The Des Plaines Police Department and Pace suburban bus system are considering purchasing a 17-acre property that is becoming available in Des Plaines. The property is currently owned by the Salvation Army, which is relocating. City officials see it as a potential site for a new police headquarters or Pace bus garage. The property has three buildings and is located at the corner of Algonquin and Mount Prospect Roads. It has been home to the Salvation Army since the early 1980s but has been on the real estate market for about a year. Officials will evaluate whether it can address the space needs of the police or Pace.
This document provides tips and examples for writing engaging story leads. Some recommended types of leads include a startling statement, an odd twist, an interesting detail, or an anecdote. Leads should get to the point quickly, use specific rather than general details, and avoid unnecessary words. Examples given include leads that open with a specific situation and then expand to broader context, leads that surprise the reader, and leads that should avoid stating obvious information. The document aims to help writers craft compelling introductions to draw readers into a story.
Elizabeth Ruddy, a graduating senior from Madrid-Waddington High School, gave a powerful speech at an advocacy event calling for more education funding for rural schools. She spoke about how budget cuts have negatively impacted opportunities for students in her rural school district. Ruddy argued that all students deserve equal access to educational opportunities regardless of where they live. Her speech emphasized that students in rural districts are just as important to the future of the country as those in wealthier districts. Ruddy's speech received a standing ovation and calls for her full speech to be shared online.
Pausd presentation february 2015 final (deleted e59b5d53e66c5b7ec2cf16f3dd8dd...beatricemotamedi
Castlemont High School held a talent show where a group performing a traditional Tongan dance called the "Haka Dancers" won first prize. The audience was supportive of all the acts. There is uncertainty around the departure of Principal John Lynch at the end of the school year and who will replace him.
The article discusses a change in the parking policy at Peters Township High School where junior students are now able to apply for parking permits if they meet rigorous requirements, such as maintaining a 3.8 GPA or participating in extracurricular activities. However, some juniors argue that the point system is unfair because students with jobs and extracurricular commitments would still be unlikely to receive a pass even if they truly need it. The administration is experimenting with different solutions to address parking issues and will continue making changes in the second semester.
- Murals are proposed as a way to increase unity and motivation among students at Foreman High School in Chicago to help address low graduation rates.
- An after-school program would be created where students can work together to design and paint murals in the school. This would provide students with a constructive activity and help build school spirit and pride.
- Fundraising efforts would seek donations from local businesses, the alderman, and community to cover supplies and food for the students. Completed murals would celebrate the school and community.
Murals are proposed as a way to help reduce dropout rates at Foreman High School in Chicago. A mural program would provide an after school activity for students to work together creatively. Murals could promote unity within the diverse student body and help motivate students academically. Fundraising would support the mural supplies and food for students. Local businesses, the alderman, and community would be asked to donate to unite the community through public art. The goal is for murals to help students succeed and feel proud of their school.
This document is an alumni magazine from the University of Hartford that includes the following:
- Statistics showing that a University of Hartford degree provides value, with high earnings and career outcomes.
- Stories of three recent graduates who were inspired by mentors from the University and are pursuing impactful careers.
- A message from the University President about the transformational power of great teaching and faculty mentoring.
May/June Garfield Gazette - Lakewood City Schoolsbutest
The document is a newsletter from Garfield Middle School that provides information about upcoming events and accomplishments from the school year. It includes a message from the principal highlighting academic and extracurricular achievements. A calendar lists upcoming performances, field trips, and end-of-year activities. A sidebar lists many of the clubs, sports teams, and talents showcased by Garfield students throughout the year.
This document provides tips and examples for writing engaging story leads. Some recommended types of leads include a startling statement, an odd twist, an interesting detail, or an anecdote. Leads should get to the point quickly, use specific rather than general details, and avoid unnecessary words. Examples given include leads that open with a specific situation and then expand to broader context, leads that surprise the reader, and leads that should avoid stating obvious information. The document aims to help writers craft compelling introductions to draw readers into a story.
Elizabeth Ruddy, a graduating senior from Madrid-Waddington High School, gave a powerful speech at an advocacy event calling for more education funding for rural schools. She spoke about how budget cuts have negatively impacted opportunities for students in her rural school district. Ruddy argued that all students deserve equal access to educational opportunities regardless of where they live. Her speech emphasized that students in rural districts are just as important to the future of the country as those in wealthier districts. Ruddy's speech received a standing ovation and calls for her full speech to be shared online.
Pausd presentation february 2015 final (deleted e59b5d53e66c5b7ec2cf16f3dd8dd...beatricemotamedi
Castlemont High School held a talent show where a group performing a traditional Tongan dance called the "Haka Dancers" won first prize. The audience was supportive of all the acts. There is uncertainty around the departure of Principal John Lynch at the end of the school year and who will replace him.
