AACStudents Media Review

Apparently starting this semester (2nd semester 2007-8), Arundel High School is starting 50-minute lunches (as opposed to 25). Just how they managed to get a different schedule than the other county high schools--or how they managed to eke out an additional 25 minutes of lunch without affecting other classes--isn't specified. However, the idea of this plan is to increase student achievement by allowing extra time for help and supervised studying, as well as extracurricular activities. Given our problems with after-school transportation (i.e., students without cars or on-call parents can't stay after for help, sports, or other extracurriculars), a 50-minute lunch has considerable promise, even though staff is a bit wary of students running around "unsupervised" for so long!

An intro to the 3 candidates for Student Member of the board.

The Anne Arundel County school board will begin televising its meetings within a year, bringing the school system in step with surrounding counties, but not satisfying critics, who want the meetings aired on the district's Web site, too.

School start times, longer school days, and less homework.

The Boston Globe Editorial page has this story on school start times. Check it out and vote!

In case anyone is interested in teacher salaries.

Bush proposal redraws lines on private, public school funds. Information on vouchers and how they affect public education. State school Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick and Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin say they do not support this proposal. What do you think?

Driven by stress on test scores, systems trim other subjects. Especially in elementary schools, this article explores how science, social studies, art, P.E., recess, etc. have been cut to make time for test preparation. By Ruma Kumar

This is actually quite a convincing article. Different approach to the topic, but effective nevertheless. Scared me though, given my average 4-7 hours a night. What do you think?

An injustice against the student member. This is the first time the student member of Anne Arundel County has been treated as an inferior to the rest of the board. This is just the first step in taking away the rights that students have worked so hard for.

The Washington Post has done a story on school cell phone policies. Do you agree with their reporting?

A cutback in substitute teachers may endanger the ability of schools and teachers to take field trips.

Test Pressures Spur Some Schools to Stretch Out Calendar--and school day length.

"Well-meaning teachers and parents could easily end up paying for their schools' paper, chalk and art supplies after funding cuts announced last week, county education leaders say." By Elisabeth Hulette