Education

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Civil rights survey: 3,000 US high schools don't have math beyond Algebra I

The latest Civil Rights Data Collection shows, as never before, the education inequities that hold various groups of students back.
Achievement gap for Hispanic students hasn't narrowed in 20 years

A first-of-its kind NAEP report finds hints of progress, but mostly a stubborn achievement gap between Hispanic and white students.
Education secretary tells Congress: Change No Child Left Behind – or I will

Education Secretary Arne Duncan says time is running out to reauthorize No Child Left Behind. If Congress doesn't move soon, he said he'll take matters into his own hands.
Sukanya in good company: A look at the last 5 National Spelling Bee Champions

Sukanya Roy joins the ranks of National Spelling Bee Champions. Here's a list of the last five Scripps National Spelling Bee champions and the words they had to spell to get there.
Spelling bee champion triumphs with 'cymotrichous'

Spelling bee champion Sukanya Roy held on through repeated perfect rounds – where no spellers made any mistakes – to triumph at the 84th Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Teaching creationism: Louisiana law that skirts US ban survives challenge

The Louisiana law allows teaching contrary to evolution on the grounds it promotes critical thinking, a proposition ridiculed by scientists. Similar legislation is being debated in other states.
Why James Tate now gets to go to prom – but passed on the free tux

After his dramatic prom invitation got James Tate banned from the big dance, public outcry via social media persuaded the headmaster to reconsider her decision.
Commencement 2011: what 10 eminent speakers told graduates

Here are the Monitor's hand-picked highlights from the 2011 commencement season.
'Let James Tate go to the prom' crusade gains a Connecticut legislator

After high school senior James Tate got himself banned from prom for his dangerous (and dashing) prom invitation, public outcry flooded social networks and reached a politician's ears.
Senator Hagan introduces bill to turn around worst schools: Can it work?

Sen. Kay Hagan (D) of North Carolina announced the School Turnaround and Rewards (STAR) Act on Thursday. She hopes it will be incorporated into a more comprehensive overhaul of No Child Left Behind.
Obama gives nod to Memphis high school, will deliver graduation speech

Booker T. Washington High School beat out more than 450 other schools in a contest to win a graduation speech from President Obama. Here's how the Memphis, Tenn., school set itself apart.
A third of high school seniors lack basic grasp of civics, US government

America's students are largely uninformed about the democratic process and US government, especially high school seniors, according to civics scores from the Nation's Report Card.
Why is Obama delivering a commencement address at Miami Dade College?

President Obama will speak Friday evening at the graduation for the North and West campuses of Miami Dade College. The school is America’s largest institution of higher education.
Homeless child enrolled in wrong school: What should happen to him?

Connecticut resident Tanya McDowell is charged with intentionally enrolling her son in the wrong school district. But homeless advocates wonder why the son has now changed schools, since federal law is supposed to protect his 'best educational interest.'
Three Cups of Tea: Educators mull halting support for Pennies for Peace

Amid allegations that 'Three Cups of Tea' co-author Greg Mortenson mismanaged money collected by thousands of schoolchildren for his Pennies for Peace program, educators are considering cutting off support.
Teacher layoffs ahead: Should seniority prevail? Six considerations.

Thousands of teachers are being notified this spring that their jobs are in jeopardy – and many of those layoffs may actually occur, given the severe budget crises affecting state and local governments.
Preschool programs not spared as strapped states cut spending

Early childhood education takes a hit, as states collectively decreased spending on preschool programs last year – for the first time since 2002, a new study finds.
New Chicago schools chief has record of reform, but irked teachers

Chicago Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel taps Jean-Claude Brizard, superintendent in Rochester, N.Y., to head city schools. Brizard is a long-time educator, unlike new leaders of other big-city districts.
150 years later, Civil War still a delicate subject for schools

The American Civil War is a touchy subject for educators, who must help children understand issues that continue to divide Americans 150 years after the war's outset.
Job opportunities on the rise: Five things new college grads should know

Thanks to improved job opportunities, this year’s crop of college graduates won’t have to hit the pavement quite as hard as their counterparts did in the past few years. Read our breakdown of hiring and salary prospects for various industries, college majors, and skill sets.