Maddie Rullo //Aug. 31, 2011 // 10:06 AM
Just Google It: How Search Engines Stunt College Students' Research Skills (GOOD - August 30)
A two-year study concluded that students have a difficult time performing sophisticated research, either online or in the library, due to their reliance on simple Google searches.
Lessons From the One-Room Schoolhouse (Wall Street Journal - August 31)
In 2009, 237 public schools had only one teacher, down from 463 in 1999, according to federal data. While these schools often lack amenities like computer labs, sports, music, libraries and nurses, they foster close relationships with teachers, peers, parents and community.
CALIFORNIA: L.A. Unified Gives Insiders First Chance at New Charter Campuses (Los Angeles Times - August 31)
The Los Angeles Board of Education made a major change to its charter school policy, deciding unanimously to give teachers and administrators priority in submitting plans for new campuses, rather than charter school operators and other outsiders.
ILLINOIS: First Year Performance at Illinois Public Universities and Colleges (Chicago Tribune - August 31)
How well do high school students transition into college? The Chicago Tribune has a new tool that shows how Illinois high school grads fared when they became college freshman. The answer: not very well.
MASSACHUSETTS: Special Needs Agencies Faulted (Boston Globe - August 31)
Massachusetts state laws and oversight of the special education system are badly outdated, according to a report to be released today by state auditor Suzanne Bump. Her office has found evidence of excessive salaries and pension violations at six of the state's 30 agencies.MISSOURI: Kansas City School District Loses Leader Who Began Turnaround Effort (New York Times - August 30)
Dr. John Covington managed one of the most aggressive turnaround efforts in the nation in Kansas City. But last week, he resigned abruptly to take a high-paying job as chancellor of an initiative to improve the schools in Michigan, starting with those in Detroit.NEVADA: At Start of School Year, Teacher Unions are Not Happy (Las Vegas Sun - August 31)
In Nevada, only a few of the state's 17 school districts have made agreements with their teacher unions. Many school districts started the new school year without a new contract and teachers have been warned that they could face layoffs unless they agree to concessions.NEW JERSEY: Bullying Law Puts New Jersey Schools on Spot (New York Times - August 30)
The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, a new state law set to take effect on Sept. 1, is receiving criticism from parents and educators who say it may cross the line. Considered the toughest legislature against bullying in the nation, the law allows schools to report bullying to the police through an anonymous tip line.
NEW YORK: Teachers Union Seeks Appeal of Court Ruling on Release of Ratings (WNYC - August 30)
The United Federation of Teachers is appealing a state court ruling that says teachers' ratings can be released publicly. The teachers union claims the state court "significantly narrowed" the rights of teachers and all state employees in its ruling.
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