Quick Hits (12.5.11)

Getting to the root of it all. Iowa lawmakers are pushing for more rigorous standards in teacher preparation, namely more student teaching hours and time spent observing veterans, in an effort to ultimately improve student achievement. Panelists at an Education Sector event this fall discussed this and other overhauls necessary for teacher prep programs. See clips, or the full video, here. (Des Moines Register)

A different kind of spotlight. Educators at a former low-achieving Seattle school are now serving as an example for other schools in their district, thanks to now soaring student achievement. School officials credit collaboration and data-based decisions for their recent success. (The Seattle Times)

Teleporting. Philadelphia city and suburban students are collaborating to work together on leadership and community service projects, but finding a common meeting place proved to be interesting. “This is a school? I thought it was a museum,” a city student said while walking through the suburban school. (h/t Alexander Russo) (Philadephia Inquirer)

‘Teacher quality conundrum.’ This op-ed looks at math and reading scores and wonders: Why is one improving and the other not, when the students generally have the same teacher? Answer: curriculum. (New York Daily News)