University of Chicago gets 100 Million

University of Chicago Gets $100 Million

A graduate of the University of Chicago gave an anonymous donation of $100 million to his alma mater, marking the largest single donation given to an Illinois university.

This whiner is tops

High School Student Whines His Way To 4.0 GPA | The Onion - America's Finest News Source

JAMESTOWN, VA—Jamestown High School senior and National Merit Scholar Jason Wagner successfully whined his way to a 4.0 GPA for the fourth year in a row, school sources reported Monday.

"Rarely have I had a student this eager to argue that he deserved an A instead of an A minus because of an unfair test question, or complain that the grading curve 'cheapens' his high scores, or shed actual tears over missing an extra-credit question on a test that he already got 100 percent on," said instructor Scott Flynn, who teaches Wagner's Advanced Placement chemistry class. "This just goes to show that if you whine longer and harder than the rest of your classmates, you can achieve your goals."

...Guess what was his place when he graduated?

DepEd reiterates policy on suspension of classes

DepEd reiterates policy on suspension of classes

MANILA, Philippines -- With the opening of classes coinciding with the start of the rainy season, Department of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus has restated the guidelines on the suspension of classes as provided under DepEd Order No. 28 (2005).

Schools turning eco-friendly

Schools turning eco-friendly (AP)

AP - Nestled in the lush trees of suburban Atlanta's Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve sits the foundation of a school that is being built with partly recycled materials.

Impostor at Stanford

Impostor allegedly lived at Stanford (AP)

AP - Stanford University officials said they were investigating claims that a young woman passed herself off as a student, talked her way into several dormitories and lived on campus for eight months.

1:33 classroom-to-student ratio?

Palace sees 1:33 classroom-to-student ratio this school year

When school opens on June 4, there will be fewer shortage in classrooms and books, at least on paper.

***What planet are we in, Madame?

Dep Ed warns public schools against forced payment of fees

DepEd warns public schools against forced payment of fees

MANILA, Philippines -- Education Secretary Jesli Lapus on Friday ordered all public elementary and high schools not to force students to pay school fees as a prerequisite to enrollment.

Contest helps boost math, science skills

Contest helps boost math, science skills (AP)

AP - Chris Fitzhugh spent spring break building a copper and PVC-pipe model to show how temperature differences in the ocean can be used to generate electricity. It's not just a personal quest.

Former presidents avoid politics at UNH

Newsvine - Get Smarter Here

AP - Former presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton put politics aside Saturday, urging University of New Hampshire graduates to focus on helping others both in their community and around the world.

A teacher like no other

‘Urban agriculture’ thrives in Payatas

MANILA, Philippines -- In Payatas, Quezon City, there is a teacher like no other. This teacher demonstrates the power and processes of nature, the healing qualities of plants and trees, and instills in people confidence, generosity and a sense of community.

Seed Newsvine

Topsy-Turvy Bus

Most Emailed Photos on Yahoo! News Photos

Ben Cohen, in green jacket, shows schoolchildren his 'Topsy-Turvy Bus' in Burlington, Vt., Wednesday, May 16, 2007. The Topsy-Turvy Bus is being driven across country toward New Hampshire, and later this year to Iowa, joining a campaign that's urging presidential candidates to increase investment in families and communities by shifting Pentagon spending to programs that build strong communities. The bus is a project of the Priorities Campaign, headed by Cohen who co-founded Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

Don't be like me

Student bully's sign: 'Don't be like me' (AP)

AP - A seventh-grade girl got suspended from school for a week for bullying another student. Then Mom got involved, and things got worse for Miasha Williams.

Florida requires PE in elementary schools

Fla. requires P.E. in elementary schools (AP)

AP - Elementary school students must have at least a half-hour of physical education each day under a bill signed Thursday by health-conscious Gov. Charlie Crist.

Education chief blames Comelec for violence on teachers

Education chief blames Comelec for violence vs teachers

MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is mainly to blame for poll-related violence against public school teachers serving on the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI), Education Secretary Jesli A. Lapus said Thursday.

Lifetime income for bullying at primary school

Bullied Australian teen gets income for life (AFP)

AFP - An Australian teenager was awarded record damages including a lifetime income Monday after a court found that his life had been ruined by bullying at primary school.

Brokeback Mountain shown in class

Lawsuit over Brokeback Mountain in class (AP)

AP - A girl and her grandparents have sued the Chicago Board of Education, alleging that a substitute teacher showed the R-rated film "Brokeback Mountain" in class.

