http://www.schoolsk-12.com/parents/ School News provided by Schools K-12 en-us Sun, 11 May 2008 22:59:42 PDT Sun, 11 May 2008 22:59:42 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