NEA Focus
Ideas and Expertise for Public Education

August 27, 2008

> NEA Here's DNC Coverage -- from an Educator's View
> Are Schools Reaching 'New Heights of Failure' under NCLB?
> Should Educators Give Students Their Cell Phone Numbers?
> Asian Leaders Release Guide to Public Education for Immigrant Students
> Head Back to School with NEA
> Check out After-School Programs ... for Adults

TOP STORY

Here's DNC Coverage -- from an Educator's View

We're at the Democratic National Convention in Denver covering education issues. Visit Education Votes for the latest news, commentary, and videos from our members. We want to help you stay involved during this election season and invite you to join the conversation.
http://educationvotes.nea.org/

ADVOCACY ALERT

Are Schools Reaching 'New Heights of Failure' under NCLB?
 
Check out the latest Podcast by Joel Packer, our expert on this law, for the answer. Millions of Americans know the records set by athletes in the recent Olympics, but not enough are paying attention to the startling stats of schools not making "Adequate Yearly Progress" under what he calls the "test, label, and punish, one-size-fits-all" school prescribed by NCLB.
http://blogs.nea.org/joel/2008/08/reaching-new-heights-of-failure.html

EDUCATOR EXPERIENCE

Should Educators Give Students Their Cell Phone Numbers?

We asked experienced, National Board Certified teachers and found they don't agree. So you'll have to decide for yourself! But we hope their comments help you think about it.
http://www.nea.org/neatoday/go/askexperts.html

CREATIVE COMMUNITIES

Asian Leaders Release Guide to Public Education for Immigrant Students

NEA supports the rights of all youth regardless of immigration status to attend public schools without fear of discrimination. That’s why we applaud the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium and the Korean Resource Center for their “Access to Public Education Guide.” It’s aimed at helping undocumented students understand state laws that govern their access to education at all levels.
http://www.nea.org/mco

NEA IN ACTION

Head Back to School with NEA

Excited about starting a new school year? Across the country, teachers, parents, and students are busy getting ready for the important days ahead. Be prepared! Our resources can help everyone get off on the right foot.
http://www.nea.org/events/backtoschool.html

SMART OPPORTUNITIES

Check out After-School Programs ... for Adults

You can maintain a healthy social life outside the teacher's lounge without spending a lot of money. Here's our guide to activities for fun-loving grownups.
http://www.nea.org/neatoday/go/theguide.html

ALSO THIS WEEK . . .

> TARGET FIELD TRIP GRANTS TAKE LEARNING BEYOND THE BUILDING
Nostalgic for field trips? Target is too. They will award 5,000 grants of up to $800 each during the 2008-09 school year. Educators can choose their own field trips and use the money to cover transportation costs, entry fees, supplies, and resources. Application deadline: November 1.
http://www.nea.org/grants/field-trips.html

> HELP THE WEATHER CHANNEL SAVE THE PLANET, WIN A TRIP TO D.C.
The Weather Channel is looking for 20 high school students who are passionate about the environment to take action and make a difference. These “eco-ambassadors” will attend the Environmental Earth Summit December 5-7 and learn from the experts.
https://www.forecastearthsummit.org/index.php

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Get Ready to Read
Across America

Millions of children and adults will join together on March 3 to celebrate reading and Dr. Seuss's birthday. Have you planned your event? We have everything you need, including posters, brochures, and our 2008 Calendar & Toolkit. And there's more! Use our resources to create a reading party, alert the media, and get your community involved.

Related Items:
 More About This Year's Celebration
 Pledge to Participate

Tom Joyner Foundation Renews Winning Partnership with NEA
Nationally syndicated radio personality and philanthropist Tom Joyner announced a new $1.1 million grant with NEA to increase the number of fully certified minority teachers in urban and rural schools. The grant expands a scholarship program for teachers pursuing full licensure at 10 historically black colleges and universities.

Bush Digs in His Heels on Failing Education Policies
President Bush refused to make quality public schools a priority during his administration, and his final State of the Union address confirmed that his legacy on education will be one of failed teach-to-the-test experiments, voucher schemes, and unfunded services for children and public education.

Groundhog Day Lesson Ideas

On February 2, the world will be watching to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow. Mark the occasion with five lessons, adaptable for all grade levels: measure shadows, graph past predictions, sing groundhog songs, read Groundhog Day books, play a game of Groundhog Tag, and more.