Ex-prof in US gets 15 years for child porn

Ex-prof in US gets 15 years for child porn

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia - A former University of Pennsylvania professor was sentenced Friday to 15 years in prison and fined $17,500 for importing child pornography.

Father receives posthumous graduate degree of his son

Michael Herbstritt, father of Jeremy Michael Herbstritt, is ...

(AP) - Michael Herbstritt, father of Jeremy Michael Herbstritt, is embraced by a Virginia Tech faculty member as he accepts a posthumous graduate degree for his son during a graduation ceremony at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., Friday, May 11, 2007. Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 people, including Jeremy Michael Herbstritt, and then himself on April 16 on the campus of Virginia Tech. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Virginia Tech graduation

A graduate student wears a decorated cap during a graduation ...

(AP) - A graduate student wears a decorated cap during a graduation ceremony at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., Friday, May 11, 2007. Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 people and then himself on April 16 on the campus of Virginia Tech. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Diplomas to slain students

Virginia Tech awards diplomas to slain students

WASHINGTON--Virginia Tech awarded diplomas Friday to students killed by a classmate last month during a mass shooting rampage, with the university president calling them "innocent and beautiful young minds."

College cost crunch

College cost crunch felt worldwide, not just in U.S. (Reuters)

Reuters - A college cost crunch is bearing down on governments worldwide -- not just in America -- and some innovative approaches to student loans are being taken overseas, although you wouldn't know it on Capitol Hill.

Students in trouble for swiping copies of campus paper

Campus paper with `fat' photo vanishes (AP)

AP - Two female college students who bared their bellies at a lacrosse game couldn't stomach a front-page newspaper photo of their stunt and now are in trouble for swiping copies, campus officials said.

Teacher charged on marijuana possession

Teacher charged after dogs smell drugs (AP)

AP - A high school teacher faces marijuana possession charges after drug-sniffing dogs on a routine campus sweep led police to his classroom desk, authorities said.

Guilty

Ex-teacher pleads guilty in sex case (AP)

AP - A former teacher charged with having sex with a 14-year-old middle school student and running off to Mexico with him pleaded guilty Wednesday to a sodomy charge.

Joys of teaching

Photo Highlight on Yahoo! News Photos

Heather Burnham, assistant preschool teacher at First Step Day Care Center at the Dulles State Office Building, makes soap bubbles while playing with Shalena Dean, 3, and several other children at the center's playground on Washington Street in Watertown, N.Y., Thursday, May 3, 2007. (AP Photo/Watertown Daily Times, Niko J. Kallianiotis)

School supplies-makers won't hike prices - Favila

School supplies makers won't hike prices- Favila

Makers and sellers of school supplies on Thursday assured the government that they will not increase their prices in time for the opening of classes this June.

Professors at 19 and 21

Russian-born sisters to become profs in US at age 19, 21

NEW YORK -- Two Russian-born sisters are due to become assistant professors of finance in New York state later this year, even though they are only 19 and 21, university officials said Wednesday.

Former teacher pleads guilty in sex charge

Ex-Teacher Pleads Guilty in Sex Case

A former teacher charged with having sex with a 14-year-old middle school student and running off to Mexico with him pleaded guilty Wednesday to a sodomy charge.

House passes bill for crackdown on student loans

House passes bill for crackdown on student loans - May. 9, 2007

The bill tackles conflicts of interest in the $85 billion student loan market amid widening scandals.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill Wednesday cracking down on conflicts of interest in the $85 billion student loan market amid a widening scandal.

Adopted by a 414-3 vote, the bill would require colleges and lenders to abide by new codes of conduct; ban gifts from lenders to college aid officers; require disclosure of college-lender relationships; and protect students from aggressive marketing practices.

House passes bill for crackdown on student loans

House passes bill for crackdown on student loans - May. 9, 2007

The bill tackles conflicts of interest in the $85 billion student loan market amid widening scandals.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill Wednesday cracking down on conflicts of interest in the $85 billion student loan market amid a widening scandal.

Adopted by a 414-3 vote, the bill would require colleges and lenders to abide by new codes of conduct; ban gifts from lenders to college aid officers; require disclosure of college-lender relationships; and protect students from aggressive marketing practices.

Charges were fabricated - Prof

Prof in sexual harassment case says charge ‘fabricated’

MANILA, Philippines – Saying he had been unfairly accused, a theater actor and director told the Inquirer the other day that the sexual harassment charges filed against him by one of his students were fabricated.

