06 Mar 2012

Governor Quinn Calls for 21st Century Classrooms Throughout Illinois

By Nafia Khan

Visits Piper Elementary to Show How Educational Technology
Can Help Students Achieve and Succeed

 

BERWYN - February 28, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today called on lawmakers, administrators, teachers and parents across Illinois to recognize the critical role technology plays in educating the next generation of students. Just a day after President Obama asked governors across America to protect and invest in education even during tough budget times, Governor Quinn championed his plans to continue investing in Illinois' education during a visit to Piper Elementary. The Governor was joined by Riverside Village President Michael Gorman, 2nd graders and their teacher Maureen Gorman, who demonstrated how their class uses technology to improve learning.

 

"The most valuable investment we can make is in the education of our children," Governor Quinn said. "Preparing our students for a 21st century economy starts with making sure their classrooms use the technology that will be vital to their success in high school, higher education and their careers."

 

Piper Elementary, part of District 100 in Berwyn, is making strong progress in narrowing the achievement gap that hurts too many Illinois students. District 100 is 79% Hispanic and 74% low income. However, Piper students are showing real progress thanks to strong parent and teacher cooperation and administrators investing in 21st century educational technology like smart boards, multimedia labs and tablet computers.

 

83% of Piper students met or exceeded standards in state testing in 2011 and District 100 as a whole rose to the top 49% of districts statewide, following three years at the mid-60% level. Piper has made adequate yearly progress (AYP) under No Child Left Behind every since it was enacted - one of only 7 elementary schools of similar combined demographics and incomes to achieve this progress.

 

Governor Quinn has reiterated his commitment to education, jobs and economic growth in his proposed budget by maintaining funding for K-12 and higher education and increasing early childhood funding by $20 million, as well as a $50 million increase for the state Monetary Award Program (MAP), which provides college scholarships for needy students. Governor Quinn also recently announced $623 million in Illinois Jobs Now! capital funding to help dozens of school districts statewide make critical repairs, additions and technology updates to classrooms. Combined with local dollars, the funding will allow school districts to complete projects totaling more than $1.2 billion. In his budget address, Governor Quinn renewed his commitment to continued capital construction funding for school construction.

 

In his recent remarks to the National Governors Association, President Obama challenged the states' chief executives to invest in American economy built to last by doing their part to ensure American students and workers have the education and training they need to be prepared for the jobs of the 21st Century. Governor Quinn intends to meet the President's challenge and urge lawmakers to pass his education blueprint, which will help avert teacher layoffs, make college more affordable through targeted tax relief and reigning in student loan rates, securing funding for Pell Grants and taking steps to double the number of work-study jobs over the next 5 years to help students who are working their way through school.

 

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06 Mar 2012

Statement by Chris Bern, President of the Iowa State Education Association

By Randy Stalsberg

Statement by Chris Bern, President of the Iowa State Education Association

on Iowa's Application for a Waiver to the No Child Left Behind Law

DES MOINES, IA (02/28/2012)(readMedia)-- At this time, the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) is not signing on in support of Iowa's application for a waiver to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law. While we understand the need to move away from the one-size-fits-all approach to testing and school accountability under NCLB, the ISEA still has questions about the specifics of this application that need to be addressed.

One area of concern for educators is tying student achievement data to teacher evaluations. As frontline professionals, our members need to be at the table when those decisions are made and the state should be cautious when proceeding with this large policy shift.

In addition, we are concerned that implementation of the waiver application will require resources and education funding decisions are still a long way off in the legislative session. From its inception the education community has realized that NCLB did not provide states the resources to meet the demands of the law. As Iowa applies for the waiver, we do not need to trade in one unfunded mandate (NCLB) for another.

The ISEA remains deeply committed to the success of every child and is ready and willing to work with all of the partners in the education community; teachers, administrators, parents, and policymakers, to ensure our education policies place students at the center. Until our members have had adequate time to review and contribute to the NCLB waiver discussion, the ISEA will not be lending its support to Iowa's application at this time.

The ISEA is a private, professional organization made up of over 34,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic.

28 Feb 2012

Braley Statement on Closure of Price Lab School

By Jeff Giertz

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after the Iowa Board of Regents voted to close the Malcolm Price Laboratory School in Cedar Falls by June 30th:

 

"It's a sad day when state funding cuts force a choice between keeping a university functional and keeping a special school like Price Lab open.

 

"At a time when politicians talk endlessly about education reform, closing a top-notch, nationally recognized school that actually walks the walk on educational innovation is the wrong thing to do.

