The Gila County STEM Festival will be held on Saturday from 9:am until Noon at Besh Ba Gowah.
The event helps students learn the role of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in the modern world. The STEM Festival features exhibits, hands-on activities and short lectures.
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Barred from Arizona Schools
Arizona is once again getting national attention for its politics. Salon.com and the Wall Street Journal report that William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” is among the books that are now barred from Arizona classrooms.
The new law banning ethnic studies has forced the Tucson Unified School District to terminate its 13 year old Mexican-American Studies program rather than lose millions of dollars in state funding. One of the program’s former teachers says she asked if she could start teaching “The Tempest.” She was told no, because of its themes of colonization, enslavement and racism.
Another book that has been removed is “Rethinking Columbus: The Next 500 Years,” which includes an essay by award-winning Tucson author Leslie Silko. The book’s editor Bill Bigelow says the only other time one of his books was banned was when the apartheid government in South Africa banned a book that included a speech by Nelson Mandela.
The Tucson Unified School District has responded by saying that the books that were removed from the classroom are still available in the District’s library system. The statement also says the books will be considered for possible use in the 2012-2013 school year.
The new law banning ethnic studies has forced the Tucson Unified School District to terminate its 13 year old Mexican-American Studies program rather than lose millions of dollars in state funding. One of the program’s former teachers says she asked if she could start teaching “The Tempest.” She was told no, because of its themes of colonization, enslavement and racism.
Another book that has been removed is “Rethinking Columbus: The Next 500 Years,” which includes an essay by award-winning Tucson author Leslie Silko. The book’s editor Bill Bigelow says the only other time one of his books was banned was when the apartheid government in South Africa banned a book that included a speech by Nelson Mandela.
The Tucson Unified School District has responded by saying that the books that were removed from the classroom are still available in the District’s library system. The statement also says the books will be considered for possible use in the 2012-2013 school year.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Arizona Schools Near Bottom in National Report Card
The Quality Counts national education report issued this week ranks Arizona in the bottom 10 states. The report gave the state a below average grade in student achievement, teacher requirements and state spending.
The state scored above average only on academic standards and assessments. It fell short on the other five categories.
Arizona received an overall grade of C-. It ranked 44th among the states, a slight drop from last year.
The state scored above average only on academic standards and assessments. It fell short on the other five categories.
Arizona received an overall grade of C-. It ranked 44th among the states, a slight drop from last year.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Poll Says Arizonans Value Education But Are Critical of System
A poll by the Morrison Institute of Public Policy finds that Arizona voters support education but are critical of the educational system.
Arizonans consider education to be among the top three issues that the governor and Legislature need to address. Education was cited by 20% of the respondents, just behind immigration and jobs.
When asked to prioritize how state money should be spent, 51% rated K-12 education as very high and 40% high priority, a total of 91%.
But when asked how well Arizona public schools are doing, only 39% said the schools are doing a good job and 6% said an excellent job. A total of 41% said the schools are doing a poor or very poor job.
Arizonans consider education to be among the top three issues that the governor and Legislature need to address. Education was cited by 20% of the respondents, just behind immigration and jobs.
When asked to prioritize how state money should be spent, 51% rated K-12 education as very high and 40% high priority, a total of 91%.
But when asked how well Arizona public schools are doing, only 39% said the schools are doing a good job and 6% said an excellent job. A total of 41% said the schools are doing a poor or very poor job.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Arizona Poor Students Closing Reading Test Gap with Higher-Income Kids
A recent federal education report shows that Arizona is one of the few states that has narrowed the achievement gap in reading between higher- and lower- income students.
The Nation’s Report Card released last month by the US Education Department says that lower-income students that are eligible for free or reduced cost school lunches improved their reading scores while scores for better-off students remained steady.
But whatever income category or grade the students who took the test were in, Arizona’s reading scores are still among the 10 worst in the country.
The Nation’s Report Card released last month by the US Education Department says that lower-income students that are eligible for free or reduced cost school lunches improved their reading scores while scores for better-off students remained steady.
But whatever income category or grade the students who took the test were in, Arizona’s reading scores are still among the 10 worst in the country.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Some Schools Try 'Move On When Ready'
Fourteen Arizona schools are offerring a new program that will allow some students to graduate two years sooner.
Last year the Arizona Legislature approved the “Move On When Ready” initiative. After two years, students can take examinations to prove that they’ve mastered core subjects.
The Arizona Republic reports that students who pass the internationally recognized board exams can graduate as sophomores and move on to community college.
Supporters say that the program will give students who might otherwise drop out an incentive to stay in school and graduate early.
