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