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