 

"Iowa's economic success depends on our ability to properly educate a new generation of teachers and innovators.  There is no innovation without education.  We should be investing in and improving education for our kids - not closing our best schools."

 

# # #
28 Feb 2012

Local Student Honored in National Education Publication

By Rachel Chamberlain

Raising money for (and assisting in) obstetric surgery in Zambia, Africa. Founding a music program for kindergarteners and first graders that holds concerts on a regular basis, including one for former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Creating a film on childhood obesity that is used to kick off First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" campaign. Organizing an art auction featuring nationwide artists to fight for clean air in a community affected by pollution from a nearby metal refinery. Though these may sound like the endeavors of large philanthropic organizations, they are the accomplishments of young people throughout the U.S. who have yet to even earn their high school diplomas!

 

Rivermont Collegiate is extremely proud to be represented in a select group of students profiled in the Spring, 2012 issue of Independent School magazine, published by the National Association of Independent Schools. Students from twelve schools were selected to represent the thousands of "Changemakers" in independent schools nationwide and profiled in the issue. Pavane Gorrepati, a senior at Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf and daughter of Dr. Krishna and Pramilarani Gorrepati of Davenport, is profiled as a "Student Changemaker" - described in the article as those "young people who refuse the narrow label of student. Of course, they take care of schoolwork, but they also look outside of themselves and see a world full of need - and they want to help."

Pavane, who intends to devote her life to the study of alternative energy, is the recipient of numerous top titles at regional, state, and national science fairs. Pavane spent last summer in Changsha, China on a Borlaug-Ruan International Internship researching ways to grow rice suited to thrive in warmer climates with less water than traditional rice-growing regions. Pavane is founder and president of the Rivermont Environmental Club and author of A Buzzie Bee Tale, a children's book about a bee and its efforts to help family and friends whose environment has been affected by climate change. "I've been very active with the environment and inspiring kids to be a part of it, and I felt that the only way to make a difference in the future is to educate the youth," she said.

Rivermont is excited that one of our students is recognized in such an elite group and, of course, most definitely proud of Pavane's many accomplishments. Other Changemakers include students from Catlin Gabel School in Oregon, Marlborough School, Menlo School, Sage Hill School, Wildwood School, and Lick-Wilmerding High School in California, Lowell School in Washington, DC, Albuquerque Academy in New Mexica, Punahou School in Hawaii, and Gulf Stream School and Saint Andrew's School in Florida.

 

Independent School, published four times a year by the National Association of Independent Schools, is an open forum exchange of information about elementary and secondary education in general and independent schools in particular. With an objective to provide informative, thought-provoking articles focused on key themes in education, Independent School has been the premier publication in private education for over sixty years and was named 2011 Periodical of the Year by the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP).

 

- END -
28 Feb 2012

Report Shows Charter Schools Have Lasting and Positive Impact in Rural Areas

By Stephanie Grisham

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Highlights the Portability of the Charter Model

Washington, D.C. - The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is today announcing the release of its most recent Issue Brief, "Beyond City Limits: Expanding Public Charter Schools in Rural America." As lawmakers in states with predominately rural areas grapple with the idea of enacting charter school laws, this brief is meant to be used as a guide for policymakers, charter support organizations, and communities that want to offer high-quality options that can meet the educational needs of rural students.

The Issue Brief dissects common challenges faced in rural public education, the current landscape of rural charter schools, and key hurdles that must be overcome in order to launch a successful public charter school in a rural community. Additionally, innovative approaches that charter schools have used to achieve success in rural areas are highlighted, which offer real-life examples and yield policy recommendations for achieving charter school success in rural communities.

"Rural students comprise a vital segment of the American public education system; however, their educational needs are not always being met," said Ursula Wright, interim president & CEO.  "One in four students, which equates to over 11 million children, attend rural public schools, and one in five of the nation's lowest performing schools are in rural areas.  Rural schools must meet the academic needs of their students, and charter schools can help by providing high-quality options."

In 2009-10, there were 785 rural charter schools in operation, comprising 16 percent of all charter schools nationwide, enrolling more than a quarter-million students. In addition to citing examples of successful charter schools located in rural areas, the report highlights the common challenges faced by all rural public schools - charter and traditional - including budget constraints, course offerings, recruitment, special education resources, and transportation.

