By: Bill Bosher There is an expression in education that is called the "teachable moment." Robert Havighurst perhaps popularized the term in his 1952 book, "Human Development and Education." More recently,More >>
The Washington Post reported this week on a new survey about cursive writing.More >>
By: Bill Bosher There is an expression in education that is called the "teachable moment." Robert Havighurst perhaps popularized the term in his 1952 book, "Human Development and Education." More recently,More >>
While recently visiting the campus of Christopher Newport University, CNU, I had an epiphany.More >>
By: Bill Bosher There is an expression in education that is called the "teachable moment." Robert Havighurst perhaps popularized the term in his 1952 book, "Human Development and Education." More recently,More >>
In 2011 Delegate Albo of Fairfax said, "If I had one vote in my 18 years to take back, it would be elected school boards, because they just don't work."More >>
By: Bill Bosher There is an expression in education that is called the "teachable moment." Robert Havighurst perhaps popularized the term in his 1952 book, "Human Development and Education." More recently,More >>
There is an expression in education that is called the "teachable moment." In this instance, the opportunity was a tragedy at the Boston Marathon, the day prior to the sixth anniversary of the Virginia Tech massacre.More >>
By: Bill Bosher While Universities and legislatures are debating the balance between policy and practice, oversight and administration, the Federal Government is again venturing into micro managementMore >>
While Universities and legislatures are debating the balance between policy and practice, oversight and administration, the Federal Government is again venturing into micro management on steroids.More >>
Sunday, March 31 2013 8:00 AM EDT2013-03-31 12:00:12 GMT
A North Carolina legislative committee is considering a "back to the basics" initiative that will certainly spark debate. The legislators believe that students should be required toMore >>
A North Carolina legislative committee is considering a "back to the basics" initiative that will certainly spark debate. The legislators believe that students should be required toMore >>
Sunday, March 17 2013 4:53 PM EDT2013-03-17 20:53:10 GMT
One middle school code of conduct reads, " There is a strong relationship between good dress habits, good work habits, and proper school behavior."More >>
One middle school code of conduct reads, " There is a strong relationship between good dress habits, good work habits, and proper school behavior." Daylight saving time kickedMore >>
By: Bill Bosher - email A school superintendent recently said, "When I write my memoirs, there will be at least one chapter on meteorology." This week gave more credence to that assumption. While inMore >>
A school superintendent recently said, "When I write my memoirs, there will be at least one chapter on meteorology." This week gave more credence to that assumption. More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email The Common Core standards has been approved by 46 states. While the President has indicated that these "content" standards in English, math, science and history were created byMore >>
The Common Core standards has been approved by 46 states. While the President has indicated that these "content" standards in English, math, science and history were created by states to be used voluntarily, it seems that this is not the case.More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email President Obama and the US Department of Education have launched a new initiative. The President believes that every child should have access to a "high quality" preschool education. TheMore >>
The President believes that every child should have access to a "high quality" preschool education - if the President is looking at "opportunity cost"…giving up something in exchange for the new initiative…what will it be…Impact aid, school food, special education, programs for the poor?More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email Virginia Senate Bill No 1074 has made its way through the Senate and has now cleared the House Education Committee. The focus of the bill is on political and religious groups inMore >>
The federal "Equal Access Amendment" of 1984 was an effort to insure that students in high schools would have an equal opportunity to participate in activities. The results had some unintended, if not perverse, consequences.More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email With budget challenges, school safety, and student performance as critical issues, some school boards seem not to have enough to do. The Prince George's County Maryland schoolMore >>
The Prince George's County Maryland school board has recently proposed to copyright all material created by staff and students. If a teacher writes a lesson plan or a student draws a picture, it would belong to the Prince George's School Board.More >>
The Commonwealth Education Poll conducted each year by CEPI in the Wilder School at VCU just released responses to questions about higher education.More >>
The Commonwealth Education Poll conducted each year by CEPI in the Wilder School at VCU just released responses to questions about higher education.More >>
Sunday, January 27 2013 4:33 PM EST2013-01-27 21:33:28 GMT
The Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute in the Wilder School at VCU conducts an annual poll of Virginian's perceptions of education issues with K-12 schools and colleges. More >>
The Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute in the Wilder School at VCU conducts an annual poll of Virginian's perceptions of education issues with K-12 schools and colleges. More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email In the mid 80's, wealthy Texan and later Presidential candidate, Ross Perot, initiated a hotly debated "No Pass, No Play" policy… Students had to pass in order to participate in high school athletics.More >>