The article discusses a change in the parking policy at Peters Township High School where junior students are now able to apply for parking permits if they meet rigorous requirements, such as maintaining a 3.8 GPA or participating in extracurricular activities. However, some juniors argue that the point system is unfair because students with jobs and extracurricular commitments would still be unlikely to receive a pass even if they truly need it. The administration is experimenting with different solutions to address parking issues and will continue making changes in the second semester.
- Murals are proposed as a way to increase unity and motivation among students at Foreman High School in Chicago to help address low graduation rates.
- An after-school program would be created where students can work together to design and paint murals in the school. This would provide students with a constructive activity and help build school spirit and pride.
- Fundraising efforts would seek donations from local businesses, the alderman, and community to cover supplies and food for the students. Completed murals would celebrate the school and community.
Murals are proposed as a way to help reduce dropout rates at Foreman High School in Chicago. A mural program would provide an after school activity for students to work together creatively. Murals could promote unity within the diverse student body and help motivate students academically. Fundraising would support the mural supplies and food for students. Local businesses, the alderman, and community would be asked to donate to unite the community through public art. The goal is for murals to help students succeed and feel proud of their school.
This document is an alumni magazine from the University of Hartford that includes the following:
- Statistics showing that a University of Hartford degree provides value, with high earnings and career outcomes.
- Stories of three recent graduates who were inspired by mentors from the University and are pursuing impactful careers.
- A message from the University President about the transformational power of great teaching and faculty mentoring.
May/June Garfield Gazette - Lakewood City Schoolsbutest
The document is a newsletter from Garfield Middle School that provides information about upcoming events and accomplishments from the school year. It includes a message from the principal highlighting academic and extracurricular achievements. A calendar lists upcoming performances, field trips, and end-of-year activities. A sidebar lists many of the clubs, sports teams, and talents showcased by Garfield students throughout the year.
This document summarizes the key findings of a study analyzing the relationship between student poverty levels and academic achievement in Illinois schools. The study found:
1) Schools with fewer low-income students consistently scored higher on standardized tests than schools with more low-income students, showing a strong correlation between income levels and academic performance.
2) Over half of Illinois students are now considered low-income, up from 39% a decade ago, and the number of high-poverty schools has increased significantly.
3) Despite reforms and test changes, the relationship between income and scores remained consistent, with low-income schools scoring lower on average. This indicates the challenges low-income students face in achieving academic success.
The document summarizes events at Harcum College celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, including its 99th commencement ceremony where 287 graduates received degrees. It discusses the growth of Harcum's Partnership Site program which allows adults to earn degrees in their neighborhoods. It also profiles new leadership at Harcum and highlights academic programs. Major centennial events featured were fashion shows, a interior design portfolio exhibit, and pinning ceremonies honoring graduates of health programs.
Henry County Middle students are participating in project-based learning exhibitions to develop skills like public speaking, presentation skills, and conducting in-depth research. Students created projects on various topics and presented them to get peer feedback. The personalized learning approach allows students to learn in different ways and develop 21st century skills. A proposal to terminate the county's legal services contract with Fincher, Denmark & Minnifield LLC failed after only two commissioners voted in favor. Police are seeking a suspect in an armed robbery at a Stockbridge Walgreens. The Stockbridge city council voted to close its investigation into Mayor Tim Thompson, though some council members were dissatisfied with the investigative report.
Several incidents of racist and anti-Semitic graffiti were found at Franklin Pierce University, including swastikas in dormitories and classrooms. In response, the university held a day-long teach-in with workshops to discuss issues of discrimination and encourage an open dialogue. Students were challenged to take responsibility to end the cycle of discrimination. At a speak-out event, the Black Student Association president urged her peers to work together to bring such issues into the open. While some criticism was voiced, many workshops were well-attended, showing a willingness to address these issues and progress in fostering understanding.
This newsletter from York Prep school provides updates on various school news, events, activities and sports programs. It discusses the college application process for the classes of 2015 and 2016, including early decision acceptance rates. It also lists the colleges attended by the class of 2014 and upcoming dates. The newsletter highlights many extracurricular clubs, trips, performances and athletic teams at the school.
Boston Public Schools are making big improvements in school quality. Check these slides, first shown at community meetings in Boston hosted by the External Advisory Committee. Visit www.bostonschoolchoice.org to learn more and get involved.