(More information: www.expectmorearizona.org
Last year the Arizona Legislature approved the “Move On When Ready” initiative. After two years, students can take examinations to prove that they’ve mastered core subjects.
The Arizona Republic reports that students who pass the internationally recognized board exams can graduate as sophomores and move on to community college.
Supporters say that the program will give students who might otherwise drop out an incentive to stay in school and graduate early.
(More information: www.expectmorearizona.org
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Friday Deadline for Teacher of the Year Nominations
This Friday (August 5) is the deadline for submitting nominations for Arizona Teacher of the Year.
Nominees should have gained the admiration and respect of students, parents and colleagues, and be active in their community. Teachers may nominate themselves or be nominated by a student, co-worker, principal, school or district committee, friend or family member.
The Arizona Teacher of the Year will be announced in November and will receive $20,000, a laptop computer, meet the President of the United States, and receive a full scholarship to earn a masters or doctorate degree in education at Argosy University. The winner will also compete for the honor of National Teacher of the Year.
Nomination forms are available at AzEdFoundation.org.
Nominees should have gained the admiration and respect of students, parents and colleagues, and be active in their community. Teachers may nominate themselves or be nominated by a student, co-worker, principal, school or district committee, friend or family member.
The Arizona Teacher of the Year will be announced in November and will receive $20,000, a laptop computer, meet the President of the United States, and receive a full scholarship to earn a masters or doctorate degree in education at Argosy University. The winner will also compete for the honor of National Teacher of the Year.
Nomination forms are available at AzEdFoundation.org.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Arizona HS Graduation Rates Rise But Still
Trail Nation
The latest annual report from Education Week says that Arizona high school graduation rates rose sharply over a ten year period but Arizona is still below the national average.
The report says Arizona graduated 67% of its students in 2008. That’s a 7.6 percent increase since 1998. Cronkite News Service reports that this was the 11th biggest increase in the country during that period but Arizona still ranks 38th among the states.
During that time the national graduation rate rose from 65.6% to 71.8%, the highest level since the 1980s.
Arizona education officials admit there is room for improvement but say they choose to focus on gains in student achievement and a reduction in dropouts.
The report says Arizona graduated 67% of its students in 2008. That’s a 7.6 percent increase since 1998. Cronkite News Service reports that this was the 11th biggest increase in the country during that period but Arizona still ranks 38th among the states.
During that time the national graduation rate rose from 65.6% to 71.8%, the highest level since the 1980s.
Arizona education officials admit there is room for improvement but say they choose to focus on gains in student achievement and a reduction in dropouts.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Chapter Offers Grants for Future Teachers
Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is offering a grant-in-aid to high school seniors who plan to become teachers. Delta Kappa Gamma is an honorary organization of women teachers.
Applications are available in the counseling offices of local high schools All submissions must be postmarked by April 7. For more information or to request an application, call 425-5985.
Applications are available in the counseling offices of local high schools All submissions must be postmarked by April 7. For more information or to request an application, call 425-5985.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
College Independence Bill Passes Committee
The Payson Daily Bugle online newspaper reports that the Arizona Senate Education Committee has approved a bill that would make it easier for Gila Community College to become independent.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Sylvia Allen and Sen. Rich Crandall, who is Chairman of the Committee. If the bill is approved by the full Legislature, it would amend Arizona Revised Statutes relating to community colleges by allowing provisional colleges to meet certain criteria to gain independence.
A similar bill in the Arizona House is sponsored by 5th District Representatives Brenda Barton and Chester Crandell.
Gila Community College is a provisional college and contracts with Eastern Arizona College for administrative services. EAC makes all decisions concerning budget, program and tuition, and charges a 25% overhead fee for its services.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Sylvia Allen and Sen. Rich Crandall, who is Chairman of the Committee. If the bill is approved by the full Legislature, it would amend Arizona Revised Statutes relating to community colleges by allowing provisional colleges to meet certain criteria to gain independence.
A similar bill in the Arizona House is sponsored by 5th District Representatives Brenda Barton and Chester Crandell.
Gila Community College is a provisional college and contracts with Eastern Arizona College for administrative services. EAC makes all decisions concerning budget, program and tuition, and charges a 25% overhead fee for its services.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Information Session for Post Secondary Financial Aid
A Family Financial Aid Information Night will be held next Tuesday, February 15 in the Miami High School Library. It’s for high school students and their families who are interested in post secondary opportunities. The meeting is from 5 until 6:pm. You’ll learn how to apply for Federal Student Aid, loan and grant opportunities and scholarships.
For more information call Miami High School Counselor Jim Stiles at 425-3271, ext. 1213.
