NPR Education
Professor Calls For Balance In Textbooks
Conservatives on the Texas school board argue that changes they've proposed to the social studies curriculum will provide "balance" to a "liberal paradigm." Jonathan Zimmerman says conservatives are correct — many history books lean left. So he proposes a middle ground.
Deaths Revive Cornell's Reputation As 'Suicide School'
Cornell University is reeling after news of two likely suicides by students in the past week, and four others this academic year. The gorges that run through its scenic campus have too often provided an opportunity for troubled students to end their lives. The university has battled a reputation as a "suicide school." A big effort to address mental health issues in recent years had brought the numbers down substantially.
Education Secretary: Struggling Schools Can Be Saved
Education Secretary Arne Duncan appeared before Congress to discuss the administration's proposed changes to the "No Child Left Behind" law Wednesday. Part of the overhaul envisions requirements that school districts assign their most effective teachers to these struggling schools. Duncan seemed confident that these schools can be saved, and that teachers will work in them.
More Than 40 Detroit Schools Slated To Close In June
The city's emergency financial manager announced the closing of more than a quarter of Detroit's 144 public schools as the district fights steadily declining enrollment and a budget deficit of more than $219 million. The closures are part of a $1 billion, five-year plan to downsize the district while improving education, test scores and safety.
Teachers Skeptical Of Obama's Education Plan
President Obama is proposing a massive rewrite of the No Child Left Behind policy. But many teachers are skeptical. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, says the president's plan gives teachers full responsibility but no authority.
Education Secretary Pushes 'No Child Left Behind 2.0'
The White House proposal to rewrite the education law faced its first major test Wednesday as Education Secretary Arne Duncan defended the plan before two congressional committees. Lawmakers raised concerns about requiring low-performing schools to replace their staffs and a switch to competitive grants for federal money.
A Look Back At Women’s Studies Since The 1970s
In honor of Women's History Month, Tell Me More is hosting a series of conversations about the contributions of women in history. Host Michel Martin speaks with Beverly Guy-Sheftall, president of the National Women's Studies Association, about the evolution of women's studies programs in American universities.
Spellings: 'No Child Left Behind' Is A 'Toxic Brand'
President Obama plans to overhaul the 'No Child Left Behind' law. Former Education Secretary Margaret Spellings helped design the program during President George W. Bush's administration. Spellings has said the 2002 law has become "a toxic brand." She tells Linda Wertheimer it is ripe for retooling.
Health Care Reform Could Revamp Student Lending
Health care overhaul could help Democrats get student aid reforms passed. The change would shift lending from private banks to the Education Department. Advocates say it could save at least $67 billion, which could be put back into more financial aid for needy students.
The 'Great American School System' Flunks Out
Diane Ravitch's Death and Life of the Great American School System is a scathing report card of U.S. education. The former assistant secretary of education hands down a withering critique of the nation's schooling efforts — from charter schools, to No Child Left Behind, to Teach for America.
Texas Textbook Tussle Could Have National Impact
The Texas Board of Education approved social studies curriculum guidelines that incorporate socially conservative ideas into American history. The new guidelines could ultimately reshape history and economics textbooks for Texas and, potentially, much of the nation.
UConn Earns Top Seed In Women's NCAA Tournament
The undefeated Huskies will open the basketball tournament against Southern at Norfolk, Va. Tennessee, Stanford and Nebraska earned the other No. 1 seeds.
County Stuck In Information Superhighway Slow Lane
Dial-up is the only way many residents of Trinity County, Calif., can get online, putting elementary school students at a disadvantage. The solution could be in the county's own backyard, but there's a catch.
Obama Proposes Dismantling No Child Left Behind
The Obama administration wants to completely change the No Child Left Behind Act. Officials are sending Congress a plan Monday that they say will give states and local school districts more flexibility to revitalize primary and secondary schools. A draft released over the weekend would eliminate many of the law's most controversial features, including its name.
Yearbooks No Longer 2 Good 2 Be 4-Gotten
The Internet has taken a toll on print media, from newspapers and magazines to the telephone book. Now university yearbooks are also taking a hit. A growing number of universities are no longer publishing the annual picture books.
