All Categories:

• Evaluating Public Schools (10 articles)
• Types of Public Schools (31 articles)
• Attending Public School (26 articles)
• Public School Policies (99 articles)
• Public School Jobs (4 articles)
• Improving Learning (59 articles)
• High School Issues (61 articles)
• Public School Safety (37 articles)
• Nutrition on Campus (30 articles)
• Education Reform (52 articles)
• Kindergarten and Elementary School Issues (10 articles)

• Sexual Harassment at Age 6: The Tale of a First Grade Suspension
  A six-year old in Aurora, Colorado, was suspended after singing an LMFAO song to a little girl in his class and reportedly “shaking his booty.” We look at the case and the sexual harassment problem in public schools today.
• The Advent of the Digital Textbook: Boon or Bust?
  How well are digital textbooks performing for students? We examine the move to digital textbooks, as well as the pros and cons of using online resources rather than traditional paper.
• 15 Fortune 500 CEOs that Attended Public School
  Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, and Michael Dell: what do they have in common? A public high school education! Be inspired by 15 Fortune 500 CEOs who got their start at their local public high schools.
• Longer Lunches, Smarter Students? The Controversy of 10 Minute or 1 Hour Lunch Periods
  Some schools in the country only give students 10 minutes to eat lunch, while others enjoy an entire hour. We’ll delve into the controversy surrounding the length of the lunch period and what the research finds in correlating lunch length to student performance.
• 10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
  Are our public schools in a state of crisis? Learn about the 10 biggest problems with public schools today, both from the perspective of the administrators and the teachers

• Public School Uniforms: The Pros and Cons for Your Child
  Learn about the pros and cons of uniforms in public schools.
• What is a Charter School?
  Charter Schools are emerging as an alternative to traditional system of education. Since state legislatures passed charter law in 1990, charter schools saw an enormous increase in number. Read more about how these schools operate.
• Public School vs. Private School
  Know the issues involved when considering public versus private schools. Read more about these considerations in this article.
• What is a Magnet School?
  What is a Magnet School? Read about how magnet schools differ and work when compared to other public schools.
• Pros and Cons of Sports Competition at the High School Level
  Learn about the benefits and dangers of competitive pressure on athletes at the high school level.

Read about the different metrics and ways you can evaluate the quality of a public school.

• Public School vs. Private School
  Know the issues involved when considering public versus private schools. Read more about these considerations in this article.
• Public School vs. Home School
  Learn the factors to consider when choosing between home schooling or public school.
• Does Your Child Attend a “Private” Public School?
  Not all public schools are created equal. In fact, some are even considered "private" public schools. Learn about the study that delves into which states have the most "private" public schools and what ramifications these statistics have on education policy and taxation.
• 4 Ways Parents Can Turn a Campus into a Top Public School
  Every campus has the potential to become a top public school. Learn about what you can do as a parent to improve your child's public school.
• Can You Afford a Stellar Public School Education?
  Dissect "America's Best Schools for Your Housing Buck" and learn about the top ranked public schools in America in cities where the median home price is as low as $200,000.
• Paupers and Princes: Economic Inequality at Public Schools
  The economic divide between our nation's public school students is growing wider and deeper. Learn about a new federal report that reveals the growing ranks of poverty-stricken public schools.
• Do Public Schools Perform Better without a Principal?
  Teacher-operated public schools are growing in popularity, but how well do these campuses perform? Learn about the trend and the preliminary results of public schools without administrators and principals.
• Maryland Schools Ranked Number One – Four Years and Counting
  The results are in from Education Week’s annual public school rankings – and Maryland schools take the top spot for the fourth year in a row.
• Are High Schools Doing Their Job? Not All, Says New Report
  A new report by the Center for Public Education found that some high schools are providing a rigorous enough curriculum to prepare students for college, while others are not. What is the definition of “rigorous”? We’ll examine that question and report on study results.
• 10 Tips for Choosing the Best School for Your Child
  Make sure you consider these 10 factors when choosing the school best poised to provide the most effective education for a child’s specific needs.

Public schools are highly varied, ranging from language immersion campuses to completely online campuses. Learn about the different types and what may be best for your child.

• Charter School Case Studies: Failures Despite Generous Funding and Stanford Backing
  While there are many success stories of charter schools, there are also failures. Learn about two examples of charter schools that have not turned the tide in suffering school districts.
• Hebrew-Immersion Public Charter Schools: Ken or Lo?
  Hebrew-immersion charter schools are slowly opening their doors in several states, but they have their fair share of both proponents and opponents. Learn about the debate and constitutionality of Hebrew-immersion public charter schools.
• Saying Ni Hao to Chinese Charter Schools
  The number of Chinese immersion charter schools in this country is growing, fueled by the desire for parents and children to learn the most prevalent language spoken in the world today. Learn about the benefits of Chinese charter schools and which states are home to some of the pioneering campuses.
• How Waiting for Supermans' KIPP Charter Schools Have Actually Been Successful
  KIPP charter schools, which were featured in Waiting for Superman, are highly successful - but why? The answers, which range from demographics to finances, will surprise you.
• STEM Schools: Bringing Technology and Engineering to the Classroom
  Learn about STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and math, schools that help prepare children for a bright future.
• Virtual Schools Offer Additional Options to Struggling Students
  Gaining in popularity, virtual schools can help an array of students complete their high school education. Learn about the benefits of virtual schools and whether they are right for your student.
• The Rising Popularity of STEM: A Crossroads in Public Education or a Passing Trend?
  STEM schools are cropping up across the country, and parents are rushing to get their kids into these schools. We’ll explore the concept behind STEM, some of the schools dedicated to this mode of learning, and public schools that are incorporating STEM studies into their regular curriculum.
• Going Global: The Attraction of the International Baccalaureate Program
  Can an IB program be the answer for your highly intelligent child? Learn more about the International Baccalaureate program and why this approach to education has become so popular throughout the United States.
• Montessori Education: Does it Work in Public Schools?
  In light of an upcoming study on Montessori education in South Carolina, as well as the growing popularity of the Montessori Method in public charter schools, we’ll take a look at the principles behind Montessori education and whether it is an effective method for preparing some students for the professional world or higher education.
• What is a Magnet School?
  What is a Magnet School? Read about how magnet schools differ and work when compared to other public schools.
• Are Charter Schools the Savior of Failing Districts?
  With President Obama's Race to the Top grant, more school districts are contemplating charter schools as a solution to their performance woes. Learn more about the benefits of charter schools and if their advantages outweighs their drawbacks in fixing our public school system.
• Charter Schools: Inspired by Quakers?
  Learn about the growing movement and educational philosophies that could create Quaker-inspired charter schools across the country.
• Why Parents are Choosing Montessori Charter Public Schools
  Learn about the Montessori Method, the growing number of Montessori charter schools, and why parents are considering this individualized approach to education.
• What is an Online High School
  Find information about Online High Schools - what they are and how they work.
• Single-Sex Public Schools
  Learn about single-sex education in public schools.
• Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
  Learn about why more students and parents are turning to single-sex public schools, as well as the associated pros and cons of these new campuses.
• All-Girl Public High Schools: Improving Confidence and College Success
  While all-girl public high schools are not prevalent, their advantages are significant. Learn about the academic and social benefits of an all-girls education.
• Full Language Immersion Programs in Public Schools
  Learn about the pros and cons of full immersion programs in public schools.
• Year Round vs. Traditional Schedule Public Schools
  Learn whether a year round attendance schedule or traditional schedule may be more appropriate for your child.
• How to Earn Your Associate’s Degree Before Graduating from High School
  Earn your associate's degree - or credit towards a bachelor's degree - before you earn your high school diploma. Learn about early college high schools and how they can help you jumpstart your higher education.
• Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
  Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
• Gay Friendly Public Schools: Will New Program Ideas Decrease Violence and Tension?
  Learn more about the proposed gay-friendly public schools and whether they are a positive alternative for your child.

Charter Schools

Charter schools are gaining in popularity. Stay abreast of the pros, cons, and new studies related to charter schools.

• Local Schools and Charter Schools: Can They be Close Allies?
  While local schools and charter schools have been portrayed as competitors, new initiatives are encouraging both schools to work together to improve the academic lot of all students.
• New Report: Best (and Worst) Charter School Environments in America
  Charter schools can be stellar successes or utter failures, all depending on the state's policies. Peruse a new report that grades the best and worst charter school environments in our country.
• New Report Card Out for Charter Schools
  The most comprehensive study on the performance of charter school networks has been published by Mathematica Policy Research. Learn about its interesting findings and the ramifications of the study on the future of charter schools.
• What is a Charter School?
  Charter Schools are emerging as an alternative to traditional system of education. Since state legislatures passed charter law in 1990, charter schools saw an enormous increase in number. Read more about how these schools operate.
• Charter Schools vs. Traditional Public Schools: Which One is Under-Performing?
  Learn about whether charter schools or traditional public schools are enjoying better academic performance amongst their students. What do the test results reveal?
• Virtual Charter Schools: Pros and Cons of the Growing Trend
  Virtual charter schools are growing in popularity, yet are they truly helping students learn? Consider the pros and cons of virtual charter schools and if they are right for your child.
• More Truths Revealed about Charter Schools: Which Students do They Serve Best?
  New studies and research about charter schools reveal interesting trends in charter schools. Between low-income and high-income students, learn about which type of student flourishes in charter schools.

Single-Sex Schools

Are single-sex schools right for your child? Learn about these public schools and their benefits.

• All-Boys School to Open in Newark this Fall
  Learn about the upcoming opening of Eagle Academy for Young Men in Newark, another all-boys school in the Eagle Academy Foundation network of schools. This network is designed to help minority at-risk boys succeed in school and beyond.
• How Well Do Single-Sex Schools Really Work?
  We analyze both sides of the single-sex schools debate and examine research that has looked at the issue from a clinical point of view. Read on for the answers!

Take advantage of these insights to help your child learn better in school.