In the mid 80's, wealthy Texan and later Presidential candidate, Ross Perot, initiated a hotly debated "No Pass, No Play" policy… Students had to pass in order to participate in high school athletics. More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email As the General Assembly members return to town, perhaps they should be reminded of lessons from Mr. Jefferson who designed the capitol in which they meet. "Democracy is nothingMore >>
As the General Assembly members return to town, perhaps they should be reminded of lessons from Mr. Jefferson who designed the capitol in which they meet.More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email While pre-school literally means the years prior to enrolling in "formal" education, it may have a greater impact on post-school lives and careers than the journey in the middle.More >>
While pre-school literally means the years prior to enrolling in "formal" education, it may have a greater impact on post-school lives and careers than the journey in the middle. Maybe we should pay more attention to it!More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email The news of Newtown was debilitating. It was impossible to comprehend…and difficult to see. The endless media has been challenging as well for those of us who are obsessive aboutMore >>
It was impossible to comprehend…and difficult to see. The endless media has been challenging as well for those of us who are obsessive about fixing things but do not have a reasonable answer to the ever-present question: How can we keep this from happening again?More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email Well "baa humbug" is alive and well in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ebenezer Scrooge may have declared Christmas a fraud, but Charles Dickens persuaded him to see the error of his ways in aMore >>
An Arkansas church canceled a performance of "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown" after an atheist group protested the scheduled play at a school.More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email The College Commission of SACS has put the University of Virginia on a warned status for the next twelve months. It will then determine if the university should be penalized further.More >>
The College Commission of SACS has put the University of Virginia on a warned status for the next twelve months. It will then determine if the number one ranked public institution in America should be penalized further or freed from the bite of a relatively toothless accreditation body. More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email Grabbing the headlines this week is the negotiation over the "fiscal cliff." Creeping into the news are reports of education budget plans and projections. The Superintendent ofMore >>
Creeping into the news are reports of education budget plans and projections. The Superintendent of Bland County is actually holding public information sessions on the "Impact of the Recession on Schools."More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email Seven Richmond City middle school students have been suspended for attacking a school bus driver. While the administration and police are sorting through the allegations, thereMore >>
Seven Richmond City middle school students have been suspended for attacking a school bus driver. While the administration and police are sorting through the allegations, there are perhaps principles to apply to this case…and others like it.More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email Well it seems that the never-ending discussion about grading systems has emerged again in central Virginia. What is a "B" worth? A well-organized group in Fairfax moved the schoolMore >>
What is a "B" worth? A well-organized group in Fairfax moved the school division to a "10 point" scale with the argument that students were being penalized in competition for acceptance at colleges.More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email The Virginia Standards of Learning include content (skills and knowledge) in English, math, science and the social sciences.More >>
The Virginia Standards of Learning include content (skills and knowledge) in English, math, science and the social sciences.More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email While at Longwood University recently, I talked with faculty and students about issues that will likely be highlighted in Virginia's gubernatorial election. One is school choice. ThisMore >>
This week, Florida voted on Amendment 8…a constitutional repeal of a ban on "direct or indirect" public funding for schools with "church, sect, or religious denomination". The Amendment failed.More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email Public education is, and perhaps has been since the publication of a Nation at Risk nearly 30 years ago, an institution in a conundrum. It is a challenge with conclusions drawn from guesswork. More >>
Public education is, and perhaps has been since the publication of a Nation at Risk nearly 30 years ago, an institution in a conundrum. It is a challenge with conclusions drawn from guesswork. More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, "it takes two to make an accident." While not to be confused with a literary masterpiece, quotes are rolling out of a new publication called GASB.More >>
In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, "it takes two to make an accident." While not to be confused with a literary masterpiece, quotes are rolling out of a new publication called GASB, and it is an accident waiting to happen.More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email Last week we looked at a study of higher education called, "Academically Adrift", and were appalled by the poor academic performance of college students. With the reality of growingMore >>
With the reality of growing debt for students with degrees (as well as those who have debt and did not finish), a question was posed, "who is studying cost benefit?"More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email About a year and a half ago, two sociology professors from NYU and UVA published a piece that had instant reviews in the New York Times, NPR, and the Chronicle of Higher Education…More >>
