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Latest News http://www.cywired.com/ Sun, 20 May 2012 14:56:15 GMT FeedCreator 1.8.0-dev (info@mypapit.net) http://www.ednebula.com/components/com_ninjarsssyndicator/assets/images/buttons/rss-ednebula-1265321 Educator Community http://www.cywired.com/ Professional development innovations improve education http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/780-professional-development-innovations-improve-education.html A new series of professional development videos is now available for teachers courtesy of School Improvement Network.

The videos feature the insights of Jamie Almanzan, a coach with the non profit National Equity Project, who was interviewed by national author Curtis Linton about what he learned from a number of educational leaders on racial and cultural equity.

"The series of interviews we’ve conducted with Jamie are powerful and absolutely indispensable for the educator struggling to make sure that all students, no matter what their backgrounds, succeed within the educational system," said Linton.

Linton also said these professional development videos will arm teachers

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]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:57:07 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/780-professional-development-innovations-improve-education.html Educational grants to fund a number of projects in Pennsylvania http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/781-educational-grants-to-fund-a-number-of-projects-in-pennsylvania.html According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Mount Pleasant Area School District will receive three educational grants to help with educational upgrades, as well as a language lab for one of the schools.

"The equipment for the lab has arrived, and work has started to get everything put together," Mount Pleasant Superintendent Terry Struble told the news source. "Once together, and training for the teachers has been provided, we hope to have it out this spring in the classrooms."

Partial funding for the lab will come from the Scottdale Bank and Trust as part of its EITC grant program, said the news

]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:57:07 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/781-educational-grants-to-fund-a-number-of-projects-in-pennsylvania.html Digital science learning engages students http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/778-digital-science-learning-engages-students.html In its new web-based, digital curriculum product, Britannica Pathway: Science, Britannica Digital Learning created a platform that teachers can use to teach science in such a way that students will not face some of the common misconceptions they face in traditional learning methods.

"At certain times of the year the planet Venus looks no different to the naked eye from a star that is light-years away," said Dr. Kara Rogers, a science editor for Britannica. "As a result, many students have trouble distinguishing between the celestial bodies that reside within our solar system and the ones way beyond it."

With the

]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:57:07 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/778-digital-science-learning-engages-students.html Digital learning products could improve reading comprehension http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/779-digital-learning-products-could-improve-reading-comprehension.html A new reading comprehension resource was recently released by Sopris Learning, called eSolution: Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension, which is intended to help students expand their vocabulary, as well as their understanding of the content they read.

The new product is a digital resource that was co-authored by literacy experts Gail Adams and Susan Van Zant which has students read a passage online, then answer questions about it. This technique makes it so students must focus on understanding the context of the passage.

"The program provides students with practice opportunities for answering a variety of comprehension questions as well as expanding their

]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:57:07 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/779-digital-learning-products-could-improve-reading-comprehension.html Scholastic provides teachers with resources for Black History Month http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/777-scholastic-provides-teachers-with-resources-for-black-history-month.html Arming teachers with better classroom resources in preparation for Black History Month, Scholastic recently announced it created an all-encompassing set of resources that will help educators dig deeper into the roots of African-American history.

"Black History Month is an important topic addressed in thousands of classrooms across the country every year, and it's a time when teachers across many grade levels and content areas are searching for engaging activities and reliable content for instruction," said Francie Alexander, chief academic officer at Scholastic.

Scholastic.com has put together more than 100,000 pages of free content for educators, as well as student activities, videos,

]]> Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:57:04 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/777-scholastic-provides-teachers-with-resources-for-black-history-month.html Professional development courses help students sharpen their skills http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/776-professional-development-courses-help-students-sharpen-their-skills.html In an effort to promote professional development at community colleges across the United States, Pearson recently announced the launch of online workforce training courses for community colleges at the American Association of Community Colleges' 19th Annual Workforce Development Institute in Miami.

"Local colleges are the anchors of communities across the U.S.," said Leah Jewell, president of health science and careers at Pearson. "They're often the first stop for displaced workers and those who want to enhance their skills and land a better job. Our courses are designed as a partnership to support these unique local needs with flexible, customizable learning

]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:57:05 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/776-professional-development-courses-help-students-sharpen-their-skills.html Social learning platforms are the new big thing for schools http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/775-social-learning-platforms-are-the-new-big-thing-for-schools.html Another digital curriculum solution is growing in popularity across North America, with BookheadEd Learning recently announcing its StudySync product has almost doubled its accounts with teachers and administrators.

StudySync is aligned with the Common Core curriculum for middle-and high-school students, and it integrates broadcast-quality video, digital media, mobile platforms and social learning in an effort to improve reading, writing and critical thinking.