• More Technology Finding a Place in Public Education
  Learn about school districts that are finding funds to supply students and faculty with laptops, iPads and other technology tools to enhance the educational experience.
• Rethinking Study Habits: Conventional Wisdom is Proven Wrong
  Libraries, quiet rooms, and focused subjects are not actually conducive to smart studying! Learn about the new research that proves conventional wisdom about studying wrong.
• What a Blue Ribbon of Distinction Truly Means
  Learn about the coveted Blue Ribbon of Distinction and why it is an important education award.
• Spitting Rhymes for Flashy Grades: The Link Between Hip Hop Curriculum and Improved Learning
  Can rap lyrics and hip hop beats help students learn more? Studies and some public schools say yes!
• Is Expeditionary Learning the Future in Public Schools? Some Say Yes
  Expeditionary learning allows children to take education into their own hands, literally. Learn more about this new learning philosophy that is improving test scores and graduation rates.
• Bribing Students to Get Good Grades: The Debate
  Some public schools are experimenting with rewarding their students for scoring well on exams. Learn about whether this controversial strategy is working.
• When Public Schools Fail Special Education Students: What Parents Can Do
  Parents of special education students who are frustrated with the lack of support in the public school system are taking matters into their own hands. Learn about the lawsuits parents are filing against public schools that are failing special ed students.
• Blended Learning: Replacing Chalkboards and Books with Computers
  Blended learning is reshaping the education landscape, bringing computers to the very forefront of the classroom experience. Delve into blended learning and how it is being adopted in public schools.
• Should Public Schools Use Facebook? Pros and Cons
  Is your public school on Facebook? Learn about the positives and disadvantages with getting your district on the most popular destination online.
• The Heat is On and Summer School is Out at Public Schools in Midwest
  What happens when a sweltering heat wave hits the Midwest? Public schools cancel many summer activities. Learn more about how school districts are coping with triple digit temperatures.
• New Nebraska Report Shows Minority Students Lag Behind in Core Subjects
  A recent state report shows that minority students in Nebraska do not score as well in reading and math as their white counterparts – and the discrepancy continues throughout primary and secondary grades.
• 27 Parenting Tips for School Success
  From managing homework to avoiding helicopter parenting, this article provides 27 insightful tips for parents to help their children succeed academically.
• The Advent of the Digital Textbook: Boon or Bust?
  How well are digital textbooks performing for students? We examine the move to digital textbooks, as well as the pros and cons of using online resources rather than traditional paper.
• Top Ten Homework Tips for Parents
  As homework becomes a more rigorous part of today’s classrooms, learn how you can encourage and support your child to excel in their homework habits.
• The Best Early Reading Strategies for Children and Parents
  Learn about the important link between early reading and long-term academic success, as well as activities that will encourage your child to foster a lifelong appreciation for reading.
• Third Grade Reading Correlates with High School Graduation Rates
  How well your child reads in third grade could determine his or her success in high school. Learn about the reading study and how you can help your child excel in third grade, high school, and beyond.
• The Pros and Cons of Tutoring & Supplemental Education
  Learn about the pros and cons of personal tutors, learning centers and other types of supplemental education.
• The Dramatic Link between Sleep and Student Performance
  Learn about the important and interesting relationship between adequate sleep and how a student performs academically.
• Parental Involvement is Key to Student Success
  Learn about the important role of parental involvement in student success.
• Going Through a Divorce? How to Ensure Your Child's Continued Success in Public Schools
  Divorce can be a traumatic experience for children, but by working closely with your children's teachers, you can help maintain their grades and positive behavior at school.
• Is Your Gifted Student Being Supported in Public School?
  Learn about how your gifted child can thrive in public schools across the country who are enhancing their diverse gifted program opportunities.
• At a Desk, but Without a Home: Homeless Students in Public Schools
  Beyond tests and homework, some public school students face greater challenges, including the uncertainty of where they will sleep each night. Learn about the increase in homeless students and what public schools are doing to meet the challenge.
• How Well are Public Schools Adapting to Your Child’s Learning Style?
  Learn about the various learning styles in the "multiple intelligences" philosophy and how public schools have programs to specifically cater towards each child's individual learning style.
• Does Your Public School have an iPhone App?
  Learn about how iPhone apps could help improve relationships between schools, students, and parents, as well as encourage better learning in the classroom.
• How “Collaborative Reasoning” Could Be the Next Public School Trend
  Collaborative reasoning, which encourages independent critical thinking, is growing in popularity amongst public schools. Learn about collaborative reasoning and how it benefits public school classrooms.
• How AP Courses Benefit a Public School Student's Future
  Learn about the significant benefits associated with public schools, ranging from improved college admissions competitiveness to saving thousands in college tuition costs.
• Should my Public School Child Enroll in Honors or Average Paced Courses?
  Learn about the differences between honors and average-paced courses to determine which type is best for your child's learning environment and GPA.
• Immigrant Students and Public Schools: A Fluent Fit
  English language learners are scoring better on reading exams thanks to public schools who are working to improve their ELL curriculum. Learn about the improving language skills amongst ELL learners, as well as public high schools that specifically cater to immigrant students.
• Teens and Motivation: How Parents Can Encourage their Teenager to Succeed
  Learn why teens appear de-motivated and how you can stimulate their motivation to achieve more in their academic and social endeavors.
• More than Academics: How Well Public Schools Provide Emotional Support
  Beyond academics, public schools should be providing students with needed emotional and mental support. Learn about whether or not schools are making the grade in providing emotional support to their students.
• Taxes, Investments and Loans: Learning Financial Literacy in High School
  While reading, writing, and arithmetic are the foundation of a child's education, financial literacy is growing in importance as well. Learn about public schools that are teaching financial literacy to their students.
• Should Global Warming Be Taught in Public Schools?
  Learn about the latest controversy in public school curriculum: global warming. Should global warming be taught in public schools? Is it a fact or merely a theory?
• Head in the Clouds: Why Public Schools are Embracing Cloud Computing
  Learn about the growing popularity of cloud computing in public schools and its benefits to both teachers and students.
• How Your Child Can Benefit from New Public School Laptop Programs
  Learn about new laptop programs being instituted in public schools around the country, as well as how your child's education can benefit from the increased access to technology.
• How Should Students Spend Summer Vacation?
  Public school teachers weigh in on how students should spend their summers. From reading lists to summer assignments, learn about teachers' ideas on how students can enjoy a productive summer.
• When to Meet with Your Child’s Teacher
  Learn tips for when, how, and how often your should meet with your child's teacher.
• Top 5 Secrets to Getting on a Teacher’s “Good Side”
  Learn how you and your child can get on a teacher’s “good side” with these five strategies.
• Teachers’ Secrets to Helping Your Teen Get Organized in School
  Learn about strategies and tips you can incorporate to help your teenager be organized and excel in public high school.
• How to Help Kids Successfully Prepare for Final Exams
  Learn how you can help your child effectively study and take final exams in their public school, whether they are in elementary or high school.
• Envisioning the School Year - How a Team Approach Can Make the Difference
  Learn how proper planning your child's school year can improve their learning.
• Does Your Child Have Dyslexia?
  Learn about the symptoms of Dyslexia, as well as the action public schools are taking to provide Dyslexic students with appropriate academic support.
• Autism and Public School Assistance
  Learn more about the recent research on autism spectrum disorder, and how public schools are working to help even young students with autism.
• 5 Tips for Helping Your Autistic Child Excel in Public Schools
  Learn about five ways you can work with your child's public school, teachers, and special programs to help your autistic child succeed academically.

Technology on Campus

Learn about how public schools are embracing today's technology to improve learning

• Google Apps: Coming to a Public School Near You
  Google is teaming up with public schools to improve test scores, reduce behavioral issues, and save school districts money. Learn about the Google Apps program and the benefits seen by states embracing the technology.
• Public Classrooms Say Goodbye Textbooks, Hello e-Texts
  eTexts are rendering the traditional, paperbound textbooks obsolete. Learn about how public classrooms are transitioning to digital textbooks and the benefits of eTexts.
• Technology in Public Schools
  Learn how technology is being implemented and funded in public schools.

Types of Learning

What type of learner is your child? Be in the know about different types of learning and which classrooms are suited best for each type.

• Gifted Children in Public Schools
  Learn how gifted children are identified, approached, and served in public schools.
• Are Public Schools the Best Choice for Your Math-Minded Student?
  Learn about the math environment in public schools and how you can encourage your math-minded student to excel in public school, charter school, or community college environments.
• Is Your Kinesthetic Child Getting the Right Education?
  Learn about the kinesthetic learning style and how public schools can support your child's learning patterns and needs.
• 4 Ways You Can Encourage Your Gifted Child’s Progress Outside of School
  Learn how parents of gifted children can find additional academic challenges and support programs both in and outside of public schools.

Special Needs

Special needs students need to be fully supported by their public schools. Learn about challenges, news, and initiatives for special needs students.

• Does Your Child Have a Written Expression Disability? Dysgraphia Symptoms and Public School Solutions
  Learn about the symptoms of dysgraphia, a written disability that impacts otherwise intelligent students, as well as the means of support available through public schools.
• Understanding Self-Contained Classrooms in Public Schools
  Learn about the history of public schools incorporating self-contained classrooms, and whether they are right for your child.
• Children with ADHD: Public Schools and Plans for Support
  Learn how public schools help accomodate children with ADHD. Also read tips on how to plan for success with ADHD students.
• Autistic Children and Public Schools
  Learn about how children with autism can succeed in public schools.

Summer Retention

School is out, but that does not mean learning is! Help your child's academic progress and retention each summer with these articles.

• Getting Your Kids Emotionally and Mentally Ready to Go Back to School
  Take advantage of this comprehensive guide on how to prepare your student to go back to school, emotionally and mentally.
• 6 Tips on Transitioning Back to School
  As kids trade swimsuits for book bags, help your child transition easily and peacefully from summer to the school year with these helpful tips.
• How to Prevent Summer Learning Loss
  Summer vacation may be a time for relaxation, but being away from school may result in significant learning loss. Learn about how you can keep your child’s brain sharp this summer.
• Would Your Child Get Better Grades Without a Summer Break?
  Learn about the pros and cons surrounding year-round schools through studies arguing that students perform better in school without a summer break.
• Benefits of Public School Summer Programs
  Learn about the three major advantages of enrolling your child in a summer learning program hosted by your public school.

Stay abreast of all the current issues facing public school students today.