About a year and a half ago, two sociology professors from NYU and UVA published a piece that had instant reviews in the New York Times, NPR, and the Chronicle of Higher Education… but its "ending" came as T. S. Eliot would have described, "not with a bang but a whimper."More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email This week our minister made the observation that we should each have installed a "respect" meter. This would be a gauge for the respect that we extend to others…like an air qualityMore >>
This week our minister made the observation that we should each have installed a "respect" meter. This would be a gauge for the respect that we extend to others…like an air quality control instrument …and maybe we could express respect in particles per million.More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email Following seven days of a teacher strike in Chicago, there are numerous questions about "Why?" "Who won?" and "Where were the voices of former Chicago heavy weights, like the PresidentMore >>
Following seven days of a teacher strike in Chicago, there are numerous questions about "Why?" "Who won?" and "Where were the voices of former Chicago heavy weights, like the President and Secretary of Education?"More >>
Well the drama of the nationally televised Republican and Democratic conventions is behind us. More >>
Well the drama of the nationally televised Republican and Democratic conventions is behind us. Perhaps the next focus for schools and families is to help young people understand what to do with the flood of information. More >>
Monday, September 3 2012 8:48 AM EDT2012-09-03 12:48:44 GMT
By: Bill Bosher - email Monday is Labor Day. In Virginia, the holiday is seasonally the end of the summer, politically the official start of the final and most intense lap of fall elections, and educationallyMore >>
Monday is Labor Day. In Virginia, the holiday is seasonally the end of the summer, politically the official start of the final and most intense lap of fall elections, and educationally the last day before school begins…More >>
By: Bill Bosher - email Joel Klein, former Chancellor of the New York City Public Schools, is considered one of the greatest local educational reformers. Governor Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana,More >>
What does it mean to reform education? Well technically reform is consider to generate improvement…a condition that is important in all that we do.More >>
Sunday, July 29 2012 10:00 AM EDT2012-07-29 14:00:23 GMT
By: Bill Bosher - email While the numbers may swing with the economy, there is a new family structure that has been gaining momentum, "grandfamilies." About five million young people under the age ofMore >>
While the numbers may swing with the economy, there is a new family structure that has been gaining momentum, "grandfamilies."More >>
Sunday, July 22 2012 10:00 AM EDT2012-07-22 14:00:37 GMT
By: Bill Bosher - email Young people in high schools and colleges learn much about the relationship between democratic societies and freedom of the press. The news media, and particularly print journalism,More >>
Young people in high schools and colleges learn much about the relationship between democratic societies and freedom of the press. The news media, and particularly print journalism, is referred to as the "Fourth Estate".More >>
Sunday, July 15 2012 10:00 AM EDT2012-07-15 14:00:32 GMT
By: Bill Bosher - email "Schools are too easy." Is this a quote from a new group of business leaders who are concerned about job skills or the universities that claim that they must still remediate theirMore >>
While the cry from many communities is that teachers are overloading students' time, minds, and backpacks, it seems that this is not the case for large numbers who flatly believe that school is not very taxing.More >>
Friday, July 6 2012 4:59 PM EDT2012-07-06 20:59:52 GMT
By: Bill Bosher - email The Giles County School Board and ACLU have reached a settlement in a lawsuit focused on the posting of the Ten Commandments on the walls of Narrows High School. A student andMore >>
The Giles County School Board and ACLU have reached a settlement in a lawsuit focused on the posting of the Ten Commandments on the walls of Narrows High School. More >>
Saturday, June 30 2012 10:00 AM EDT2012-06-30 14:00:56 GMT
By: Bill Bosher - email The Virginia Commission on Youth is looking at a comparison of academic achievement in Virginia with leading industrialized countries. The task is significant because you mustMore >>
The Virginia Commission on Youth is looking at a comparison of academic achievement in Virginia with leading industrialized countries. The task is significant because you must first determine the points of fair comparison and the relative ways to quantify them.More >>
Saturday, June 30 2012 1:17 AM EDT2012-06-30 05:17:47 GMT
By: Bill Bosher - email The summer is often met with the question, "What will you do with your free time?" The reality is that there is no free time…there is only unscheduled time. If an economic goodMore >>
The summer is often met with the question, "What will you do with your free time?" The reality is that there is no free time…there is only unscheduled time.More >>
Friday, June 15 2012 4:40 PM EDT2012-06-15 20:40:49 GMT
By: Bill Bosher - email Schools are fighting daily battles. A recent San Francisco article stated that education is under siege from both political camp. President Obama and Gov Romney are both preachingMore >>
Schools are fighting daily battles. A recent San Francisco article stated that education is under siege from both political camp. More >>
Sunday, June 3 2012 10:00 AM EDT2012-06-03 14:00:29 GMT
By: Bill Bosher - email The May jobs report does not look good for new college graduates. With about 1.8 million new bachelors degrees this year, the job market is going in the opposite direction. WithMore >>
