Should the Plain Dealer publish value-added scores?
We pose serious and, we believe, unanswerable questions about the use of value-added models to evaluate teachers based on their students' performance on standardized tests.
STEM
Multipurpose trails likely to return to western Maryland
Multipurpose trails that keep bicyclists, joggers, and dog walkers away from busy streets are a very popular way to get exercise. Some new ones seem to be on the way in western Maryland.
A million tons of biomass in an algae bloom
Although algae blooms in the Chesapeake Bay are a problem, the one off the China coast is about the size of Connecticut. People seem to be loving it—for now.
Math helps artificial intelligence identify bird calls
College math majors help out some biologists on a summer project in Tennessee that is investigating the effects of habitat change on two species of bird.
Fires in southwest show evidence of continued warming
Wildfires this summer have become deadlier, particularly in the desert southwest, where average temperatures continue to rise despite a global leveling off.
Obama takes aim at power plant CO2 emissions
President Obama has spelled out an outline for a plan that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from US power plants and take care of the environment in other important ways.
Maryland State Board adopts new science standards
Maryland adopted the Next Generation Science Standards today, and implementation, which has already begun, should be complete by the 2017-18 school year.
Maryland teachers prepare for new math 'curriculum'
An article in the Washington Post that begins with a few incorrect statements merits our attention, since it involves the Common Core and new tests being written for it.
Breastfeeding babies enhances their brain growth
In terms of how you should feed infants if you want to maximize brain growth, it goes something like this: Breastfeeding alone > Breastfeeding + Formula > Formula alone.
Less global warming, more environmental loving
Hands-on lessons in the environment go from kindergarten through high school in at least one Maryland county. Kids' natural curiosity and participation help them learn to love the environment.