• Yale Pays for College for Public School Grads
  Public school graduates in New Haven can now go to college on Yale’s dime. Learn more about the New Haven Promise that could spark similar programs across the country.
• Is a Michigan Teacher Being Punished for Defending Homosexuals?
  Jay McDowell, a public school teacher in Howell, evicted a student for making anti-homosexual comments, but now the instructor faces suspension. Learn about the national controversy that involves this local Michigan teacher.
• Dangerous Dodge Ball: 4 Lawsuits Stemming from P.E.
  Physical education could mean much more than scrapped knees and bruised egos from being picked last. Learn about four lawsuits involving physical education that range from fights to even a tragic death.
• How Many Politicians Send their Kids to Public Schools?
  Politicians are public servants, but how many actually send their own children to public schools? Learn about the figures, the numbers, and which politicians are actually putting their children where their campaigns are.
• New U.S. Census Report Shows Rise in Poverty: Kids’ Education to Suffer
  The U.S. Census report shows what most have been suspecting – more Americans are living in poverty. However, we will explore the impact of those numbers on the education system, especially in states where poverty is at the highest levels
• 15 Fortune 500 CEOs that Attended Public School
  Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, and Michael Dell: what do they have in common? A public high school education! Be inspired by 15 Fortune 500 CEOs who got their start at their local public high schools.
• What does the Country's Most Expensive School Look Like?
  Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools win the award for the country’s most expensive campus, clocking in at a price tag of one-half of a billion dollars. Take a walk down the hall to experience the priciest public school in America.
• Changing Schools and Moving to New Area
  Find out tips and services for changing schools and moving to new area.
• Benefits of Foreign Language Education
  Learn how foreign language education is beneficial to both elementary and high school students.
• Why Public Schools are Launching Marketing Campaigns
  Advertising and marketing are not traditionally associated with public schools, but more and more campuses are launching campaigns to attract students. Learn about the growing marketing movement and why public schools are scrambling to advertise themselves.
• How Should Public Schools Make Up for Snow Days?
  Amidst record-breaking snowfall, public schools have shut their doors for an unprecedented number of snow days. Learn about how public schools are planning to make up for the snow days, including extending school hours and even holding classes on Saturdays.
• Adopt a Public School: Creating Partnerships that Benefit the Children
  Adopting a public school is not only beneficial for students and teachers, but the community as well. Learn about four successful examples of adopt-a-school that can inspire your community.
• Going Green: Should Public Schools Teach Green Lessons?
  The eco-friendly movement has reached our public schools and charter schools. Learn about how schools are incorporating green education into their curriculum and entire charters.
• Should Parents Be Paid for Their Child’s Public School Success?
  Learn about the debate surrounding paying parents for their student's academic performance in public school. Can cash motivate parents into encouraging their children to obtain better grades in school?
• The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
  Leaders debate the pros and cons of mandatory gym classes in public schools. Learn more about the controversy and whether gym class should be a phenomenon of the past.
• From Yoga to Online Gym Classes, Public Schools are Strengthening PE
  Learn about how public schools are implementing new forms of physical education instruction, which range from yoga classes to even online gym courses.
• How to Successfully Prepare for a Foreign Exchange Experience
  The world is at every public school student's fingertips! Learn about the engaging foreign exchange programs that can help you study abroad while earning credits for graduation.
• Inclusion or Exclusion? The ESL Education Debate
  Learn about the current debate facing ESL education. Specifically, should ESL students be completly immersed in full-English classrooms, or should they receive targeted support in learning the English language?
• Public School Uniforms: The Pros and Cons for Your Child
  Learn about the pros and cons of uniforms in public schools.
• How Positive Behavior Programs are Improving Public School Campuses
  Learn about how new positive behavior programs are creating healthier, more positive public school campuses, as well as encouraging students to perform better academically.
• Understanding Your Local PTA
  Learn about how your local PTA works and how getting involved can help your community.
• Do You Need After School Day Care? Public Schools May Be the Solution
  Learn about how your child's public school may be the best source of after school and vacation day care.
• Are Public Schools Protecting the Environment?
  Learn about how public schools are making their campuses greener through technology investments, policy changes, and eco-friendly student education.
• The Link between Music and a Child’s Math Abilities
  Learn about the influence of music on a child’s cognitive mathematical abilities.
• Pros and Cons to Using New Media in the Classroom
  Learn about the pros and cons to using new media in the classroom.
• Public School Supplies
  Find out which supplies you might need for attending public school.

Learn about how you can best support your kindergarten and elementary school students.

• Helping Children Adjust to the Beginning Years of Public School
  Learn how you can help your child to successfully adjust to the first years of public school instruction.
• The Redshirting Debate: When is the Right Age for Your Child to Start Kindergarten?
  Should your child begin kindergarten at five or six years of age? Learn about both sides of the debate and the pros and cons associated with redshirting.
• Gifted and Talented Kindergarteners: Right or Wrong?
  Should kindergarteners take admission exams and IQ tests to demonstrate their "gifted" abilities? Learn about the growing trend and the ramifications of gifted early education.
• Promoting Positive Behaviors in Elementary Ages
  Learn how you and your child’s public school can foster positive behavior that will lead to long-term benefits, both academically and socially.
• 5 Ways to Boost Your Elementary Child’s Confidence and Esteem
  Learn about how you can encourage your child’s self-esteem and confidence during the formative elementary school years.
• Pros and Cons of Public Preschool: The Debate
  Learn about both sides of the public preschool debate and analyze the pros and cons to this educational mandate.
• Full Day Kindergarten: The Pros, the Cons, and the Growing Public School Debate
  Learn about the debate surrounding full-day kindergarten and which choice is best for your child.
• Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
  Learn about whether sixth graders should be placed in elementary or middle school.
• Dealing with Behavioral Issues in Elementary School
  Learn about behavioral issues, their origins, and how they can be dealt with in public school.
• Cops and Children: Why Police Officers are Stationed at Elementary Schools
  Learn about the growing trend of stationing police officers at elementary schools and the benefits of establishing a legal environment on campus at a young age.

From AP classes to prom, these resources can help teenagers navigate high school successfully.

• 5 Most Expensive High Schools in America
  Peek into what have been dubbed “Taj Majal” high schools, with a list of the five most expensive high schools in the country, how much they cost, and what they really offer students.
• Can Public Schools Force Students to Take AP Courses and Exams?
  Some public schools are forcing students in AP courses to take the AP exam. Learn about both sides of the debate and the potential benefits in store for both students and high schools.
• Decreasing Budgets Mean Increasing Dropouts in Public Schools
  Tightening budgets have increased class sizes, reduced extracurricular offerings, and cut staff numbers. Now it appears that smaller budgets have translated into more public school dropouts as well.
• Education Nightmare: When Public Schools are at Risk of Losing Accreditation
  What happens to students when their high schools are at risk of flunking out and losing their accreditation? Learn about how Atlanta Public Schools are on the verge of losing accreditation and how this may impact their students.
• Pregnant in Public School: Challenges and Options
  For pregnant students, attending public school can be incredibly challenging. However, with budget cuts and pregnancy rates rising in some areas, the problems are growing dire.
• Newsweek Ranks Top High Schools in the Country
  Newsweek’s annual ranking of the best high schools in America has just been released based upon wider criteria than ever before. See where your high school stands and which campuses won the top accolades.
• Can Naviance Succeed Improve College and Career Readiness?
  Learn about a new student assessment system, Naviance Succeed, which provides tools and support to increase student college and career readiness. A number of school districts are using the tool this year in hopes of improving student performance through more accurate assessment process than are currently available.
• Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
  What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
• New Hybrid High Schools to Open in Chicago Next Fall
  Learn about the new schools slated for Chicago Public Schools that will combine high school and college training, similar to a tech school in New York.
• Online Classes Now Required in Idaho
  Learn about the new requirement in the state of Idaho for students in high school to take at least two online courses before graduating.
• College Board AP District Honor Roll Includes Public Schools Coast to Coast
  Learn about what the College Board Honor Roll is, as well as some of the schools that made the grade.
• New York Bill would Expand Financial Aid to Undocumented Students
  A new bill has been placed before New York state lawmakers by the Board of Regents, allowing undocumented students to receive financial aid for postsecondary education.
• Transition Programs from Middle School to High School
  Learn how transition programs can ease the difficult student transition between middle school and high school.
• Freshmen Orientation: Helping Your Rising 9th Grader Prepare for High School
  Help your new 9th grader adjust to the challenges of high school by choosing the right classes and extracurricular activities.
• Selecting a Public High School Based Upon Their Graduates’ Success
  What is the best way to evaluate the quality of a public high school? Learn about the data available that helps parents choose a high school based upon how well their graduates perform in college.
• Tutoring Programs for High School Students
  Learn about tutoring programs for high school students, and how students can become tutors or find tutoring assistance.
• Why Starting School at 8:30 May Benefit Public High School Students
  Learn about why many public high schools are starting school later at 8:30 am and the benefits this may provide to students.
• Preparing for a Fashion Career through Public High School Classes
  For teens interested in a career in fashion, public high schools may be the place to start! Learn about fashion-based public high schools in America, as well as relevant courses available at every public school.
• Should My Child Graduate Early?
  Learn about the pros and cons of graduating early from high school.
• What Parents Should Know About Graduation Rates
  Learn about graduation rates in the U.S., and tips for keeping your child in school.
• College Application Essays: Take Advantage of Public School Support
  Learn about how students can utilize public school support during the process of creating college application essays.
• Cheating Scandals in Public Schools Grow Exponentially
  Cheating in public schools has grown dramatically, aided through the use of cell phones, graphing calculators, and even apparel. Learn about why students are cheating and how schools are regulating the cheaters.
• Will Your AP Test Scores Count? How Testing Violations Result in Canceled Scores
  With hundreds of AP test exams canceled each year, it is imperative that your public school follows College Board testing protocol. Learn more about the guidelines and how the College Board is fighting against cheating.
• Why Poor Grades in High School May Revoke Your Driver's License
  For many public schools and states across the country, students failing to meet baseline educational requirements may not be able to drive. Learn more about the correlation between your grades, academic performance, and your driver's license.
• Advice from High School Counselors: Invaluable or Worthless?
  Public high school counselors not only provide emotional and disciplinary support, but help students find their future paths. However, is their advice and encouragement even helpful? Learn more about the study that discovers what's wrong with high school counseling.
• Vocational High Schools Translate into Lucrative Jobs
  Today’s vocational high schools challenge the stereotypes of years past, providing students with invaluable job training and a stepping stone to higher education. Learn more about the modern vocational high school and if it is a right choice for you.
• Public Technical High Schools: Are They Really Preparing Students for Work After Graduation?
  Learn about why technical public high schools are earning attention for their unique career-training opportunities.
• How New Outreach Programs are Bringing Dropouts Back to Public School Classrooms
  Learn about how public schools are implementing new programs that encourage dropouts to return to the classroom.
• Online Learning in Public High Schools
  Find out about the increasing number of online learning opportunities in public schools.
• Protecting Public School Students from “Sexting”
  Sexting can result in dangerous consequences, including instances of suicide. Learn about what public schools and parents can do to keep students safe from the ramifications of sexting.
• Modern Sex Ed: Should Public Schools Provide Condoms to Students?
  Taking sex education to the next level of controversy, some public schools are contemplating providing free condoms to their students. Learn about the debate, pros, and cons of condom-distribution programs at public schools.
• Should Public Schools Provide Teenage Parents with Daycare?
  Learn about arguments behind the debate that currently exists between proponents and opponents of providing public school daycare for teen parents.
• How to Save Money When Preparing for Prom
  Parents and students can save money while preparing for prom with these savvy tips. Learn about what schools across the country are also implementing to help ease the burden of prom.
• The Controversy Behind Banning High School Dances
  Learn about why school leaders are considering banning high school dances and what types of behavior and music are being contractually regulated.
• Dealing with Behavioral Issues in Middle and High School
  Learn how to deal with behavioral issues in middle school and high school.
• Drug Use Among Teens in Public School: Trends, Signs, and Warnings
  Learn about how you can spot the troubling signs of drug use among teenagers on public school campuses.
• Academic Clubs in Public Schools
  Learn about the growing trend of academic clubs in public schools.
• Exchanging Hoops for Grades? Public Schools for Athletes
  Learn about how some schools are catering specifically towards athletes, as well as how charter schools are providing students with opportunities to participate in sports.
• Will Your Child Need to Volunteer to Graduate?
  Learn about how public schools across the country are mandating community service hours in order to graduate.
• Should 9th Grade be Separate from High School?
  Learn about the pros and cons of separating 9th grade from high school.
• High School Reading Lists: Pros and Cons of Controversial Books
  Learn about the benefits and disadvantages of incorporating controversial books into mandatory public high school reading requirements.
• Pros and Cons of Public School Exit Exams
  Learn about whether public school exit exams will be a benefit or drawback for students.
• Graduation Project Requirements for High School
  Learn how some states and schools are now requiring that students complete a graduation project, often either to replace or supplement an exit exam.
• Decreasing Public High School Elective Programs
  Learn why public school students are losing enrichment opportunities.

