Education News: January 16, 2009

Following are some of the top headlines from the world of education for the week ending January 16, 2009.

Results Show Mass. Near Top Internationally in Math and Science
 (Boston Globe, January 10, 2009)  The results of a recent math and science exam conducted by Boston College called the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), put Massachusetts students far above their national peers and on par with international leaders in education Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.  Massachusetts highest achievement was coming on second on the Grade 4 science exam, while the US as a whole placed 11th on that exam.  The test was developed by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement in Amsterdam and was taken by about 425,000 fourth- and eighth grade students last year.  It is considered the largest assessment of international student performance in math and science.  This demonstrates Massachusetts success as a leader in education reform.  The test also revealed a continuing, though shrinking, gender gap in both Massachusetts and across the country, with males consistently scoring higher than females.

Company Rents Textbooks Using Netflix as Example
(USA Today, January 11, 2009) A company called Chegg has joined the world of college textbook rentals with Netflix as its guide.  Students can go to the website, rent a textbook which will be sent to them via UPS, and they will save 50%-70% compared to buying the book.  Chegg’s business is booming in a down economy where everyone is looking for a deal.  Rental prices are set based on the cost, popularity, age and condition of a book, with shipping ranging from four to seven dollars.  Writing in the books is not allowed, but students are allowed to highlight reasonably.  In face, surveys show many students prefer a book that has been highlighted.  The company has over 1 million books, which are housed in Louisville, KY.  Chegg does have competitors in BookRenter.com and CampusBookRentals.com, but claims to be the leader in the industry.

National Grassroots Campaign Gives Science a Boost
(San Francisco Chronicle, January 12, 2009)  In an effort to give science a boost in public opinion, a national grassroots kicked off the "Year of Science 2009" on Sunday with the goals of elevating science literacy and informing people of its social value.  The kickoff event was held in San Francisco's Crissy Field Center and sponsored by Bay Area Science, a network that includes science research centers, museums, libraries, businesses, schools and government agencies.  The national, yearlong campaign will be organized through themes such as evolution, astronomy and weather.  Upcoming in February are Charles Darwin’s birthday and also Abe Lincoln’s birthday, as he launched the national academy of science.

School Officials Try to Claim Chunk of Bailout Funds
(USA Today, January 12, 2009)  School officials at several cash strapped schools have begun devising ways to get a share of government bailout money.  In Olmstead Falls, Ohio, Superintendent Todd Hoadley filled out the necessary paperwork to receive money from the government’s Troubled Asset Relief Program.  While he admits that he is using hyperbole, his message is clear: “Don’t forget public education.”  In Broward County, Florida, the superintendent requested $500 million in bailout funds to replace the money cut out from their budget over the past two years.  School districts across the country are praying that the government remembers them when deciding on aid proposals.  Most are counting on congress’ stimulus package to provide $25 billion for school construction, teacher training and other chronically underfunded line items.  Many schools are still finding other possible ways to cut costs.  Some, however, are pointing to teacher contracts with guaranteed raises as a cause of the financial problems because it leaves them without much flexibility.

Obama’s Secretary of Education Pick Reveals Little in Confirmation Hearing
(New York Times, January 13, 2009)  Arne Duncan, in his confirmation hearing before the Senate, gave few specifics as he vowed to work towards “real and meaningful change” in the nation’s schools, hoping that President-elect Barack Obama’s example as a model student would inspire America’s youth.  He said very little on how he intended to bring about the change or what his intentions were for No Child Left Behind.  Regarding NCLB, he praised provisions that required schools to break out test scores for all student groups because that allows educators to focus on the achievement gaps between minority and white students.  He also said, however, that schools should not be sanctioned where only a few students were behind.  He said that he and the Obama administration intend to expand early childhood programs, encourage charter schools, improve teacher training and recruitment, reduce the high school dropout rate and increase college access.  He, as he has done since being chosen by Obama as Secretary of Education, walked a thin line between the belief that reform must come from teachers and the idea that school-based health clinics and other social programs are keys to improvement.  Most of the dozen senators present expect Duncan to pass unanimously.

Maiden Voyage of Hybrid School Bus in Denver
(Denver Post, January 14, 2009)  Colorado’s first hybrid bus, which uses both diesel and electric power, had its maiden voyage to Hillcrest Elementary on Tuesday afternoon.  The bus uses 70% less diesel, reduces Carbon Dioxide emissions by 40%, and requires drastically less engine maintenance.  The bus’ driver said that, contrary to other hybrids, the bus has plenty of power and had no trouble reaching 65 mph.  The school district purchased the bus with help from a state rebate for alternative fuels, in order to save on maintenance costs and to leave less of a carbon footprint.  After the rebate the hybrid only costs about $35,500 more than the traditional bus which costs about $100,000, which will be made up in savings in about 15 years.  Many of the students thought the ride was smooth and peaceful.

Teachers’ Union in Washington, D.C. Wants List of Teachers Facing Dismissal
(Washington Post, January 16, 2009)  The Washington Teachers’ Union is claiming that the district is obligated by contract to release the names of the teachers who must improve performance in 90 days or face dismissal.  Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee, however, believes such a release would be counterproductive and the issue will be discussed at Friday’s D.C. Council hearing on school personnel.  The 90-day plans are part of Rhee’s goal to remove ineffective teachers, which also will probably include a buyout program and increased use her ability to fire teachers with provisional teaching licenses.  While the 90-day plan has been on D.C.’s books for years, it was rarely used until talks over Rhee’s plan of salary increases in exchange for tenure stalled.  Under the 90-day plan, s teacher can be placed on the 90-day plan if he or she receives 6 or more unsatisfactory ratings of 17 categories by an administrator who observes a classroom lesson with advanced notice.  The teacher is then given a “helper teacher” to work out the problems, and then will be observed 3 more times over the 90 days without notice.  If he or she receives at least 3 more unsatisfactory ratings, he or she can be fired.