"It's been especially encouraging to see the product expand organically, as teachers and students experience our approach to social learning and engage with classic and modern texts in a compelling new way," said Robert Romano, CEO of BookheadEd.

StudySync continues

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]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:57:03 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/775-social-learning-platforms-are-the-new-big-thing-for-schools.html Obama asks legislators to keep high schoolers in school until 18 or graduation http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/773-obama-asks-legislators-to-keep-high-schoolers-in-school-until-18-or-graduation.html In President Barack Obama's 2012 State of the Union address, he urged all states to require high school students to remain in school until the age of 18 or graduation in an effort to boost high school dropout prevention across the the United States.

“We also know that when students aren’t allowed to walk away from their education, more of them walk the stage to get their diploma,” he said in the State of the Union. “So tonight, I call on every state to require that all students stay in high school until they graduate or turn 18.”

According to a

]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:57:03 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/773-obama-asks-legislators-to-keep-high-schoolers-in-school-until-18-or-graduation.html Grant programs in New Jersey aim to improve learning http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/774-grant-programs-in-new-jersey-aim-to-improve-learning.html According to the Madison Eagle, a daily newspaper in New Jersey, the Madison Education Foundation recently approved 21 educational grants totaling almost $40,000, which are designed to arm teachers with the tools and technologies they need to make school interesting for students.

"Madison’s students are going to benefit from the surge of creativity we have seen from teachers who are intent on invigorating the learning process," Anne Hargrave, founder of Anne Hargrave Fine ART, told the paper. "We have also funded a number of technology initiatives on a pilot basis, which will provide us and the district with

]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:57:03 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/774-grant-programs-in-new-jersey-aim-to-improve-learning.html IU forms a new program to build school administrators http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/771-iu-forms-a-new-program-to-build-school-administrators.html Working to promote professional development of young leaders in education, Indiana University's Kelley School of Business and the IU School of Education have launched a collaborative program that focuses on management and leadership.

Students looking to pursue careers as superintendents and other education administration roles can benefit from the new program, which will prepare students for roles as policymakers.

"The Kelley School's globally recognized strategic management faculty will provide school leaders with the tools to direct the future of education in the state of Indiana and eventually nationwide," said Dan Smith, dean of the Kelley School of Business.

Ranked in the top

]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:57:05 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/771-iu-forms-a-new-program-to-build-school-administrators.html USA Today and Learning.com partner on digital curriculum http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/772-usa-today-and-learningcom-partner-on-digital-curriculum.html Joining in the national digital curriculum marketplace, USA Today and Learning.com recently combined their products to create a product that will give teachers use of educational resources developed by USA Today Education.

The products that will now be available on Learning.com include an intensive reading program, content-area reading program, reading boot camp and article packs.

“Through our relationship with Learning.com, students across the country will now have access to the in-depth resources of USA Today, which will engage them in a rigorous exploration of current, relevant topics to improve their literacy and critical thinking skills and prepare them for college and

]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:57:05 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/772-usa-today-and-learningcom-partner-on-digital-curriculum.html Education is changing in school due to the iPad http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/769-education-is-changing-in-school-due-to-the-ipad.html A $1.3 million stimulus grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has given Prince George's County the ability to purchase 3,000 iPads for students at four middle schools to determine whether improved classroom resources increase the quality of learning, reported the Baltimore Sun.

Students are using iPads to take notes, study for quizzes and review homework, while teachers are using the technology to improve efficiency in the classroom and identity areas of need for each student, according to the newspaper.

"I can't stand paper," Christina Jerome, an eighth-grade teacher whose students are using the iPad, told the paper.

]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:57:04 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/769-education-is-changing-in-school-due-to-the-ipad.html Survey shows teachers want more access to technology in the classroom http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/770-survey-shows-teachers-want-more-access-to-technology-in-the-classroom.html A recent national survey of teachers ranging from preschool through high school conducted by PBS LearningMedia has found only 22 percent of teachers believe they have the right technology in their classrooms, while 91 percent have access to computers in their classrooms.

The main problem in having these classroom resources is funding, with 63 percent of respondents saying their budget is the biggest roadblock to having the right technology in their classrooms.

"It's clear most teachers are embracing technology and need more resources, and PBS is committed to offering innovative tools and resources to support learning in classrooms across America," said

]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:57:04 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/770-survey-shows-teachers-want-more-access-to-technology-in-the-classroom.html Grant program for underserved students releases recipient list http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/768-grant-program-for-underserved-students-releases-recipient-list.html In an attempt to create better learning facilities for underserved children, Ron Tomalis, secretary of education for the Pennsylvania Department of Education, recently announced the winners of the 21st Century Community Learning Grant totaling 64.4 million.