Preparing for College

High school is the perfect time to maximize your potential for college.

• Are High School Graduates Ready for College? Studies Are Dismal
  Delve into a number of recent reports and studies that show high school graduates may be ill-prepared for the academic rigors of college.
• Falling SAT Scores: Why are Students Testing Lower this Year?
  We analyze lower SAT scores reported this year across the country and possible reasons why scores have been on a decline for the past 40 years.
• College Readiness Lacking in New York City Schools
  A recent report by the New York Department of Education shows that only one in four New York City high school graduates are ready for the rigors of college and less than half even enroll.
• College Application Requirement for High School Graduation? DC Weighs Possibility
  Thought to be the first of its kind, a new bill introduced in Washington DC would require students to apply to at least one college before they could graduate from high school.
• College Readiness a Hot Topic for New York Schools
  Despite Mayor Bloomberg’s efforts to show progress in graduating college-ready high school students, new statistics show that 75% of high school graduates will require some sort of remedial work in college.
• The Best High School Classes for Collegiate Success
  Learn which classes can best help students prepare for college.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs at Public Schools
  Learn about the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and if this program is appropriate for your child.
• Dual Enrollment Programs for High School Students
  Learn how high school students can benefits from dual enrollment programs in community colleges.
• The Truth about the Power of Standardized Test Scores
  Learn about the true importance of standardized test scores in today’s competitive college admissions process.

Athletics

Athletics are a core part of any public high school. Stay ahead of the competition with the latest news and developments on the field.

• Competitive Surfing in High School? Hawaii Says Aloha
  Surfing is now becoming a sanctioned sport in Hawaii high school athletics, and we report on the new addition and how it might change the face of athletics in the state.
• 10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
  Explore the many benefits high school sports offer to students, both during the secondary academic years and beyond.
• Can Homeschoolers Be Team Players for Public Schools?
  As the ranks of homeschooled students grow, more parents are advocating for these students to join public school sports teams. Learn about both sides of the raging debate that has sparked controversy in several states.
• Pros and Cons of Sports Competition at the High School Level
  Learn about the benefits and dangers of competitive pressure on athletes at the high school level.

Vocational Training

Learn about vocational training programs in high school that prepare students for work after graduation.

• Are Public School Students Prepared for the “Real World?”
  Learn about whether or not public school students are prepared to enter into the "real world" upon graduation, and how schools are changing their curriculum to meet changing economic needs.
• From Public School Hallways into Hospitals: Medical Vocational Programs for High School Students
  Teenagers can begin preparing for a medical career right in high school. Learn about public high school programs that are preparing students for a medical career immediately upon graduation.
• How Public High School Students are Jumpstarting Their Agricultural Science Careers
  Learn about the growing trend amongst public high schools to incorporate agricultural science curriculum that prepares students for a lucrative career in the industry.
• Should Public Schools Provide Students with Vocational Opportunities?
  Learn about the benefits associated with vocational education at public high schools, including high-demand career opportunities and improved learning for kinetic and active students.

Today's public schools face a variety of controversies. Stay updated on the current debates occurring in public schools.

