School News – Page 147 – Voxitatis Blog

ISBE extends accommodations for Dixon teachers’ strike

By Paul Katula • Mar 12, 2013

The teachers' strike in Dixon, Ill., now in its 9th day, has forced school officials, all the way up to the Assessment Division at the Illinois State Board of Education, to make special accommodations to give students every chance to complete state testing.

Baltimore's Northwestern High steps toward closure

By Paul Katula • Mar 11, 2013

A claim by one Baltimore high school's alumni association is that the closure of the school violates civil rights. We disagree and explain.

Late ISAT testing window extended for striking teachers

By Paul Katula • Mar 10, 2013

A teachers' strike in Dixon, Ill., has collided with the ISAT testing window, which opened last week. The strike enters its 8th day Monday. The board proposed a cooling off period to get students back in class.

Chicago schools spiral toward inevitable closure

By Paul Katula • Mar 10, 2013

I think the school closings in Chicago are evidence of a violation of the civil rights of African-American residents of our communities, but the violations happened a long time ago. The closings are just the inevitable result of the district doing a thorough cleaning.

Special ed report causes trouble in Arlington Heights

By Paul Katula • Mar 10, 2013

Special ed is one of the biggest parts of running a public school. One Arlington Heights district just received a report identifying some ways it might make special ed programs better. Some disagreement ensued.

2 schools, a public & a charter, use the same building

By Paul Katula • Mar 10, 2013

The Chicago Tribune examines an increase in violent tendencies when a national charter chain school takes over space in a neighborhood school doomed to be closed.

IL expects fewer kids to meet state standards on ISAT

By Press Release • Mar 9, 2013

The ISAT will use a new scoring system this year, and fewer students are expected to be shown meeting state standards. But this is due to an increase in the standards, not to a decrease in teaching quality.

Sadly, Philadelphia will close 23 schools

By Paul Katula • Mar 8, 2013

Months of heated debate have finally come to an end in Philadelphia, as the School Reform Commission approved a plan by the district to close 23 schools, saving (they hope) $122 million.

College financing burden shifts from states to students

By Paul Katula • Mar 7, 2013

College costs are up. Students and their families are paying a greater share of those costs than they have in 25 years. And all this means students have a tendency to enroll in college part-time.

Middle schoolers participate in future educators' club

By Paul Katula • Mar 6, 2013

About 2 dozen 8th graders from Margaret Brent Elementary School in Maryland went over to a nearby elementary school to teach a class of 3rd graders. In the process, they learned a lot themselves.