We know from research that a student’s reading score can be better predicted by family environment than by schooling. The 2010 study “Children’s Access to Print Related Materials and Education-Related Outcomes” commissioned by Reading is Fundamental concluded that greater access to books and other print materials in the home correlated with increases in a child’s reading performancContinue Reading »

Today’s stressed out students really aren’t so stressed. Students say that their schoolwork is “often” or “always” too easy, according to a new report from the Center for American Progress. (USA Today)

Introducing … a “portable reading room” that sets up shop in various neighborhoods, bringing the library and literature to the hands of children and adults who might not otherwise seek it Continue Reading »

“The Weight Watchers of college completion.” A new smartphone app not only sends reminders to college students about upcoming exams, but asks where and when they plan to study. (The Chronicle of Higher Education)

Filling in the holes. Teachers at a Georgia school are working for free once a week this summer, giving reading classes to more than 100 students during what used to be a summerContinue Reading »

Happy Flag Day!

Why smart people make dumb decisions. Answer: mental shortcuts. (The New Yorker)

Reading games. A summer camp in Cincinnati includes an activity, called DEAR, that requires kids to carry around books with them at all times. Randomly, during the day, they will be asked to Drop Everything and Read. (Annie Murphy Paul)

Blended learningContinue 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 »