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	<title>top engineering schools</title>
	<link>http://www.artwoo.com</link>
	<description>Returned search results for top engineering schools</description>
	<copyright>Copyright 2008</copyright>
	<pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:19:33 +0000</pubDate>
	<generator>http://www.artwoo.com/rss/top+engineering+schools</generator>

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				<title>Construction Management Degree Online</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/construction-management-degree-online</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/construction-management-degree-online#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:19:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>construction management</category><category>broaden your knowledge</category><category>management degree</category><category>degree online</category><category>online schooling</category><category>hectic schedule</category><category>advancement of technology</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/construction-management-degree-online</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ If you are good with your hands and is used to building and constructing things but feels like having no time for going to school and have a construction management degree that could help you and your business, there are great convenient ways in which you could attain that without being hassled]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ If you are good with your hands and is used to building and constructing things but feels like having no time for going to school and have a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/construction+management" rel="tag">construction management</a> degree that could help you and your business, there are great convenient ways in which you could attain that without being hassled with your schedule.  And since there is a great <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/advancement+of+technology" rel="tag">advancement of technology</a>, many institutions are now offering distance learning and that is through <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/online+schooling" rel="tag">online schooling</a> which anyone could take up whenever and wherever they want to, to fit into their <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/hectic+schedule" rel="tag">hectic schedule</a>. <br /><br /> And if you would like to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/broaden+your+knowledge" rel="tag">broaden your knowledge</a> in education, one of the best ways in which you could do that is through enrolling in an online school that offers construction <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/management+degree" rel="tag">management degree</a> online. Here is one of the best online schools that is accredited nationwide and is known to be one of the most reputable online schools that offer construction management <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/degree+online" rel="tag">degree online</a> for those who are aspiring to have or manage a construction business. <br /><br /> When it comes to the best school that you could find online that is offering a construction management degree online, you could trust the World Wide Learn to teach you all the loops in the business for you to be knowledgeable. Aside from that, what is great about the World Wide Learn is that they also understand the sentiments of some people when it comes to construction management degree online and that is why they have only listed schools which they know would teach you about structural design, mechanical and electrical systems, materials and methods, planning, cost estimating, procuring contracts, labor relations, and other related issues. <br /><br /> And aside from that, the construction management degree online that the schools that were listed in World Wide Learn is great in teaching its students how to read architectural and engineering drawings, but a degree in construction management is completely different from a degree in architecture or civil engineering. And not only that, when you get to have your construction management degree online, you will be focused more on the supervisory and business aspects of the whole construction industry which the online school would teach you and give you the right tools to know the whole business. Schools that you may see that is listed which were offering construction management degree online is Ashworth University, ITT Technological Institute, and different kinds of colleges and universities across the country that were known to be reputable and the best in this field.<br /><br /><br /><br /> For Information Contract,Telecommuting and Part time Jobs in India Visit <a href="http://www.bharathcontractjobs.com/index.php" >http://www.bharathcontractjobs.com/index.php</a>   <bio>James Gunaseelan Wrties for India's No.1 Contract Job Portal  <a href="http://www.bharathcontractjobs.com/index.php" >http://www.bharathcontractjobs.com/index.php</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Magnets In The St. Louis Schools</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/magnets-in-the-st-louis-schools</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/magnets-in-the-st-louis-schools#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sun, 17 Feb 2008 05:15:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>public education system</category><category>magnet programs</category><category>magnet schools</category><category>magnet program</category><category>magnet school</category><category>language immersion</category><category>lottery system</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/magnets-in-the-st-louis-schools</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Just like any other big city the St. Louis Schools in Missouri have some challenges in educating the city's youngest population. Religious and private schools are an option for many. The public St. Louis Public Schools don't have the best reputation. Charter schools and magnet schools are both]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ Just like any other big city the St. Louis Schools in Missouri have some challenges in educating the city's youngest population. Religious and private schools are an option for many. The public St. Louis Public Schools don't have the best reputation. Charter schools and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/magnet+schools" rel="tag"><a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/magnet+school" rel="tag">magnet school</a>s</a> are both alternatives to the traditional model of St. Louis Schools. <br /><br /> St. Louis Schools offer charters, independently run institutions, as one version of school choice. The problem with charter schools anywhere is that you never know what you're going to get. Various local and national organizations run charter schools, and their success rates have been all over the board. I'd recommend that any parent looking at a charter in the St. Louis Schools only do so if it already has a good success rate, or you know families who are happy with it. <br /><br /> How are Magnet Schools Different from Charter Schools? <br /><br /> St. Louis Schools also has a wide spread <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/magnet+program" rel="tag">magnet program</a>. A magnet school is one with a specific focus like math and science, or <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/language+immersion" rel="tag">language immersion</a>. It's common for a magnet school to be housed inside a larger school, but they can also be independent. Unlike a charter school, a St. Louis Schools magnet is fully