• Longer School Days Coming to Chicago
  Learn about Mayor Emanuel’s decision to lengthen what are now the shortest school days in the country – and its pros and cons.
• Homework-Free Weekends: The Ongoing Debate over How Much Homework is Too Much
  A number of school districts either have or are considering homework-free weekend policies, but the idea is not without its share of controversy. We’ll take a look at both sides of the issue.
• Pay to Ride: Many School Districts Now Charge Fees to Ride School Buses
  Many school districts across the country are charging kids to ride the bus to help offset some of the budget shortfalls they have experienced over recent years – a very controversial decision for many parents and students across the country.
• Should School Board Members be Trained? The Debate
  School board members are given tremendous responsibilities, but what about training? Learn about the debate surrounding whether school board members should be trained for their positions.
• Do Superintendents Need Education Backgrounds? The Fiery Debate
  Today’s superintendents come from a variety of industries, ranging from business to politics. However, should superintendents have education backgrounds? Learn more about the controversial debate.
• Powered by Propane: Greener School Buses
  Diesel school buses are quickly becoming the dunces of the schoolyard, with many public schools switching to greener and more cost-effective propane school buses.
• Detroit Public Schools: Bankruptcy vs. GM-Inspired Restructuring
  Detroit Public Schools is in a financial emergency that calls for dire solutions. Should the school district declare bankruptcy or undergo a GM-styled restructuring? Learn more about the challenges DPS faces.
• Arming Public School Teachers with Guns: The Controversial Legislation
  Should public school teachers carry guns to keep themselves and students safe? One school district already allows teachers to bring guns on campus, but the issue has triggered heated debate on both sides.
• Busing and Desegregation: Understanding the Link
  What happens when a school district stops busing students? Could segregation once again be a reality for public school districts? Wake County in North Carolina is testing the segregation waters with its decision to stop busing students in their district.
• Prayers in Public School? Perhaps in Virginia
  The separation of public schools and church has been a cornerstone of constitutional debate in recent years. However, in Virginia, prayers may just find a home on the campus of public schools. Learn about the controversial bill and heated debate.
• New UCLA Educational Opportunity Report Sheds Grim Light on CA Public Schools and Budget Cuts
  A new report from UCLA finds that California public schools may be deepening the gulch between the privileged and low-income students. Learn more about the new report and its surprising findings.
• Who Killed Recess? The Movement to Resuscitate Recess
  With health, learning, and social benefits, recess is an important part of a child's day. However, many districts have been slashing or eliminating recess altogether - much to the chagrin of parents leading the charge back into the joys of recess.
• Does Your Public School Ban LGBT Websites? Sue with the ACLU
  The ACLU is teaming up with public school students to weed out campuses that ban positive, information LGBT websites. Learn about the movement and how you can contribute.
• 2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
  Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
• Are Public Schools Going on the Auction Block?
  Going once, going twice: sold to the highest public school bidder! Learn about the growing trend to hold auctions at public schools - and the positive and negative consequences.
• No More Prayer at High School Graduations for Texas Schools
  The time has come for prayers at Texas public school graduations to say amen. Learn more about the ongoing debate regarding prayer and graduations, as well as the division between church and state.
• Spanking in Public Schools: The Ongoing Debate
  Indeed, there are still school districts today in America that allow teachers to spank students. Learn about the current spanking situation in schools and why the debate continues to heat up.
• Local School Districts at Risk of State Government Takeovers
  When school districts perform poorly, should the state government takeover the district’s management? Learn about some of the school districts at risk of takeovers, as well as what that truly means for students.
• Department of Education Supports Rights of Gay-Straight Student Support Groups at Public Schools
  Some public schools across the country have prevented LGBT groups from forming on campus, but the Department of Education has made it clear that students have the right to form gay-straight support groups. Learn about the heated issue and how Education Secretary Arne Duncan is ensuring that all students, regardless of sexual orientation, can partake in campus support groups.
• Free Speech Online? Court Offers Guidelines for Schools in Disciplining Students for Off-Campus, Online Speech
  Can public schools regulate what their students say online, outside of campus? A new court ruling says yes. Learn about the ruling and what boundaries public schools can set online, even if a student is off-campus.
• Colorado School District Facing Outrage over Voucher Program
  The school voucher debate continues to broil throughout the country, with one Colorado school district the grounds for intense controversy. Learn about the voucher program controversy in Douglas County and how it will impact students.
• The Difficult Line between Social Media and Public Schools
  A number of cases have recently been introduced nationwide regarding the use of Facebook and public school staff and students. We’ll take a look at the latest situations and ask once again where the line between public school and social media should be drawn.
• Count Day Becomes Major Event for Some School Districts
  With budgets as tight as they have ever been, count day has become a huge event for some school districts. The more students that attend count day, the more funding the school receives.
• Looming School Bus Strike Leave Students in a Transportation Pickle
  A possible school bus strike in New York City may leave more than 150,000 students scrambling for a ride to school.
• Single-Sex Classrooms Coming to an End in Missouri
  Learn about a school district in Missouri that buckled under the pressure of the ACLU and took single-sex classes out of its schools. We’ll also look at some of the evidence that both supports and refutes the benefits of single-sex classrooms.
• Corruption Charges Filed against Five in San Diego School District Probe
  Corruption charges involve two school district trustees, one former trustee, one former superintendent and a building contractor. Those involved accepted thousands of dollars in lavish gifts in return for building contracts from the district.
• Non-Profit Organizations Now Allowed to Run Failing Schools in New Jersey
  As a part of his Urban Hope Act, Governor Christie will now allow non-profit organizations to run failing schools in the state. Learn more about what this means for public schools in New Jersey.
• Banned Books Create Outcry in Arizona and Detroit
  Recent bans on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” and newer novels “Beloved” and “Waterland” are creating an outcry among students, teachers – and the ACLU.
• Long-Haired Teen Suspended from School
  A generous Michigan teen was growing his hair long to donate to Locks of Love, but was suspended from school as a result. Was this the right cut? We’ll discuss both side of the issue.
• Detroit Preparing for Major Shake-Up in School System Next Year
  Detroit Public Schools is planning to close nine schools and convert four to charters next year in a huge money-saving effort. The new DPS Emergency Manager also plans to move 15 schools under state jurisdiction.
• No Cussing in Class: New Arizona Bill Aimed at Teachers, Not Students
  A new bill in the Arizona State Senate could criminalize teachers who use inappropriate language in the classroom. We’ll take a look at both sides of the debate.
• Fining Students for Breaking Rules: The Chicago Debate
  The latest effort in Chicago schools to discipline student by administering monetary fines for breaking rules is highly controversial, and we’ll analyze both sides of the issue.
• Tebow Bill Killed in Congress to Chagrin of Home-Schooled Athletes
  The "Tebow" bill would have required public schools to allow home-schooled students to play on school sports teams. The final vote, which was nearly an even split, was considered a shocking upset by those who had followed the progress of this bill.
• How the NY DOE is Handling a Rash of Sex Abuse Cases
  In light of many charges of sexual abuse between staff and students in New York schools, the Department of Education is taking steps that range from firing those involved to initiating new policies in hopes of protecting students in the future.
• Do Lotteries Really Benefit Public Schools? The Answer is Hazy
  With mega millions lotteries making national headlines, we analyze how much benefit these events really provide to public school systems.
• Should Public Schools Hold Graduations at Churches?
  Public school graduations are being criticized for violating the separation of church and education mandate. Learn about the controversy facing cap and gowns in church.
• Private School Vouchers: The Controversy
  Learn more about the debate behind private school vouchers and whether they are a viable public school alternative for your child.
• Are Public Schools Facing Privatization Amidst the Economic Crisis?
  Learn about the privatization trends that are occurring in public school districts ranging from Detroit to Chicago.
• Are City Mayors Taking Control Over Public Schools?
  Across the nation, city mayors have increased their role and control over the local public school system. Learn about the controversies and the ramifications of mayoral control.
• Public School Boards Demystified: How Parents Can Influence the Board’s Decisions
  Take a proactive role in your child’s education and learn how you can lobby your public school board using today’s social networking tools.
• When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
  Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
• What’s Really Wrong with Detroit Public Schools
  Detroit Public Schools have the worst test scores and graduation rates in the nation, but there are more problems plaguing the district. Learn about the internal conflict and dynamics that threaten the students' future.
• Where Did the Money Go? Cases of Missing Monies in Public School Districts
  Despite budget cuts, some irresponsible school districts are wasting funds on retirement parties and cleaning supplies marked up by 100% to 200%. Learn about three public school districts currently in hot water over poor financial choices.
• No Public School on Fridays: How States are Managing the Educational Budget Crisis
  The continuing budget crisis in all states is forcing public schools to make difficult choices, including canceling classes on Fridays.
• Public School Nurses: A Necessary Rx?
  School nurses are becoming a staple of the past, as more and more budgets are cutting nurses from their payroll. What does this mean for students and your child?
• Why Public Schools Across the Country are Closing Their Campuses
  In many states, public schools are closing their doors and shuttering their campuses. Learn about why so many schools are shutting down and why it may benefit students in the long-term.
• How is Your Child’s School Using its Stimulus Check?
  Learn more about how your local public school will use the new stimulus funds. Will the funding be allocated to teacher retention, special needs, or after school programs?
• Is Your School Spying on Your Child via Webcams?
  Your public school may be spying on your child through webcams. Learn about the lawsuit charging a public school of spying and weigh in on the debate between a student's privacy and a school's right to utilize spyware.
• Public Schools and Guest Speakers: Do Parents Have Any Input?
  Amidst the controversy surrounding President Obama's school address, learn about whether or not parents have any rights in choosing who their children's public schools invite as speakers.
• Growing Trend: Public Schools are Soliciting Churches and Businesses for Money
  Public schools are becoming creative in fundraising in the midst of major budget crises. Learn about how they are selling ad space to companies and sponsorships to churches in exchange for school supplies and money.
• Children and Co-Ed Instruction
  Learn about how female and male students learn differently in the classroom.
• Will Your Child Fail in a Larger Class?
  Learn about how budget cuts are forcing public schools to cut teaching positions, which lead to larger class sizes. Make sure your child is prepared to face the changes of a different class size.
• Seclusion and Restraint: How Some Public Schools Allow Abuse in Classrooms
  Across the country, the implementation of seclusion and restraint and disciplinary measures could be considered child abuse. Learn about the policies that are being enacted in order to protect public school students.
• Are Public Schools Still Fighting for De-Segregation?
  Learn about how public schools today are fighting against a modern form of segregation: racial isolation.
• Segregation: A Modern Problem for Public Schools in the South
  Learn about the unfortunate cases of segregation that are arising in public schools in the South, as well as the legal rulings forcing desegregation once again.
• Is Your Local Public School Telling the Truth?
  Across the country, public schools are being caught red-handed in manipulating their test scores, graduation rates, and campus safety data. Learn about why schools are cheating and how they are distorting the truth.
• Can Your Child’s School Test Students for Drugs?
  Learn about the controversy surrounding public schools testing students for drug and substance use.
• Christmas Carols: Banned on Public School Campuses
  Traditional Christmas carols, such as "Silent Night," may be sounds of the past on public school campuses. Learn about why schools are banning Christmas carols and how some parents are protesting the changes.
• Can the State Force Homeschooled Kids into Public School Classrooms?
  Learn about recent legal rulings that are forcing homeschooled children into public classrooms, as well as the controversy surrounding these cases.
• Will Public Schools Reassign Your Child to Another Campus?
  With faltering economic conditions and an increasing trend in creating socioeconomic diversity amongst campuses, public schools are considering reassigning students to other campuses. Learn more about this phenomenon and whether or not your child will be impacted by the changes.
• Public Schools and Sex Education
  Learn about sex education in public schools and the ongoing debate about federal support.
• Should Public Schools Ban Cell Phones?
  Listen to both sides of the debate to decide if cell phones should be allowed or banned in public schools.
• Physical Education Reform in Public Schools
  Learn how public schools are evolving to combat rising levels of obesity in public school students.
• Understanding the National PTA
  Learn about how the national PTA works and interacts with your local PTA.

Public School Budgets

Learn how public schools continue to cope with drastic budget cuts across the country.

• Chicagoans Asked to Pay More Taxes to Support Local Schools
  Learn about the recent decision by Mayor Emanuel to raise property taxes to provide additional funding for local schools – and the controversy surrounding his decision.
• Can Public Schools Legally Charge for Fees and Uniforms?
  From sports uniform fees and even AP exam costs, how free are public schools? Learn about the unconstitutionality of public school fees and how parents and the ACLU are fighting against these costs in California.
• Is Your Public School Fairly Funded? View the Report
  Is the funding for your public school being fairly allocated? Learn more about the factors of funding and if your school is getting the fair end of the stick.
• Hello Budget Cuts, Goodbye Sports: The Threat to Athletics
  Budgets have become so constrained that several school districts have drastically slashed or entirely cut their athletics program. Learn about the threat to athletics and what it could mean for your child.
• Marching for Schools: The Save Our Schools March Protests Education Cuts
  Parents around the country are partaking in the Save Our Schools March to help maintain funding for our education system. Learn more about this movement and how you can get involved.
• How Schools are Cutting More Costs in 2011
  Budget cuts continue to cripple school districts across the country, forcing some schools to make major cuts creatively. Learn about the current situation and how some public schools are coping with the budget shortfalls.
• Public Schools Sell Advertising Space to Boost Budgets
  The line between education and commercialism continues to blur, especially as public schools begin to sell advertising space in order to raise much-needed funds. However, amidst the budget boosting, there are a myriad of both pros and cons to selling advertising on campus.
• Public Schools Slated to get Modernization Money if Obama’s Plan Passes
  President Obama’s recent address included infrastructure funding for renovating schools. We’ll look at the plan overall and some of the states that would benefit from the plan.
• Fuel Your School Ignites Second Year in Utah
  Fuel Your School is a Utah and California program introduced by Chevron that provides additional funding for local public schools every time someone fills up his tank. Learn about which schools benefit from the program and how the funding is being used.
• Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State’s Public School System
  Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We’ll look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.
• School Funding Reinstated in Colorado, Judge’s Ruling Appealed
  Colorado is also in the midst of legal action, with a judge’s ruling that schools statewide are entitled to more funding. At the same time, additional money in the state budget has allowed the governor to allot millions more to the public education system.
• Texas Public Schools in Financial Mess: State Sued by Districts
  After massive budget cuts and claims of economic inequity within the state’s public school system, districts are taking matters in their own hands and suing the state for the mess.
• Detroit Public Schools Lay Off Thousands of Teachers
  Recent news out of Detroit finds that thousands of teachers and school staff have been notified they will have to reapply for their jobs for the next school year. What does this mean for students and the district?
• The State of Spending for Public School Education: Who Leads the Country?
  Which state spends the most on its public school students? Delve into US Census Data to determine which state is the most generous – and whether the spending correlates with improved learning for students.
• How Will Obama's Stimulus Plan Impact Public Schools and Low Income Families?
  Learn about Obama's stimulus plan and how it will specifically help low-income public schools and families who need financial assistance.
• What You Need to Know About Public Schools in a Recession
  Learn about how public schools are impacted by an economic recession, job losses, and funding cuts.
• Public School Budget Cuts Translate into Higher Costs for Families
  Public school budget cuts are now impacting parents' pocketbooks. Learn about how public schools are now requiring parents to pay for certain school supplies, ranging from printed worksheets to even textbooks.

