News Briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 6
Study Says K-12 Teachers Spend $475 in Personal Funds on Classroom Materials
Quality Education Data, a division of Scholastic Inc., has released a study that says K-12 teachers spend, on average, personal funds amounting to $475 per year on classroom supplies and materials. Between elementary, middle and high school teachers, elementary school teachers spend the most, coming in at $539. Middle and high school teachers spend $393 and $427, respectively. The study shows teachers spend personal funds on student rewards, classroom decorations and "professional materials," while school funds are used to purchase computer software and workbooks.
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People: Minter Joins KnowledgeWorks
Steven A. Minter has been named to the board of directors of KnowledgeWorks Foundation, a philanthropic organization that provides funding education initiatives in Ohio. Minter was previously executive director of the The Cleveland Foundation, where he served for 28 years until his retirement in 2003. He's also executive-in-residence at Cleveland State University.
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A+ Schools Seeks Executive Director
A+ Schools is now accepting seeking applicants for executive director. A+ is a community alliance focused on Pittsburgh Public Schools—improving student achievement "by supporting an action agenda shaped by the issues of high standards, quality teaching, leadership accountability, financial responsibility and community involvement," according to the group. The current executive director, Victor J. Papale, will resign in February to take a position as COO at Holy Family Institute. Those interested in the position should call 412-258-2660 or visit the group's Web site at the address below.
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Vantage Releases MY Access! Home Edition
Vantage Learning has released MY Access! Home Edition, the first consumer version of its online writing tool. The company says the new version uses the same research-based automated essay scoring and instructional technology used by educational institutions. It provides feedback on grammar, focus and meaning, organization, content and development, language use and style, and their overall writing proficiency, according to Vantage. And it offers a total of 45 essay exercises for elementary, middle, and high school levels. It's available now.
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About the author: Dave Nagel is the executive editor for 1105 Media's educational technology online publications and electronic newsletters. He can be reached at [email protected].
Have any additional questions? Want to share your story? Want to pass along a news tip? Contact Dave Nagel, executive editor, at [email protected].