As Gas Prices Rise, Field Trips Go Virtual

Video shows kids participating in prayers

(NEWSER) - A Massachusetts school district apologized today, after a video surfaced showing students praying during a class field trip to the Islamic Society of Community Center. The video was shot in May by a parent chaperoning the trip, and then handed over to a group that has long been critical of the mosque, Americans for Peace and Tolerance. More»

'We took a meat ax to the district'

(NEWSER) - Kansas City's school board narrowly voted to close 29 of the city's 61 public schools after an emotional, standing-room-only meeting last night. The measure, a desperate attempt to prevent a projected $50 million budget shortfall, passed 5-4 despite pleas from parents and community leaders to keep the schools open, the AP reports. More»

Parents, workers miffed, but effect on student learning is unclear

(NEWSER) - As school districts across the nation find themselves battling massive budget shortfalls, some are turning to the relatively rare but controversial practice of shortening the school week. Four-day weeks usually don’t affect teacher pay or the amount of classroom time for students, as the days are simply lengthened. But if you’re a bus driver or a service worker, say goodbye to part of your paycheck, the Wall Street Journal reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Damon Weaver, not yet out of elementary school, made his name on the Internet when he interviewed Joe Biden during the 2008 campaign for his school's TV station. Yesterday, the grizzled journalistic veteran bagged his biggest sit-down yet following 8 months of requests—a 10-minute grilling of Barack Obama at the White House. Damon skillfully asked about education policy, school lunches, and the president's basketball skills, reports CBS. More»

Emphasis on developing 'executive function' helps control behavior

(NEWSER) - Preschool teachers are adopting new techniques to control students’ behavior that focus on impulse control, the Wall Street Journal reports. Seeking to counter a growing trend in rowdiness among young students, progressive curricula involve structured daily playtime during which kids take an imaginary trip to a pretend destination. Each plays a role—barber, librarian, or baby, for example—and must stick to the chosen role for the whole 45-minute playtime. More»