With only 150,000 new jobs in May as compared with 229,000 per month in the first quarter, the question will be, "what can I do to earn a living?"More >>
Sunday, May 27 2012 9:19 AM EDT2012-05-27 13:19:20 GMT
By: Bill Bosher - email While sitting on Governor Wilder's education committee, not unlike the one that just completed work for Mayor Jones, the question was posed to the Chairman of the Board and SuperintendentMore >>
While sitting on Governor Wilder's education committee, not unlike the one that just completed work for Mayor Jones, the question was posed to the Chairman of the Board and Superintendent of Schools, "If you placed students in schools until they were at capacity, how many empty schools would your have?"More >>
Sunday, May 20 2012 11:36 AM EDT2012-05-20 15:36:54 GMT
By: Bill Bosher - email The education business is an exciting field because our academic years are anchored by big beginnings and endings. College and high school students are graduating over the nextMore >>
The education business is an exciting field because our academic years are anchored by big beginnings and endings. College and high school students are graduating over the next month, and thousands of young people across the state will receive degrees and diplomas recognizing years of work to master skills and knowledge.More >>
Sunday, May 20 2012 11:14 AM EDT2012-05-20 15:14:00 GMT
By: Bill Bosher - email Giles County Public Schools is in the news again. Since 2010 they have been embroiled in a public and legal controversy over the Ten Commandments. A bit of history, first theMore >>
Giles County Public Schools is in the news again. Since 2010 they have been embroiled in a public and legal controversy over the Ten Commandments.More >>
Sunday, May 6 2012 2:53 PM EDT2012-05-06 18:53:51 GMT
Well it's time for exams. Colleges and universities are finishing their semesters and high schools are about a month away. Teachers and researchers continue to debate the value of course ending exams.More >>
Well it's time for exams. Colleges and universities are finishing their semesters and high schools are about a month away. Teachers and researchers continue to debate the value of course ending exams.More >>
Sunday, April 29 2012 12:01 PM EDT2012-04-29 16:01:44 GMT
By: Bill Bosher - email My wife recently shared a story about a grandmother who was sending checks to her adult grandchildren. Rarely if ever getting notes or calls of thanks, she decided to send a checkMore >>
My wife recently shared a story about a grandmother who was sending checks to her adult grandchildren. Rarely if ever getting notes or calls of thanks, she decided to send a check without signing it…the call came quickly.More >>
Sunday, April 22 2012 10:00 AM EDT2012-04-22 14:00:31 GMT
While much research points to greater earning power with a college degree, some media outlets are focusing on the overlooked population of those who hold successful jobs without going to college.More >>
High volume, high pressure, high stakes, and high margin for error…Perhaps each legislator should ask before introducing or voting on a bill, "now how will this work on Monday?"More >>
Sunday, April 8 2012 11:05 AM EDT2012-04-08 15:05:46 GMT
A set of figures from the Project on Student Debt — a national review of how much students owe when they graduate from college — reveals information that is both alarming and counterintuitive.More >>
Sunday, April 1 2012 5:05 PM EDT2012-04-01 21:05:30 GMT
Joel Klein, former Chief of the New York City schools and now with News Corp, has recently headed a team of notables to look at education in the United States. They conclude that it is a "very grave national security threat."More >>
Sunday, March 25 2012 12:48 PM EDT2012-03-25 16:48:24 GMT
Spring is officially with us even though it felt like spring most of the winter. It is a time of renewal and energy…but also pollen, allergies and trying to figure out how little you can wear to school.More >>
Sunday, March 18 2012 12:00 PM EDT2012-03-18 16:00:55 GMT
Over the past several months, the Chronicle of Higher Education has run articles that look at "civility" in colleges and universities. The discussion has been anything but civil.More >>
Sunday, March 11 2012 11:35 AM EDT2012-03-11 15:35:56 GMT
The Harvard Health Blog is now looking at kindergarten and an issue that is getting much debate…"redshirting". Yes, a concept that has been associated with college athletics is now the focal point of moms and dads as they decide whether or not to permit their son or daughter to enter kindergarten.More >>
Sunday, March 4 2012 11:40 AM EST2012-03-04 16:40:14 GMT
On February 24th, a federal district court determined that the New York City Board of Education could not prohibit Bronx Household of Faith from holding religious services in one of its public schools.More >>
Monday, February 13 2012 9:13 AM EST2012-02-13 14:13:50 GMT
For Greeks first, and then Romans, the Aeropagus was a place to debate issues. As we view reports from the daily deliberations of the oldest legislative body in the Western Hemisphere, the Virginia General Assembly, there may be lessons for young people about discourse.More >>
House Bill 91 has recently been refereed to the Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety of the Virginia General Assembly. Certainly in response to the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech, the proposed law would permit full time college and university faculty who hold a concealed weapon permit to carry their gun on campus.More >>
Sunday, January 29 2012 1:35 PM EST2012-01-29 18:35:21 GMT
The Virginia General Assembly is busy reviewing, revising, …and in some instances, rejecting legislation. The success of a bill is, in part, marketing. While you might think that it's public policy analysis, in reality it is taking an idea and attaching it to a brand.More >>
Sunday, January 22 2012 12:36 PM EST2012-01-22 17:36:25 GMT
A new coalition has called for national sex education standards. They believe that K-12 students should be introduced to the identification of body parts in the elementary school, contraception in the middle school and that 12th graders should understand "emergency" contraception.More >>