Religion in School

Public school and religion should be constitutionally separated, but sometimes the lines get blurred.

• New York Says No to Sunday Church in Public Schools
  A recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court bans public school use by churches outside of normal school hours, and we’ll take a look at both sides of this issue.
• Bringing the Bible Back to School: A Revival?
  A number of states are looking into add courses of biblical study, so that students can learn more about this aspect of our country’s history. However, concern over separation of church and state is a concern for many involved.
• Teaching Church in Public School? Texas Votes Yes
  Learn about changes in Texas' public school curriculum that reinterprets American history and potentially incorporates more Christianity into coursework.
• God, Allah, Christmas, and Ramadan: Should Any Religion Be Expressed in Public Schools?
  Join the debate igniting in public schools regarding the role of religion in education. Should all religions be incorporated, or should religion be omitted to avoid any potential indoctrination?
• Do You Have the Right to Spend Your School’s Money?
  Learn about the current battles waged between parents and school boards regarding how educational budgets should be allocated in public schools.
• The Guide to a Politically Correct Holiday Classroom Party
  Santa, Christmas trees, and even candy canes may not be appropriate for your child's classroom holiday party. Use this guide to ensure that classroom decor is appropriate for this winter's classroom celebration.

Classroom Size

Smaller or bigger, which classroom size is best? Learn about the research, legislation, and ramifications of class size on your child.

• Smaller Class Sizes: Pros and Cons
  Learn about the pros and cons of smaller class sizes.
• Class Size: State Regulation of Class Size
  Learn how various states regulate maximum class sizes.
• Class Size: Federal Funding of Class Size Reduction
  Learn about how class size reduction is funded on the federal level.

Vouchers

Vouchers continue to reign as a fiercely debated topic in education reform.

• Indiana School Voucher Program Changes the Scope of Public/Private School in the State
  In Indiana, a voucher program is up and running and changing the face of public education in the state.
• The Ongoing Debate Over School Choice
  School choice is one of the most controversial topics in education today, but what are the benefits and disadvantages it really brings to children? Learn more about school choice and what it truly means to your children.
• New Utah Bill Would Offers Funding Directly to Students, Rather than Schools
  A new bill introduced in the Utah senate would take student funding provided to public schools and give it directly to students – to use for public school, charter school, online school or private school. We’ll examine both sides of this heated issue.
• Are Vouchers Destroying Public Schools?
  Learn about the raging debate surrounding utilizing tax-funded vouchers to give students the freedom to choose their own public or private education -- and whether vouchers are indeed destroying the foundation of America's public schools.

Curriculum

Curriculum reforms abound throughout the country. Stay abreast of the latest mandates changing classroom curriculum.

• Sex-Ed Mandated for New York Public School Students
  The city of New York has announced they are bringing back mandatory sex-ed courses for the first time in 20 years, in light of skyrocketing teen pregnancy rates far above the national average.
• Mississippi Sets Precedence: First State to Mandate Civil Rights Lessons for K-12
  Mississippi is the first state to require the civil rights movement to be incorporated into the history curriculum for all grades. Learn about this momentous change and how it impacts students and their understanding of real American history.
• Teaching Gay History in Public Schools: A Possible Mandate in California
  Gay history may soon become a mandatory part of history class in California. Learn about the new proposed legislation and its ramifications.
• Utah on its Way to Banning Sex-Ed in Schools
  The new bill, which has already passed state lawmakers, would ban public schools from teaching about contraception or sexually transmitted diseases. If it is signed into law by the governor, it will be the most conservative law in the country regarding sex education in schools.
• Should Ethnic Studies be Banned in Public Schools?
  Arizona’s new law banning ethnic studies in public schools is stirring tremendous controversy. Learn about what the proponents and opponents are saying.

This section is helpful for those seeking public school jobs.

• Public School Jobs
  Learn about public school jobs. Discover helpful resources for finding jobs in public schools.
• Public School News
  Browse current K-12 education news from across the country.
• Is Your Public School Understaffed? Why Schools are Instituting Hiring Freezes
  Learn about how the current budget constraints are prompting public schools to institute hiring freezes - and how this will impact your children.
• The Pink Slip Deadline: Tens of Thousands of Teachers at Risk
  Thousands of teachers across many states have received their pink slips, and in one school, every single teacher was handed a pink slip. Learn about the pink slip deadline and how budget-strapped districts are trying to cope.

Keep your kids safe on and off campus with these articles, which range from bullying and sexual harassment to bed bugs on campus and more.

• Is Your Child's Public School Fertile Grounds for Cancer from PCBs?
  The greatest danger on your child’s campus is not bullies, but rather cancer-causing PCBs. Learn about the presence of PCBs in schools and whether your child’s school is at risk.
• Bed Bugs in Schools? The Creepy Truth
  Think bed bugs only exist in motel rooms? Think again! Bed bugs may in fact be infesting public schools around the country.
• Public School Police Departments: Combating Traffic, Crime and Budget Cuts
  Police departments on public school campuses have played a major role in reducing violent crime and the speed limit. Unfortunately, they are also fighting an uphill battle against budget cuts.
• Sex Offenders: Working in Your Local Schools
  A shocking new report has revealed that a surprising number of sex offenders are working in public schools. Learn about the report, its revelations, and what can be done to protect your children.
• Anti-Bullying Laws Finally in Place
  The new wave of anti-bullying legislation is finally finding its way to school districts. Learn about three states leading the way in anti-bullying laws.
• Pepper Spray at School: From Lawsuits to Hospitalizations
  A rash of pepper spray incidents at public schools have resulted in hospitalizations, lawsuits, and many tears. Learn about pepper spray prevalence, from being used to discipline students to a self-defense measure against bullies.
• Tuberculosis at Public Schools: Symptoms and Precautions
  Public schools have been the recent grounds of tuberculosis infections. Learn about the symptoms and how to protect your child from catching tuberculosis.
• Radon Exposure in Public Schools: Are Your Kids in Danger?
  Radon is invisible, but its impact on children can be incredibly dangerous. Learn about the presence of radon in public schools and how to keep your kids safe.
• Under the Radar: Why Some High Schools are Hiring Undercover Police Officers
  While security guards may be commonplace at some public high schools, other districts have resorted to undercover cops to keep their kids safe. Learn about why schools are bringing undercover police officers on campus and what it means for your student.
• Safety First: School Bus Safety Week Focuses on Keeping Students Safe on the Road
  Learn about what schools have planned for school bus safety week, as well as problems school bus drivers commonly face while transporting students to and from school.
• Overcrowding Continues in Detroit Public Schools
  According to recent reports, many schools throughout the Detroit Public School system continue to grapple with overcrowded classrooms, and now the fire marshal has launched a probe into the issue.
• Making Kids Safer: New Comstat Program Coming to CPS
  Learn about a new program coming to Chicago Public Schools that will involve coordination between local police and school officials to keep kids safer in school and in the community.
• Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
  A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
• Sexual Harassment at Age 6: The Tale of a First Grade Suspension
  A six-year old in Aurora, Colorado, was suspended after singing an LMFAO song to a little girl in his class and reportedly “shaking his booty.” We look at the case and the sexual harassment problem in public schools today.
• Gangs, Drugs, and Firearms: The State of Public Schools Today
  Gangs, drugs, and guns may be more prevalent on public school campuses than parents think. Learn about the high percentage of public school students who are exposed to these dangers each day – and what parents can do to protect their kids.
• Signs of Sex Abuse at School: What Parents Should Know
  Nearly 10% of students will encounter sexual misconduct at school. Make sure you know how to protect your child and recognize the signs of potential sex abuse.
• Missing Children: Why Public Schools Need to Improve Security Policies
  Learn about the case of Kyle Horman, a child who went missing while on campus, and how this tragedy is prompting public schools to reevaluate their security measures.
• Will Your Child’s School Shut Down to Prevent the Spread of H1N1?
  The CDC is encouraging school officials to avoid H1N1 closures, but what will your child's public school do? Learn more about what will prompt your child's school to take action to shut down the campus.
• How Well is Your School Prepared to Handle the H1N1?
  The start of the school year translates into greater risks for the spread of H1N1. Learn about how public schools across the country are combating the risks, as well as what you can do to keep your children safe.
• The Latest Public School Initiatives Against Gang Activity
  Gang activity continues to be prevalent throughout public schools, ranging from urban cities to suburban enclaves. Learn about how public schools are combating gang violence today with comprehensive initiatives.
• How is Your Child’s School Confronting Gangs?
  Learn about the prevalence of gang activity in both urban and suburban public schools and how your child's school is prepared to minimize the influence of street gangs on campus.
• Is Your Public School’s Zero Tolerance Policy Punishing Innocent Students?
  While zero tolerance policies were designed to keep public school students safe, are they unfairly punishing innocent students? Learn more about the debate and whether or not zero tolerance policies are effective for public schools.
• What You Need to Know about Emergency Response Procedures in Public Schools
  Learn about how public schools are protecting students against emergencies, and what parents need to know about keeping their children safe in public schools.
• Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
  As violence grows on campus, more and more public school students face legal prosecution for their misbehavior. Learn about the growing trend of legal consequences for on-campus fights and disobedience.
• Is Your Child Safe Riding Riding the Public School Bus?
  Violence aboard public school buses have increased in recent years, but there are steps parents and administrators can enact to make buses safer for children. Learn about what you can do to make public school buses safe for your children.
• Bullied to Death: Should Public Schools be More Responsible for Mean Girls?
  In the wake of the Phoebe Prince tragedy, many are questioning whether schools should be more responsible for bullying.
• Should Public Schools Regulate Cyberbullying?
  In response to recent cyberbullying tragedies, public schools now face the dilemma of how to protect their students from modern bullying.
• Public Schools and Bullying: The Issues and the Solutions
  Combat the growing prevalence of bullying in public schools by learning more about effective solutions.