Congressman resigns to take UMass chancellorship

Congressman Resigns to Take UMass Job

Democratic Rep. Martin Meehan, known for his work on campaign finance reform, formally submitted his resignation from Congress on Wednesday, paving the way for him to become chancellor of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

Giraffe teaches students a lesson they won't forget

Giraffe teaches students a lesson at zoo (AP)

AP - Climbing into a giraffe's cage at the local zoo seemed a good idea after a few drinks. But the prank went wrong when the 1.3 ton animal flew into a rage and attacked the three student trespassers at a zoo in Lithuania on Monday night.

International conference on higher education

International conference on higher education set in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines -- An International Conference on Research in Higher Education Institutions (ICRHEI) in Manila will be held in Cebu City in October and is expected to highlight the best practices in research for higher education.

Diana Day on Online kids

School Me! Adventures in Education

I've read research about how many teens are online, blogging and doing God-knows-what, but frankly, I don't know which teens these stats are referring to.  I've had the opportunity to talk with lots of young people in a variety of settings, and when I ask them how many are blogging or how many have their own webpages, I get blank stares. Usually, someone will pipe in, "Do you mean a MySpace page?"

(Read Diana Day article on LATimes.com)

***I have had the same experience as Diana.  I asked these kids I am handling in college prep, and I am amazed that no one among them knew about the latest things in the internet.  They don't know about rss, about the recent digg revolt.  And then, i asked myself, "I thought these kids are always online?"  My friend answered, "Yes, doing friendster and myspace".

State accused of inflating exit exam data

State accused of inflating exit exam data - Los Angeles Times

UCLA professor says officials distorted pass rate on test required for high school graduation. Educators counter that analysis was flawed.

By Joel Rubin, Times Staff Writer
May 8, 2007

California education officials put forth artificially positive results on the number of students who passed the state's controversial high school exit exam last year, according to a recent UCLA study.

The analysis also concluded that about 50,000 fewer students statewide earned diplomas last year compared to previous years, raising the prospect that the exit exam requirement is pressuring students to drop out. The decline in graduation rates was most pronounced in poor, heavily minority areas, the study found.  (Read full article on LATimes.com by clicking the link.)

Nicky Blair to train as teacher

PM's son to train as a teacher | News crumb | EducationGuardian.co.uk

The prime minister's second son is to train as a teacher after he graduates from Oxford this summer, it emerged today.

Nicky Blair, who is 21 years old, will join a graduate teacher training programme called Teach First, which was set up in the UK by private business five years ago to attract high flyers to the profession.

No to College Rankings - College presidents

The College Rankings Revolt Heats Up (BusinessWeek Online)

BusinessWeek Online - A dozen college presidents are setting the stage for what they hope will become a wide-scale rebellion against the annual college rankings compiled by U.S. News & World Report. In a letter dated May 5, the presidents are urging their colleagues at an estimated 1,000 liberal-arts schools to refuse to participate in a portion of the survey in which they're asked to rate other schools. The letter calls the survey "misleading" and says it does little to serve prospective students.

Schools urged to teach basic skills

Schools urged to teach basic skills / EducationGuardian.co.uk

Schools are in danger of creating "an army of the unemployable" as teenagers leave school with no qualifications, the leader of a headteachers' union warned yesterday.

Mick Brookes, the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), said there needed to be a radical change to the content of lessons taught to primary school children in order to stem this tide of disaffected youth.

Prof accused of sexual harassment to face charges

Prof accused of sexual harassment could face charges - INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office has recommended the filing of charges against a professor who was accused by his student of sexual harassment last year.

Assistant City Prosecutor Ben de la Cruz made the recommendation after he found probable cause against Arsenio Lizaso, a professor of the St. Paul University (formerly St. Paul College) in Quezon City, saying the respondent took advantage of his position to obtain sexual favors from his student.

Neb. professor died burned and bound

U.S. National - AP on Yahoo! News

Neb. professor dies burned and bound Mon May 7, 11:44 PM ET
CHADRON, Neb. - When Steven Haataja came to this remote corner of Nebraska, where cowboy hats are still worn for work and rodeo trophies greet visitors to the local college, it was supposed to be a new beginning for the mathematician who had just earned his doctorate.

DepEd, DFA launch ASEAN postcard project

DepEd, DFA launch ASEAN postcard project - INQUIRER.net,
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 06:30pm (Mla time) 05/07/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) launched late last week “Postcards Across ASEAN,” a project that aims to advocate the concept of a common regional identity.

The project, which was started by the Singapore government to mark the 40th anniversary of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), targets primary school students from age six to 12.

Student threatened Clinton

U.S. National - Reuters on Yahoo! News

Louisiana student charged with threatening Clinton Sat May 5, 11:17 PM ET

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (Reuters) - A Louisiana State University student has been jailed on charges that he threatened to blow up U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton during a campaign stop in Baton Rouge, police said on Saturday.

