International math. Check out this math problem found in a North Korean textbook. (Joanne Jacobs)

To tuck the shirt in or not. The Dallas School District may soon be doing away with a part of the dress code that requires students to tuck in their shirts. The school board members are worried that forcing some children to have their shirts tucked in could damage their self-esteem. (WOAI)Continue Reading »

In middle school, but with an eye on college. Rainer Scholars is a middle-school program that aims to get Seattle students—at-risk of dropping out or otherwise unlikely to go to college—on track for a postsecondary career. In exchange, students must attend 8-hour days during the summer and after-school and weekend lessons during the school year. (KUOW News)

Enough about the fiscal cliff.Continue Reading »

A shortfall … times millons. Philadelphia school officials have to borrow $300 million to pay bills. (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Beyond the Ivy League. Teach For America is expanding its recruitment efforts to attract military veterans. (Teach For America)

“The world’s first superstar teacher.” Salman Khan enjoys more good press, this time on the cover of Forbes. (Forbes)

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When in doubt, throw a chicken. That’s one of the Muppet Rules of Thumb that will no doubt be on display this year as Sesame Street is brought to you by the letters S-T-E- and M. The time to introduce students to science is when they are very young—and besides, the laws of gravity allow so many opportunities for comedy. (Joanne Jacobs)

Studybook. Facebook has a new app, called Hootme.comContinue Reading »

Lots of buzz about yesterday’s page-one NY Times piece on how NCLB’s focus on math and reading is leading schools to cut back on art, science, history, and other subjects. This is a troubling trend that Education Sector reported back in January. But today’s commentary on the Times report has mis-framed the issue is a couple of big ways.

The Times piece points out that tContinue Reading »