Making the Grade in TechnologyTechnology Counts, in association with the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center, has just come out with a list of states that "made the grade" in their use of instructional technology. All fifty states were reviewed on a combination of factors, including computer access and staff technology skills.
www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2006/05/04/35trends.h25.html
The Girl ZoneIn Chicago, girls have it all over boys when it comes to admission to prestigious prep schools—in some private schools, as many as 70% of students are female. The pattern, mirrored in universities around the country, is inspiring some to suggest that boys might need a little "affirmative action" in order to improve their acceptance rates:
www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-prep03.html
Spelling It OutThanks to a rash of fictional attention, spelling bees are coming into the national spotlight. Inspired by recent books, movies, and even a musical about the contests, the ABC network is covering the Scripps National Spelling Bee—in primetime. Previously the bee had been covered by ESPN.
www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/05/02/spelling.bee.ap/index.html
By the NumbersThe Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development is offering a range of exciting links to make math more engaging for students and teachers alike. The links focus on the beauty of numbers and the underlying structure of mathematics:
www.ascd.org/portal/site/ascd/index.jsp
Different StrokesA recent survey by Newsweek magazine confirms what many of us already know: that different students will succeed in different environments. The survey, which looked for the nation's top schools, found that more students flourished in environments tailored to their own talents and needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to education:
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12532668/site/newsweek
A Mixed BlessingA recent study focusing on highlighting both the pros and cons of Internet use among young people found a range of both. On the up side, students from low-SES backgrounds who used the Internet had an edge on similarly situated peers. On the down side, while websites and chatrooms can provide support for students in trouble, they can also give them unhealthy advice on how to persist in dangerous behaviors:
www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/internet_kids.html
Vocational Training Goes White-CollarThe traditional image of "vo-tech" is often associated with blue-collar professions. But recently, more schools have begun providing vocational training in "hard" academic subjects as well, specifically scientific and health professions like biotechnology.
www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2006/04/23/vocational_education_its_not_your_grandfathers_trade_school
Designer GenesInterested in the Human Genome Project—or genetics generally? The site of the National Human Genome Research Institute is the place for you! Areas covered on the site include a genetics FAQ, information on careers, research and grants, and educational resources. The project is a division of the National Institute of Health.
www.genome.gov
Travel Virtually Anywhere
Well, not quite anywhere—but you can still go a lot of places without leaving your computer, thanks to Ball State's Electronic Field Trips! The trips include a TV broadcast, website, and classroom resources.
www.bsu.edu/eft/home/00front.htm
Putting a Cap on CyberlearningA financial one, at least—that's the subject of a proposal currently under discussion in Pennsylvania's state legislature. The bill would set a maximum of $5000 for tuition for online charter schools, and place other limits on their access to public funds as well: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_446751.html