part of the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/public+education+system" rel="tag">public education system</a> and must abide by all the same rules. While this does mean some consistency, it also means some challenges. <br /><br /> The other difference is that students are accepted in a St. Louis Schools magnet by a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/lottery+system" rel="tag">lottery system</a>. There are some groups that get preferences: continuity with another school, siblings who attend, and neighborhood kids are the top three. This can cause some problems as students clamor to get into the most popular St. Louis Schools <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/magnet+programs" rel="tag">magnet programs</a>. <br /><br /> One of the biggest benefits to the St. Louis Schools magnet programs is that you tend to get a high level of parent involvement because parents have to take action to get their children into these programs. If a parent really wants his or her child in a Montessori or Arts magnet, they're more likely to be involved once the child is enrolled. <br /><br /> Now this can be a sticky point with St. Louis Schools magnet programs. The reasons that magnets were developed were to encourage desegregation by luring better educated families into inner-city schools. So a lot of the St. Louis Schools magnets aren't in the best locations. But many parents decide that the program offered is important enough to make the commitment. Usually neighborhood students have the options to attend the magnet in their area. But the magnet system has caused some controversy as far as who gets into what school. <br /><br /> Overall, I think the St. Louis Schools magnet system is a great piece of the educational picture. I would encourage parents to look at programs like the athletic magnet aimed at middle school students, the engineering program, and the international studies magnet. This is a good way to introduce a child to a specific skill set that will set him or her apart from peers in future years. And despite the struggles of the St. Louis Schools, the magnets are generally well run, and worth looking into.   <bio>Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information please visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Missouri/Saint-Louis/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Missouri/Saint-Louis/index.html</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>A Commentary On Dallas Schools</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-commentary-on-dallas-schools</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-commentary-on-dallas-schools#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:29:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>magnet programs</category><category>dallas schools</category><category>dallas public schools</category><category>wallace foundation</category><category>student spending</category><category>excellent education</category><category>arts education</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-commentary-on-dallas-schools</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ It is important when considering a move to a new city or state to know as much about the schools as possible. Facts are important, but so are the opinions of people in the know =96 residents, new co-workers, researchers, websites and journalists are a few of the resources that one might consult in]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ It is important when considering a move to a new city or state to know as much about the schools as possible. Facts are important, but so are the opinions of people in the know =96 residents, new co-workers, researchers, websites and journalists are a few of the resources that one might consult in order to gain a clear perspective of the big picture. <br /><br /> Awards in <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/dallas+schools" rel="tag">Dallas Schools</a> <br /><br /> Dallas Schools have won numerous awards for their <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/excellent+education" rel="tag">excellent education</a>. IBM has recognized several Dallas Schools as "exemplary" or "recognized". This recognition is vital to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/dallas+public+schools" rel="tag">Dallas Public Schools</a>. It shows the general public that the schools are doing the right thing for their students. It affirms to the teachers and administrators that all their hard work has paid off. For the students, it is proof positive that they have gotten the job done. <br /><br /> Lower Budget in the Dallas Schools <br /><br /> Even though Dallas Schools are great institutions of learning, they are doing so on a substantially lower budget. For the 2007-2008 school-year, Dallas Schools will be operating with $14.7 million dollars less than they did the previous year. The district has had to make cuts in many areas in order to increase teacher pay and per <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/student+spending" rel="tag">student spending</a>, indeed the most important parts of any school system budget. While money doesn't solve everything, it certainly does help! <br /><br /> <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/arts+education" rel="tag">Arts Education</a> in the Dallas Schools <br /><br /> A new Dallas Schools Arts Coalition was recently announced in February 2007. The <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/wallace+foundation" rel="tag">Wallace Foundation</a> is donating $8 million dollars to help finance the coalition's goals to hire more art and music teachers for Dallas Schools, and to ensure that all Dallas Schools students have 45 minutes of arts education by 2009. Not only does education in the arts =96 be it music, art, dance, or drama =96 give students an outlet for their emotions and a way to express themselves, taking part in any art actually helps improve their learning in other, more traditional classes.<br /><br /><br /><br /> Science Magnets in the Dallas Schools <br /><br /> Dallas Schools offer many <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/magnet+programs" rel="tag">magnet programs</a>. One such is the School of Science and Engineering, recognized this year (2007) by Newsweek Magazine as a top high school in the U.S. In fact, it is one of the top two; the other being the Gifted Magnet High School, also a member of the Dallas Schools system. In this day and age, a strong education in science is important, if not vital. We are learning more every day about the body, the earth and space. If this work is to continue, we must be sure to give our kids the best education possible in the sciences =96 it is a necessity that Dallas Schools have shown they believe in.   <bio>Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information please visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Texas/Dallas/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Texas/Dallas/index.html</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Looking For A Vocational Schools In Florida</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/looking-for-a-vocational-schools-in-florida</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/looking-for-a-vocational-schools-in-florida#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 28 Feb 2007 20:27:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>american intercontinental university</category><category>itt technical institute</category><category>international academy of design and technology</category><category>vocational schools in florida</category><category>electronics engineering technology</category><category>international academy of design</category><category>information system technology</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/looking-for-a-vocational-schools-in-florida</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When the word Florida becomes the topic of conversation, many people will think about the white sanded beaches. Believe it or not this beautiful tropic paradise has other things to offer who want to get a better job such as the vocational programs in its campuses.  