An example of a successful charter school in a rural area can be found in Paradox Valley, Colorado.  The community saw its local district school close in 1999 as a result of declining population, forcing students to travel three hours to attend the nearest public school. In response, the local community founded the Paradox Valley Charter School to not only address logistical issues, but also take a stance toward preserving its distinctive rural culture. During the 2010-2011 school year, Paradox served 54 students ranging from pre-K to eighth grade.  The school consistently reaches its adequate yearly progress accountability benchmarks.

There are a number of ways that policymakers and charter support organizations can help expand high-quality charter schools in rural communities. For policymakers, laws allowing for public charter schools and equitable funding of those schools must be at the forefront. State charter support organizations are instrumental in making sure that rural communities are well-informed on the potential benefits of charter schools.

The Rural Issue Brief can be found online at http://www.publiccharters.org/publication/?id=693 and national and statewide public charter school data can be found on the Public Charter School Dashboard: http://www.publiccharters.org/dashboard.

About the National Alliance
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is the leading national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. Our mission is to lead public education to unprecedented levels of academic achievement by fostering a strong charter sector.  For more information, please visit our website at www.publiccharters.org

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28 Feb 2012

Area residents named to dean's list at Olivet

By Laura Warfel

BOURBONNAIS, IL (02/24/2012)(readMedia)-- Olivet Nazarene University recently released the dean's list for the fall 2011 semester. To qualify for inclusion on the dean's list, a student must have been enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student and must have attained a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher on a 4.00 grading scale. Area residents named to the dean's list are:

Abby Boardman of Hillsdale

Rebekah Harrison of East Moline

Hannah Rowen of East Moline

Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of undergraduate and graduate study, including the Doctor of Education in ethical leadership. Olivet has one main campus in Bourbonnais, Ill. - just 50 miles south of Chicago; three sites: Rolling Meadows and Oak Brook, Ill., and Hong Kong; and more than 100 School of Graduate and Continuing Studies learning locations throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. From Oxford to Tokyo, hundreds of Olivet students also experience the global classroom each year, whether through study abroad opportunities or worldwide mission trips.

28 Feb 2012

Rivermont Collegiate 1st Grade "No Erasers" Open House

By Rick Martin
You are invited to explore Rivermont Collegiate's "No Erasers" approach to early learning with First Grade Teacher Kathy Topalian!

Join us to discuss this unique learning philosophy, as well as Rivermont First Grade curriculum. This informal event is the perfect opportunity to meet "Mrs. T" and get answers to your questions about Rivermont Collegiate. Spend an hour with us - the Rivermont Difference lasts a lifetime!

For additional information and to RSVP:

Rachel Chamberlain, Director of Admission & Marketing
chamberlain@rvmt.org - (563) 359-1366 ext. 302

This event is open to the community and children are welcome to attend with parents.

Why Rivermont Collegiate?

Challenging curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, & knowledge application
Focused attention & support possible only in small classes
Community of parents with common goal of academic excellence in a family-like learning environment
100% of graduates accepted to 4-year college & universities

RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE
1821 Sunset Drive - Bettendorf, IA 52722
www.rvmt.org

Located directly off 18th Street, behind K&K Hardware in Bettendorf.

The Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college-prep school for students in preschool through grade 12.
27 Feb 2012

Ride aboard Coast Guard Cutter Eagle prize of essay, art contests

By Public Affairs Duty Officer

WASHINGTON – The Coast Guard announced Friday its partnership with the U.S. Navy and Operation Sail, Inc., for The Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 essay and art contest, part of this year's commemoration of the War of 1812 and the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner.

Winners of the contest will be invited to sail aboard America's tall ship, the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, during one of the six, planned OpSail 2012 events.

The essay contest requires entrants to submit a 1,000-word essay on one of three topics:

The essay contest requires entrants to submit a copy of their original watercolor, oil, or pencil artwork, depicting one of three topics:

  • What The Star-Spangled Banner means to me
  • A maritime scene from the War of 1812
  • A Revenue Cutter in action during the War of 1812

"It's an honor for Eagle's officers and crew to both celebrate and increase public awareness of our nation's history," said Capt. Eric Jones, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle.  "The fledging U.S. Navy along with the U.S. Revenue Marine, the predecessor of today's Coast Guard, "cut their teeth" in engagements with the royal navy during the War of 1812.  We hope that Eagle's appearance in ports along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts this summer will inspire students to reflect upon the significance of this oft-forgotten conflict."

