Microsoft, Google in battle to win over students - San Jose Mercury News

Microsoft, Google in battle to win over students - San Jose Mercury News:

"As they plunged into a project on ancient Egypt this fall, Jay Martino's Cupertino Middle School students probably didn't realize they were on the front lines of a high-stakes battle between Google and Microsoft.

But the sixth-graders, who did the entire research project on a 'walled' network of student Web sites using document-sharing software and e-mail provided by Google for free, are among the thousands of students worldwide that Google and Microsoft are fighting over."

With the recession taking a bite out of university endowments and public school budgets alike, the competition between Google and Microsoft to convert the nation's colleges, universities and schools to the companies' free e-mail and other IT services that run on the Internet "cloud" — outsourcing that can save a large university hundreds of thousands of dollars a year — has only grown more fierce. With the two companies fighting to baptize a future generation of computer users with their products, the stakes for both are significant.

The battle has already reshaped classroom technology. Just a year ago, Martino's sixth-graders would have generated reams of paper as they researched mummies, Cleopatra and King Tut. This fall, the students' work exists on the "cloud" — bits of data flowing across Google's network, accessible from any computer with a Web browser and a password.

LEI Overview

LEI Overview

Overview


LEI – The Game consists of fifteen interactive missions in which students complete a variety of activities to help them learn important personal finance concepts. Within each mission, students are introduced to a character who is facing a particular financial crisis. As a part of the Gen I Revolution, the student learns about the crisis, strategically selects “Operatives”, and then completes activities with the ultimate goal of solving the mission.

The competitive nature as well as the engaging activities provides a motivating learning environment for students. Combined with the Learning, Earning and Investing® print materials, LEI – The Game provides a comprehensive investor education program that your students will love.

To learn more about each of the fifteen missions, see the details below. Teachers have the ability to enable/disable each of the missions for their students. In addition, teachers can create teams and track student progress. Complete the registration form to have your students join the Gen I Revolution.

Audience: 6-12 Grade Students

Time Frame: Each Mission will take about 30 minutes to complete.

Computer game draws students into an interactive world of financial know-how - JSOnline

Computer game draws students into an interactive world of financial know-how - JSOnline:

"Mark Schug is looking for high school and middle school operatives to help computer game heroine Monique return financial power to the people.

The retired education professor's search begins Friday at a meeting of economics teachers at Miller Park.

Schug says the 90-plus teachers attending the meeting of the Association of School Economics Teachers are perfect recruiters for the new game he created with two other financial literacy advocates.

'Monique is demanding - she only wants right answers,' said Schug, a retired education professor."

Texas education head warns of 'federal takeover'

Texas education head warns of 'federal takeover':

Texas education head warns of 'federal takeover'

Embrace of 'common standards' by Obama administration is first step to losing local control, Scott says.

"Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott said Wednesday that the Obama administration is marching toward a federal takeover of the nation's public schools — and Texas should fight it.
The first step, he said, is an effort to develop common math and English curriculum standards that is being led by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers."

Participation in the ongoing common standards effort is part of the criteria for a $4 billion federal grant program called Race to the Top.

Texas and Alaska are the only states not participating in the common standards effort. Scott said Texas is already ahead of the other states in developing tough standards.

The U.S. Education Department appears to be "placing its desire for a federal takeover of public education above the interests of the 4.7 million schoolchildren in the state of Texas by setting two different starting lines — one for nearly every other state in the country and one for Texas," Scott wrote last week in a letter to the state's congressional delegation.

"Because Texas has chosen to preserve its sovereign authority to determine what is appropriate for Texas children to learn in its public schools," said Scott, "the state is now placed at a serious disadvantage in competing for its share of (the grant money)."

Class Struggle - Finally some sense about 21st century skills--part one, the Jerald report

Class Struggle - Finally some sense about 21st century skills--part one, the Jerald report:

"Just when I was losing hope of any practical advice on how our schools might adapt to the new century and the new economy, two smart people have come to save me. The first, Washington-based education analyst Craig Jerald, has produced a report, astonishingly clear and insightful for a topic usually riddled with hyperbole. The second, educator Tony Wagner, is the author of a ground-breaking book I should have read last year, but that's me, always having to catch up.

Today I will examine Jerald's report, since it is relatively new. Next week I will review Wagner's book. The week after that I hope to have a dialogue with Wagner, since we have some differences that will be easier to resolve if he can defend himself against my possibly ill-informed gibes."

Report: Universities try to cover up rapes - USATODAY.com

Report: Universities try to cover up rapes - USATODAY.com:

"A Washington-based investigative journalism organization said in a report issued Tuesday that it found a 'culture of secrecy' surrounding sexual assault cases on university campuses across the U.S.

The report by the Center for Public Integrity showed that nearly half of the 33 female students it interviewed in the past year about being raped were unsuccessful in pursuing criminal charges."

That left the campus judiciary system as their only recourse. But victims who take that route "face proceedings that are shrouded in secrecy, where they encounter mysterious disciplinary proceedings, where they themselves are shut out of the hearing process," Kristen Lombardi, lead reporter on the nine-month investigation, said during a news conference broadcast Tuesday.

