Education Reform and Workforce Development

Position

News

• 12 Boston schools face 'make or break' makeover
  Sep 5, 2010 — Boston Herald
  At the seven most troubled schools, all 409 teachers and staff had to reapply for their jobs. The money will pay to keep teachers teaching an extra hour each day.
• As new year starts, high hopes for Phila.'s Promise Academies
  Sep 5, 2010 — The Philadelphia Inquirer
  Just 5 percent of Ethel Allen fifth graders read at grade level. When technology teacher Aaron Swan met Ackerman and mentioned he wanted to start a photography club but had no equipment, the superintendent told Swan to send her a list of what he needed. They will have longer school days and years, Saturday school, enrichment activities, tutoring, and lots of extras.
• Best colleges are the ones whose graduates find jobs
  Sep 5, 2010 — Chicago Tribune
  Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of Finaid.com and Fastweb. (OOTC:FSWBF) com, notes that only 53.7 percent of people who have graduated or left public colleges and universities are paying as expected. Kantrowitz noted that only 24.4 percent of Harvard Medical School graduates are repaying their loans. On average, she said, students can afford to devote 10 percent of their monthly pay to college loan payments, but if pay is very low, loans should also be limited.
• EDITORIAL
  Sep 5, 2010 — Richmond Times-Dispatch
  Judge Robert Mehrige's busing decision receives considerable play. He scorns the emphasis on testing, and concludes that Freeman and TeeJay approach the standards differently. If TeeJay's approach may be to its students' detriment, then the SOL regimen gives the school little choice.
• Improvement program starting at Petersburg schools
  Sep 5, 2010 — Richmond Times-Dispatch
  The program features small learning communities -- 15 students in a class -- for 60 students in each grade level. The city is becoming a political battlefield for charter schools. Bob McDonnell expressed his desire to see more charter schools in Virginia, including one in Petersburg.
• Is an Oklahoma City company creating for-profit public schools?
  Sep 5, 2010 — The Daily Oklahoman
  No charges were filed. Harris said he introduces people who are passionate about education and who go on to found the schools. Both Harris and VanAcker were investigated for their involvement with the contracts. Harris said volunteers sit on the nonprofit boards out of a passion for online education. It's insulting." Pivot Charter Schools Harris worked to get Pivot Online Charter School approved in Chico Unified School district in California.
• New UNC leader Ross built reputation as solution finder
  Sep 5, 2010 — The News and Observer
  He turned to Tom Ross. A longtime Superior Court judge, Ross had just spent a decade leading a commission that pushed through sweeping changes to the state's criminal sentencing laws. A 1972 graduate, Ross was a trustee before becoming its president three years ago. The program was a significant investment that diversified the student population. Ross has mingled easily with Davidson students.
• Phila.'s Promise Academies have a lot riding on them
  Sep 5, 2010 — The Philadelphia Inquirer
  Rendell on his way out. Also unclear is whether Ackerman's strategy will work. Just 5 percent of Ethel Allen fifth graders read at grade level. When technology teacher Aaron Swan met Ackerman and mentioned he wanted to start a photography club but had no equipment, the superintendent told Swan to send her a list of what he needed.
• Ross known as problem solver with open door
  Sep 5, 2010 — The Charlotte Observer
  A 1972 graduate, Ross was a trustee before he became its president three years ago. He was always deflecting the credit." Ross helped create Summit House, which has locations in Charlotte and the Piedmont, and a third coming soon in Durham. Davidson students lounge under massive oak trees and swing by Ross' home to play with his golden retriever, Chelsea. Ross has mingled easily with Davidson students.