A Safe Walk to School in Chicago

As I was reading this article, I remembered walking to and from school and never having to worry about being attacked verbally or physically. I applaud Chicago for creating a safe environment for children to walk to school by providing safety monitors along the route.  Although there are critics of the money being spent, I feel it is a step in the right direction if it increases the retention rate of the at-risk students that would otherwise not attend school out of fear of being hassled by those involved in gangs or other illegal activity.
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3754964

Education reduces blood pressure

This is an interesting article that relates to a study that was done on the root causes of high blood pressure in men and women.  It states that high blood pressure is highest among uneducated people who are single parents, have low paying jobs, inadequate housing, and health insurance.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12577353

This is one of those instances when an interesting article leaves you with more questions than answers.

Jill's Blog: MACUL Conference

Jill's Blog: MACUL Conference: "Anyone attending? This is my first time at the conference. Any do’s or don’ts that you would like to share are more than welcome."

Last year about 15 of my collegues went to the conference. There were nothing but postives comments about everything. They came back and shared everything they learned at a PD day. I wished I could have went. I think you are going to love it.

RMatthews - Tech: Teaching our children to be the best that they can...

RMatthews - Tech: Teaching our children to be the best that they can...: "Every day I look around and view the world that we live in and how different it has become. I see children out and about. I see ..."

I totally agree. It seems like alot of parents in today's world do not care at all about the well being of their children. When parents treat their children like they don't care or exist, I believe this is abuse. These children depend on the adults in their lives for guidance and support, and how horrible it must feel to not get that from the people in their lives they are closest to. It saddens me.

Watson's Blog: Surgical Procedures

Watson's Blog: Surgical Procedures: "I'm not sure how many of you are interested in viewing different types of surgical procedures or using them in your classrooms, but I have h..."

Sounds very interesting. I will check out the site and let you know what i think, but I can already tell you that I'm sure I will love it. What an awesome way to teach your students, seems very motivating.

Ten States Running Out of Smart People

This is an article that I obtained from 24/7 Wall Street in which they looked at  NAEP scores 2003-2009 in Math and Reading.  They noticed a decline in scores, number of people with bachelor degrees, and fewer residents who hold white collar jobs.  I find it interesting that Colorado was number one, and Michigan was number two as states with the greatest decline. In studies like this one, it is hard to attribute the decline to one or two factors, but it could explain the unemployment rate in those areas.  Certain states have jobs that need to be filled, but have high unemployment rates because the residents don't have the necessary skills to fill them.
http://247wallst.com/2011/02/07/the-ten-states-running-out-of-smart-people/

Oregon High School Threatens to Suspend Students for Cursing

This is an interesting way of handling students who express themselves by using profanity.  If the State approves of the way he is handling it, I for one hope that it catches on.  Some students don't seem to mind that adults hear them cursing.  Maybe if they learn how to conduct themselves in the schools, it will carryover to the workplace.

A focus on 21st Century skills

This is an interesting article about a group who have recognized that traditional skills being taught in some school districts are not preparing today's youth for a productive adult life.  Some schools are now recognizing that college is not designed for every student, and they should focus on other career and technical paths.  This could also increase the graduation rate for those students who now see a direct link between what they learn in school and real world options in their lives.  Making education relevant in the 21st century is a novel idea whose time has come. 

http://www.americaspromise.org/News-and-Events/News-and-Features/APB-2011/Vol-6/Pathways-to-Prosperity.aspx

Thoughts of a Teacher: Egypt and Social Media Lessons

Thoughts of a Teacher: Egypt and Social Media Lessons: "As we all know, a country shut down their ENTIRE INTERNET (both its hosted sites and accessibility) to try to quell a revolution. Face..."