Remains of Kansas High School

Most popular news stories as ranked by readers of Yahoo! News (Reuters Photo)

Clinton promises Education Reform

Presidential Election 2008 Full Coverage on Yahoo! News

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said Saturday President Bush has cut education funding so much that some schools are cutting programs such as art, music and dance. If elected president, the New York Democrat said she would work to revise the 2002 No Child Left Behind Act. (AP/Yahoo!News)

***Better yet, leave the No Child Left Behind Act.

Student Software development competition won by DLSU team

DLSU wins Microsoft's Imagine Cup

MANILA, Philippines - A team from De La Salle University will represent the Philippines in a worldwide student software development competition held by Microsoft.  (Inquirer)

Influence: key to successful leadership

Influence: a key to successful leadership

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this article is to examine and condense the literature on influence and persuasion. Design/methodology/approach – The article identifies basic principles of influence in the theoretical and research literature, which are supported by empirical study. Findings – Ten principles of influence were identified, empirical support for each was given, and implications for educational leaders were discussed. In brief, ten basic strategies for educational leaders are proposed to persuade and influence students, teachers, and parents – ten principles of influence. Practical limitations – The propositions identified are a beginning not an end, and caution must be used to prevent the unethical use of each principle. Originality/value – This study refines Cialdini's six principles of persuasion and add four more of our own to round out ten basic strategies educational leaders can use to persuade and influence students, teachers, and parents – ten principles of influence.  (International Journal of Educational Management)

Evaluation of Reports on Attendance of Pupils in out-of-school provision

An evaluation of reports on the attendance of pupils in out-of-school provision

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse and evaluate Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) reports on attendance issues within local education authorities' out-of-school provision. Design/methodology/approach – A full cohort of Ofsted reports on inspections of out-of-school units, often known as pupil referral units (PRUs), undertaken in England in 2003 were scrutinised. The attendance data were then analysed statistically and geographically by region. The regions designated were the north of England, London and the Home Counties, the Midlands and the rest of England. Findings – The findings indicate that unauthorised absence rates in PRUs are more than ten times those reported for primary and secondary schools and for local education authorities (LEAs). Overall, unauthorised absence rates exceed authorised rates throughout a majority of PRUs inspected in England in 2003; the exact opposite to schools. There are considerable variations in rates of authorised and unauthorised absence between PRUs within the same regions and within some LEAs. Practical implications – Ofsted appear to give more latitude towards attendance issues within PRUs than they do in their inspection reports for schools and LEAs. The implications of these findings are considered along with the need for further research. Originality/value – This is the first article of its kind to analyse and evaluate the implications of Ofsted reports on attendance issues within LEAs out-of-school units.  (International Journal of Educational Management)

Field Study on Students' Loyalty

What accounts for students' loyalty? Some field study evidence

Abstract:
Purpose – Public funding of institutions offering higher education is becoming scarcer, more complex, and to an ever-increasing extent performance-based. Concerning the teaching area the financing is partly based on student credits and professional degrees. Thus student loyalty has become an important strategic theme. The purpose is to study relationships between student satisfaction, students' perceptions of the reputation of an educational institution and student loyalty; hypothesizing positive relationships between satisfaction and loyalty, reputation and loyalty, and between satisfaction and reputation. Antecedents of student satisfaction and reputation are also included in the study. Design/methodology/approach – The data source is a survey among students at the bachelor level of a university college in Norway, analyzed by a structural equation modeling approach. Findings – The findings strongly support the three hypotheses. The university college may be looked upon as being satisfaction-driven. Still reputation management is of great importance. Significant antecedents are identified and discussed. Research limitations/implications – This research has been applied to a specific university college. The research should be expanded to other institutions offering higher education. Practical implications – Based on a theoretical framework the study gives practical insight concerning drivers of student loyalty so that key success factors for the coming period of time can be identified. Originality/value – When determining the most appropriate management strategy, such insight is becoming even more important than earlier. By allocating resources to activities that are important for the students, the managers may increase the value offered so that student retention may be obtained, thus ensuring governmental funds in future. (International Journal of Educ Management)

