Most Clicked ASCD SmartBrief Stories
1. Studies show income-based achievement gap is growing
ASCD SmartBrief | Feb 10, 2012
The achievement gap between low-income students and their more affluent peers has grown by roughly 40% since the 1960s, according to a recent study by researchers at Stanford University. Another study from University of Michigan researchers shows a 50% increase since the late 1980s in the imbalance between rich and poor students completing college. Furthermore, researchers say they expect the gap to widen amid the effects of the economic downturn. New York Times (tiered subscription model), The (02/09)
2. More students take AP exams, though many are opting out
ASCD SmartBrief | Feb 09, 2012
The number of public high-school seniors who took and passed at least one Advanced Placement class rose to 18.1% in 2011, compared with 16.9% the year before, a new report from the College Board shows. The report also shows that many students who may have succeeded on AP tests chose not to take them or lacked access to the courses, and this gap particularly was apparent for minority students. The states with the highest percentages of students taking and passing AP exams were Maryland, New York, Virginia, Massachusetts and Connecticut, the data show. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org) (02/08)
3. School focuses on real-life experiences for low-income students
ASCD SmartBrief | Feb 14, 2012
Educators at New York City's P.S. 142, where nearly all students qualify for free lunches, take students on neighborhood field trips to help provide real-life experiences and a broader frame of reference to improve their reading and math skills. The strategy was developed by the school's principal, along with a child specialist. It also includes more playtime for younger students to help make learning more fun. New York Times (tiered subscription model), The (02/12)
4. NYC targets reading to boost middle-school performance
ASCD SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
An initiative in New York City schools aims to improve student performance at 18 struggling middle schools by putting more emphasis on students who read and write at third- and fourth-grade levels. "The core problem of literacy in middle school is you're transitioning from learning to read, to reading to learn," city education official Josh Thomases said. The initiative includes funding for teacher training, reading specialists, and new software programs and books. New York Times (tiered subscription model), The (02/10)
5. Small school succeeds with higher bar for all students
ASCD SmartBrief | Feb 08, 2012
The small Collegiate Institute for Math and Science in New York City is thriving, while the larger school in which it is housed is in danger of closing. Educators attribute the success of CIMS to the higher academic standards set for all students, regardless of their ability. Critics say smaller schools such as CIMS harm their larger counterparts by taking away top teachers and "more academically minded" students. New York Times (tiered subscription model), The (02/07)
6. States consider holding back students who lack reading proficiency
ASCD SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
Legislative measures are being considered in at least four states to allow schools to retain students who are not proficient in reading by third grade. Critics of the proposals say retaining students increases their odds of dropping out, while supporters say promoting students who are struggling is not the answer. "We know it's hard on a child's self-esteem to be held back, but it's even harder on self-esteem to be illiterate," said Linda Fandel, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad's special assistant on education. Wall Street Journal, The (02/13)
7. Positive-behavior program may reduce bullying in elementary grades
ASCD SmartBrief | Feb 09, 2012
A school program designed to improve student behavior may help reduce bullying in elementary schools, a new study shows. Teachers at schools that have implemented the School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program, in place now in about 16,000 U.S. schools, reported less bullying, teasing and aggression among students, the report found. Chicago Tribune (02/08)
8. How do educators, parents feel about student testing?
ASCD SmartBrief | Feb 09, 2012
Interim and formative assessments are seen as more valuable than summative tests, according to a new survey of parents, educators and school administrators. The survey results also revealed support for testing in subjects other than math and English, and the development of broader methods for assessing student progress. The online survey, commissioned by the nonprofit Northwest Evaluation Association, aimed to determine attitudes toward testing, as policies are revised at both the state and federal levels. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org) (02/08)
9. 10 states are expected to receive NCLB waivers
ASCD SmartBrief | Feb 09, 2012
President Barack Obama is expected to grant 10 states waivers today from No Child Left Behind. Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Tennessee would be excused from portions of the federal education law -- which requires all students to be proficient in reading and math by 2014. New Mexico applied but did not receive a waiver. About 28 other states, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, have said they intend to apply. USA TODAY (02/09)
10. Ideas for differentiating instruction in project-based lessons
ASCD SmartBrief | Feb 10, 2012
Edutopia.org (02/08)
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