Health Concerns

From vaccines to bed bug outbreaks, learn about the latest health concerns on public school campuses.

• Asbestos in Public Schools: Is Your Child at Risk?
  Your child's public school could be the scene of asbestos. Learn about the risk factors and what schools have recently been impacted by the presence of asbestos.
• Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
  Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
• Is Your Child’s School Prepared for a Pandemic Health Threat?
  Learn about how your school will address pandemic health issues, such as the H1N1 virus, and how you can be proactive in learning about school closing guidelines.
• Do Mandatory Vaccines Hurt or Help Public School Children?
  Learn about the benefits of mandatory vaccines, as well as why some parents are arguing against vaccines for public school children.

Bullying

The attack on bullying is official. Learn about what parents, schools, and legislators can do to keep bullying at bay.

• New Website Allows Iowa Parents and Students to Report Bullying Online
  Learn about a new online service available in Iowa that allows reports of bullying to be made online. The purpose of the website is to provide better tracking of bullying across the state and make it easier to report bullying incidents.
• Can We Finally Say Goodbye to Bullying?
  Bullying is becoming the red hot topic in education circles today, and the U.S. Department of Education is taking note. Learn about the anti-bullying summit held by Education Secretary Arne Duncan and how schools may finally put an end to bullying.
• Bullying, Name Calling, and Put Downs - Tips for Parents
  Learn tips for helping your child deal with bullying, name calling and put-downs.
• Female Bullies in Public Schools: The Rising Trend and School Reactions
  Learn more about the growing prevalence of female bulling and how public schools are managing the important issues.
• How to Protect Special Education Students from Campus Violence
  Studies show that special education students are a prime target of campus violence. Learn about what public schools can do to keep these at-risk students safe.

Help your kids stay healthy on campus and learn more about the latest food initiatives sweeping the nation.

• New USDA Lunch Guidelines Mean Healthier Fare
  New guidelines just released by the USDA will mean major changes to some school lunch menus across the country.
• Free Meals for All Students in Some Detroit Schools
  Learn about a pilot program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that would offer two free meals and snacks to all Detroit Public School students daily – a controversial decision for some taxpayers.
• Vending Vicious Cycles: The Overhaul of Public Schools' Vending Machines
  Could sodas, cookies, and candy finally be banished from school vending machines? Learn about the public schools and movement that are finally swapping carrots for candy.
• DC Public Schools Combat Student Hunger by Serving Free Dinners
  While free or reduced-cost lunches are found throughout cafeterias, free dinners are now on the menu in Washington DC public schools. Learn about the new movement and why nutritious dinners are so important to students’ learning.
• Straight from School Gardens to Lunchrooms: Delicious or Dangerous?
  School gardens have grown wildly in popularity, but should the harvest from these gardens be used in school cafeterias? Take a bite of the debate and learn about what the opponents and proponents say.
• Salad Bars Grow in Number in Public Schools
  Public school cafeterias are growing their salad bars, much to the delight of students' healthy bodies. Learn more about this growing movement driven forth by First Lady Michelle Obama.
• Free Breakfasts at Public Schools
  Public schools are recognizing the connection between nutrition and learning, and Chicago Public Schools are starting to offer free breakfasts to jumpstart the day. However, the move is not without its share of critics and proponents.
• Expired Food Served in Public School Cafeterias
  First it was salmonella and E.Coli. Now it is expired food, some frozen two years after its original purchase. What are public school cafeterias serving our children?
• Jamie Oliver: Is His Food Revolution Changing America's Public Schools?
  Jamie Oliver started in West Virginia public schools, revamping their cafeteria conundrums. Now he's fighting with the LA Unified School District, and some are wondering if this star chef can really revolutionize unhealthy schools.
• More Schools Making Healthy Food Choices in the Upcoming School Year
  The trend of healthier cafeterias continues to blossom, with more schools making over their lunches. Tune into some of the latest initiatives that have our children’s health at heart.
• Price of a School Lunch on the Rise Nationwide
  Many school districts are hiking up the price of school lunches this year. We’ll take a look at some of the reasons for the trend, including the child nutritional bill that President Obama signed into law last year.
• No More “Pink Slime” on the Menus of Many Public Schools
  (“Pink slime,” a beef byproduct that has been getting plenty of attention in the media of late, is now leaving many public schools nationwide in light of all the negative publicity. We’ll take a look at a few of the school districts saying goodbye to the product.
• Longer Lunches, Smarter Students? The Controversy of 10 Minute or 1 Hour Lunch Periods
  Some schools in the country only give students 10 minutes to eat lunch, while others enjoy an entire hour. We’ll delve into the controversy surrounding the length of the lunch period and what the research finds in correlating lunch length to student performance.
• Banning Bake Sales: The Controversy Behind Cupcakes, Brownies, and Cookies
  Once a staple of public school fundraising events, bake sales may now become extinct. Learn more about why some districts are limiting bake sales and why parents are raising their rolling pins in protest.
• Can Sugar Free Schools Improve Student Development and Grades?
  Learn about how sugar free public schools enjoy improved student behavior, higher test scores, and healthier students.
• Obesity Report Cards: Should Public Schools Issue Fat Grades?
  Math and English grades are commonplace on report cards, but what about “fat” grades? Learn about obesity report cards and why public schools are beginning to measure BMI in all their students.
• Sugary Cereals Get Poured Out at Public Schools
  Public schools are banning sugary cereals and other sugar-laden breakfast foods. Learn about the pioneering schools and what changes students can expect this fall.
• Public School Gardens: Good for Learning or a Waste of Time?
  Hear both sides of the debate surrounding public school gardens and decide whether or not they should be part of the curriculum.
• Do Public Schools Have Tap Water Safe to Drink?
  Growing cases of contaminated tap water at public schools around the country are raising more than eyebrows. Learn about whether or not public schools' tap water is safe to drink.
• Goodbye Gatorade: Why Public Schools are Banning Sports Drinks
  Gatorade may no longer be present on public school campuses, thanks to bans in California and potentially nationally. Learn about the movement and why public schools are saying goodbye to Gatorade on campus.
• From Taste Tests to Ingredient Lists: America's Top Ranked School Lunch Program
  School cafeterias earn their culinary stripes by offering taste tests, full ingredient lists, and even cooking programs for kids. Learn about America's best public school lunch program and see how your school compares.
• Meatless Mondays: Why Public Schools are Going Vegetarian
  Say goodbye to mystery meat - and all other types of meat - at public school cafeterias that are embracing the Meatless Monday trend.
• Why Fast Food is “Healthier” Than School Lunches: The Shocking USDA Truth
  Your child’s public school lunches may be held to lower quality criteria than even fast food. Learn about the shocking investigations that expose the dangers and risks of public school cafeteria lunches.
• How Much E. Coli is in Public School Lunches?
  Public schools are being scrutinized for the potential presence of E. coli in cafeteria lunches. Learn more about the movement to make school lunches safe from recalls and E. coli outbreaks.
• Eliminating Processed Foods in Public School Cafeterias: The New Trend
  Learn about the national trends that are replacing the public school cafeteria's mystery meat with fresh, local fruits and vegetables.
• Is Your Child Eligible for Free School Meals?
  Learn about the National School Lunch Program, which provides free or low-cost meals to students, and see if your child can qualify for the program.
• Why Peanuts are Being Banned at Public Schools
  Learn about why public schools are entirely banning peanuts on campus and the severe dangers children allergic to peanuts can experience from even casual exposure.
• How Diet and Nutrition Impact a Child's Learning Ability
  Read why good diet and nutrition is important for high student performance.
• Is Your Child’s School Forcing Kids to Diet?
  Learn about the dieting programs public schools are implementing in an effort to reduce childhood obesity, and whether or not these efforts are healthy or detrimental to your children.
• Healthy Cafeteria Options for Public School Students
  Learn how you can help improve your child's food options in public school cafeterias.

Education reform is in the works, and you can stay updated on the latest changes, debates, and policies here.

