The following resources focus on the educational climate and betterment of those serving the K–12 educational community.
Suspensions Plummet in NYC School That Incentivizes Good Behavior Robert Van Wyck Middle School in New York City has about 1,650 students, and four years ago it averaged about 150 suspensions per year. By the end of the first semester this year, there had only been a dozen. (Education Week, February 21)
California Curriculum Collaborative A website launched by two educational nonprofit organizations aims to make it easier for California schools and districts to choose instructional materials aligned to the Common Core State Standards. The site lists curriculum materials in math and English language arts for grades K-8 recommended by the State Board of Education. The site also provides detailed information about K-12 resources reviewed by the nonprofit EdReports. The site was established through a partnership between EdReports and Pivot Learning, a nonprofit that provides college- and career-readiness support services to schools.
Diamonds in the Rough: How Schools Can Rise to the Top Diamonds in the Rough examines the success of five high-achieving schools that are surrounded by many struggling schools. How did they do it? Researchers identified seven common characteristics that help schools beat the odds and deliver stellar student achievement. (Manhattan Institute)
Georgia Department of Education Launches Career Pipeline Tool In an effort to better connect students and employers and to benefit Georgia students and the overall economic health of the state, the George Department of Education (GaDOE) and state partners are launching the Georgia Career Pipeline Tool. The Career Pipeline Tool is a web application that allows students, business and industry leaders to compare the Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs offered in each Georgia high school with the workforce needs of the specific regions within the state.
Colorado Testing Report Provides Useful Tool for Families, Educators and Policymakers A new report is out helping to fortify the importance of high-quality assessments and explaining why they were implemented in Colorado. The white paper, developed by Climb Higher Colorado, the Colorado Children’s Campaign and Stand for Children Colorado gives readers important context on the history and purpose of Colorado’s assessment system, its impact on various stakeholders, and some of the challenges facing the existing system. This new report describes the ways Colorado’s assessments are giving parents and teachers accurate, actionable information to support their children’s learning and why they should stay in place.
