Posts by Member
Education Jobs Bill Fighting to Gain a Foothold
Funding for education is on the forefront of just about everyone’s mind in America these days. After several states passed legislation to approve massive education budget cuts to reduce their deficits
Does Seniority Mean Effective Teaching?
In short, no. But what are we talking about? Recent legislation in New York State gives NYC principals the ability to lay off teachers despite seniority, providing parents and teachers a committee-bas
Across the US, Teachers Pack up their Classes for the Last Time
The time has come. Infamous state budget cuts are taking their toll all across the United States as many teachers have packed up their classrooms for the very last time. It’s a sad result for the stud
Bridge the Gap between School and Home
We’ve talked a lot about parents taking a proactive approach to their children’s education, from reading and math readiness to social skill development. There is a second phase to this hands-on approa
School Evaluation Website: Initial Focus – Chicago
Putting the information in the hands of parents and community members about their local schools, there is a current test for a school evaluation website. By entering a zip code, and locating the schoo
Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?
Although your child may be 5 years old, he may not be ready for kindergarten. How do you know if she is ready? We know your child is the light of your life and has showed incredible steps in their le
How to Find a Great School for Your Child
Every child is different. In order for a school to be great for your child, you will need to identify what you want for your child and what your child needs from school. Some issues to consider when
Now is the Time to Act to Save your Local Teachers’ Jobs
As the din continues to increase over reported decreases in teaching staff for the coming school year, Secretary Arne Duncan has taken advance steps to increase funding to support schools with the fin
Taking the Message to the Next Level: Contact Local Political Representatives
Taking a direct action to speak out against the recent budget cuts and take affirmative action for education reform, the Democrats for Education Reform as well as other education-minded organizations
A Guide for Parents to School our Kids at Home – Part VII – Social Skills
Every teacher knows that their job doesn’t stop with reading, writing and ‘rithmatic skills. There is a very real and ongoing need for teachers to help their students build social skills, from handlin
Want to be a Fly on the Wall of your Child’s School? Probably Not…
You go through the normal litany of questions when your child comes home from school. How was your day? Did you learn anything new? What do you have for homework? What papers do I need to see? Digging
Secretary of Education is Pushing the New Boundaries for Change
According to a recent NY Times article, “This is the most assertive secretary of education we’ve ever had,” said Carl Kaestle, an education historian at Brown University who has studied the federal ro
They are what they Eat: Chicago School Cafeterias Take Action for our Kids Health
Following in the footsteps of the incredible edible egg or cereal commercials promoting the need for a good breakfast for success at school, Chicago Public Schools are focusing on the lunches they se
What’s Stopping your Child from Getting to College?
Education budget cuts, short-staffed teachers and underperforming school boards are not the only road blocks between your child and a college education. According to recent research, the most blatant
Eradicating the Achievement Gap – Say Yes to Education
According to sayyestoeducation.org, the Syracuse University program designed to reduce the effects of the documented achievement gap between urban and suburban students has had great success since its
How Will School Reform Work without Teachers?
The news is full of stories noting the impending layoffs of thousands of US teachers as of the end of this school year, and those are just those school systems that have made the final decisions to cu
Focus is Finally Moving from Test Scores to the Kids We Educate
The No Child Left behind Act focused on the scores our children could achieve so their school systems could obtain the federal funding needed for supplies and resources and even salaries. It left a lo
Breaking the Momentum: Education Reform at Risk Due to Cut Education Budget Cuts in Many States
According to a press release from the US Department of Education, Education Secretary Arne Duncan testified before the Senate Appropriations committee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, a
Hey Students: Get Schooled.
Are you a middle school, high school or college student? If so, you need to know that you’re at the mercy of the voting public when it comes to your education options. As the federal government attemp
Failing All Over: An Overview of Graduation Statistics in the US
With the country focused on the debates in Washington around Education budgets and federal involvement in states’ individual education programs, it’s important to focus on the key facts that are drivi
Funding Has Begun to Help the Lowest Tiered Schools in the US
In previous blogs, we’ve talked about those pockets of schools that are known as “dropout factories” and the geographic areas that tend to produce the highest rate of high school dropouts on a consist
Parents – We Need to Step Up Our Involvement in Children’s Education Part IV – Learning Video Games
Have you found yourself having the ‘talk” with your kids about spending too much time on the computer or game console playing video games? It seems as parents we spend more time policing this pastime,
Parents – We Need to Step Up Our Involvement in our Children’s Education A Guide for Parents to School our Kid
In this day of online living, kids are spending more and more time on their computers and laptops, in the car, at school and at home. As a continuation of our list of educational video games available
Students – Speak out about Your Education!
Capitol Hill may be buzzing about the president’s new education bill, and state governments across the nation are struggling to meet the newly announced education standards while working around budget
As the Education Debate Heats Up: Some more Fuel for the Fire
Capitol Hill is abuzz with discussions, debates and arguments for and against the new education budget and plans for the future of education in our country. Some see federal involvement as a way to in