Education News: December 4, 2009

Following are some of the top headlines from the world of education for the week ending December 4, 2009.

Can Charter Organizations Meet Reform Demands?
(Education Week, December 3)With school reform emphasizing the development of charters, an Education Sector report raises skepticism about charter-management organizations’ ability to adapt. The report questions whether management organizations have the resources necessary to comply with the demand of expanding the charter network on a large scale. The report concludes that the process of finding the proper staff and facilities with limited financial resources would be extremely difficult.

Early-Decision Applicants on the Rise
(Washington Post, December 4) Amidst a recession, Washington DC area colleges have seen a drastic rise in early-decision applications. With reports showing double digit increases, the spike is surprising compared to the gradual increases shown in previous years. If accepted the early-decision program requires applicants to commit to that particular university. This commitment has become a favorable idea for schools who wish to secure their financial future. As a result colleges have heavily promoted the early-decision program over the past few years. The program benefits prospective students by securing their academic future early and avoiding stressful months of waiting.

New York City Overhaul Continues
(New York Times, December 3) On Wednesday The New York City Department of Education announced that it will close four struggling schools. Part of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s school overhaul plan, the four schools would add to the previous total of 91 New York closings since 2002. Teachers from the closing schools are being asked to either apply for positions at other institutions or temporary placements.

Lawsuit Accuses District of Violating Students’ Rights
(USA Today, November 25) A lawsuit has been filed against the North Florida School District, which forbade students from wearing anti Islam T-shirts to school. The American Civil Liberties Union accused the district of violating students’ first amendment rights. School officials defend their decision citing their school dress code.

Company Pushes For Healthier School Lunches
(USA Today, December 02) Revolution Foods, a small private company, pushes to improve school meals. The company produces all-natural and healthy meals for about the same price as less wholesome options. Founded in 2006, Revolution Foods started by supplying food to one school. Since then Revolution Foods has expanded their network to 235 public schools.

Los Angeles District to Increase Number of “Pilot Schools”
(Los Angeles Times, December 3) A new deal will increase the number of “pilot schools” in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The small schools will allow teachers and administrators to develop their own rules for school operations. Unlike charters the “pilot schools” will not operate independently of direct district control. However the schools will include similarities to charters, including a limited adherence to union contracts.

Teacher Uses Internet To Improve Student Writing
(Boston Globe, December 3) Neil Kulick, a sixth grade teacher at Thurston Middle School in Westwood Massachusetts, has introduced a class website in an attempt to improve student writing. Kulick uses a wiki application which allows students to post work, collaborate, revise and critique each others writing online. The wiki was created in response to the district’s push to establish online communities. Both teachers and students have been thrilled by the results.