POVERTY'S FOOTPRINT
Poverty is an established risk factor for poor academic achievement, but it’s critical to remember that poverty is associated with much more than low incomes. A new study by the Center for New York City Affairs identified eighteen factors in a student's school and neighborhood that strongly predicted chronic absenteeism and low state test scores. The research places student achievement in a broader context, allowing school administrators to better understand where their students come from and how to meet their needs.
EXCUSES, EXCUSES
Teachers’ unions are attempting to distance themselves from the Democratic walloping that occurred Tuesday, claiming that the results were “more about the national climate than anything.” Regardless of the accuracy of that judgment (the president's low approval ratings no doubt influenced the outcome of many state-level races), it seems like a convenient way to justify spending millions on failed candidates—something that Andy Smarick writes should have dues-paying members up in arms.
STILL NEED A DEGREE
A new report finds that short-term college certificates that offer training for specific job skills can lead to students finding temporary work, but don’t help in securing a long career or wage increase. Researchers suggest that for students to see the best return on investment, these certificate programs should be coupled with associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in what they term “stackable certificates.”
THE RISE OF PERSONALIZED LEARNING
As personalized learning programs garner increasing attention, researchers at the RAND Corporation and the Gates Foundation have found that students who benefit from "learner profiles" and customized plans see a boost in test scores. Of the twenty-three charter schools evaluated in the study, most employed use of detailed records about each student, competency-based progression, and flexible learning environments.