For more information call Miami High School Counselor Jim Stiles at 425-3271, ext. 1213.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Reading Council Workshop Today at Museum
Gila Reading Council is conducting an instructional workshop today about how to incorporate the Smithsonian Exhibit at the Gila County Historical Museum into classroom activities. The workshop is today (Tuesday) from 4:30 until 6:pm at the Historical Museum. There is no charge for this workshop and light refreshmnts will be served. For more information call 425-5985.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Workshop on Classroom Activities and Smithsonian Food Exhibit
Gila County Reading Council is conducting an instructional workshop on Tuesday, February 1. The workshop will show how to incorporate the Gila County Historical Museum’s Smithsonian Institute Food Exhibit into classroom activities. It will be at the Museum on February 1 from 4:30 until 6:pm. No membership dues or registration fees are required. For more information call 425-5985.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Arizona Education System Barely Passes
The Phoenix Business Journal reports that Arizona’s educational system has received a C- grade from the annual Quality Counts report by Education Week.
The state’s 71.5 score is below the national average of 76.3. Twelve states received B grades and three received D’s. No state received an A.
Education Week grades the states on 17 categories. Arizona scored best in standards, assessments and accountability. It did poorly in the areas of spending, achievment and teaching profession.
The state’s 71.5 score is below the national average of 76.3. Twelve states received B grades and three received D’s. No state received an A.
Education Week grades the states on 17 categories. Arizona scored best in standards, assessments and accountability. It did poorly in the areas of spending, achievment and teaching profession.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Arizona's First Things First Receives Stimulus Funds
Arizona’s First Things First has received $2.5 million in federal stimulus funds to help enhance the quality of early education for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
The money will be used to provide training to child care centers about state standards for teaching kids 3 to 5 years old; develop program standards along with training for caregivers; and to test a 5-star quality rating system to help families locate child care.
The money will be used to provide training to child care centers about state standards for teaching kids 3 to 5 years old; develop program standards along with training for caregivers; and to test a 5-star quality rating system to help families locate child care.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Arizona Universities Drop from 'Best Values' List
Arizona’s universities have fallen from the annual Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges list.The Arizona Daily Star reports that the University of Arizona slipped off the list pretty quickly. Four years ago the U of A was No. 34—a fact that is still on the admissions website. Two years ago the UA was No. 96. Now it doesn’t make the top 100.
Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University aren’t on the list either.
The list is based on admission rates, graduation rates, cost of attendance and financial aid.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Most Arizona High School Grads Don't Finish College
Four out of five Arizona high school graduates do not have a college degree six years after graduating from high school. Just over half haven’t gone to college at all.
The Arizona Republic reports that a study by the Arizona Board of Regents suggests that the state needs to increase efforts to get more students into college and that colleges need to increase graduation rates.
Studies show that college degrees are increasingly required in the workforce and that workers with degrees make more money over their lifetime.
The Arizona Republic reports that a study by the Arizona Board of Regents suggests that the state needs to increase efforts to get more students into college and that colleges need to increase graduation rates.
Studies show that college degrees are increasingly required in the workforce and that workers with degrees make more money over their lifetime.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Arizona Graduation Rates Decline
Arizona is one of only three states where graduation rates fell during the past decade. A report by America’s Promise Alliance shows that Arizona graduation rates fell from 75% to 71% between 2000 and 2010.
Nationwide, high school graduation rates went up 3%. The alliance didn’t find specific reasons for the decline in Arizona, but its chief executive officer says this should be a wake up call for the state’s leadership. She says better government leadership and community involvement are keys to improving education and graduation rates.
Nationwide, high school graduation rates went up 3%. The alliance didn’t find specific reasons for the decline in Arizona, but its chief executive officer says this should be a wake up call for the state’s leadership. She says better government leadership and community involvement are keys to improving education and graduation rates.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Post Secondary Education Fair Today
The 2nd Annual Southern Gila County Post Secondary Education Fair takes place today (Tuesday) from 9 until 2. The fair is hosted by Freeport McMoRan and is sponsored by Gila County School Superintendent Linda O’Dell, the Southern Gila County College Preparatory Academy and Signal Peak Community Foundation.
The fair will be open to the public from 12:30 until 2. Forty post secondary agencies and community organizations will be there.
The fair will be open to the public from 12:30 until 2. Forty post secondary agencies and community organizations will be there.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
$100,000 to Go to Innovative Teachers
The Qwest Foundation and the Arizona Technology in Education Association are giving a total of $100,000 to Arizona teachers who have developed creative ways to use technology to improve student learning.
The application deadline is December 3. For more information go to www.aztea.org.
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