Education News: January 29, 2009

Following are some of the top headlines from the world of education for the week ending January 29, 2010.

President Calls to Rewrite Laws
(New York Times, January 29) In his State of the Union address, President Barrack Obama called for a rewrite of the education laws that delineate federal involvement in public schools. Congress’ last rewrite of the 45 year old laws was in 2001. The process took over a year and resulted in the birth of No Child Left Behind. Experts say that rewriting the laws may take even longer than in the past due to bipartisanism and a long list of congressional priorities.

President Wants to Increase School Funding
(USA Today, January 28th) On Wednesday night, President Barrack Obama called for increased education funding during his State of the Union address. The president will petition congress for up to $4 billion dollars for education in the 2011 budget. The new funds will be used to improve both elementary and secondary schools, and will focus on improving teacher quality. A portion of the funds will be slated to expand the Race to the Top grant program.

More Schools Add Personal Finance Courses
(USA Today, January 23rd) Since 2007 the number of states requiring high schools to offer personal finance courses has increased from nine to fifteen. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner has supported finance courses. Society has a responsibility to ensure that students graduate with a basic understanding of economics, explains Geithner. With a struggling economy complicating personnel finance, parents and educators view finance education as more important then ever.

Budget Cuts May Result in New York City Teacher Layoffs
(New York Times, January 29th) With a struggling economy and pending budget cuts, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has said that the city may be facing a series of teacher layoffs. Bloomberg outlined the worst case scenario explaining that there may be as many as 11,000 of its 79,000 teacher layoffs. With a decrease in the numbers of teachers, students will likely face increased class sizes a problem that has both teachers and parents very concerned.

Massachusetts Adopts Oral Health into Preschool Curriculum
(New York Times, January 29th) In an effort to improve hygiene, Massachusetts has become the first state to require that preschool teachers include “toothbrush time” for students who eat lunch. Experts have said that good oral hygiene is important for preschoolers’ health for it lowers the risk of infections that could lead to more serious health problems. While some parents have embraced the program, many have accused schools of over stepping boundaries.

Colorado Public School Enrollment Increases
(Denver Post, Januaray 26th) The Colorado Department of Education has reported that state public school enrollment is on the rise. With nearly 14,000 more students enrolling in public schools, the state faces a nearly 2% jump for the second straight year. The state’s number of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunches has also grown. The increase, an indicator of poverty, may be reflective of America’s struggling economy.

Philadelphia Battles School Violence
(Philadelphia Inquirer, January 29th) With Philadelphia school violence on the rise, teachers and parents have had enough. On Thursday night city residents and educators voiced their concerns to the Philadelphia Commission of Human Rights hoping to find a resolution. In schools like Audenried High School and South Philadelphia High neighborhood and gang violence is spilling into the classroom. With no firm disciplinary policy, schools are struggling to provide safe environments for their students. But schools can no longer blame school violence on neighborhood problems, says Debra Weiner an education activist. Debra has stressed the importance for schools to take the lead.