• 29 March 2024
The Roundup: Summer 2017 Education News

The Roundup: Summer 2017 Education News

Sep 05, 2017

The important news and interesting stories in education that you may have missed this past summer.

Summer is often a time for relaxing and unplugging--for focusing on fun and family while taking a break from the hustle and bustle. While many have been swapping screen time for beach time, big things have been happening in education. If you’re feeling out of the loop, don’t worry--we’ve got you covered. Check out Clark’s summer 2017 roundup of the most important and interesting news in education.

Education Policy
  1. Proposal Would Let Charter Schools Certify Their Own Teachers via The New York Times. The teacher shortage has become a real problem in New York’s academic system, and charter schools are looking for ways to solve it. Could the answer lie in allowing schools to certify their own teachers?

  2. Interactive: How Far Every State Has Gone to Update Education Policies Under the Every Student Succeeds Act via The 74. Replacing the No Child Left Behind Act, ESSA goes into effect this upcoming school year. This interactive map is ideal for those looking to find out how their state education policies and systems will be affected by the new law.

  3. De Blasio’s Concessions on Charter Schools Are Disclosed via The New York Times. New York State has voted to renew Mayor Bill De Blasio’s control of schools. Part of his platform was based on increasing the number of charter schools, but residents aren’t necessarily all on the same side of the matter. This article takes a deeper look at how De Blasio will carry out his original proposal.

  4. Ed. Dept. Budget Plan Hammered by Both Sides in Congress via Edweek. The Trump administration proposed huge budget cuts to the Education Department, but the likelihood of this plan passing is now looking grim as both Democrats and Republicans are showing clear opposition to the matter.

Research in Education
  1. Pediatricians say teens should sleep in. Schools won’t let them via The Washington Post. With so many necessary academic skills being dependent on sleep, its importance can’t be understated for adolescents and teens. The Washington Post gives an overview of the research on getting enough sleep and how it disconnects with the current school rules.

  2. Education Inequality Starts Early via US News. The research has spoken, and studies have found that the disparities in education among advantaged and disadvantaged students starts at a young age. What are the implications of these findings and how can we combat this in our schools?

  3. Student’s Sense of Belonging: What the Research Says via Edweek. It’s important for children to feel as if they belong in school, but just how important is it? Does it affect student success and development? What are the long term implications? Edweek digs into the matter in this article, highlighting sense of belonging and why it matters.

  4. Could The Best Memory System Be One That Forgets? via Mindshift. Researchers take an interesting look at memory, a long-misunderstood component of the human brain. Here, a University of Toronto neuroscience researcher talks memory and the interesting and unexpected recent findings.

General Education News
  1. Technology Can Be A Tool, A Teacher, A Trickster via NPR. There’s no doubt that technology has officially made its way into the classroom. NPR looks at how these tools are affecting education in unique, beneficial, and sometimes negative ways.

  2. How to Prepare Preschoolers for an Automated Economy via The New York Times. Automation is about to be very common in our economy, and it’s time for schools to start thinking about it in their teaching. Preparation for this new working environment should start early, and The New York Times examines how to best prepare the youngest children.

  3. The Diminishing Role of Art in Children’s Lives via The Atlantic. What happens when art is no longer a substantial part of a child’s education? Are students suffering consequences from this decline of art-related school activity? The Atlantic takes a look at the benefits of art for student development and the consequences of removing it from schools.

  4. 90% of Parents Think Their Kids Are on Track in Math & Reading. The Real Number? Just 1 in 3 via The 74. It’s becoming clear that a majority of parents experience a disconnect between where they think and expect their children to be academically and where they actually are. A significant part of the issue may lie in the source at which they look to get a picture of their child’s performance.

Higher Education News
  1. Private college tuition is rising faster than inflation...again via USA Today. In recent years, students have been rejoicing at the slowing tuition fees for college, making it easier to access and lessening the massive debt burden many are faced with for years after graduation. Now, it’s becoming increasingly clear that these costs are once again rising -- fast.

  2. Tens of Thousands More Women And Minorities Are Taking Computer Science via NPR. The College Board’s recent introduction of the new AP Computer Science Principles course has made big waves in the computer science field. NPR looks at how this course drastically changed the demographic of this field in colleges.

  3. The Post-College Therapy Void via The Atlantic. Students in college are given access to a variety of mental health services but, after graduation, accessing help isn’t as easy as walking to the health center. The transition can be difficult and is having real consequences for students.

  4. Raw Numbers: Charter Students Are Graduating From College at Three to Five Times the National Average via The 74. Studies have shown that students who attend charter schools are much more likely to graduate from college. The 74 looks to uncover answers as to why these students are graduating more frequently and what this means for other students.


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About The Author

Clark

Clark