Friday, January 20 2012 5:42 PM EST2012-01-20 22:42:13 GMT
Following the Associated Press Day at the Capitol this week, the headlines focused on the first public debate between former Governors George Allen and Tim Kaine.More >>
The Commonwealth Education Policy Institute in the Wilder School at VCU has just released its 12th annual statewide education poll. As the Executive Director, I continue to be amazed at the consistent responses of Virginians related to funding for K-12.More >>
Saturday, January 7 2012 5:26 PM EST2012-01-07 22:26:36 GMT
Last week the Post ran an article which began "Across the Washington area, black students are suspended and expelled two to five times as often as white students, creating disparities in discipline that experts say reflect a growing national problem."More >>
Sunday, December 18 2011 12:00 PM EST2011-12-18 17:00:23 GMT
Christmas not only brings a season of gift giving, but it marks the beginning of budget making for school divisions across Virginia. While they have been in preparation since June, most will be announced in the month following the season of "glad tidings and cheer". More >>
Sunday, December 4 2011 11:17 AM EST2011-12-04 16:17:50 GMT
Suppose that there was a potential public policy that could generate bipartisan political support, create jobs, save money…and preserve history.More >>
Sunday, November 27 2011 11:05 AM EST2011-11-27 16:05:16 GMT
Last week we looked at the facts about the first Thanksgiving. We noted a memo from Dr. Henry Schlesinger, famous historian and special assistant to President Kennedy, acknowledging a bias to Plymouth in the President's Proclamation.More >>
Sunday, November 27 2011 10:46 AM EST2011-11-27 15:46:00 GMT
This week families across America will be celebrating Thanksgiving. Textbooks and teachers continue to focus young people on the Mayflower, Pilgrims and Plymouth Rock. Is this revisionist history?More >>
Sunday, November 13 2011 12:04 PM EST2011-11-13 17:04:56 GMT
Most political analysts have spent the last couple of days saying that the voters have acted with their feet…and hands…and are not happy…at any level.More >>
Tuesday, November 8 2011 10:16 AM EST2011-11-08 15:16:44 GMT
The Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute recently rolled out a new study of teacher compensation as compared with their private sector counterparts.More >>
Friday, November 4 2011 9:21 AM EDT2011-11-04 13:21:14 GMT
The U.S. Secretary of Education recently announced that he and the President had decided to accept waivers from requirements of "No Child Left Behind". States, including Virginia, have reacted positively to this potential relief.More >>
Friday, November 4 2011 9:20 AM EDT2011-11-04 13:20:22 GMT
If Delegate Massie of Henrico had hired a publicist for proposed legislation to require training for those who work with autistic children, he could not have designed better results than the made-for-TV real-life episodes of "Banana Man" and the "Bedford Bus Beating".More >>
Sunday, October 2 2011 12:20 PM EDT2011-10-02 16:20:26 GMT
While a Stafford County student was recently suspended for parading around the field during the halftime of a football game, apparently his few moments of adolescent fame have turned into an international odyssey of posted debates and commentaries.More >>
Sunday, September 25 2011 1:06 PM EDT2011-09-25 17:06:11 GMT
When proposing his $1.5 trillion tax increase this week, President Obama said, "This is not class warfare, its math." This is not the math taught in schools.More >>
Sunday, September 18 2011 11:39 AM EDT2011-09-18 15:39:57 GMT
Well, the SAT scores are back! Just as families wait anxiously for the results for the proxy for college admissions, corporate relocation specialists and economic developers wait to see how states and the nation have done.More >>
Sunday, September 11 2011 1:39 PM EDT2011-09-11 17:39:26 GMT
This is the time of year when I frequently speak to convocations of teachers. The focus is often on skills and behavior related to communication, consistency and care…of adults.More >>
Sunday, September 4 2011 10:00 AM EDT2011-09-04 14:00:45 GMT
This is an exciting time of the year... young people are heading back to school. Some are experiencing the anxiety of leaving the security of home, while others are returning with a sense of confidence and excitement.More >>
Sunday, August 14 2011 12:03 PM EDT2011-08-14 16:03:13 GMT
Public organizations can be the best run "businesses" in town if those who are leading them believe that effectiveness and efficiency are critical to their success.More >>
Tuesday, August 2 2011 7:47 AM EDT2011-08-02 11:47:32 GMT
The Defense Department has recently released a list of ratings for its schools. These are the institutions both home and abroad that serve the military children of the men and women who are defending our country.More >>
Sunday, July 24 2011 10:00 AM EDT2011-07-24 14:00:44 GMT
The North Carolina Legislature with good intent decided to add five days and 25 hours of instruction for schools when it passed it 2011-2013 budget. This would bring the school calendar to 185 days in contrast with the traditional 180 days.More >>
Sunday, July 17 2011 10:00 PM EDT2011-07-18 03:00:57 GMT
While many of Virginia's colleges and universities are using technology in a variety of ways, including robotic surgery, there is a new initiative in Virginia that will give a boost to the classroom.More >>
Sunday, July 10 2011 10:00 AM EDT2011-07-10 14:00:36 GMT
A colloquial, if not cruel, expression in the face of a devastating defeat has been, "that looked like Sherman going through Atlanta." Atlanta now faces another enemy, and it is from within.More >>
Sunday, June 26 2011 10:00 AM EDT2011-06-26 14:00:37 GMT
Someone recently asked me, "What ever happened to cursive writing?" You remember, the flowing letters that gave visual cadence to written communication.More >>
Tuesday, June 21 2011 10:20 AM EDT2011-06-21 14:20:42 GMT
