Education News: November 11, 2005
Following are some of the top headlines from the world of education for the week ending November 11, 2005.
Children open their hearts in letters to soldiers
(Source: CNN.com, 11/11/05) Mississippi students' heartfelt letters
to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan are being published in a book titled,
Dear Soldier, if you get hurt call my mama. These same original
letters will be on display at the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia in
Norfolk. The letters that are both unedited and honest have brought smiles
and warmth to soldiers around the world.
No Child Left Behind is central to contract talks
(Source: CNN.com, 11/10/05) In Sandy, Oregon, a cancelled homecoming
game and restless students are the result of a three-week teacher strike.
The strike was imposed to renegotiate salaries, benefits, and to frame contract
language guarding teacher positions if their schools do not meet NCLB standards.
Educators are concerned about being replaced or terminated if their schools
fail to achieve mandated standards set by the law.
Panel approves 2 bills allowing school takeover in New Orleans
(Source: The Times-Picayne, 11/10/05) On Wednesday two bills that
will give the state control over rebuilding the New Orleans school system
were passed. Governor Kathleen Blanco stated she is committed to bringing
schools back, better than before. The passing of these laws
will require the state to take over all 117 New Orleans schools.
Schools urged to prepare for flu
(Source: edweek.org, 11/09/05) The United States Department of
Health and Human Services released a 400 page document addressing the possibility
of a flu epidemic and plan of action last week. The paper stresses the importance
of preparation and also proposes possible solutions to specific situations
that could arise in the future.
Educators take serious look at video games
(Source: eschoolnew.com, 11/08/05) The Federation of American Scientists
held events in Washington, D.C. recently to promote video games for educational
advancement. The FAS is interested in implementing pedagogical games into
curriculum and demonstrating how gaming can promote student
achievement and increase overall interest in a variety of subjects.




