-
Charter schools are still needed in K-12 education
Bambi Majumdar EducationNever has the debate about charter schools been more prominent than now, when even presidential candidates are pushing the "school of choice" agenda. Proponents say charter schools will help bring about much needed educational reforms — and fast.
-
How do we concentrate? New insights into the brain
Dorothy L. Tengler Medical & Allied HealthcareFormer President George H.W. Bush's "Decade of the Brain" has come and gone, but many mysteries remain. And scientists continue to help the world better understand the brain's role in both health and behavior. For example, research has shown it takes one part of the brain to start concentrating and another to be distracted. Our brains pay attention in one of two ways — either willfully, which is goal oriented; or reflexive, which may be in response to sensory information (think bright lights or loud noises).
-
Increasing our focus on general academic vocabulary
Erick Herrmann EducationThere has been much discussion around the topic of academic language instruction for English learners, and for all students. The discussion has revolved around the need to teach students the language of academia, the language of college and career readiness, and language needed to be successful in our ever-changing society.
-
ITT Tech hangs nursing students out to dry
Joan Spitrey Healthcare AdministrationOn Sep. 6, ITT Technical Institute announced to its students that it would discontinue operations effective immediately due to new unfulfilled requirements placed on them by the U.S. Department of Education. With this announcement, tens of thousands of students at more than 130 campuses in 39 states found themselves stalled in their educational pursuits.
-
The play debate: Do preschoolers need more free time?
Sheilamary Koch EducationGrowing concern about preschool and kindergarten students being ready for the academic rigors they'll face in primary is leading some schools to shift the focus away from activities seen as less fundamental. This frequently translates into reduced time for recess, free play or creative arts; and a larger portion of the school day spent seated in direct instruction.
-
Understanding international students: Classroom applications
Douglas Magrath EducationThere are many benefits for instructors who have an understanding of their learners' cultures as well as their own culture. For example, a teacher's comments may be misunderstood because of the different ways teachers communicate in L1 cultures.
-
3 reasons why students should actively participate in group projects
Linchi Kwok EducationSeptember is a special month for students, because it marks the start of a new academic year. Many students feel excited as they enroll in new classes, meet new professors and make new friends. Such excitement, however, may soon be wiped off by a professor who requires them to work on a group project in class.
-
Restroom rules: Where do we go from here?
Brian Stack EducationIn May, a joint letter from the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights clarified for educators what schools must do to ensure the civil rights of transgendered students. The letter served not to make changes to the law, but rather to clarify that the civil rights of transgender students are covered under Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972.
-
The importance of financial education in K-12 curriculum
Bambi Majumdar EducationCNN's Heather Long recently raised an important question for American schools: Why is financial education not considered as important a subject as sex education? When sex education was introduced and made compulsory, there was apprehension as to whether this is a good subject for discussion among impressionable minds. Yet surveys have shown that this investment has paid off with teen pregnancies declining dramatically in the last two decades.
-
Ending the torture of bullying: Resources, lesson plans and activities
Debra Josephson Abrams EducationFebruary: African American History Month. March: Women's History Month. May: Asian Pacific Heritage Month. November: American Indian Heritage Month. According to the Law Library of Congress, these are among a number of months during which U.S. schools host activities to enlighten students about the significance of those being commemorated. American teachers are aware of these commemorative months and plan lessons accordingly.
All Education Articles