. ]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2006 14:20:24 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Garfield High School Honors 84 Year-Old Graduate

On Monday, June 19th, Richard Coone received an honorary diploma from Garfield High School, a Seattle High School. He walked with the Garfield High graduates at the graduating ceremonies held at Qwest Field. Mr. Coone has waited over sixty-five years to receive a diploma.  In 1941, Mr. Coone was a senior at Garfield High School and was prepared to graduate with his friends but World War II got in the way. In his junior year, Mr. Coone had joined the National Guard by lying about his age. ]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2006 14:17:19 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

The Alice Fong Yu Alternative School

The Alice Fong Yu Alternative School, one San Francisco School, is the first Chinese immersion school in the United States. The school is designed as a two-way Chinese/English instructional environment. The school provides an outstanding educational experience for children of all backgrounds. All students at Alice Fong Yu develop competency in the Cantonese and English languages and use the two languages actively in the content curriculum. The school aims to have all students to be able to converse in and become literate in both English and Cantonese by 5th grade. ]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2006 14:15:08 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Six Pittsburgh Schools’ Teachers Honored for Excellence

Each year teachers across the state of Pennsylvania have the chance to win educational grants. Only teachers of excellence are considered then the best are chosen to receive the grants. The two thousand five hundred dollar grants are awarded by the Teacher Excellence Center. This year’s grant recipients include six Pittsburgh Schools’ teachers: Jennifer Ernsthausen, a third-grade teacher at Burgwin Elementary School in Glen Hazel; Karen M. ]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2006 14:12:36 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Orlando Schools Administrators Visit China

Several Orlando School administrators will be among the nearly four hundred curriculum developers and administrators from around the nation to visit China in an effort to create and expand educational programs that teach Chinese language and culture in America. The trip to China will last one week from June 27 through July 5. The trip is in cooperation with Hanban, China’s Office of Chinese Language Council International, in partnership with the College Board, the Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS), and the National Council of State Supervisors for Languages (NCSSFL). ]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2006 14:08:26 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Nashville Schools Did Well Academically in 2005-2006

Nashville Schools have made a lot of progress in the 2005-2006 school year. The Nashville Schools this school year has, in several key areas, had a higher percentage of students meet the required levels of proficiency as determined by the No Child Left Behind Act. This school eighty-six percent of kindergarten to eighth grade students are now proficient or advanced in reading as compared to the required target of eighty-three percent set by the No Child Left Behind Act. ]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:28:07 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

The B.J. Reed Award

Created in 1988, the B.J. Reed Award recognizes the work of volunteers in the Minneapolis Schools. The B.J. Reed Award was named in honor of Batty Jane Reed who founded the Community Resource Volunteer Program in 1965. B.J. Reed was a Minneapolis School educator who went on to be an author, poet and mentor. Originally the Community Resource Volunteer Program was intended to give entertainers, craftspeople, professionals, civic leaders and other working adults the opportunity to share their time and skills by becoming a part of the school curriculum giving classroom presentations. ]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:25:56 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Most of Miami Schools Earn an “A” from the State of Florida

Fifty-three percent of Miami-Dade’s schools – 179 out of 328 receiving grades Wednesday – received an “A” based on their students’ performance on the 2006 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test this spring.  This is an improvement from last year when the percentage was around forty-six percent.  Overall, Miami Schools have scored very well in comparison to the whole state. ]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:23:52 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Students from Indianapolis Schools to Compete in African American History Challenge

Students from three Indianapolis schools will compete in the African American History Challenge held June 7-11 in Atlanta, Ga. The team is composed of Kenneth Rush from Crispus Attucks Middle School, Gordon Jackson of Park Tudor and Adrian Wynn of Craig Middle School. The team has trained for the event with Co-Chairs Pat Payne, of the Indianapolis Schools, and Kevin Davenport, 100 Black Men of Indianapolis. ]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:21:15 PDT Written by Stacey Andell for www.schoolsk-12.com

Columbus Schools’ SuccessWorks Academy will be an alternative education program that aims to provide quality education to those students with continual and often severe behavioral issues. The Columbus Schools’ SuccessWorks Academy plans to admit students beginning in January of 2007. The SuccessWorks Academy will provide education to approximately 150 students in third to seventh grades. The school will not only follow a strong academic curriculum but offer services and trained counselors to address the social, emotional and physical health needs of students. ]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:17:42 PDT