Gideon Welles attended Cheshire Academy in the 1810s and went on to have a distinguished political career, serving as Secretary of the Navy under President Abraham Lincoln. After graduating from Cheshire Academy and Norwich University, Welles became a newspaper editor and writer in Connecticut. He was elected to the state legislature as a Democrat and also served as state comptroller. Welles helped form the Republican Party in Connecticut and started his own newspaper to advocate for anti-slavery positions. President Lincoln appointed Welles as Secretary of Navy in 1861, where he served for the duration of the Civil War.
This document provides information about John S. Burke Catholic High School located in Goshen, New York. Some key details include:
- It is a private American Catholic high school established in 1899 on 62 acres with around 500 students.
- It offers 6 AP classes and 15 honors classes, as well as college credit courses and ESL classes.
- Nearby educational institutions include William Paterson University, SUNY, Yeshiva University, and Manhattan College.
- The school has a 1:13 teacher to student ratio and experienced faculty with graduate degrees. SAT scores average 2100.
This local newspaper article summarizes the results of a Rubik's Cube solving competition among several District 20 schools. It discusses how teams and individuals from schools like High Plains Elementary, Mountain Ridge Middle, and Prairie Hills Elementary placed in their divisions. It also provides context on how the clubs at these schools have helped students improve their problem solving and spatial reasoning skills through learning to solve the cubes.
Assignment #3 There is no right or wrong answer. Explain why yo.docxcargillfilberto
Assignment #3: There is no right or wrong answer. Explain why you agree or disagree with the teacher who wrote this article. Explain how sociologists might contribute to solving the problems associated with “learning gaps” - “achievement gaps”.
What is the school doing to improve the situation? Do you agree or disagree? Why? Use material we studied in the chapters on Culture – Socialization – Social Structure.
Making the Grade Isn't About Race. It's About Parents.
By Patrick Welsh
Sunday, October 18, 2009
"Why don't you guys study like the kids from Africa?"
In a moment of exasperation last spring, I asked that question to a virtually all-black class of 12th-graders who had done horribly on a test I had just given. A kid who seldom came to class -- and was constantly distracting other students when he did -- shot back: "It's because they have fathers who kick their butts and make them study."
Another student angrily challenged me: "You ask the class, just ask how many of us have our fathers living with us." When I did, not one hand went up.
I was stunned. These were good kids; I had grown attached to them over the school year. It hit me that these students, at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, understood what I knew too well: The lack of a father in their lives had undermined their education. The young man who spoke up knew that with a father in his house he probably wouldn't be ending 12 years of school in the bottom 10 percent of his class with a D average. His classmate, normally a sweet young woman with a great sense of humor, must have long harbored resentment at her father's absence to speak out as she did. Both had hit upon an essential difference between the kids who make it in school and those who don't: parents.
My students knew intuitively that the reason they were lagging academically had nothing to do with race, which is the too-handy explanation for the achievement gap in Alexandria. And it wasn't because the school system had failed them. They knew that excuses about a lack of resources and access just didn't wash at the new, state-of-the-art, $100 million T.C. Williams, where every student is given a laptop and where there is open enrollment in Advanced Placement and honors courses. Rather, it was because their parents just weren't there for them -- at least not in the same way that parents of kids who were doing well tended to be.
In an example of how bad the fixation on race here has become, last year Morton Sherman, the new superintendent, ordered principals throughout the city to post huge charts in their hallways so everyone -- including 10-year-old kids -- could see differences in test scores between white, black and Hispanic students. One mother told me that a black fifth-grader at Cora Kelly Magnet School said that "whoever sees that sign will think I am stupid." A fourth-grade African American girl there looked at the sign and said to a friend: "That's not me." When black and white parents pro.
This document summarizes the results of a survey of approximately 2,000 K-12 teachers about the impact of the 2016 presidential election campaign on students. Key findings include:
- More than two-thirds of teachers reported that students, especially immigrants, children of immigrants, Muslims, African Americans and other minorities, have expressed concerns or fears about what might happen to them or their families after the election.
- Teachers observed an increase in uncivil political discourse, anti-Muslim or anti-immigrant sentiment, and bullying/harassment of certain groups of students.
- Students from these groups expressed fears of deportation, family separation, attacks, losing their homes or places of worship, and even being sent back to
The document summarizes an article about an anti-dropout program called Diplomas Now that is being implemented at three Columbus high schools: Linden-McKinley STEM Academy, South High, and Mifflin High. The program involves partnerships between the schools and organizations like City Year and Communities in Schools. Early results show the program is helping more freshmen earn credits to advance to 10th grade, with the number of students at risk of dropping out decreasing at each school. At a promotion ceremony for freshmen at Linden-McKinley, 130 students received shirts to recognize completing their first year and taking an important step toward graduating.