The Obama Administration has proposed to cut $330 million in aid to train pediatricians at 56 children's hospitals. At the same time, a Central Virginia group called, Pediatricians Associated to Care for Kids, is proposing a new children's hospital.More >>
Monday, June 13 2011 9:02 AM EDT2011-06-13 13:02:58 GMT
Delegate Joe Morrissey held a press conference this week to highlight his concern that Richmond is dishonestly using the SAT scores of the Maggie Walker Governor's School to inflate the average scores for the city.More >>
Sunday, May 29 2011 10:00 AM EDT2011-05-29 14:00:33 GMT
Well, it is Memorial Day weekend. This Holiday marks the starting line for summer vacations and is followed by a sprint of fun and sun to Labor Day.More >>
Sunday, May 15 2011 10:00 AM EDT2011-05-15 15:00:31 GMT
While our colleagues who work in governmental compliance are simply doing their jobs, the agencies that they serve, at times, get overly zealous.More >>
Sunday, May 8 2011 10:00 AM EDT2011-05-08 14:00:35 GMT
This week we observed the National Day of Prayer. The Freedom From Religion Foundation continues to argue that it is unconstitutional. A Federal Appeals Court recently unanimously rejected this notion.More >>
Sunday, April 24 2011 10:00 AM EDT2011-04-24 14:00:18 GMT
In difficult budget times, difficult decisions have to be made. The inevitable down stream impact of revenue shortfalls has abruptly reached local jurisdictions.More >>
Sunday, April 17 2011 10:00 AM EDT2011-04-17 14:00:33 GMT
While nutritionists seem to be split on many of these issues, it is clear that the schools must continue to use their educational platforms to shape the eating habits of young people.More >>
Sunday, April 10 2011 10:00 AM EDT2011-04-10 15:00:37 GMT
VCU and UR's accomplishments in the NCAA tournament this year was the elimination of an experience from our bucket list in a style that we would have never imagined. The lessons were plentiful enough to constitute a degree.More >>
Monday, April 4 2011 9:39 AM EDT2011-04-04 13:39:00 GMT
This season officially begins with Spring Break and ends with graduation. While a family week at the beach sounds innocent and fun, these frequently unsupervised expressions of independence can result in tragedy, risky behavior, and lingering regret.More >>
Monday, March 28 2011 9:03 AM EDT2011-03-28 14:03:03 GMT
The Virginia Department of Education has worked at developing its guidelines on the use of social media. The first effort, while well intended, was neither enforceable nor defensible.More >>
Monday, March 21 2011 8:59 AM EDT2011-03-21 12:59:16 GMT
Fairfax County is looking at its procedures in dealing with young people who have been found with drugs. The review has been provoked by high profile cases involving young people who have been expelled, suspended, or required to change schools.More >>
Sunday, March 13 2011 10:00 AM EDT2011-03-13 14:00:32 GMT
Apple's iPad 2 hits the streets this week. According to Apple it is 15 percent lighter, 33 percent thinner, faster and has a camera…and even a "smart" cover.More >>
Sunday, February 20 2011 10:00 AM EST2011-02-20 15:00:48 GMT
The Fordham Institute has issued an analysis of the history standards that are required of students across the country. Most states received "D" or "F", and Virginia was given a "C."More >>
Monday, February 14 2011 12:56 PM EST2011-02-14 17:56:42 GMT
Virginia's public schools probably teach more about economics than any state in the country. We teach the concepts of economics…but do we teach the common sense of economics?More >>
Monday, January 31 2011 1:25 PM EST2011-01-31 18:25:27 GMT
House Bill 1416 requires each local school board to allocate 65 percent of its operating budget to instructional spending. While honorable in spirit, it probably is not practice…it would make a nice bumper sticker. More >>
Monday, January 24 2011 8:57 AM EST2011-01-24 13:57:37 GMT
Governor Bob McDonnell's legislative agenda includes incentives for teachers who demonstrate success in "hard to staff" schools. Whether through pay, promises of promotion, or pride, professionals accomplish what they believe to be important.More >>
Sunday, January 16 2011 10:03 AM EST2011-01-16 15:03:32 GMT
While the Virginia Board of Education is working in earnest on protecting classrooms from inaccuracies in history text a publisher is taking a different approach -- let's just change the words to what we like.More >>
Sunday, January 2 2011 10:00 AM EST2011-01-02 15:00:16 GMT
The Virginia Board of Education has proposed guidelines to address misconduct between teachers and students. While the intent is clearly to address potential sexual behavior, they may have inadvertently missed the messenger and hit the medium.More >>
Sunday, December 26 2010 10:00 AM EST2010-12-26 15:00:31 GMT
While at the mall shopping with friends who share a common Christmas "sprint to the finish," a recurring revelation came on like a harbor light. The Season may be one of cheer… but many people are not very cheerful.More >>
Monday, December 20 2010 10:35 AM EST2010-12-20 15:35:18 GMT
Virginia Commonwealth University, and the world, lost a wonderful teacher and remarkable scientist when Nobel Prize winner Dr. John Fenn passed this week.More >>
Saturday, December 11 2010 10:15 AM EST2010-12-11 15:15:18 GMT
Neither inclement weather nor catastrophe's get in the way of time off from schools during the holidays. A reasonable question might be, "how did we come to take these breaks at these particular times?"More >>
Friday, October 22 2010 10:49 AM EDT2010-10-22 14:49:07 GMT
The House Appropriations Committee of the General Assembly learned this week that Virginia has received $249.5 million from the Federal Government under the Education Jobs Fund.More >>
Friday, October 15 2010 4:20 PM EDT2010-10-15 20:20:33 GMT
While the term "bullying" has been commonly known but seldom used until recent years, the fact is that bullies have and do exist wherever there is an opportunity to fill a power vacuum.More >>
Friday, October 8 2010 4:44 PM EDT2010-10-08 20:44:05 GMT
