Schools News Around the Blogosphere

Economy takes toll on education funding
National Public Radio
By Larry Abrahmson
Education budgets are getting hit by higher costs for fuel and food, and by lower tax revenues due to the real estate downturn. School budgets often take a slap when the economy sputters, as it's doing now. But some states are trying to protect schools from lousy economic conditions.

The Great Crisis in Workforce Skills Debate
Tom Sticht, Columnist EducationNews.org
In June 2008 a National Commission on Adult Literacy presented the final report of a two year study of the skills of the American workforce and the demands for skills in the workplace. Entitled "Reach Higher, America:
Overcoming Crisis in the U.S. Workforce", the report states "Almost a decade into the 21st Century, America faces a choice: We can invest in the basic education and skills of our workforce and remain competitive in today's global economy, or we can continue to overlook glaring evidence of a national crisis and move further down the path to decline."

Student Gains in Privately Managed Philadelphia Schools - Nearly Double Those in District Schools
State Tests Show Increases in Student Achievement at EdisonLearning Schools in both Reading & Math
School test scores recently released by the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment reveal that schools partnering with private education management organizations (EMO's) - including EdisonLearning - showed greater gains in student achievement than the schools operated by the Philadelphia School District.

"a warehouse for children of color."
HISD urged to reconsider alternative schools deal
Houston Chronicle
Ex-official blasts management of alternative schools
The Houston school board must decide next month whether to continue working with the private company that runs the district's two schools for students with serious discipline problems.

Disrupting Class may offer best hope for U.S. schools
Houston Chronicle
Surprise No. 1: America's public schools are actually improving, average scores inching upward despite increased numbers of immigrant and often poorly prepared children.

Teachers 'fear' smart students
The Age
An advocate says schools need special strategies for the gifted. TOO many teachers fear having very bright students in class because they feel ill-equipped to deal with them, according to a visiting campaigner on gifted children.

Calm Down or Else
New York Times
By BENEDICT CAREY
Unable to handle behavior disorders, many schools use forcible restraint. Is it abuse? The children return from school confused, scared and sometimes with bruises on their wrists, arms or face. Many won't talk about what happened, or simply can't, because they are unable to communicate easily, if at all.