The document discusses a new type of high school called Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy in Chicago that offers a six-year education program rather than the traditional four years. Students graduate with an associate's degree and are guaranteed a job paying over $40,000 at IBM, the school's corporate partner. The school aims to better prepare students for 21st century jobs that increasingly require some form of post-secondary education. It discusses how other schools and programs around the country are also looking to better connect education to future career opportunities in order to address skills gaps between students and the job market.
Seven monks from St. Procopius Abbey filed a lawsuit against Benedictine University alleging that the university denied them several rights as members, including the right to interview presidential candidates and vote for the new president. The monks object to being excluded from the selection process that led to the appointment of Michael Brophy as the new president. University spokeswoman Mercy Robb said the university welcomes clarification from the lawsuit.
Minority student populations are growing faster than minority teacher populations in Iowa schools. In the Des Moines school district, minority students make up over half the student body but only 4% of teachers are minorities. Two Sudanese refugee students credit their only African American teacher for their success in high school and wish they had more minority teachers. Research shows that minority students often perform better when taught by minority teachers with whom they can better connect. The Des Moines school district and others in Iowa are working to recruit more minority teachers through partnerships with colleges and programs to support minority students and staff interested in the teaching profession.
Welcome back to The Generation Edge series, our monthly magazine exploring the identity, values, and lifestyle of the post millennial generation. People born after about 1995, the eldest of which are about 19 now.
In this edition we explore Gen Edge's critical point of view on education and its impact on their future and the future of the world.
Because these days reading, writing and arithmetic don't add up to anything...
This photo essay documents closed schools and abandoned buildings in rural Maine communities. It highlights how budget cuts have led to school closures, forcing children onto long bus rides and weakening communities. While small amounts of money close these schools, far greater sums are spent on war. The essay encourages viewers to work to redirect war spending towards community needs like education.
Menlo Park Academy in Cleveland, Ohio is a charter school that exclusively serves gifted students from grades K-8. It was founded in 2008 by parents who refused to accept the closure of the gifted program at another local school. Menlo Park now enrolls 334 students and draws from 40 surrounding school districts. The school provides academically challenging instruction tailored to each gifted student's abilities and needs. It also aims to help students cope with the social and emotional aspects of having high intelligence by teaching them not to obsess over being wrong and that they are not the smartest students. Many parents are grateful for the school's commitment to challenging and supporting their gifted children.
The document provides details about communication processes at the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD). It discusses the district's history and growth. It then summarizes the current communication procedures, which include sending letters to parents, requiring visitor passes, conducting employee background checks, and teaching students safety protocols. Interviews with an elementary school principal and the Director of Communications provide additional context about notification systems and addressing specific incidents.
Three fifth grade teams from Cheyenne Mountain area schools won awards at the annual regional Battle of the Books competition at Colorado College. Cheyenne Mountain Elementary placed two teams, with one team placing second and the other placing third. Gold Camp Elementary also placed one team third. The competition involves answering questions about 40 pre-selected books in a series of elimination rounds. Over 500 fifth graders from 86 schools participated in the event.
The document discusses communication issues and solutions within the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD). It provides background on EPISD's history and growth. It then examines EPISD's current communication processes between students, parents, and teachers, identifying challenges like insufficient safety coordinator training and a lack of integrated communication. The document analyzes recent safety issues and sexual abuse cases as evidence of these communication breakdowns. It argues new procedures are needed to safeguard students and ensure proper communication between all stakeholders in the district.
This document summarizes the key findings of a study analyzing the relationship between student poverty levels and academic achievement in Illinois schools. The study found:
1) Schools with fewer low-income students consistently scored higher on standardized tests than schools with more low-income students, showing a strong correlation between income levels and academic performance.
2) Over half of Illinois students are now considered low-income, up from 39% a decade ago, and the number of high-poverty schools has increased significantly.
3) Despite reforms and test changes, the relationship between income and scores remained consistent, with low-income schools scoring lower on average. This indicates the challenges low-income students face in achieving academic success.
The document summarizes events at Harcum College celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, including its 99th commencement ceremony where 287 graduates received degrees. It discusses the growth of Harcum's Partnership Site program which allows adults to earn degrees in their neighborhoods. It also profiles new leadership at Harcum and highlights academic programs. Major centennial events featured were fashion shows, a interior design portfolio exhibit, and pinning ceremonies honoring graduates of health programs.