These educational grants are federally funded and established under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

"The entities which were selected to receive funding from the 21st Century Community Learning Challenge provide educational experiences that complement, supplement and fill-in the gaps of the work being done in the classroom," said Tomalis.

Recipients of the grants were 19 community-based organizations, 17 school districts, 10 charter schools,

]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:57:06 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/768-grant-program-for-underserved-students-releases-recipient-list.html Educators use Twitter to shape education http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/766-educators-use-twitter-to-shape-education.html Education World recently hosted a Twitter chat featuring a number of educational and professional experts offering tips on 21st century skills and professional development opportunities for students.

"Twitter reduces the sense of isolation we often feel as educators and is a great way to access free, cutting-edge professional development tips," said Sarah Caron, social media editor at Education World. "At Education World, we maximize the potential of this platform by regularly sending informative tweets make sure to follow @Education_World on Twitter to receive these."

A few of the participants in the Twitter chat were Heather Beaven, CEO of the Florida

]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:57:06 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/766-educators-use-twitter-to-shape-education.html School Specialty releases new set of classroom resources http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/767-school-specialty-releases-new-set-of-classroom-resources.html In an effort to improve classroom resources across the United States, School Specialty recently released additions to its classroom technology solutions, which will allow educators to arm arm with the 21st century skills needed to succeed throughout higher levels of education.

"Expanding classroom sizes, evolving standards requirements and differentiation in meeting instructional needs makes teaching more challenging every day," said Shantanu Bose, vice president of school supplies and classroom technology. "Our new array of technology products is focused on how best to meet the needs of our customers in enhancing their productivity and effectiveness."

The recent expansion includes document cameras, short

]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:57:06 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/767-school-specialty-releases-new-set-of-classroom-resources.html Educational grants in Illinois being used in a wide range of areas http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/764-educational-grants-in-illinois-being-used-in-a-wide-range-of-areas.html According to the suburban Chicago Barrington Courier-Review, the District 220 Educational Foundation recently announced the recipients of educational grants that will give teachers and other administrators with supplies and instructional material.

These 19 Helping Hands grants that were handed out added up to more than $8,200, making sure each entity received up to $550, said the paper.

"Helping Hands grants have to serve an educational purpose," Deanna Griffin, the foundation’s publicity chairperson, told the paper. "They have to be sustainable and have to fit into the technology of the district, but they don’t have to be technology."

Barrington Middle School received $485,

]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:57:07 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/764-educational-grants-in-illinois-being-used-in-a-wide-range-of-areas.html Lexile measures will help educators improve reading comprehension http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/765-lexile-measures-will-help-educators-improve-reading-comprehension.html In order to improve reading comprehension for readers of all ages, MetaMetrics recently announced 50 more publishers will be added to its list to provide Lexile measures for their books in 2011.

"As schools begin to implement the new standards, it's important that educators and families understand postsecondary reading demands so that they can help students prepare for success in college and careers," said Malbert Smith III, Ph.D, president and co-founder of MetaMetrics.

Books that meet Lexile measures allow students to achieve better reading comprehension and also gives students a tool to help them prepare for college and career text demands.

The

]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:57:07 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/765-lexile-measures-will-help-educators-improve-reading-comprehension.html Advancements in technology helping learning become more fun http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/763-advancements-in-technology-helping-learning-become-more-fun.html Northern Illinois University recently opened the doors to the newly-renovated Fay-Cooper Cole Hall, which was transformed into collaborative-learning center equipped with high-tech renovations, reported NIU Today, the newspaper produced by students at NIU.

"Cole Hall has been at the heart of the NIU community since it first opened its doors, and it is personally inspirational for me to know that this building now will foster learning for tens of thousands of 21st century students," John Peters, president of NIU, told the paper.

In the Cole Hall Collaborative Classroom, students will have the opportunity to build 21st century skills using a state-of-the-art

]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:57:06 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/763-advancements-in-technology-helping-learning-become-more-fun.html ACT now required for North Carolina students http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/761-act-now-required-for-north-carolina-students.html In an effort to have more students go to college, all high school juniors in North Carolina will now be required to take the ACT college entrance exam starting in March, and the results will be paired with the ACT's college readiness test administered to 10th graders in the state.

The state will pay for the test to be administered to all high school juniors in the state, but students looking to take the test again during their senior year will be responsible for paying for the test.

"Until now, taking the SAT or the ACT was voluntary," said Lloyd Scott,

]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:57:07 GMT http://www.cywired.com/index.php/learn/latest-news/761-act-now-required-for-north-carolina-students.html