Education issues and events, with all their complexities, are often presented in the media. In this post you’ll see links to four episodes broadcast recently on the PBS NewsHour. Each link opens to a transcript of the episode, and for each there is also a link for streaming video (for which you may have to download RealPlayer). If you investigate the NewsHour site (especially the "Browse by Topic" >> Education links near the top, you are sure to find coverage of education news that is interesting and important to you.
School Reform in Washington, D.C.
School Chancellor Michelle Rhee has initiated efforts to improve student performance. Her proposals regarding tenure, teacher pay, and professional development have met resistance from some of the district’s teachers. This transcript may lead you to see the perspectives of both school administrators and teachers.
New Orleans Charter Schools Produce Mixed Results
There are now more than 5,000 charter schools in the U.S. From the transcript: “Charter schools are public schools, open to all and paid for with tax dollars. They're free from board control and often from teacher unions, and so, unlike traditional public schools, charters make their own decisions about curriculum, staffing, and student rules.” This transcript offers several perspectives on the strengths and challenges of charter schools.
A Goal: Increase College Enrollment of Low-Income Students
A high school teacher in St. Louis is interviewed about his work to help students enter college. The College Summit Program was started in 1993 to work in partnership with schools, school districts and colleges to develop a sustainable model for closing the college enrollment gap among low-income students. College Summit has served more than 35,000 high school seniors and trained more than 1,200 teachers and counselors.
Middle School “Future Cities” Competition Integrates Skills
The National Engineers Week Future City Competition organizes a yearly nationwide competition designed to build students’ skills in problem-solving, teamwork, research and presentation skills, practical math and science applications, and computer skills. More than 30,000 students from 1,100 middle schools participated in this year's regional contests. They all designed and tested their urban planning ideas using a computer game called "SimCity 4." This NewsHour episode highlights a few of the benefits for students who participate and tracks one team in the Finals.
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