Henry County Middle students are participating in project-based learning exhibitions to develop skills like public speaking, presentation skills, and conducting in-depth research. Students created projects on various topics and presented them to get peer feedback. The personalized learning approach allows students to learn in different ways and develop 21st century skills. A proposal to terminate the county's legal services contract with Fincher, Denmark & Minnifield LLC failed after only two commissioners voted in favor. Police are seeking a suspect in an armed robbery at a Stockbridge Walgreens. The Stockbridge city council voted to close its investigation into Mayor Tim Thompson, though some council members were dissatisfied with the investigative report.
Several incidents of racist and anti-Semitic graffiti were found at Franklin Pierce University, including swastikas in dormitories and classrooms. In response, the university held a day-long teach-in with workshops to discuss issues of discrimination and encourage an open dialogue. Students were challenged to take responsibility to end the cycle of discrimination. At a speak-out event, the Black Student Association president urged her peers to work together to bring such issues into the open. While some criticism was voiced, many workshops were well-attended, showing a willingness to address these issues and progress in fostering understanding.
This newsletter from York Prep school provides updates on various school news, events, activities and sports programs. It discusses the college application process for the classes of 2015 and 2016, including early decision acceptance rates. It also lists the colleges attended by the class of 2014 and upcoming dates. The newsletter highlights many extracurricular clubs, trips, performances and athletic teams at the school.
Boston Public Schools are making big improvements in school quality. Check these slides, first shown at community meetings in Boston hosted by the External Advisory Committee. Visit www.bostonschoolchoice.org to learn more and get involved.
Gideon Welles attended Cheshire Academy in the 1810s and went on to have a distinguished political career, serving as Secretary of the Navy under President Abraham Lincoln. After graduating from Cheshire Academy and Norwich University, Welles became a newspaper editor and writer in Connecticut. He was elected to the state legislature as a Democrat and also served as state comptroller. Welles helped form the Republican Party in Connecticut and started his own newspaper to advocate for anti-slavery positions. President Lincoln appointed Welles as Secretary of Navy in 1861, where he served for the duration of the Civil War.
This document provides information about John S. Burke Catholic High School located in Goshen, New York. Some key details include:
- It is a private American Catholic high school established in 1899 on 62 acres with around 500 students.
- It offers 6 AP classes and 15 honors classes, as well as college credit courses and ESL classes.
- Nearby educational institutions include William Paterson University, SUNY, Yeshiva University, and Manhattan College.
- The school has a 1:13 teacher to student ratio and experienced faculty with graduate degrees. SAT scores average 2100.
This local newspaper article summarizes the results of a Rubik's Cube solving competition among several District 20 schools. It discusses how teams and individuals from schools like High Plains Elementary, Mountain Ridge Middle, and Prairie Hills Elementary placed in their divisions. It also provides context on how the clubs at these schools have helped students improve their problem solving and spatial reasoning skills through learning to solve the cubes.
Assignment #3 There is no right or wrong answer. Explain why yo.docxcargillfilberto
Assignment #3: There is no right or wrong answer. Explain why you agree or disagree with the teacher who wrote this article. Explain how sociologists might contribute to solving the problems associated with “learning gaps” - “achievement gaps”.
What is the school doing to improve the situation? Do you agree or disagree? Why? Use material we studied in the chapters on Culture – Socialization – Social Structure.
Making the Grade Isn't About Race. It's About Parents.
By Patrick Welsh
Sunday, October 18, 2009
"Why don't you guys study like the kids from Africa?"
In a moment of exasperation last spring, I asked that question to a virtually all-black class of 12th-graders who had done horribly on a test I had just given. A kid who seldom came to class -- and was constantly distracting other students when he did -- shot back: "It's because they have fathers who kick their butts and make them study."
Another student angrily challenged me: "You ask the class, just ask how many of us have our fathers living with us." When I did, not one hand went up.
I was stunned. These were good kids; I had grown attached to them over the school year. It hit me that these students, at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, understood what I knew too well: The lack of a father in their lives had undermined their education. The young man who spoke up knew that with a father in his house he probably wouldn't be ending 12 years of school in the bottom 10 percent of his class with a D average. His classmate, normally a sweet young woman with a great sense of humor, must have long harbored resentment at her father's absence to speak out as she did. Both had hit upon an essential difference between the kids who make it in school and those who don't: parents.
My students knew intuitively that the reason they were lagging academically had nothing to do with race, which is the too-handy explanation for the achievement gap in Alexandria. And it wasn't because the school system had failed them. They knew that excuses about a lack of resources and access just didn't wash at the new, state-of-the-art, $100 million T.C. Williams, where every student is given a laptop and where there is open enrollment in Advanced Placement and honors courses. Rather, it was because their parents just weren't there for them -- at least not in the same way that parents of kids who were doing well tended to be.