Early one morning while getting my newspaper, I saw my long time neighbors, teachers in the City of Richmond, and complimented them on their recent achievement.More >>
Wednesday, September 15 2010 4:18 PM EDT2010-09-15 20:18:05 GMT
An Education Week commentary recently focused on "Five Myths about School Attendance." How important do you think school attendance is in relation to performance?More >>
Thursday, September 9 2010 9:58 AM EDT2010-09-09 13:58:00 GMT
Talk to your children about school every day. What did you do today? Did you do well? Who are your friends? Did you have any problems today? Can I help you?More >>
Friday, September 3 2010 5:34 AM EDT2010-09-03 09:34:53 GMT
Some lessons must be harder to learn than others. Last year the President decided to speak to the young people of America on the opening day of school. The decision brought debate about its timing and purpose.More >>
Wednesday, August 25 2010 4:20 PM EDT2010-08-25 20:20:36 GMT
This week's emails brought an interesting question…and an offer. The writer walked through the first three paragraphs with the ease of a friend who had discovered that I was about to be audited by the IRS and wanted to help me.More >>
Wednesday, August 18 2010 4:37 PM EDT2010-08-18 20:37:45 GMT
The Richmond Times Dispatch has reported a Harvard study showing that 20% of young people between 12 and 19 have hearing loss…probably 6.5 million nationwide.More >>
Friday, August 13 2010 4:33 PM EDT2010-08-13 20:33:51 GMT
The Chicago Tribune carried an article this week by Vikki Healy entitled, "Wired and tired." She referenced a Journal of Pediatrics study where only 21 percent of high school students had experienced the recommended 9 hours of sleep a night.More >>
Wednesday, August 4 2010 4:20 PM EDT2010-08-04 20:20:28 GMT
The president of the Washington Teachers Union is fired up about Chancellor Michelle Rhee's firing of 241 teachers for poor performance. He says that he is going to sue her.More >>
Friday, July 30 2010 4:15 PM EDT2010-07-30 20:15:48 GMT
In June 1995, the Virginia Board of Education passed the Standards of Learning in English, Math, Science, and History. The debate over the content and accountability system was intense.More >>
Wednesday, July 21 2010 4:01 PM EDT2010-07-21 20:01:50 GMT
A review of a recent sports page revealed that the batting averages of the leading hitters in the National and American baseball leagues were .326 and .349. About three out of 10 times these millionaires got a hit.More >>
Thursday, July 1 2010 8:47 AM EDT2010-07-01 12:47:35 GMT
This week my wife, Jo Anne, and I bought WiiSports. No, it is not a tiny athlete or a set of very small golf clubs, it is a video game console that is sold by Nintendo.More >>
Wednesday, June 23 2010 4:20 PM EDT2010-06-23 20:20:48 GMT
Civility is frequently highlighted in the media, hallway conversations and classrooms. Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, also includes it as one of five pillars…or values for its users.More >>
Monday, June 14 2010 2:36 PM EDT2010-06-14 18:36:00 GMT
The high school graduates of the Richmond area, thousands of them, have now experienced standards and assessment for their entire school experience…especially if it has been in Virginia.More >>
Thursday, May 27 2010 4:28 PM EDT2010-05-27 20:28:22 GMT
Chesterfield County Schools has decided to give its teachers a one-time "bonus" of two percent from savings that it has realized during the fiscal year. This decision is both courageous and risky.More >>
Wednesday, May 19 2010 4:31 PM EDT2010-05-19 20:31:55 GMT
In preparing for the next budget cycle, fiscal year 2012, Chesterfield County Public Schools has floated the idea of reducing the school week to four days.More >>
Thursday, May 6 2010 10:35 AM EDT2010-05-06 14:35:07 GMT
NPR recently ran a story entitled, "Tenure Under Attack." The focus was on the rising concern about the inability to get rid of teachers who are not performing well in the classroom.More >>
Friday, April 30 2010 4:37 PM EDT2010-04-30 20:37:18 GMT
On Monday the Petersburg School Board voted unanimously to select Cambridge Education to provide an "independent" program that is focused on improving student achievement at the middle school level.More >>
Wednesday, April 14 2010 4:34 PM EDT2010-04-14 20:34:05 GMT
I grew up in Hanover County and I went to Battlefield Park Elementary School and Lee Davis High School. My great grandmother had canon balls around the bushes in her front yard.More >>
Wednesday, March 31 2010 2:13 PM EDT2010-03-31 18:13:54 GMT
There has been much coverage about the tragic loss of a respected pastor to a crash during a police pursuit involving another driver. So what does this living lesson teach young people? More >>
Thursday, March 25 2010 9:01 AM EDT2010-03-25 13:01:19 GMT
New healthcare legislation is being compared with social security, Medicare…and even civil rights. So what does this new law teach our children?More >>
Monday, March 22 2010 12:40 PM EDT2010-03-22 16:40:17 GMT
Recently there was a Fredericksburg story about a student whose family had moved from homeless shelters to crowded apartments and back to shelters again.More >>
Wednesday, March 10 2010 3:32 PM EST2010-03-10 20:32:15 GMT
Well it's difficult to ignore the flap that has been associated with the past week's letter from the Attorney General of Virginia to the public colleges and universities.More >>
Thursday, February 11 2010 4:56 PM EST2010-02-11 21:56:51 GMT
Jack Jennings of the Center on Education Policy remarked that the real question about the overhaul of No Child Left Behind by President Obama is what will replace it?More >>
Wednesday, January 27 2010 5:18 PM EST2010-01-27 22:18:05 GMT
The traditional perspective has been that elementary and secondary schools are charged with the responsibility to prepare young people to go to college or to work.More >>
Wednesday, January 6 2010 6:09 PM EST2010-01-06 23:09:33 GMT
Richmond has recently announced that it will reduce the number of open enrollment school program options that parents may list from three to two.More >>
Wednesday, December 30 2009 4:15 PM EST2009-12-30 21:15:09 GMT