One prize will be awarded in each of the OpSail 2012 event cities of New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Va., Baltimore, Boston and New London, Conn.  Entrants must name the one port for which their work is competing.  Deadlines vary by port city - full rules and deadlines for the contest may be found online at http://www.opsail.org/press-releases/45/opsail-announces-essay-and-art-contest/ and questions regarding contest rules may be directed to contest@opsail.org.  The six OpSail events are part of the nation's commemoration of the War of 1812 bicentennial.

The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle was taken from Nazi Germany by the United States as a war prize after World War II and has been homeported at the Coast Guard Academy in New London ever since.  As America's only active-duty, square-rigger, sailing ship, the Barque Eagle offers future Coast Guard officers the opportunity to put into practice the navigation, engineering and other professional theories they have learned in the classroom, and everyone who trains aboard Eagle experiences a character building experience.

27 Feb 2012

Area Students Selected As National Youth Correspondents For Journalism and Media Conference At George Mason University

By Amy Takayama-Perez

FAIRFAX, VA (02/23/2012)(readMedia)-- The following local students have been nominated as National Youth Correspondents for the 2012 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University.

Dennis Gibbs, of Davenport, a student at Davenport Central High School has been nominated to represent Iowa.

Anesa Lovedy, of Davenport, a student at Davenport Central High School has been nominated to represent Iowa.

April Newell, of Davenport, a student at Davenport Central High School has been nominated to represent Iowa.

Makhala Swift, of Davenport, a student at Davenport Central High School has been nominated to represent Iowa.

These individuals have been awarded the opportunity to join a select group of students from across the country to participate in an intensive week-long study of leadership in journalism and the media.They received their honor because of their academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in leadership in journalism and media studies.

National Youth Correspondents participate in hands-on, experiential learning through decision-making simulations that challenge them to solve problems and explore the creative, practical, and ethical tensions inherent in journalism and media. The experiential portion of the program is complemented by speakers who are well-known leaders in the media community. Presenters include prominent journalists, CEO's of major media outlets, researchers, and recent college graduates already successfully entering the field. Last year's conference included Hoda Kotb, Chuck Todd, Ann Kornblut, and Jessica Yellin.

With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, The Washington Journalism and Media Conference offers aspiring journalists an unparalleled experience. The week-long program, held at George Mason University's state-of-the-art campus, encourages and inspires young leaders who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic industry.

The 2012 Washington Journalism and Media Conference will be held July 8-July 13. For more information about this conference, visit www.wjmc.gmu.edu.

About George Mason University

George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia minutes from Washington, D.C., Mason provides access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country. In addition to environmental science and policy, Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university. George Mason University -- Where Innovation Is Tradition.

About the 2012 Washington Journalism and Media Conference

The Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) is a unique student leadership conference designed to develop and encourage future leaders in the changing face of media in the 21st century. The Advisory Board, Chaired by Newseum senior vice president, Susan Bennett, includes CEO's of media, distinguished journalists and renowned authors and university faculty. For more information visit us online at wjmc.gmu.edu.

27 Feb 2012

Davenport Central High School Student Selected at National Youth Delegate For Prestigious Conference At George Mason University

By Richard Friesner

FAIRFAX, VA (02/23/2012)(readMedia)-- Josie Mumm, of Davenport, a student at Davenport Central High School has been selected to represent Iowa as a National Youth Delegate at the 2012 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University.

Mumm has been awarded opportunity to join a select group of 250 students from across the country to participate in an intensive study week-long of leadership in environmental science and conservation. Mumm was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in leadership in the sciences and conservation studies.

George Mason University along with partners, National Geographic and the National Zoo are excited to welcome the nation's youth scholars to Washington, D.C. With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment offers aspiring environmentalists and student leaders an unparalleled experience. The week-long program is held at George Mason University's state-of-the-art campus. The Summit will encourage and inspire young leaders who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic industry.

The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment will be held June 24-29, 2012.

About George Mason University

George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia minutes from Washington, D.C., Mason provides access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country. In addition to environmental science and policy, Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university. George Mason University -- Where Innovation Is Tradition.

About the 2012 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment

The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE) is a unique student leadership conference designed to develop and encourage future leaders in the important field of environmental studies and conservation in the 21st century. The Advisory Board, is chaired by Mark Bauman, Executive Vice President of National Geographic Television and co-chaired by Joe Sacco, Educational Director for the National Zoo. Additional members include world renowned scholars, distinguished scientists and award winning university faculty, such as Dr. Tom Lovejoy, noted environmentalist and former executive vice president of the World Wildlife Fund. Delegates gain an insider look at environmental science, policy and conservation issues. For more information visit us online at wyse.gmu.edu.

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