News Articles
Senate Approves Major Overhaul of the Federal Student Aid Program
By Diana Jean Schemo, New York Times, July 20, 2007
WASHINGTON, Friday, July 20 — The Senate approved a major overhaul of federal student aid early today, cutting taxpayer subsidies to student lenders by more than $18 billion and funneling most of the money into increasing federal grants for low- and middle-income students and easing repayment terms on federal loans.
The bill passed by a bipartisan majority of 78 to 18 after the vote was temporarily delayed by a flurry of largely unrelated amendments, a reflection of the lingering rancor over the debate on Iraq this week. The House passed its version of the legislation last week, and the differences must now be reconciled.
The White House, which had threatened to veto the House bill, had a more measured response to the Senate’s version, objecting mainly to provisions that ease repayment of only some loans and grant loan forgiveness for public service employees. But the administration said it expected to “resolve these issues through the legislative process.”
By Melinda Tuhus, New Haven Independent, July 23, 2007
Marc Palmieri had a clear message on the last day of the New Haven Public Schools’ Summer Parent Training Institute: parenting is hard, and you deserve a meaningful partnership with school personnel to make a success of it.
He said it’s important to focus on a child’s strengths when speaking to parents, but not to neglect discussing areas that need improvement. Too often, he said, teachers gloss over a student’s weaknesses, perhaps hoping not to offend a parent — which hurts the student in the long run. James Moye, father of eight children (pictured with Patti Avallone, Title I supervisor who runs the training), said that was unacceptable. “Our children are the primary purpose of why we’re here. It’s about keeping it real with them. They want to hear the truth."
Cross Has New Principal, As Fonzi Goes Downtown
By Allan Appel, New Haven Independent, July 23, 2007
The woman in this picture has the second toughest job in the New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) system, according to its superintendent. The man standing next to her has just left that position to come work downtown in the central NHPS administration and in his spare time to pursue his movie actor career.
Rose Coggins is the newly appointed principal at Wilbur Cross High School. Bob Canelli, leaving there after four years, will become the new supervisor of magnet schools. They were among dozens of new appointments and transfers of administrators and teachers announced at a Friday afternoon Board of Education meeting.
Teens Thrilled With Online Summer School
Associated Press, New York Times, July 23, 2007
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) -- When Scott Landry flunked a math class in his Townsend high school this year, he was told he would not make it into the 10th grade unless he went to summer school.
So how was the 14-year-old starting his third week of a summer algebra class?
''I'm going skateboarding and hanging out with my friends,'' he said.
With a growing number of schools around the country allowing students to take classes and make-up credits online, summer school's punitive reputation is slipping. And more students are finding they need not miss out on summer camp, vacation or jobs.
First lady, education secretary to visit Waturbury
By Randy James, Waturbury Republican-American, July 21, 2007
WATERBURY — The city will roll out the red carpet for first lady Laura Bush and the nation's top education official next week. Bush and U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings will visit Driggs School on Tuesday to announce a grant to improve school libraries. The event at Driggs, 77 Woodlawn Terrace, is scheduled for 10:45 a.m.
"It's a real boost to the psyche of the city," Mayor Michael J. Jarjura said.
Logistical details have not been announced, but no road closures are expected. A school leader said the grant will give the school system $299,000 to improve libraries.
Opinions and Editorials
Alternative ed needs stable situation
Stamford Advocate Editorial, July 22, 2007
Stamford's legal obligation to educate does not end when a high school student is suspended, expelled or has disciplinary, behavioral, psychological or medical problems. But the method of delivery can change. Stamford's Alternative Routes to Success program sometimes is called in to teach these students one-on-one or in small-group settings. The hope is that these students can continue to learn without disrupting classmates at one of the city's other high schools.
No comments:
Post a Comment