Floridians support requiring Spanish study
Florida residents said they would support a change that could make learning Spanish a requirement for high school graduation.
Language Arts
Writing contest, $400 top prize, for students
We announce a writing contest, open to public school students in Md. and IL, about athletics and standardized tests.
Campers learn new languages in Frederick Co.
A summer camp for Md. 3rd & 4th graders teaches them basic words in several foreign languages & expands their cultural understanding.
Read court opinions with Tom Sawyer in lit
The NYT found some interesting lit lesson plans out there, given the Common Core's emphasis on reading information texts.
Writing skills absent in public ad campaign
Good writing skills are needed just as much as good number skills. At least if we really want to communicate with our target audience.
Writing prompts for Deflategate
What can we learn (and teach) from the Deflategate scandal? It ended Monday as the NFL handed out punishments for the New England Patriots.
College readiness has been flat for 20 years
High school seniors are no readier for college than they were 20 years ago, but more college students aren't ready based on math & reading ability.
IL state champs in debate
We congratulate the IL state champions in the four divisions of debate from Evanston Township (2), Glenbrook North, and Schaumburg high schools.
A wording discrepancy in Chicago mayoral campaign
In support of Chuy Garcia for Chicago mayor, we note the tone he used in a campaign ad. Let's start off on the right foot, not with unnecessary inaccuracies.
Think about readability when writing to parents
When communicating with parents of special ed kids, it's important to make sure those parents will be able to read what you're writing to them.