PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
The New York Times's Motoko Rich reports that some public charter school systems are implementing a new model of teacher preparation: residencies, similar to those in the medical field. The programs focus on practice over theory and match veteran educators with aspiring teachers in a structured mentorship. The piece offers a great look into the anxieties of new teachers and the critical importance of feedback from veteran mentors.
TENNESSEE MULLING COMMON CORE
In a recent interview with Chalkbeat, the Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives, Beth Harwell, suggested that the state might be on its way to dropping Common Core. However, her spokesperson’s claim that “Tennessee—and not the federal government—knows what is best for Tennesseans” would seem to suggest that the Speaker isn’t aware of what the standards actually do.
THE DANGERS OF BIAS
At Education Week, Darius D. Prier asks how educators can address stereotypes and ensure safety and equality for students inside and outside of schools. Prier recommends that schools incorporate current-day race issues into the curriculum, along with other ideas for preventing hip-hop culture from being conflated with criminality.
DROPPING OUT IS HARD TO DO
This weekend, the Wall Street Journal examined the American undergraduate dropout rate and uncovered a startling truth: According to data compiled by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, almost one-third of the students who matriculated in a U.S. college in 2012 did not return the following year. Lots of steps can be taken to address the problem, but Fordham's Michael J. Petrilli has recently highlighted career and technical education as an effective means of channeling high school students who aren't ready for college.