Corporate Mentoring Project

First Lady Michelle Obama is spearheading a campaign that began at at Harvard to get companies across the nation involved in mentoring youth in communities.  a number of companies have already created and expanded their programs so that they mentor at risk boys and girls.  Mrs Obama points to mentoring as having a positive influence on high school dropouts, school absenteeism, and recurring behavioral problems.
http://www.americaspromise.org/News-and-Events/News-and-Features/APB-2011/Vol-5/Corporate-Mentoring-Challenge.aspx

Decreases in Teen Birthrates

Millions of dollars are being spent to ensure that teens are educated and not just told to abstain.  Apparently the message is getting through.  From 2007 to 2009, Georgia is among 10 states that experienced a drop in teen birth rates according to national statistics.  It wasn't so long ago that we had the worst percentage in the nation for teen birth rates and teen dropouts.  Hopefully with the decrease in the birth rate,we will experience an increase in the number of teens fininshing high school.
http://chronicle.augusta.com/latest-news/2011-02-03/ga-records-big-declines-teen-birthrates?v=1296760782

Graduated License Program

This article addresses new laws in all 50 states concerning the graduated license program for teen drivers between the ages of 14 to 16 years of age.  Unfortunately this age group is the most at risk because of their inexperience driving, and their ability to become easily distracted while driving.  By placing restrictions on them, limiting their driving privileges, and setting deadlines for obtaining full driving permits, adults are taking progressive steps in keeping our teens alive.

http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/3526583-423/license-driver-gdl-drivers-driving.html

Funding Opportunities

This is an interesting website that contains information about several grants that are available for extra money in the classroom.  It is nice to know that money is still available for the kids even in these economic times.
http://www.americaspromise.org/News-and-Events/News-and-Features/APB-2011/vol-5/Funding-Opportunities.aspx

The link to my delicious account

http://www.delicious.com/cousi1gl

Cyberbullying

Recently, Parents are reporting that kids are being bullied at school at an alarming rate.  Their first concerns were ignored because school officials didn't see the urgency and felt that it was harmless horseplay that started years ago.  The problem is that the hoseplay is now in cyberspace, and now involves more than just a small circle of bystanders-it's now on the internet. I came across this video on youtube about a father whose son committed suicide after being bullied on the internet. Georgia has now responded to the problem by passing an anti-bullying bill last year. Anti-Bullying Bill Unfortunately, it took suicides and lawsuits for parents and children to be taken seriouly.

Reforming the Juvenile Justice System

I was concerned about the teen crime rate in my area  and was prompted to do research to see what was being done.  One county in Georgia has chosen to reuse old mobile homes previously used by the schools before permanent buildings were completed.  The mobile homes are strategically placed throughout the county and house deputies who are accessible, and can respond immediately if there are problems. Trailers as Substations  This same county increased school resource officers in 2004 and have increased referrals into the justice system from 89 to 1400.  Although all these plans make perfect sense, none of these plans included the overcrowded conditions at the detention centers, and how so few judges would handle the additional workload.  In my research, I came across this video on youtube about a Judge who is confronting teen problems and also involving the parents.  I hope you like it.

The largest and the best

Georgia's largest school district, Gwinnett County Public schools has been cited as 1 of the best in the nation. They have always been aggressive in their instructional style, and it shows in their 84% graduation rate, with 90% of those attending college or other post secondary training.  Gwinnett County Schools  The system won $1 Million last year in college scholarships for low income students in their districts.  Their population is made up of 28% Black and 25% Hispanic.  When regular school ends at 2:30 pm, their community school offers classes for students, parents and the surrounding community from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm Monday thru Friday, and some special classes are held on Saturdays. All types of classes are offered from ballet, yoga,math,english, and defensive driving to cooking, arts and crafts, and computer. They have also partnered with a company called Georgia Public Web which provides internet services for all the schools and universities in the area.  Georgia Public Web: Your Hometown Connection Recently, they have had districts from out of state contacting them for advice on things they can do to have the success that Gwinnett County has experienced.

The Powder Keg Effect

The buzz this week is the fate of Atlanta Public Schools located in the urban part of the city.  They have been placed on probation, and are in jeopardy of losing their accreditation for changing answers on the CRCT Test forms.  I refer to the situation as a powder keg, because it has been a ticking time bomb for a few years.  The pressure of making the students appear to have made improvements over previous years, added to the pressure of principals and teachers being threatened with firings and /or demotions.  At one point, it looked as though the school system was on the right track.  They were pouring money into computers and software.  There were also centers that provided free computer access and training.  Community Technology Centers Although well meaning, the centers were not opened at convenient hours, and only provided basic training for those students and parents who had no computer at home. Unfortunately, there are no winners in the powder keg effect. After the investigation is complete, some teachers and principals will probably still lose their jobs.  Hopefully, students' admission applications will be accepted in the colleges of their choice.