Quick Hits 8.19.11

Parents are reading to their kids more. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, parents, especially low income parents, are spending more time with their children—reading, having dinner together, playing—than a decade ago. (Education Week)

Back at work. After six months of negotiating and two rounds of votes, public employee unions in Connecticut have approved contract concessions of more than $1.6 billion. That agreement will rescind pink slips for about 3,000 state workers. (Wall Street Journal)

Out-of-state advantage. State universities are admitting an increasing number of out-of-state students due to tight budgets. Last year University of Illinois and University of Washington both welcomed freshman classes with 27% out-of-state students. University of Michigan’s out-of-state population is up to 40%. (The Daily Beast)

One Laptop Per Child. Uruguay is giving a free computer to every student. But is that enough to improve student learning? (Getting Smart blog)

Written by intern Marley Zeno.