In an example of how bad the fixation on race here has become, last year Morton Sherman, the new superintendent, ordered principals throughout the city to post huge charts in their hallways so everyone -- including 10-year-old kids -- could see differences in test scores between white, black and Hispanic students. One mother told me that a black fifth-grader at Cora Kelly Magnet School said that "whoever sees that sign will think I am stupid." A fourth-grade African American girl there looked at the sign and said to a friend: "That's not me." When black and white parents pro.
This document summarizes the results of a survey of approximately 2,000 K-12 teachers about the impact of the 2016 presidential election campaign on students. Key findings include:
- More than two-thirds of teachers reported that students, especially immigrants, children of immigrants, Muslims, African Americans and other minorities, have expressed concerns or fears about what might happen to them or their families after the election.
- Teachers observed an increase in uncivil political discourse, anti-Muslim or anti-immigrant sentiment, and bullying/harassment of certain groups of students.
- Students from these groups expressed fears of deportation, family separation, attacks, losing their homes or places of worship, and even being sent back to
The document summarizes an article about an anti-dropout program called Diplomas Now that is being implemented at three Columbus high schools: Linden-McKinley STEM Academy, South High, and Mifflin High. The program involves partnerships between the schools and organizations like City Year and Communities in Schools. Early results show the program is helping more freshmen earn credits to advance to 10th grade, with the number of students at risk of dropping out decreasing at each school. At a promotion ceremony for freshmen at Linden-McKinley, 130 students received shirts to recognize completing their first year and taking an important step toward graduating.
The document discusses a new type of high school called Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy in Chicago that offers a six-year education program rather than the traditional four years. Students graduate with an associate's degree and are guaranteed a job paying over $40,000 at IBM, the school's corporate partner. The school aims to better prepare students for 21st century jobs that increasingly require some form of post-secondary education. It discusses how other schools and programs around the country are also looking to better connect education to future career opportunities in order to address skills gaps between students and the job market.
Seven monks from St. Procopius Abbey filed a lawsuit against Benedictine University alleging that the university denied them several rights as members, including the right to interview presidential candidates and vote for the new president. The monks object to being excluded from the selection process that led to the appointment of Michael Brophy as the new president. University spokeswoman Mercy Robb said the university welcomes clarification from the lawsuit.
Minority student populations are growing faster than minority teacher populations in Iowa schools. In the Des Moines school district, minority students make up over half the student body but only 4% of teachers are minorities. Two Sudanese refugee students credit their only African American teacher for their success in high school and wish they had more minority teachers. Research shows that minority students often perform better when taught by minority teachers with whom they can better connect. The Des Moines school district and others in Iowa are working to recruit more minority teachers through partnerships with colleges and programs to support minority students and staff interested in the teaching profession.
Welcome back to The Generation Edge series, our monthly magazine exploring the identity, values, and lifestyle of the post millennial generation. People born after about 1995, the eldest of which are about 19 now.
In this edition we explore Gen Edge's critical point of view on education and its impact on their future and the future of the world.
Because these days reading, writing and arithmetic don't add up to anything...
This photo essay documents closed schools and abandoned buildings in rural Maine communities. It highlights how budget cuts have led to school closures, forcing children onto long bus rides and weakening communities. While small amounts of money close these schools, far greater sums are spent on war. The essay encourages viewers to work to redirect war spending towards community needs like education.
Menlo Park Academy in Cleveland, Ohio is a charter school that exclusively serves gifted students from grades K-8. It was founded in 2008 by parents who refused to accept the closure of the gifted program at another local school. Menlo Park now enrolls 334 students and draws from 40 surrounding school districts. The school provides academically challenging instruction tailored to each gifted student's abilities and needs. It also aims to help students cope with the social and emotional aspects of having high intelligence by teaching them not to obsess over being wrong and that they are not the smartest students. Many parents are grateful for the school's commitment to challenging and supporting their gifted children.
The document provides details about communication processes at the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD). It discusses the district's history and growth. It then summarizes the current communication procedures, which include sending letters to parents, requiring visitor passes, conducting employee background checks, and teaching students safety protocols. Interviews with an elementary school principal and the Director of Communications provide additional context about notification systems and addressing specific incidents.
Three fifth grade teams from Cheyenne Mountain area schools won awards at the annual regional Battle of the Books competition at Colorado College. Cheyenne Mountain Elementary placed two teams, with one team placing second and the other placing third. Gold Camp Elementary also placed one team third. The competition involves answering questions about 40 pre-selected books in a series of elimination rounds. Over 500 fifth graders from 86 schools participated in the event.
