E-cigarette use among teens doubles in 1 year: CDC
A troubling discovery from the recent National Youth Tobacco Survey shows that use of e-cigarettes is up over the last year.
School News
Duncan addresses issues in Chicago school closings
US Education Secretary Arne Duncan addressed some issues surrounding the school closings in Chicago, saying it was probably a very difficult decision to make.
Maryland Teacher of the Year finalists announced
The names of seven finalists for 2013-2014 Maryland Teacher of the Year have been announced. Here they are presented along with a short bio.
Growing NY charter accused of violating a student's IEP
Charter schools, even good ones in New York City, have to honor the individualized education program plan (IEP) of all special needs students. This one might not have done that.
Droopy pants may lead to suspensions in New Britain
A Connecticut school district is suggesting students who violate the school's dress code by wearing droopy pants should be suspended. We probably think that's a bit harsh.
We join Arne Duncan in call for later H S start times
US Ed Secretary Arne Duncan tweeted that high school start times should be later, and we agree. Case in point: high schools in one Maryland county start at 7:17 AM. That's just ridiculous.
Chicago's 1st-day passage is safe, but …
There were no reports of violence on Day 1 in the Chicago Public Schools year, but Safe Passage routes were stocked with police and hired security workers.
Comparing Maryland & Illinois AP participation rates
In terms of Advanced Placement participation, schools in Maryland far outpace those in Illinois, and we wonder why.
Don't even bother reading PARCC's press releases
PARCC has released a second round of sample items for the multistate tests it plans to give starting in the 2014-15 school year. Have a look.
Baltimore Co. to air condition 5 more schools
Five schools in Baltimore County with no air conditioning just got a few dollars from the state to install air conditioning. Good move, Baltimore County!