• A Relevant History of Public Education in the United States
  By understanding the past, we can grasp a better perspective on the present and future state of education in this country.
• 10 No Child Left Behind Waivers Given by President Obama
  Learn about the 10 waivers President Obama recently offered to states in exchange for promises of upcoming improvements.
• As Louisiana Governor Jindal Fights to Reform Louisiana Schools, Teachers Push Back
  Learn about the education reform that is currently making its way through the Louisiana state legislature and the teacher protests that have arisen as a result.
• Are Teacher Unions a Help or Hindrance to Public Education?
  In light of all the finger-pointing occurring in the education reform movement, we’ll look at the good and bad of teachers unions – and whether these organizations really work in favor of students and/or teachers.
• 10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
  Are our public schools in a state of crisis? Learn about the 10 biggest problems with public schools today, both from the perspective of the administrators and the teachers
• Washington DC's Gains Under Michelle Rhee: A Result of Cheating?
  Michelle Rhee is in the hot seat once again, as concerns about cheating abound during her time as chancellor of Washington DC schools. Learn about the high incidences of erasures and why the accusations are flying.
• 5 Public School Teachers Facing Drug Charges in 2011
  Fueling the debate regarding drug testing teachers, there has been a rash of teachers charged with drug possession in 2011. Learn about five different cases and their ramifications.
• Why 82% of Public Schools are Failing
  Education Secretary Arne Duncan estimated that 82% of this country's public schools are not passing the test in educating our children. Learn about the remnants of the No Child Left Behind Act and how the Obama administration plans to raise the bar on standards of education in this country.
• Is Social Promotion Crippling Our Children's Future? The Debate
  Should children be allowed to progress to the next grade when their test scores are inadequate? Learn about social promotion in public schools and why it is sparking a heated debate in today's education reform movement.
• 40% of Teachers Call in
  What happens when nearly half of a state's teachers call in "sick" for school? Learn about the turmoil between legislators and the teachers union in Wisconsin and how the rallies, protests, and fighting will set precedence for other budget-strapped states.
• The Controversy of Michelle Rhee
  Michelle Rhee's name seems to garner press as often as Education Secretary Arne Duncan, but Rhee has her equal share of critics and supporters. Learn about Rhee's controversial reforms and plans for revolutionizing education in this country.
• The Link Between Education and Incarceration: The NAACP Report
  Education and the rate of incarceration have been linked in a recent NAACP report. Learn about the report and the troubling findings.
• Closing the Achievement Gap: What Some Public Schools are Doing
  The glaring disparity between the under and over achievers is still prevalent at many public schools, but some districts are taking the matter into their own hands with innovative ideas. Learn more about the solutions that are helping to close the achievement gap.
• Nearly Half of Nation’s Schools Falling Short of Federal Standards
  A new report by the Center on Education Policy shows that nearly half of all schools nationwide will not make the standards set by No Child Left Behind. We’ll take a closer look at the numbers and what they might mean for schools and students in the future.
• Possible School Closures Lead to Parent Protests
  A number of school districts across the country are considering the closure of some of their public schools. We’ll look at reasons for the closures and what parents are doing to protest.
• Loss of Accreditation Coming; Fallout Already Begun in Kansas City
  With Kansas City district schools looking to lose their accreditation at the beginning of the year, we’ll look at some of the fallout that is already occurring as a result.
• Lawsuit Filed to Stop Student Transfers in Missouri
  Stay abreast of the loss of accreditation for Kansas City Schools. Now, suburban school districts are heading to court to stop student transfers to their districts until cost and eligibility issues are resolved.
• Punishments Handed Down in Atlanta Cheating Scandal, Criminal Charges may Follow
  We have followed the Atlanta cheating scandal story, and now, administrative consequences have been handed out to the teachers implicated, and a jury is considering criminal charges against some of the teachers as well.
• Indiana Schools Face State Takeover
  Learn about the recent vote by the Indiana School Board to allow a state takeover of four Indiana schools beginning next school year.
• Are Waivers the Answer to the “No Child Left Behind” Program?
  With the end of the “No Child Left Behind” program looming, it appears that almost 80% of our country’s schools will get a failing grade, according to federal standards. Could waivers help repair the broken NCLB program?
• Cheating in Atlanta Schools: Cover-Up Now Investigated
  The recent Atlanta cheating scandal has been rocked with another scandal: the ensuing cover-up. Learn more about the second chapter of the standardized test cheating controversy that has this Southern state shaking its head.
• Is Teach for America the Answer for Failing Schools?
  Teach for America has been applauded for many of its exemplary teachers and innovative training, but can the model be sustained throughout all communities? Learn about what the proponents and critics have to say.
• History Gone Awry: Mistakes in Virginia's Public School Textbooks
  Facts may simply be fiction in textbooks pulled from public schools in Virginia. Learn about the textbook blunder and how it may change the textbook review process in the future.
• Drug Testing Teachers: Testing Positive or Negative?
  With growing concerns about the backgrounds of teachers, some parents and experts are calling for instructors to undergo random drug testing. Are drug tests appropriately necessary or a violation of privacy?
• The Drama of Teacher Ratings: From a Suicide to Lawsuits
  The reform in education has prompted a movement to rate teachers, which has generated its fair share of support and criticism. Learn about the controversy, lawsuits, and even a tragic suicide stemming from publicly released teacher ratings.
• Teacher Strike Forces Cancellation of Classes in Tacoma
  Stay updated on the latest on the teacher strike in Tacoma, including reasons for the strike, the court ruling and predictions on the outcome.
• Resign or Face Termination: The Fallout from the APS Cheating Scandal
  In our coverage of the Atlanta Public School standardized test cheating story, the drama intensifies, and teachers have been given an ultimatum: resignation or termination.
• Public School Choice: Dispatches from LAUSD's Reform
  The LA Unified School District is hoping that the Public School Choice reform can turnaround ailing schools. How well is it working thus far?
• Should Teacher Salaries be Public Information?
  Public school teachers are considered public servants – but does that make their salary details public information? Learn about the heated debate surrounding whether teacher salaries should be made public.
• Waiting for Superman: The Heroes and the Villains of Education
  The latest educational documentary paints a controversial picture of today's educational problems and the right solutions. Learn about both sides of the debate stirred by Waiting for Superman.
• Understanding No Child Left Behind
  You may have heard of No Child Left Behind, but might be confused as to what it means to you and how it affects your children's education. This report will explain what No Child Left Behind is, why it was created, and how your child can benefit from it. It will also discuss some potential controversies surrounding the legislation.
• Is It Time to Say Goodbye to No Child Left Behind?
  The Obama administration is proposing to leave NCLB behind. Learn about the proposed reforms that will change the No Child Left Behind Act.
• National Education Standards: Both Sides of the Debate
  How well do your state’s schools compare against the rest of the country? With the standard nationalization movement gaining steam, we may soon be able to compare apples to apples.
• Understanding Education Secretary Arne Duncan: How His CEO Experience Translates for America’s Public Schools
  Learn about Education Secretary Arne Duncan and how his experience in Chicago will shape the reforms facing the American education landscape today.
• When Teachers are Graded: The Controversy of Teacher Ratings
  Teachers always pass out grades to their students, but what happens when teachers themselves are graded? Learn about the Los Angeles Times' scores of teachers and the ramifications of this public data.
• When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
  Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
• Bill Gates: The Savior of Public Schools?
  Through the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates has not only donated billions of dollars to public schools, but will now sponsor in-depth research on improving teaching that may change the face of public school education forever.
• Can Your Child’s School Meet the National Standards?
  With changing state and national educational standards, will your child's public school have the ability to meet these requirements? Learn about the problems with public school performance and how parents can get involved.
• Will Public School Students Soon be Taking More Standardized Tests?
  Learn about the environment of standardized testing in today's public schools, and how President Obama's proposals may continue the No Child Left Behind's mandate for increased testing.
• Should Schools Conduct Background Checks on Teachers?
  With the growing scandals surrounding teachers, more parents and community leaders are calling for greater background checks. Learn about both sides of the debate in keeping all students safe.

Standardized Testing

Should we have more or less standardized tests? Should the scores count towards funding? All these questions and more are part of the educational reform's standardized testing debate.

• Standardized Test Scores Thrown Out in Three D.C. Classrooms
  The controversy about Washington DC test scores under Michelle Rhee gets some resolution, as standardized test scores are invalidated due to questionably high erasures. Learn more about what the official investigation found.

Teachers and Unions

Teachers, tenure, and unions are being revamped under educational reform - but not without its share of conflict.

• Is Traditional Teacher Tenure On Its Way Out?
  States across the country are revising teacher evaluation standards in hopes of finding more effective ways to reward outstanding teachers and deal with those who don’t make the grade.
• Teacher Rankings Released for First Time in New York
  Explore the controversial decision by New York schools to release 15,000 teacher performance rankings to the general public this week.
• Teacher Satisfaction at its Lowest Point in Two Decades
  A new survey from MetLife shows teachers are less satisfied with their jobs than they were in 2009 and provides suggestions from teachers for improvement in student achievement.
• Why It Can Take Six Years to Fire an Inappropriate or Ineffective Teacher
  Did you know it can take years to fire a public school teacher, even if the instructor is ineffective, has broken laws, or has acted inappropriately sexually towards students? Learn more about the teacher firing process and how it relates to the current debate raging on teacher tenure.
• Last-In-First-Out Teacher Tenure Rule is Under Attack
  Teacher tenure continues to spark passionate debate, and many states are now considering striking down teacher tenure. Learn more about how this education mainstay may no longer dictate the teaching profession in the future.
• New Poll Shows Parents Value Teacher Quality Over Unions for Improving Public Schools
  The recent Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll shows that three in four parents trust school teachers over unions and believe effective teachers are the key to improving quality in public schools.
• Less Tenure for New York Teachers
  With new standards for measuring teacher performance, the number of teachers awarded tenure in New York City schools has fallen dramatically this year. We’ll take a look at how this change might impact the face of education in New York.
• Should a Teacher’s Pay be Influenced by Student Test Scores?
  Recent initiatives propose basing an educator's compensation on student test scores, but there are certainly two sides to the debate. Learn about the pros and cons of the proposals and how they may shape teacher tenure in the future.
• Teachers and Tenure: Both Sides of the Heated Debate
  Teachers' tenure has become a highly controversial issue, sparking outcry on both sides. Learn more about the benefits and disadvantages of teacher tenure, especially in light of today's educational reforms.
• What Our Public Education System Can Learn from Teach for America’s Superstar Teachers
  Many of Teach for America's instructors could be considered superstars in the classroom. Learn about how their successes can be translated into the mainstream public school classroom.
• Are Your Local Public School Instructors Still Qualified to Teach?
  Federal legislation has outlined stricter qualification guidelines for public school teachers. Learn about the minimums and whether your local public school teachers are still qualified to instruct classrooms.

• Sexual Harassment at Age 6: The Tale of a First Grade Suspension
  A six-year old in Aurora, Colorado, was suspended after singing an LMFAO song to a little girl in his class and reportedly “shaking his booty.” We look at the case and the sexual harassment problem in public schools today.
• The Advent of the Digital Textbook: Boon or Bust?
  How well are digital textbooks performing for students? We examine the move to digital textbooks, as well as the pros and cons of using online resources rather than traditional paper.
• 15 Fortune 500 CEOs that Attended Public School
  Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, and Michael Dell: what do they have in common? A public high school education! Be inspired by 15 Fortune 500 CEOs who got their start at their local public high schools.
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