As we begin the New Year with our families, friends, faith and very "futures," let's consider carefully the promises that we make to ourselves and others…and make a plan to keep them!More >>
Wednesday, December 23 2009 4:34 PM EST2009-12-23 21:34:04 GMT
What a wonderful time of the year with lights, decorated trees, candles, cards, gifts and the laughter of young people. It is also a time when true meaning is buffered by political correctness.More >>
Wednesday, December 16 2009 3:35 PM EST2009-12-16 20:35:43 GMT
CEPI at VCU has released the 10th Annual Commonwealth Education Poll and the statewide responses offer an interesting reaction to key educational policy issues; some signature initiatives in Gov.-Elect Bob McDonnell's agenda.More >>
Wednesday, December 2 2009 4:20 PM EST2009-12-02 21:20:02 GMT
Richmond's leadership, the Mayor and City Council, have all decided its school facilities need serious help. With this quest comes some critical decisions.More >>
Wednesday, November 25 2009 2:01 PM EST2009-11-25 19:01:01 GMT
Last week Gov. Tim Kaine directed the Virginia Department of Education to "analyze disproportionately low representation of minority students in gifted education."More >>
Wednesday, October 28 2009 4:33 PM EDT2009-10-28 20:33:46 GMT
A debate is heating up in New England about a small private school and its answer for a deteriorating library and the ever-increasing cost of books. It has gone to Kindles. More >>
Wednesday, October 14 2009 4:20 PM EDT2009-10-14 21:20:45 GMT
Recently the Virginia Department of Education, provoked by the Federal government, cited area school divisions for "disciplining too many minority special education students."More >>
Wednesday, September 30 2009 3:49 PM EDT2009-09-30 20:49:57 GMT
President Obama has proposed that young people in America need more time in school. Longer school days and shorter summers are the goal. What are the issues around this proposal? More >>
Wednesday, September 23 2009 4:29 PM EDT2009-09-23 21:29:51 GMT
What can we teach young people about civility? There has been considerable media coverage and conversation about disruptions during TV awards shows, presidential speeches, and political campaigns. More >>
Thursday, September 17 2009 5:22 PM EDT2009-09-17 22:22:07 GMT
Henrico County has recently discussed developing a system that will reward teachers for increasing the achievement of students. Is this merit pay? Pay for performance? Will it work? More >>
Each time I think that I have seen the most bizarre challenge to a new school year, someone finds a way to make the start just a little crazier. This year's version is the controversy around the President's speech to students.More >>
Wednesday, September 2 2009 4:16 PM EDT2009-09-02 21:16:23 GMT
In less that a week, young people will return school. For those starting kindergarten it will be an exciting day for the entire family, full of emotion, anxiety, and great expectations. More >>
Thursday, August 27 2009 4:20 PM EDT2009-08-27 21:20:48 GMT
With child care ranging from in-home nannies to sophisticated commercial operations, what is available and what criteria should parents use in making their selection?More >>
Last week we talked about childhood obesity. Our focus was primarily on the family and the impact of role models on this epidemic among children.More >>
The Virginia Board of Education is looking at school fees. While this process has drawn much analysis, in reality it is an annual agenda item. So what is different?More >>
In recent news stories, Petersburg, Richmond, Roanoke, Stafford, and Montgomery County have come under scrutiny for cheating. Not students, but teachers and administrators. More >>
With school out, the proverbial question to students and parents is "What are you going to do this summer?" For many, whether stated or not, the answer is "play video games." More >>
Does tolerance mean that we will accept any value or behavior or does it mean that we have such weak values that they do not stand under the tests of others?More >>
Parents in many schools in Virginia, including Petersburg and Powhatan, have found that they have at least one thing in common: they want to change the grading scales. More >>
Tomorrow the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Pat Wright, will recommend to the Virginia Board of Education the elimination of the 3rd grade social sciences test. More >>
U.S. Secretary Arne Duncan is on a tour of the country trying to get feedback from teachers, students, and parents in fifteen states about No Child Left Behind, the educational cornerstone of the Bush Administration. More >>
This May, college graduates will be launched into a world of independence. While celebrating hard work, they should also thank those who have helped along the way.More >>
This May, college graduates will be launched into a world of independence. While celebrating hard work, they should also thank those who have helped along the way.More >>
Wednesday, April 15 2009 4:30 PM EDT2009-04-15 21:30:54 GMT
While marketing is a term that is usually associated with the private sector, it is now becoming a tool that is used by public schools as well. Should public funds be used to sell public institutions to the public?More >>
While marketing is a term that is usually associated with the private sector, it is now becoming a tool that is used by public schools as well. Should public funds be used to sell public institutions to the public? More >>
Tuesday, April 14 2009 5:21 PM EDT2009-04-14 22:21:48 GMT
What does the SAT tell us about the potential success of a college student? NBC12 Educational Specialist Dr. William Bosher addresses the issue.More >>
What does the SAT tell us about the potential success of a college student? NBC12 Educational Specialist Dr. William Bosher addresses the issue.More >>
Wednesday, April 1 2009 4:10 PM EDT2009-04-01 21:10:38 GMT
While it is damaging to expect young people to do things that they have not been taught, it is equally condemning to teach them to expect that they cannot do it. More >>
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