One good example is the]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[When the word Florida becomes the topic of conversation, many people will think about the white sanded beaches. Believe it or not this beautiful tropic paradise has other things to offer who want to get a better job such as the vocational programs in its campuses. <br /><br /> One good example is the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/international+academy+of+design+and+technology" rel="tag"><a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/international+academy+of+design" rel="tag">International Academy of Design</a> and Technology</a> based in Orlando, Florida. The school offers programs for people who want to specialize in computer graphics and advertising. <br /><br /> Students who reside in Tampa can try the Florida Metropolitan University, which has more programs to offer. This includes criminal justice, business, medical insurance building and paralegal. <br /><br /> <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/itt+technical+institute" rel="tag">ITT technical institute</a> has over 80 other campuses all over the United States. If the individual wants to take a vocational course in computer and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/electronics+engineering+technology" rel="tag">electronics engineering technology</a>, web development and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/information+system+technology" rel="tag">information system technology</a>, the individual can try visiting its campus in Miami, Florida. <br /><br /> People who want to harness the skills in fashion design and marketing can try getting some information from the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/american+intercontinental+university" rel="tag">American Intercontinental University</a> in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. <br /><br /> The mentioned schools are just four of more than ten institutions offering vocational training to aspiring workers. A few of these are affiliated with some of the best schools in the country which could allow the student to study to learn more by studying for a semester in another state.<br /><br /><br /><br /> The student will also be happy to know that some of these schools offer distance-learning programs that are convenient for those who also have to work. <br /><br /> The individual will just have to log into the Internet and give certain information so that a representative from the vocational school can send a brochure and call. People who may have a hard time paying for tuition can avail of a scholarship or loan enabling the person to get the certificate or degree and get that dream job. <br /><br /> One of the nicest things about <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/vocational+schools+in+florida" rel="tag">vocational schools in Florida</a> is that someone from that institution may also be able to help that student get a job after graduation. This is because many of these places have a good relationship with some of the top employers in the state who need well-trained professionals in various positions of the company. <br /><br /> Nothing is going to happen to the person by just sitting at home after finishing secondary school. If the individual wants to succeed, the first step will be to enroll in a vocational school to learn the tools needed in getting the job done.  <bio>For more information on Vocational Schools andamp; other useful information, please visit <a href="http://vocational-schools.articlekeep.com.This" >http://vocational-schools.articlekeep.com.This</a> content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Dallas Schools Tackling Tough Issue Of Ethnic Slurs</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/dallas-schools-tackling-tough-issue-of-ethnic-slurs</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/dallas-schools-tackling-tough-issue-of-ethnic-slurs#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:27:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>dallas schools</category><category>brashear</category><category>inundated</category><category>kentucky high school</category><category>vigorously</category><category>hip hop music</category><category>lincoln high school</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/dallas-schools-tackling-tough-issue-of-ethnic-slurs</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I am of a generation where Richard Pryor was the only person who ever used the N-word in a public venue. Today, however, rappers and hip-hop music is inundated with the word, and our youth who listen to it mimic their idols. It is considered to be hip, as in "dude" or "homeboy", and it now has]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[I am of a generation where Richard Pryor was the only person who ever used the N-word in a public venue. Today, however, rappers and hip-hop music is <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/inundated" rel="tag">inundated</a> with the word, and our youth who listen to it mimic their idols. It is considered to be hip, as in "dude" or "homeboy", and it now has become an issue in the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/dallas+schools" rel="tag">Dallas schools</a>, as well as many other schools across the nation. <br /><br /> Recently, a middle-aged, white English teacher in Kentucky used the word toward one of his black students and was suspended for 10 days without pay. The teacher defended his use of the word as trying to relate with the student in a hip manner. As you can well imagine, black parents, pastors and civil rights leaders complained loudly and publicly, many wanting the teacher fired. I cannot say I blame them, since that was my same reaction when I first read about the incident. <br /><br /> Lauren Roberts, a spokeswoman for the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/kentucky+high+school" rel="tag">Kentucky high school</a>, stated that all the students use the term toward each other, regardless of their race. A Dallas schools teacher at Carter High School sees the same thing in his school and has campaigned <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/vigorously" rel="tag">vigorously</a> to have the N-word banned from all Dallas schools. <br /><br /> Hollis <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/brashear" rel="tag">Brashear</a> has taken up the campaign and wants to see all ethnic or racial slurs banned from the Dallas schools. The Dallas schools already have a policy that forbids the use of obscene and offensive language, but Brashear wants more specific language written into the policy. <br /><br /> Brashear is a native of the city, who attended the Dallas schools. He also was the longest serving trustee of the Dallas schools board at the time of his resignation this past spring. During his tenure, he was outspoken on everything from leadership concerns of different superintendents to racial problems within the Dallas schools. A graduate of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/lincoln+high+school" rel="tag">Lincoln High School</a> in the '50s, he noted that such language was not proper for students who wanted to make something of their lives, regardless of their race. Brashear pointed out that it is still inappropriate today. It comes down to the basic principles of decency, civility and respect for yourself and others. <br /><br /> You cannot have it both ways. Students who use the N-word as a term of endearment one moment cannot get angry the next when it is used by an Anglo, Brashear pointed out to the Dallas schools board last April. This dangerous double standard is the issue with which the Dallas schools are currently grappling. <br /><br /> According to Brashear, the answer is easy -- stop using any offensive language, especially in public venues and especially racial slurs. As a veteran Dallas schools trustee, retired military officer of 21 years in the Army Corps of Engineers, graduate of A and M University, owner of an engineering consulting firm, and a successful black businessman, Brashear knows of what he speaks. Offensive language, especially ethnic slurs, does not belong in the Dallas schools and more specific language in school policy is obviously needed for everyone's guidance, as well as enforcement of the policy.   <bio>Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information on Dallas schools visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Texas/Dallas/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Texas/Dallas/index.html</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>New Pilot Program To Nab Sex Offenders Being Tested In Phoenix Schools</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-pilot-program-to-nab-sex-offenders-being-tested-in-phoenix-schools</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-pilot-program-to-nab-sex-offenders-being-tested-in-phoenix-schools#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jul 2006 16:27:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>phoenix schools</category><category>phoenix school</category><category>phoenix location</category><category>maricopa county sheriffs office</category><category>new jersey institute of technology</category><category>registered sex offenders</category><category>facial recognition technology</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-pilot-program-to-nab-sex-offenders-being-tested-in-phoenix-schools</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We are a nation focused on eradicating sex offenders from the lives of our children. They are in and near our schools, at the local parks, living next door, and even in some of our churches.  The Phoenix schools, as well as their teachers, administrators and parents, want to protect their children]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[We are a nation focused on eradicating sex offenders from the lives of our children. They are in and near our schools, at the local parks, living next door, and even in some of our churches. <br /><br /> The <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/phoenix+schools" rel="tag"><a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/phoenix+school" rel="tag">Phoenix school</a>s</a>, as well as their teachers, administrators and parents, want to protect their children from sexual attacks and abductions. Together with the Maricopa County Sheriff's office, the Phoenix schools have devised a pilot project to apprehend sex offenders and alleged abductors before they can do harm. <br /><br /> The plan of the Phoenix schools is simple. Two cameras are now located outside the school office of the Royal Palm Middle School, scanning the faces of people who enter. Each camera uses face-scanning technology, designed to compare the scanned faces with the state and national databases of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/registered+sex+offenders" rel="tag">registered sex offenders</a>, missing children, and alleged abductors. If a match is found, a police officer is dispatched to the Phoenix school. <br /><br /> Law enforcement and the Phoenix schools are hopeful that the project succeeds, knowing that anything that protects the children is worth any cost and inconvenience. <br /><br /> Civil libertarians, however, are concerned with privacy more than protecting the children from attack or abduction. They are vocally opposing the Phoenix schools project, citing the potential issues of privacy violations. <br /><br /> Others say the technology is unproven and not reliable. According to Chengjun Liu, professor and researcher of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/facial+recognition+technology" rel="tag">facial recognition technology</a> at <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/new+jersey+institute+of+technology" rel="tag">New Jersey Institute of Technology</a>, the technology is very promising but currently is not foolproof. Many variables, such as lighting, shadows and facial expression, can affect its accuracy. <br /><br /> Ken Kaplan, engineering director at Hummingbird's <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/phoenix+location" rel="tag">Phoenix location</a> and who provided the equipment and software for the Phoenix schools pilot, disagrees. He is confident that facial scanning technology can be used to accurately compare scanned faces with mug shots and snapshots stored in the databases. He believes that false positives are rare situations. <br /><br /> Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, known for instituting chain gangs and issuing pink underwear to county inmates, believes that if it only catches one sex offender at the Phoenix school, then it is worth it. Protecting children from attack and abduction -- or worse -- takes priority. <br /><br /> If the pilot project is successful, both law enforcement and Phoenix schools educators hope to expand it. The Phoenix schools want the technology in all of their schools. According to Arizona Schools Superintendent Tom Horne, the Phoenix schools may very well get their wish. If the project succeeds, he plans to seek funding for cameras for all schools within the state.   <bio>Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. Patricia has a nose for research and writes stimulating news and views on school issues. For more on Phoenix schools visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Arizona/Phoenix/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Arizona/Phoenix/index.html</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Finding Science And Art In Phoenix Schools</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-science-and-art-in-phoenix-schools</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-science-and-art-in-phoenix-schools#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:20:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>phoenix schools</category><category>explorer middle school</category><category>science camp</category><category>science art</category><category>innovative science</category><category>study science</category><category>free science</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-science-and-art-in-phoenix-schools</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Many, many programs are available to students throughout all Phoenix Public Schools districts. Sensing the constant need for improvements, and to keep up with national and global standards, Phoenix Schools are meeting these demands head on. For example, some Phoenix Schools have implemented]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ Many, many programs are available to students throughout all Phoenix Public Schools districts. Sensing the constant need for improvements, and to keep up with national and global standards, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/phoenix+schools" rel="tag">Phoenix Schools</a> are meeting these demands head on. For example, some Phoenix Schools have implemented <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/innovative+science" rel="tag">innovative Science</a>, Art, and IB (International Baccalaureate) programs.