The document discusses communication issues and solutions within the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD). It provides background on EPISD's history and growth. It then examines EPISD's current communication processes between students, parents, and teachers, identifying challenges like insufficient safety coordinator training and a lack of integrated communication. The document analyzes recent safety issues and sexual abuse cases as evidence of these communication breakdowns. It argues new procedures are needed to safeguard students and ensure proper communication between all stakeholders in the district.
This document discusses three historical themes:
1) The impact of outside-of-school factors like family and neighborhood on student achievement compared to inside-school factors. It notes that children spend 90% of their time outside of school.
2) The 1969 Black Arts Movement and a protest of an art exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum that contained no paintings by Black artists.
3) Community opposition to school closings and segregation in Bedford-Stuyvesant, including a struggle to keep Public School 256 open and the phasing out of Paul Robeson High School. It provides statistics on closed schools being majority Black/Latino with higher rates of poverty and lower academic performance.
College Admissions 101: Why getting into college is easy than you might thinkJermaine Taylor
This presentation is intended to demystify the admissions process by providing an overview, with statistics, charts and studies. The goal is to put students and families at ease at an understandably nerve-wracking. It's also intended to raise awareness of "snake oil salesmen" in the admissions game who may attempt to mislead and take advantage of vulnerable and anxious parents, as well as call attention to the dysfunctional high school guidance system across the country—a system in which 6 in 10 college-going graduates say their high school guidance counselors failed them.
1) The No Child Left Behind Act has increased pressure on schools to improve standardized test scores in core subjects like reading and math. As a result, many schools have cut funding and instructional time for other subjects like arts, music, dance, and theater.
2) Studies show that students who participate regularly in arts instruction see benefits like improved academic performance, increased engagement, and greater success in core subjects. These benefits are especially pronounced for low-income and minority students.
3) However, as budgets tighten under NCLB, arts programs are often the first to be cut. This denies the most vulnerable students access to a well-rounded curriculum and subjects they stand to gain the most from.
Read our 2011 Annual Report to see Get Schooled in action. Find out why our signature mix of sizzle and substance gets students engaged and motivated to take control of their education!
The document discusses the shortcomings of the U.S. education system. It notes that while the U.S. spends more on education than any other country, standardized test scores have plateaued. No state has achieved 100% proficiency in core subjects, showing the system is failing. The author argues the system needs reform to better serve future generations. They acknowledge their own academic success but believe thousands of other children have been failed by the current system. America must fix its education to improve outcomes for all students.
The document discusses a new blended learning program launched by Cincinnati Public Schools that offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses to more students through an online model. The program aims to address disparities between schools, as some schools like Walnut Hills offer many AP courses while others offered few or none previously. Teachers in the blended program can reach more students across multiple schools simultaneously. While expanding access, some argue the program does not go far enough to achieve true equity when compared to options at schools like Walnut Hills.
Why Young People are the Heartland’s Most Precious Declining Resource and How it Matters for America
Patrick Carr
Rutgers University
Maria Kefalas
Saint Joseph’s University
Photographs by Steven Schapiro
1. By Christopher
Placek
cplacek@dailyherald.com
The Des Plaines Police
Department and Pace sub-
urban bus system have been
eyeing a 17-acre property on
the city’s west side as a way to
address their needs for more
space, officials said this week.
The land and three office
buildingsatthenorthwestcor-
ner of Algonquin and Mount
Prospect roads will become
available this fall when the
Salvation Army moves its cen-
tral territory administration
headquarters to a business
park on Prairie Stone Parkway
in Hoffman Estates.
The Des Plaines property,
where the Salvation Army has
been since the early 1980s, has
been on the real estate market
for about a year.
Des Plaines officials, includ-
ing Police Chief Bill Kush-
ner and City Manager Mike
New police HQ
or bus garage?
Two possibilities for Salvation Army site
C
Wednesday, June 24, 2015 Big Picture • Local Focus $1.00
Paddock Publications • 143rd Year • no. 253
Northwest Suburbs
dailyherald.com
OAKTON ST.
ELMHURSTRD.
ALGONQUIN RD.
MT.PROSPECTRD.
Des Plaines
83
90
Salvation
Army land
See Site on Page 8
Look at the Cubs
they’re
getting national
attention,
Bruce Miles says
— Sports—
Potato salad time
What you
can do
with it
— Food
MORe ONLiNe
Follow the series at
www.dailyherald.
com/topics/
Generations-at-risk
Find your schools:
see how your
schools measure up
on our interactive
database, report-
cards.dailyherald.
com/lowincome/.
OUR VieW
sunny Hill’s
community school
concept is one
worth emulating.
Page 14.
