Monthly Archives: December 2013

Ernest Kimme: School choice isn’t biggest need – The Reporter

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By Ernest Kimme

The Vacaville Unified School District found itself in hot water recently when it approved a new charter school.

The district currently has a several charter schools, but they are charters in name only. Both Fairmont Elementary School and Buckingham Charter Magnet High School are well integrated into the district. Their students flow seamlessly to and from other district schools.

The controversy? District lawyers reviewing the proposed Kairos Charter found seven pages of problems and so recommended denial of the charter.

via Ernest Kimme: School choice isn’t biggest need – The Reporter.

Using Football Science to Tackle STEM Education | Edutopia

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By Ainissa Ramirez

More people watch the Super Bowl than vote in a Presidential election.

This fact stopped me in my tracks, and I wondered if the tremendous popularity of football could be used as a way to teach STEM. I took on this challenge with journalist Allen St. John when we wrote a book called Newton’s Football (3), a new title from Random House.

What did we find in terms of science at work on the gridiron? Surprisingly, a lot, and many of the topics fall under the Next Generation Science Standards (4) (NGSS). Let me share a few items, which might be useful to you in your classroom.

via Using Football Science to Tackle STEM Education | Edutopia.

School reforms revive decades-old debate on impact of money on education outcomes | EdSource Today

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By Louis Freedberg

The dramatic transformation of how California’s schools are funded is raising one of the most complex and challenging questions on the education policy landscape: Will additional money improve student academic outcomes?

The debate has been raging for decades – at least back to the landmark 1966 Coleman Report, a massive study headed by sociologist James Coleman for the U.S. Office of Education, which concluded that external factors such as parental income and education and resources in the home had a far greater impact on student achievement than levels of funding and any number of school programs.

via School reforms revive decades-old debate on impact of money on education outcomes | EdSource Today.

Fairfield children help set new cup-stacking record – Daily Republic

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By Ryan McCarthy

Children at K.I. Jones Elementary School helped set a new world record in November for sport stacking, principal Mickie Giacomini says.

“It’s exciting to be able to tell people that ’I helped break a Guinness World Book record,’ ” Giacomini said. “That’s just not something you hear every day, and now 743 people from our school can say that.”

via Fairfield children help set new cup-stacking record Daily Republic.

Report: Calif. losing its edge in higher education – Education – The Sacramento Bee

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The Associated Press

More attention must be paid to the California State University system and to the state’s community colleges if California is going to produce the educated workers its economy needs, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom says in a report set to be issued Tuesday.

The report commissioned by Newsom argues that the state is losing its place as a national leader in higher education.

The report, prepared by the nonpartisan Committee for Economic Development based in Washington, D.C., finds that the percentage of young adults earning associate and bachelor’s degrees in California already is below the U.S. average and predicts the trend will persist unless the system is overhauled to serve an increasingly diverse and low-income population.

via Report: Calif. losing its edge in higher education – Education – The Sacramento Bee.

Solano Community College announces first Courses – Dixon Tribune | Facebook

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Solano Community College announces first three classes to be offered in Dixon

Free tuition for all Dixon High students.

Hot off the press! The following Solano Community College (SCC) courses will be offered through the College Advancement Program (CAP) for Spring 2014! Please remember to contact Sandy Johnson, CAP Coordinator, at sandy.johnson@dixonusd.org, to sign up.

Anyone planning to take classes should attend the CAP/SCC Orientation and Application on Wednesday, December 4 at 1:00 PM, conveniently located in the Dixon High School Library. For further information, contact Sandy Johnson at sandy.johnson@dixonusd.org.

via Solano Community College announces first… – The Dixon Tribune | Facebook.

Fairfield High band marches in Thanksgiving Day parade in Chicago – Daily Republic

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By Ryan McCarthy

Fairfield High School’s Scarlet Brigade Band will march in the Thanksgiving Day parade in Chicago and can be seen on WGN TV of Chicago and WGN America.

The band is one of only 20 chosen from high schools throughout the country. The live national broadcast is from 6 to 9 a.m. PST. The Scarlet Brigade is scheduled as Event 21 B and their performance can be viewed during the first part of the parade.

via Fairfield High band marches in Thanksgiving Day parade in Chicago Daily Republic.

SCC board to consider Measure Q project labor agreement – Daily Republic

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By Mike Corpos

The controversial subject of project labor agreements on Measure Q bond construction jobs comes before the Solano Community College Governing Board again at its Wednesday meeting.

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the back half of the campus cafeteria Room 1405A at 4000 Suisun Valley Road.

This time, the trustees are expected to take action on the item that has created a sharp divide between supporters and detractors.

via SCC board to consider Measure Q project labor agreement Daily Republic.