Teacher Evaluations: Principals Need More Support for Effective Implementation

Teacher evaluation systems are being foisted on administrators without the preparation, tools or support needed to make the systems serve their theoretical purpose — improvements in the practice of teaching. "If we expect teacher evaluation to lead to improved instruction and learning in schools, we must provide the tools, resources and knowledge that principals need to implement successful teacher evaluation models," according to Gail Connelly, executive director of the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Report: Cuts to Prison Education May Lead to Higher Prison Costs

Every year, more than 2 million adults are released from prisons and jails in the United States. Of those, some 40 percent find themselves incarcerated within three years of their release. But prison education programs can curb the three-year rate of recidivism by as much as 13 full percentage points. Unfortunately, according to a new report commissioned by the U.S. Department of Justice, those education programs saw some drastic cuts in the four years immediately following the start of the recession, especially in states with higher prison populations.

'Job Shadowing' Can Get Students More Interested in STEM Careers

The "STEM pipeline" is leaking. But according to a new study published today, there's a fairly straightforward way to patch it up: Expose high school students to the actual workplaces where science, technology, engineering and math are done.

Wyoming House Considers Bill Delaying Common Core

If the bill passes, Wyoming would withdraw from Smarter Balanced and delay implementation of new standards by at least a year.

Pearson Debuts Acclaim Platform for Open Badges

Pearson has unveiled Acclaim, an Open Badge platform designed for academic institutions, professional associations and other credentialing programs.

Follett Adds Penguin Titles to K-12 E-Book Service

Follett is adding 17,000 titles from Penguin Group to its e-book service for K-12, Titlewave.

Indiana District Issues Alerting Buttons to Teachers

An Indiana school district is adopting a wireless panic button system that allows teachers to alert others to safety problems.

Partnership for 21st Century Skills Adds Learning.com to Strategic Council

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has added Learning.com to its strategic council.

Blackboard and Pearson Forge Partnership to Integrate Platforms

Blackboard and Pearson have struck an agreement that aims to integrate their complementary K-12 platforms.

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CoSN 2014