Meeting the challenge
tODaY: chaos to success aLSO iN tHe SeRieS
WatCH ViDeOS ONLiNe
How Tefft Middle School
transformed itself from a school
in chaos to one children call
“life-changing.”
• Before lunch, left, quiet time is
required so students focus more
on studying or reading.
• Students track their own prog-
ress in a journal.
• If homework isn’t done, students
stay after school, and they like it.
• Follow series at www.dailyherald.com/topics/Generations-At-Risk #GenerationsAtRisk
By Melissa Silverberg
msilverberg@dailyherald.com
When Principal Lavonne Smiley came to Tefft
Middle School 15 years ago the Streamwood
school was in chaos.
Gangs gathered on opposite sides of the gym-
nasium during dances. Teachers would jump
in to break up fights. Students were caught with
brass knuckles and knives.
One fall morning during her first year, Smiley
came in to find the window out-
side her office tagged with graf-
fiti. She had tried to crack down
on students making threats and
wearing gang colors at school.
“They were sending me a
strong message that this was
not my school,” she said. “It was
stunning.”
Each year about 100 students
would fail, which some teachers regarded as
proof they were doing their jobs. There were so
many students packed into the in-school sus-
pension room that they spilled out into the hall-
ways. Teachers were grading papers scrawled
with gang symbols instead of answers.
One student saw a newspaper article that
referred to Tefft as a failing school. He asked
Smiley if it was true.
“I had to tell him yes,” she said.
Today,Tefft—whichis75percentlow-income
— has not only turned around its image and test
scores,butitstandsoutasahighachieveramong
schools in the same income level. As measured
by the Daily Herald/WBEZ Pov-
erty-Achievement Index, which
analyzes school performance
through the lens of income, it
has been steadily outperforming
other schools with the same level
of poverty for several years.
According to the 2014 state
report cards, 60 percent of Tefft
students met or exceeded the
expectations on state standardized tests. The
average meets/exceeds performance by schools
with 70-80 percent low income was 47.2 percent,
on average.
The difference, Smiley and her teachers say,
tefft Middle school in streamwood was once gang-riddled and chaotic, and
parents would rather move than send their kids there. How did it turn around?
p H o t o s b y b o b C H w e d y k / bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
Principal Lavonne Smiley with student Jada Carter at Tefft Middle School in Streamwood, another success story involving a
school with a high percentage of low-income students.
KEY TO SUCCESS:
NO EXCUSESOur PrOmise TO Our Kids
Generations at Risk
MONDaY: The strong tie
between poverty and
academics in a state where
more than 50% of students
are considered low-income.
tUeSDaY: How one Carpen-
tersville school with 94%
low-income students is
making the grade.
COMiNg tHURSDaY: Can
the low-income school
success stories be replicated?
“No one slips through
the cracks. It just
doesn’t happen here.”
Principal Lavonne Smiley
See SUCCeSS on Page 4
By Bill Barrow
Associated Press
ATLANTA — Calls to
remove Confederate imag-
ery from public places multi-
plied rapidly across the South
and beyond Tuesday, with
opponents eyeing state flags,
license plates and statues
of Civil War politicians and
generals.
The startling movement,
driven by the killing of nine
black churchgoers in an
apparent racist attack in
Charleston, South Carolina,
has made converts of poli-
ticians who have long sup-
ported or stood silent on such
symbols. Many of the efforts
appear to have the muscle to
succeed.
Statehouse displays such as
the Confederate battle flag fly-
ing in South Carolina are com-
ing under the heaviest fire. But
the familiar banner, with its
star-studded blue “X” over-
laying a field of red, is just one
of scores, if not hundreds, of
state-sanctioned displays that
honor the vanquished Con-
federacy and the era of Jim
Crow segregation that lasted
for more than a century after
the end of the Civil War.
The homages — from vet-
erans’ memorials and stat-
ues of politicians to counties,
streets, government buildings
and public schools named for
Confederate figures and sub-
sequent white supremacists
— haven’t always generated
the same political and social
tensions as the battle flag, and
Confederate heritage groups
say the outcry is misplaced,
despite widely seen images of
what appears to be the church
shooting suspect, 21-year-
old Dylann Roof, holding the
rebel flag.
At the least, however, the
flag and other tributes remain
a constant reminder of the
nation’s perpetual struggle
icons of
the South
falling
Church shooting spurs calls
to remove Civil war remnants
Let flag disappear
even a suburban gift shop
known for
the naughty
items it
sells has
banned
the Stars
and bars,
and burt
constable is happy to see
the symbol go, even if it was
flown every day at his high
school that was home of the
“rebels.” PAGE 15
See iCONS on Page 12