Nearly a third of the 33 victims said school administrators discouraged them from pursuing complaints, and about a dozen experienced confidentiality requirements "sometimes followed by threats of punishment if they were to disclose any information about the case," Lombardi said.

Gates Foundation commits $12.9M to college technology - USATODAY.com

Gates Foundation commits $12.9M to college technology - USATODAY.com:

"SEATTLE (AP) — The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation wants to help community colleges use technology to improve and go beyond basic online classes.

The $12.9 million in grants the foundation announced Thursday will support a variety of programs — from supporting teachers to using social media and creating virtually learning labs."

BILL GATES: Using influence to push education reform

COLLEGE TECH: 'Catching up' with students

 
The foundation's leader of its college program says they are targeting the best new ideas for improving learning opportunities for low-income young adults. The grants will focus on science and math and affect colleges across the nation.

In addition to making online and digital classes better, the foundation wants to help create new networking tools and education games to make learning interactive, enjoyable and relevant.

Jamaica High School to close doors, ending it's rich history in Queens

Jamaica High School to close doors, ending it's rich history in Queens:

"A once preeminent Queens high school will close its doors, city officials announced Thursday.

But the century-old Jamaica High School won't go down without a fight.

'This is a travesty,' said teachers union chapter leader James Eterno. 'We're outraged. . . . In the middle of the game, the Department of Education pulled the rug out from under us.'

After the state removed Jamaica from the 'persistently dangerous' list and the school's graduation rate jumped 10 percentage points, teachers and students relaxed."

The Associated Press: Obama pushes to turn around failing schools

The Associated Press: Obama pushes to turn around failing schools:

"WASHINGTON — The Obama administration will spend at least $3.5 billion to push local officials around the country to close failing schools and reopen them with new teachers and principals.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan hopes to see the 5,000 worst-performing schools, about 1 percent of all U.S. schools, turned around in five years. The administration is beefing up the federal school turnaround program, which was created under the No Child Left Behind law championed by former President George W. Bush.

'As a country, we need to get into the turnaround business,' Duncan said in a statement. 'Adults need to have the courage to make these tough decisions and do right by our kids.'"

DPS board, superintendent get coaching on making up - The Denver Post

DPS board, superintendent get coaching on making up - The Denver Post:

"COLORADO SPRINGS — Denver's seven-member school board and superintendent spent nine hours Thursday with a psychologist, learning how to better communicate and work together.

The word 'Kumbaya' was, indeed, uttered, and board members participated in various relationship-building exercises as they were coached on how to build trust and cohesion using constructive language, listening skills and empathy.

'This is skill-building,' said Susan Heitler, the Denver psychologist and marital therapist hired for $2,400 to lead the session. 'It's basically the same (as marriage counseling). The main difference is it's eight people rather than two.'"

Position Paper December 2009 « New Action – UFT

Position Paper December 2009 « New Action – UFT:

New Action – UFT

Fighting for educators, building chapters, increasing democracy, with a progressive agenda

"Educators are under attack. This is not news. What has changed in the last 30 years is a decrease in the effectiveness of the UFT to counter the power of the DOE. There are many reasons for this decrease starting with a young, new workforce with many barriers to union activity and a lack of connection to unionism. Teachers today have no connection to the necessary strikes and job actions of yesterday that produced workable conditions in our schools. There is no solidarity, union or otherwise.

Second is the change of pedagogic philosophy from an education model to a corporate model. We recognize some of the elements: top-down structure with no feedback or collaboration from teachers, data driven based on massive testing and without regard to proven educational practices (educate the whole child), establishing a subjective pay system based on merit and bonuses, and strongly anti-union."

Insideschools.org » Parent “ambassadors” to help with HS admissons

Insideschools.org » Parent “ambassadors” to help with HS admissons:

"Eighth-graders and their families are in the final frenzy of filling out high school applications before tomorrow’s Dec. 4 due date after a fall of attending fairs, visiting schools, taking exams, and auditioning.

The process is a daunting one, despite reforms in the system and efforts by the central enrollment office to get information out to parents. It’s especially confusing for families at risk, (as described in a June 2009 Schools Watch report), parents who don’t speak English, and those who don’t have time to research all the options. No wonder many are wondering, “is there a better way?” as our High School Hustle blogger Liz Willen asked in her recent post."
DOE officials agree that parents need all the help they can get. Yesterday they announced the launch of a “High School Admissions Ambassador” program, recruiting parents to teach parents about high school admissions.


The volunteer program, which involves three mandatory training sessions, won’t begin until 2010, too late for those filling out applications now, but in time for the new schools fair to be held in early February. At that time students can change their applications and apply to new schools.

The DOE is seeking 50 volunteers who will be selected based on “their statement of interest, commitment to the program, interpersonal skills and communication skills.” They must agree to attend five evening or weekend workshops and fairs throughout 2010.

