Education News: December 11, 2009

Following are some of the top headlines from the world of education for the week ending December 11, 2009.

Teacher Evaluation Systems May Take Time to Develop
(Education Week, December 10) With a national push toward education reform, many school districts have begun to develop new teacher evaluation systems. Spurred by the prospect of federal funding, districts aspire to hold educators to higher levels of accountability. However, with so many districts aiming for change many are discovering limited examples of teacher evaluation models to build on. As a result proposed reforms are likely to take time to develop.

Are School Lunch Quality Standards too Low?
(USA Today, December 8) An investigation has found that the quality of meat offered in school lunches is often lower than the standards of many fast-food restaurants. While the disparity may be attributed to the fast-food industry’s push for higher standards, the issue has raised concerns about the nutritional value of school lunches. The U.S Department of Agricultural has defended the National School Lunch program, insisting that they offer schools quality products.

National Principal Standardize on the Horizon
(Education Week, December 10) The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards announced that the framework for their principal national certification program is in place. The news comes during a time of education reform, as the Obama administration pushes for a system of teacher and administrative accountability. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has praised the effort, highlighting the importance of effective management for a school’s success. The program could start as soon as 2011.

Researchers Having Trouble Evaluating Preschool Training
(Education Week, December 11) In an era that puts teachers’ colleges under immense scrutiny, education experts find it difficult to discern effective ways to teach early childhood students. Last week at Georgetown University, a meeting of educations’ top researchers concluded that the lack of preschool standards complicates research and compromises effective professional development. The news comes during a national effort to improve the quality of early childhood education.

Controversial Lesson Plan Replaced
(USA Today, December 02) December 10) In response to a lawsuit, San Francisco School Superintendent Kristin Vital has recommended to replace a controversial elementary school lesson plan with a series of supplemental children’s books. Implemented by the Alameda Board of Education, the 45 minute lesson plan addressed topics related to same sex discrimination. The lawsuit accused the board of discriminating against religious families. Other parents argue that elementary school is too early to talk to students about same sex relationships.

Pennsylvania Senate Scrutinize State Charters
(Philadelphia Inquirer, December 8) The Pennsylvania Senate’s Education Committee has unveiled legislation that will provide additional administrative oversight to state charters. The bill comes as a reaction to the possible fiscal exploitation of some Philadelphia-charters and will serve as an update to the states preexisting charter laws.

Teacher Uses Internet To Improve Student Writing
(Chicago Tribune, December 8) In an effort to improve overall student performance, Niles West High School in Skokie Illinois, has divided their student body into single-sex homerooms. Implemented by Principal Kaine Osburn, the program is now in its second year. By separating genders by homeroom, Osburn hopes to create a setting that is more comfortable for teens. In addition to improved test scores, Osburn has stated that the school is learning a lot more about the needs of different genders.