Assessment System for Teacher Education Program Quality Improvement

An assessment system for teacher education program quality improvement

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to describe how one US Midwestern university implements quality principles, based on the value added premise in a teacher preparation program that yields accountability, teacher education standards attainment and ultimately improvement of teacher candidates and overall programs. Design/methodology/approach – Data pertinent to students were gathered in a systematic way as they declared a certification area. This data was used to identify students who needed tutorial support and class advisement to assure successful matriculation, program completion and success on identified critical assessments. The two assessments identified were teacher work sample (TWS) and the national physical education certification examination (Praxis II). Meaningful proactive advisement, data sharing and tutorial testing assistance program were the primary approaches used to improve teacher candidate competencies. Findings – Specific course modifications and curricular redesign resulted in positive results on the TWS and Praxis II. The results have been improved teacher candidate performance on knowledge, skills and dispositions measures. Research limitations/implications – As result of sharing data, a cultural shift occurred within the program. Faculty became more accountable to teacher candidate competency attainment and teacher candidates became more attuned to becoming an effective prospective teacher. Practical implications – Because this particular teacher education programs implemented quality principles, utilized the value added approach to management and systematically used data that yielded positive results, it has become a model for other teacher education programs. Originality/value – This study uses one program to provide examples of how management of accountability and standards attainment can lead to administrative, curricular, candidate and overall program improvement. (International Journal of Educational Management)

International Journal of Educational Management: A comparison of institutional stakeholders' perceptions of presidential effectiveness

A comparison of institutional stakeholders' perceptions of presidential effectiveness

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to extend the research of Michael, Schwartz, and Balraj pertaining to presidential effectiveness. Faculty senate chairpersons, academic deans, senior-level institutional officers, and student leaders were surveyed in order to ascertain whether there was a relationship between stakeholders' perceptions and whether the findings support the original study conducted by Michael et al. Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive, survey research methodology was utilized to survey 36 institutions of higher learning in the state of Ohio. Each participant was requested to complete a two-page survey that included questions related to indicators of presidential effectiveness, factors associated with the president's role at their respective institution, and ways of improving presidential effectiveness. Analysis of the data included a descriptive analysis of means and standard deviations; Spearman rho coefficient to obtain correlations of ranked data; and an Analysis of Variance to identify differences among each independent variable. Findings – Analysis of the data showed that participants agreed that all of the indicators of effectiveness were important. Additionally, stakeholders and trustees agree more than they disagree on the indicators of effectiveness and the role of a president. Practical implications – The implications of this research suggest that an assessment of the president should include institutional stakeholders in the process coupled with a detailed assessment of the institution. Strong oversight by the governing board is important to ensure integrity of the process, respect for individuals and the office of the president, and support for the professional development of a president. Originality/value – This study extended the research of Michael et al. pertaining to presidential effectiveness.

Food-for-School program extended

PDI: DepEd extends Food-for-School program

MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Education (DepEd) is extending this summer its Food-for-Schools program, which aims to distribute rice to its supervised pre- and public elementary schools, according to Education Secretary Jesli Lapus in a statement.

Science teaching reform too fast

Science teaching reform too fast, warn experts

Government changes to science lessons for 11 to 14-year-olds due to come in next year are happening too quickly, the UK's top scientists have warned.

***Read full story on Education Guardian

I'd like to meet this guy!

MIT News: MLK professor teaches 'excitement' of math

Akalu Tefera, the Martin Luther King Jr. Visiting Professor for 2006-2007, is enthusiastic about passing along his love for mathematics, and has mentored undergraduate students in cutting-edge research.

***How I love to pass my love for math too.

Teachers rated worst workplace gossips

Teachers rated worst workplace gossips

Teachers are the worst gossips in the workplace, according to the results of a new survey.

Read article at Education Guardian.

Not guilty

Teacher cleared of affair with pupil

Married teacher Jenine Saville-King found not guilty of seducing a pupil.

Teacher asks girl to be mermaid

Teacher asks girl to wear mermaid outfit (AP)

AP - A middle school teacher who asked a student to pose for a photograph in a mermaid costume has been reassigned to an adult education program.

One stop shop for those formulas

One Stop for Perimeter, Area and Volume of Common Shapes and Solids

Whether you've just forgotten or are looking for a handy reference, you'll find this index of formulas for the common shapes and figures worth bookmarking. At your fingertips you'll have...

Schools become factories

Targets turning schools into factories, teachers told

· Government advisor says Blair's reforms "have done harm" · Targets discouraging potential headteachers

200 caught Skinny dipping

About 200 grads caught skinny dipping (AP)

AP - As many as 200 students decided to celebrate graduation at Concordia College by skinny dipping in a murky campus pond early Monday, authorities said.

Oxford at number one in Guardian university guide 2008

Guardian university guide 2008

Oxford tops the Guardian rankings as the best university for students, according to the latest league tables.

***Oxford has an average of 95. Second is Cambridge with 92. Imperial College comes in at number three with 82. As clear, this is a list for British universities.