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Author Archives: Sarah Willis
Federal Grant Seeks to Improve Access to New Technologies for Students with Disabilities
As the internet and newer technology devices become more prevalent teaching tools in the classroom, some students with disabilities – such as students who are blind or visually impaired – have a difficult time accessing this instructional material. Ensuring that all students have access to instructional material provided via the internet or other technologies (i.e. You Tube, smart phones, online courses, etc.) is the focus of a federally funded grant which seeks to establish a Video Description Research and Development Center. The U.S. Department of Education’s grant will award one $1 million grant to address this issue. State education agencies,… Continue reading
Posted in assistive technology, U.S. Department of Education
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National Science Foundation and Brookings Institution Call for Better Preparation and Inspiration of STEM Students, Teachers
This week, in two separate events, the National Science Foundation and Brookings Institution, a Washington, DC –based think tank, called for a coordinated, sustainable federal strategy to foster the education of students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and the need to better prepare and support teachers in these disciplines. Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Innovators: Identifying and Developing Our Nation’s Human Capital, authored by the National Science Foundation led by Dr. Camilla Benbow of Vanderbilt University recommends: • Improving the access to and availability of effective K-12 formal and informal education programs and interventions; • Improving the identification… Continue reading
Posted in CEC Legislative Action Center, Opportunities for Advocacy
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Designing UDL: A Contest!!
Hey Educators! The National Center on Universal Design for Learning is looking for your great ideas about how you use UDL in your classroom. The “Designing UDL” contest aims to give educators at all levels the opportunity to share how they put UDL principles into action. Entries in four categories are eligible for prizes of up to $500. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing flexible curricula with multiple access points for all students to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. UDL is gaining momentum across the country. Educators at all grade levels–from pre-kindergarten through adult… Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
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Obama’s Message to Students: Celebrate Diversity, Work Hard and Stay in School
President Obama spoke to school children around the nation this week, encouraging them to work hard, stay in school and celebrate their differences and the things that make them unique. This year’s speech went mostly unnoticed, unlike last year’s which caused great concern for many of his opponents. The President spoke from the Julia Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School in Philadelphia, a college prep public school which is consistently ranked among the best in Pennsylvania. He urged students to work hard, get the help they need for their individual concerns, and stay in school. President Obama also focused on the… Continue reading
Posted in Administration
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Deadline Approaching for Gifted Ed Funding Advocacy in House of Representatives
As CEC’s Policy Insider blog has reported over the last few weeks, Congress is poised to eliminate the only federal program dedicated to addressing the needs of students with gifts and talents, the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act. Next Thursday marks an important deadline in our advocacy efforts, so we need your help today! To combat efforts to eliminate the Javits program, Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-CA) have been asking their fellow members of the House of Representatives to sign on to a letter supporting reinstatement of funds for the Javits program…. Continue reading
Posted in CEC Legislative Action Center, Gifted and Talented, Opportunities for Advocacy, U.S. Congress
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Race to the Top Winners Face Potential Change in Leadership with Upcoming Elections
When American’s go to the polls on Election Day (November 2nd) they will elect 435 members of the House of Representatives, 36 Senators, and 37 Governors. Interestingly, 10 of the 12 states that won Race to the Top (RTTT) funding will host gubernatorial elections, establishing a scenario whereby a switch in political parties and leadership may mean a shift in education reform philosophy and could, potentially impact implementation of approved Race to the Top grants. Educators and policy wonks will be closely watching gubernatorial elections in Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and the mayoral… Continue reading
Posted in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Economic Stimulus), Race to the Top
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Economic Stimulus Funds Fuel Development of Common State Assessments
One of the most popular criticisms of No Child Left Behind is its emphasis on standardized assessments. In part, the concerns about these tests result from NCLB’s requirement that each state develop its own curriculum and achievement standards and its own test to judge student performance. As a result, there are 50 different standards and 50 different tests, which make it impossible to compare how students are performing across the nation. Yesterday, in hopes of addressing this criticism, the U.S. Department of Education, as a part of the Race to the Top Program, awarded $330 million to two groups of… Continue reading
Posted in NCLB/ESEA, Race to the Top, U.S. Department of Education
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PDK/Gallup Annual Poll Shows Disconnect Between Parents Hopes for Students and Actual Outcomes
American parents overwhelmingly — and more than any other time in history — want their children to attend college, according to an annual poll jointly conducted by Gallup and Phi Delta Kappa International. The PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools has been conducted since 1969. The 2010 findings are based on telephone interviews conducted in June 2010 with a national sample of 1,008 American adults. This year, approximately 92% of parents stated they believe their child will attend college. Unfortunately, the reality is that probably only 30% will begin college and even less will graduate. Although… Continue reading
Posted in NCLB/ESEA
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Threats to Eliminate Federal Gifted Ed Funding Loom; Grassroots Action Critical
Over the last month, CEC’s Policy Insider has shared that Congress has taken significant steps to eliminate the one and only federal program focused on gifted education, the Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act. CEC members together with the National Association for Gifted Children are answering back by urging Congress to reinstate funding for the Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act. Join educators, parents, and researchers from across the country in standing up for high-ability students! Taking action is easy and fast using CEC’s Legislative Action Center. Thankfully, Congressman Courtney (D-CT) and Congressman Gallegly (R-CA) have… Continue reading
Posted in CEC Legislative Action Center, Gifted and Talented, Opportunities for Advocacy, U.S. Congress
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U.S. Department of Education Solicits Feedback on Priorities, Share Your Thoughts With CEC
As previously reported in CEC’s Policy Insider, the U.S. Department of Education is soliciting feedback on two sets of priorities: for its research agenda and for its discretionary grant programs. These priorities will directly impact themes and focus areas within the Department. Earlier this summer, the Institute for Education Sciences – the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education – released its proposed research priorities which will guide the federal education research portfolio and impact the focus of research grants. Read more. Additionally, the Department has proposed 13 priorities that it may use in crafting requirements when awarding discretionary… Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
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