GothamSchools - Breaking News and Analysis of the NYC Public Schools

GothamSchools - Breaking News and Analysis of the NYC Public Schools:

"The head of the union chapter at Jamaica High School said teachers there have been expecting the school’s closure for years and criticized the city for planning to open new small schools without offering help to the struggling large one.
James Eterno, a history teacher at Jamaica for 24 years, said teachers anticipated bad news after the school received a D on its progress report this year. But signs that the 1,500-student high school was in trouble had been apparent for years, he said"

D.C. charter schools frustrated with city in search for home - washingtonpost.com

D.C. charter schools frustrated with city in search for home - washingtonpost.com:

"Walking through a vacant District school building Thursday, Mary Shaffner could visualize the peeling paint replaced by fresh blackboards. Dusty hardwood floors marred by bird droppings could be polished to a gleam. Teachers and students would once again fill the halls of the Franklin School.

But to the developers also attending Thursday's open house, a hotel or condominiums might be more attractive, and it's likely they'll get their way. Two applications from charter schools to use the building have been rejected, including one from Shaffner's Yu Ying Public Charter School. The city said the renovation costs were too high, and there's little indication a new application will be accepted this time around."

The Educated Guess » Assembly bill to State: Keep hands off bulk of Race to the Top dollars

The Educated Guess » Assembly bill to State: Keep hands off bulk of Race to the Top dollars:

"Assembly Education Committee Chairwoman Julia Brownley may be offering what it takes to pique school districts’ interest in the federal Race to the Top competition: a promise of more money.

Her bill, ABX5-8, would require that at least 80 percent of dollars from the Race to the Top be reserved for school districts. That’s 30 percentage points more than the minimum of 50 percent that the federal regulations call for. That would mean a lot less money for the Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and the state Department of Education, which may have been coveting a very green Obama Christmas."

Entire Los Rios District faculty wins success award - News

Entire Los Rios District faculty wins success award - News:

"The faculty of the Los Rios Community College District was presented the Student Success Award for creative approaches towards student success on Nov. 21.

Every year Dr. Jack Scott, Chancellor of the California Community Colleges League, gives a California community college district's faculty the award.

Cosumnes River College's Vice Chancellor of Education and Technology William Karns said that a community college district must meet a length roster of requirements to be considered for the award."

A Change in Plans - The Daily Californian

A Change in Plans - The Daily Californian:

"Once every decade, the state Legislature revisits the blueprint for California's public universities-the 1960 Master Plan for Higher Education. And this once-in-a-decade event couldn't be coming at a more appropriate time. With frustration rippling throughout the system, it's time for legislators to take responsibility for their role in creating this crisis in the first place.

The easy route for legislators, who will be convening hearings on various issues starting Monday, would be to praise the current system and wash their hands of culpability. Yes, California has been a world-renowned model for public higher education-until now. As our elected leaders, they've got to assess the system honestly and recognize the critical state our universities are in."

In his testimony Monday, we hope that UC President Mark Yudof refrains from spewing overly cheery news-he owes it to the university to be frank about the problems we face. The testimony is an opportunity for Yudof to be a truly independent advocate for the university, and he ought to take advantage of it.


As much as we support the ideals behind the master plan, it's clear that the system is much different than it was 50 or even 20 years ago. Legislators must come to terms with the reality of the situation, and the role the state has played in systematically defunding higher education.

The Maneater – Students should get involved with budget

The Maneater – Students should get involved with budget:

"Before Thanksgiving break, CNN ran headline after headline about University of California students protesting raised costs for higher education. Students protested outside the budget vote confirming a 32-percent hike in undergraduate tuition fees. Their voices were heard, and they made a splash, media-wise, but they'll still be paying $585 more in January and another $1,344 next fall.

Around the same time, MU students got some news: Gov. Jay Nixon and university system presidents agreed to cut budgets in exchange for freezing in-state tuition for the next academic year. The announcement secured little comfort for graduate and out-of-state students, but it was better news than what coastal students heard."

Views: Engineering Needs Flexibility - Inside Higher Ed

Views: Engineering Needs Flexibility - Inside Higher Ed:

"Two years ago, my daughter, Katherine, and I appeared on the cover of ASEE Prism magazine. A feature story by the American Society for Engineering Education on two generations of women engineers, perhaps? Not quite.

The cover story focused on how, at a time when the ranks of women faculty and deans in engineering have increased, the percentage of women who earn bachelor’s degrees in engineering is in decline. The lesson, supported by facts and data, is that our nation, our crumbling infrastructure and our ability to lead globally in the future are at risk because too few young people are choosing to study engineering. We will continue to lose talented would-be engineers who are female, as well as some who are male, until we change the traditional undergraduate engineering curriculum, one that is overly structured and lacks flexibility."

BUSD Trails State Averages in Fitness. Category: Front Page News from The Berkeley Daily Planet - Thursday December 03, 2009

BUSD Trails State Averages in Fitness. Category: Front Page News from The Berkeley Daily Planet - Thursday December 03, 2009:

"Results of the 2009 Physical Fitness Test released Monday by the state Department of Public Education show Berkeley public schools trailing their peers in six fitness categories.

Thirty-four percent of Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) fifth-graders met the criteria for all six areas of the test compared with 29 percent statewide. However, only 31 percent of seventh-graders met the same criteria compared with 34 percent throughout California.

Just 13.8 percent of ninth-graders met the criteria compared with 37.9 percent statewide"