<br /><br /><br /><br /> InnoWorks, a new science program available to underprivileged Phoenix Schools middle-school students, was implemented in February 2007 by Grace Hsieh, a junior at the University of Arizona. Hsieh was looking to start a peer mentor and tutoring program when she came across a website detailing the program InnoWorks, which had its beginnings at Duke University. <br /><br /> Phoenix Schools middle-schoolers take part in a free <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/science+camp" rel="tag">science camp</a> organized and run entirely by UA undergraduates. Twenty-four students from six Phoenix Schools were selected for the camp. InnoWorks' leaders hope that by exposing underprivileged Phoenix Schools students to college campuses and science research, more students will be inspired to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/study+science" rel="tag">study science</a>, technology, engineering and mathematics. <br /><br /> "Immediately it was easy to recognize what a great program it was, in its philosophy and vision," Hsieh said. <br /><br /> Hsieh has gathered about $20,000 in donations to fund the program, recruited about 20 fellow students to work as mentors, and sought out campers by calling Phoenix Schools counselors and teachers. <br /><br /> <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/explorer+middle+school" rel="tag">Explorer Middle School</a> recently received the Mayor's School of Excellence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Arts Education. Integrating arts into their academic classes is one thing that makes this member of the Phoenix Schools unique. <br /><br /> Principal Marianne Bursi believes that the appreciation of art relates to all fields of study. <br /><br /> "We find students learn more by doing," said Bursi. "The brain remembers more with visuals rather than just looking at plain old text. The [students] discover [they have] many hidden talents because art is incorporated into all their academics." <br /><br /> Each quarter, seventh-graders are encouraged to take chorus, visual arts, world languages and applied technology courses. Once they are in eighth grade, these Phoenix Schools children can then choose which they prefer for the year <br /><br /> Phoenix Schools are beginning to offer children in Grades K-10 an opportunity to learn via the International Baccalaureate program. This is a teaching model used around the world that pushes students to become proficient in at least two languages, think critically and learn from a global perspective by studying other cultures. <br /><br /> Mesa Public Schools could soon become the first school district in Phoenix Schools, and one of only a handful nationwide, to offer an IB program to students from kindergarten through the end of high school. <br /><br /> Gregg Good, is the IB coordinator for one Phoenix Schools high school which began offering the program last year. Administrators are still determining the best way to test young Phoenix Schools elementary students in a "culturally neutral" way to decide which children will participate in the rigorous IB program for the 2007-2008 school year.   <bio>Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information please visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Arizona/Phoenix/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Arizona/Phoenix/index.html</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Number Of Charter Schools Increasing Over Traditional Tampa Schools</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/number-of-charter-schools-increasing-over-traditional-tampa-schools</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/number-of-charter-schools-increasing-over-traditional-tampa-schools#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jul 2007 03:15:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>public charter schools</category><category>charter school</category><category>first charter</category><category>governor jeb bush</category><category>traditional schools</category><category>student test scores</category><category>approaches</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/number-of-charter-schools-increasing-over-traditional-tampa-schools</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ In 1996, then governor Jeb Bush co-founded the first charter school within the state of Florida, when most educators across the nation thought of charter schools as nothing more than a fad. Now, there are more than 350 charter schools within the state of Florida; there are 38 across the Tampa Bay]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ In 1996, then <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/governor+jeb+bush" rel="tag">governor Jeb Bush</a> co-founded the first <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/charter+school" rel="tag">charter school</a> within the state of Florida, when most educators across the nation thought of charter schools as nothing more than a fad. Now, there are more than 350 charter schools within the state of Florida; there are 38 across the Tampa Bay area with several in the Tampa Schools area =97 private and public. The movement has mushroomed across Florida with charter school enrollment expected to top 100,000 students this year. <br /><br /> Yet, if you ask the average adult on the street, most have no idea what a charter school is. Though many charter schools are private businesses that operate under the guidelines of the state school board, many were <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/traditional+schools" rel="tag">traditional schools</a> converted to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/public+charter+schools" rel="tag">public charter schools</a> and still under the direction and control of the school districts, such as the Tampa schools. <br /><br /> Charter schools are given more flexibility from many of the regulations that apply to the traditional Tampa schools in exchange for greater accountability. Charter schools can be as different as day and night in their mission, vision for their students, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/approaches" rel="tag">approaches</a> to curriculum and teaching methods, and administrative structures, as well as their overall philosophy.  <br /><br /> Each charter within the Tampa schools area must prove that their students are continuously improving academically from year to year. If they fail (indicated by <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/student+test+scores" rel="tag">student test scores</a> on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)), they are closed. <br /><br /><br /><br /> Any individual or business that wishes to create a charter school can. Successful new approaches to education by some charter schools are copied by others. The primary philosophy of these schools, however, is that one curriculum and one way of doing things is not correct for every student. <br /><br /> The success of the charter schools within the Tampa schools' area has forced the Tampa schools' leadership and educators to re-evaluate their traditional schools, giving students and parents more educational choices from which to choose. <br /><br /> Clearly no longer just a fad, the Tampa schools lose many students (and the funding that goes with each student) to charter schools each year, and the numbers are on the increase. The Tampa schools now have 12 public charter schools converted from their traditional schools. Ten are lower grade levels and two are secondary. A few have middle school grades included. <br /><br /> Charter schools within the Tampa schools' area, as well as across the nation, continue to produce mixed results. Since their inception in Florida, 78 have closed, and nearly 30 percent were in the red financially a few years ago. Charters traditionally average 11 percent less funding per student, and their students generally score slightly lower on the FCAT, though they are improving. <br /><br /> Most charters within the Tampa schools' area have a greater proportion of minority students than the traditional schools. Many are located within the inner city communities, where all schools face their biggest challenges.   <bio>Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information on Tampa schools visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/florida/tampa/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/florida/tampa/index.html</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>The Difference Between Private And Public Colleges In Toronto</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-difference-between-private-and-public-colleges-in-toronto</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-difference-between-private-and-public-colleges-in-toronto#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sun, 16 Dec 2007 06:14:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>liberal arts institution</category><category>ontario college of art and design</category><category>ontario college of art</category><category>colleges in toronto</category><category>ryerson university</category><category>public schools in toronto</category><category>polytechnic institution</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-difference-between-private-and-public-colleges-in-toronto</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Toronto is one of North America's greatest cities. It offers architectural beauty, highly developed culture and a cosmopolitan quality of life. It is also the home to numerous institutions of higher education, both public and private. Toronto's public and private colleges offer a tremendous]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ Toronto is one of North America's greatest cities. It offers architectural beauty, highly developed culture and a cosmopolitan quality of life. It is also the home to numerous institutions of higher education, both public and private. Toronto's public and private colleges offer a tremendous variety of experiences and opportunities. Here is a quick run-down of some basic differences between Toronto's private and public colleges. <br /><br /> When you're talking about public <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/colleges+in+toronto" rel="tag">colleges in Toronto</a>, you're talking about the University of Toronto, York University, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ryerson+university" rel="tag">Ryerson University</a> and the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ontario+college+of+art+and+design" rel="tag"><a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ontario+college+of+art" rel="tag">Ontario College of Art</a> and Design</a>. With the exception of the Ontario College of Art and Design, which has only 3,000 students, Toronto's public schools are very large, with enrollments ranging from 30,000 to 70,000 students. <br /><br /> The University of Toronto is Canada's largest university and offers a very broad range of courses in the humanities and social and physical sciences, as well as professional programs in medicine, engineering, architecture, dentistry, social work and teaching. The U of T conducts many research programs and boasts a world-class medical facility. <br /><br /> York University is a smaller <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/liberal+arts+institution" rel="tag">liberal arts institution</a> with a long history dating back to 1859. Ryerson is Canada's only <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/polytechnic+institution" rel="tag">polytechnic institution</a>, offering notable journalism, multimedia and business programs as well as programs in fields like the Applied Arts or Engineering. <br /><br /> <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/public+schools+in+toronto" rel="tag">Public schools in Toronto</a> are relatively affordable, costing around $12,000 to $17,000 Canadian dollars per year for a non-international student living away from home. Toronto's public schools all offer financial aid and scholarships to high achieving and/or financially needy students. <br /><br /> Toronto is home to dozens of private schools offering an immense variety of experiences, knowledge and training. Unlike their public counterparts, Toronto's private schools tend to be smaller and more oriented toward specific types of career training. <br /><br /> In the last few years, some of Toronto's smaller private schools have come under fire for misleading international students into attending what students thought were high quality programs with attractive campuses, only to find shabby buildings and sub-par course offerings. Though some of Toronto's small private schools fall into this low class, many don't. <br /><br /> Tuition at Toronto's private college varies greatly depending on which college. Toronto's institutions of religious education such as Master's College and Seminary or Tyndale College and Seminary tend to cost the least, about 8,000 Canadian dollars per year for residents. Other schools, such as George Brown University, which focuses on career training and offers only a few bachelors' programs cost upwards of 5,000 Canadian dollars per semester. <br /><br /> Many of Toronto's private colleges, such as Metropolitan College or the Canadian College of Business, Science and Technology offer affordable continuing education and career training that costs a lot less and takes less time to earn than a Bachelor's degree. <br /><br /> The ultimate difference between Toronto's public and private schools has to do with the type of experience offered to students. If you want to attend a large school, with lots of young students living on-campus, experiencing an academic community and choosing from a vast array of educational opportunities, sports teams, concerts, clubs and social events, then you would probably appreciate a public college. If you are interested in vocational or career training, continuing education or a religious certification, then you would be best served by a private school.   <bio>triOS is one of the top Colleges in Ontario. Further your career opportunities in Business, Criminal Justice, Technology and Healthcare career programs. <a href="http://www.trios.com/" >http://www.trios.com/</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>The San Jose Schools Struggle With Charters</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-san-jose-schools-struggle-with-charters</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-san-jose-schools-struggle-with-charters#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:25:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>california charter schools</category><category>educational research group</category><category>public education system</category><category>urban school district</category><category>organization charter</category><category>business charter</category><category>bone of contention</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-san-jose-schools-struggle-with-charters</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ The San Jose Schools have struggled for years to find ways to address educational issues in the city. While there is a lot of room for criticism in any urban school district, you can't say that the San Jose Unified School District hasn't tried a lot of different angles for success. The diversity]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ The San Jose Schools have struggled for years to find ways to address educational issues in the city. While there is a lot of room for criticism in any <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/urban+school+district" rel="tag">urban school district</a>, you can't say that the San Jose Unified School District hasn't tried a lot of different angles for success. The diversity in the San Jose Schools, with a significant percentage of Spanish and Vietnamese speaking families, can be part of the problem when communicating with parents and building successful schools. That's why the charter schools within the San Jose Schools are such a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/bone+of+contention" rel="tag">bone of contention</a>. <br /><br /> Charter schools are usually public schools which are independently run by a local or independent organization. Charter schools in the San Jose Schools often are freed from some of the constrictions that the regular public schools face. Is this good or bad? Well, there are a lot of opinions. For those who think that the San Jose Schools <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/public+education+system" rel="tag">public education system</a> needs to be taken over privately, and run like a business, charter schools make a lot of sense. For those in the San Jose Schools we are trying to make the current system better, charter schools seem like a drain on funding that get to operate outside of the rule book. What do the results say? <br /><br /> Results of Charters in the San Jose Schools <br /><br /> A recent study of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/california+charter+schools" rel="tag">California charter schools</a> had some interesting results that may impact the San Jose Schools. An independent <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/educational+research+group" rel="tag">educational research group</a> found that charters are better for middle school students, worse for elementary school students, and there was no consistent pattern for high school students. <br /><br /> What does this mean for students, parents and teachers in the San Jose Schools? A lot more indecision and confusion. Look at the Leadership Charter Schools. There's one in East San Jose, and a few more in outlying areas. Many parents are passionate about sending their children here, but the charter has continually butted heads with the local public schools. That's partially because schools lose money when students leave for another school. So the charters can cost the public schools money. <br /><br /><br /><br /> But here's what the San Jose Schools should be focusing on. There's a reason why charter middle schools seem to perform better than other middle schools. Let's not wait another 3 years for an independent research team to find out what's going on. The principals and teachers of San Jose Schools should be meeting and brainstorming to find out what the differences are. Charter and public schools on the same team. I suspect the need for preadolescents to have be in smaller and more intimate settings is going to show up as a factor. But why then, would charter elementary schools be in worse shape? <br /><br /> Maybe elementary schools are smaller to begin with so size is less of a factor? Maybe the elementary schools tend to be newer and by the time the kids filter up to middle the kinks are worked out? Lots of questions that need to be answered. At the moment, the San Jose Schools use the charter schools as an alternative, largely for low-income families. And with the state of education, alternatives aren't something we should give up.   <bio>Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information please visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/California/San-Jose/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/California/San-Jose/index.html</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Baltimore Schools Lose In Court -- Ruling Favored Charter Schools</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/baltimore-schools-lose-in-court-ruling-favored-charter-schools</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/baltimore-schools-lose-in-court-ruling-favored-charter-schools#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:27:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>baltimore schools</category><category>reiterated</category><category>student charter</category><category>vaguely</category><category>vast</category><category>patterson park</category><category>city neighbors</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/baltimore-schools-lose-in-court-ruling-favored-charter-schools</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In 2005, City Neighbors and Patterson Park Public, two charter schools in Baltimore, appealed the Baltimore schools' per student funding formula to the state board. The board ruled in their favor, and the Baltimore schools appealed the board's decision in the Court of Special Appeals, Maryland's]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[In 2005, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/city+neighbors" rel="tag">City Neighbors</a> and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/patterson+park" rel="tag">Patterson Park</a> Public, two charter schools in Baltimore, appealed the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/baltimore+schools" rel="tag">Baltimore schools</a>' per student funding formula to the state board. The board ruled in their favor, and the Baltimore schools appealed the board's decision in the Court of Special Appeals, Maryland's second highest court. Early this month, the court ruled in favor of the charter schools, requiring Maryland school systems to spend as much money per student at charter schools as they spend at their traditional schools. <br /><br /> Charter schools are publicly funded, but they operate independently under contracts with local school boards. Of the 24 charter schools in the state of Maryland, 17 are located in the Baltimore schools system. <br /><br /> The Baltimore schools' per student funding formula differs between their traditional schools and charter schools. Traditional schools receive the equivalent of approximately $11,000 per student. Charter schools receive $5,859 per student in cash, with the remainder received in services provided to the schools by the Baltimore schools system, such as special education and food. City Neighbors and Patterson Park Public contend that this formula limits their ability to choose how to provide services to their students, and the court agreed. <br /><br /> After the court handed down its ruling, the Baltimore schools board met in executive session, issuing a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/vaguely" rel="tag">vaguely</a> worded statement. It <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/reiterated" rel="tag">reiterated</a> that the Baltimore schools remain a strong supporter of charters schools, but believe the recent court ruling will hurt the traditional schools by imposing a financial hardship on the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/vast" rel="tag">vast</a> majority of them. The statement further noted that the ruling could result in traditional schools receiving less per student funding than the charter schools. Additionally, the statement said that the board is fully committed to complying with the law, but it leaves open the possibility of an appeal by stating that the Baltimore schools board "feels obligated to fully consider its legal options." <br /><br /> After the statement was released, City Neighbors board President Bobbi Macdonald stated that they were not asking for more money, only equity within the Baltimore schools system. City Neighbors attorney Will DuBois underscored the fact that both the state board and the court agreed on a funding model that achieves the parity sought by the two charter schools. <br /><br /> The charter schools hope to meet with the Baltimore schools to discuss the court's ruling. They would like to move forward with the Baltimore schools board toward the interest of all Baltimore schools students. Meanwhile, the Baltimore schools board Chairman Brian D. Morris stated that the Baltimore schools currently is analyzing the financial impact of the court's ruling.   <bio>Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information on Baltimore schools visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Maryland/Baltimore/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Maryland/Baltimore/index.html</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Columbus Schools Conduct Partnership Programs That Aid Students</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/columbus-schools-conduct-partnership-programs-that-aid-students</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/columbus-schools-conduct-partnership-programs-that-aid-students#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 18 Aug 2006 06:27:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>ohio board of regents</category><category>ohio state</category><category>partnership program</category><category>literacy partnerships</category><category>partnership programs</category><category>columbus</category><category>elementary schools</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/columbus-schools-conduct-partnership-programs-that-aid-students</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The partnership programs that Columbus Schools are engaged in cover a wide range of disciplines, grade levels, and locations. There are several successful partnership programs in the Columbus Schools.  "Computers Rock 24/7" is a partnership program focused on introducing technology to fourth and]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[The <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/partnership+program" rel="tag">partnership program</a>s that <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/columbus" rel="tag">Columbus</a> Schools are engaged in cover a wide range of disciplines, grade levels, and locations. There are several successful <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/partnership+programs" rel="tag">partnership programs</a> in the Columbus Schools. <br /><br /> "Computers Rock 24/7" is a partnership program focused on introducing technology to fourth and fifth grade girls to technology. Students in the program develop their own web pages and learn about computers from the inside out. This program is a partnership between Columbus Schools, Weinland-Hudson Elementary School, The <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ohio+state" rel="tag">Ohio State</a> University Women in Technology, and The Women in Computer Engineering. <br /><br /> "Modeling Physical Sciences in Ohio" is a program aimed at teacher development and training. This partnership program involved Columbus Schools, College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at Ohio State, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ohio+board+of+regents" rel="tag">Ohio Board of Regents</a>, and Worthington City Schools. This partnership program centered around a three-week workshop intended to train Columbus Schools teachers in better methods of instruction that will be more effective with students from a variety of levels and backgrounds. Ongoing Saturday workshops held throughout the school year will revisit the techniques used in the original workshop and help foster a cooperative bond between teachers. <br /><br /> There are a number of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/literacy+partnerships" rel="tag">literacy partnerships</a> in several schools in the Columbus Schools system that addresses all manner of literacy difficulties and language arts development. One literacy partnership program involved two Columbus Schools' <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/elementary+schools" rel="tag">elementary schools</a>, Medary and Trevitt Elementary Schools, working with Ohio State Department of English. The "Medary and Trevitt Literacy Partnerships" aims to provide extra literacy tutoring to first graders. Students from Ohio State will work with Medary Elementary first grade students in a program where students receive reading help during school hours. The Trevitt Elementary School program will have the Ohio State student tutors working in all manner of language arts in a one on one after school program. The students have benefited greatly from the individual attention that can be provided. <br /><br /> Another literacy partnership in the Columbus Schools is the Johnson Park Middle School Literacy Partnership. Started in the 2005-2006 school year, this program had Ohio Stat undergraduates from the Writing Program acting as advisors and mentors on the Johnson Park Middle School newspaper. The Johnson Park Middle School Literacy Partnership also had the students from Ohio State and Johnson Park Middle School working together to produce the monthly magazine "M," a magazine for and about middle schools on the east side of Columbus. This literacy partnership was part of a larger project between Johnson Park Middle School and Ohio State, led by the P-12 Project. <br /><br /> The "Africentric Literacy Program" is another tutoring cooperative between Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing in Ohio State's College of Humanities and the Columbus Schools' Africentric Elementary School. This program is now in its sixth year and has resulted in higher reading and writing test scores. The "Africentric Literacy Program" holds a special end of the year celebration in which the students in the program read selected writings from the year. All participating students in the program receive writers' kits and a hardbound book of all the students' work over the year.   <bio>Stacy Andell is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. Stacy has a nose for research and writes stimulating news and views on school issues. For more on Columbus schools visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Ohio/Columbus/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Ohio/Columbus/index.html</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Three Dallas Schools Make Newsweek's Best 100 High Schools List -- Tag High School Is #1!</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/three-dallas-schools-make-newsweeks-best-100-high-schools-list-tag-high-school-is-1</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/three-dallas-schools-make-newsweeks-best-100-high-schools-list-tag-high-school-is-1#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 25 Aug 2006 02:27:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>dallas schools</category><category>international baccalaureate</category><category>tag</category><category>ap courses</category><category>rigorous core curriculum</category><category>schools science</category><category>wealthy private schools</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/three-dallas-schools-make-newsweeks-best-100-high-schools-list-tag-high-school-is-1</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In their May 8, 2006, issue, Newsweek listed their Best 100 Public Schools across the nation. They ranked the schools using a ratio of the number of Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate tests taken by all students within a school, divided by the number of graduating seniors.]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[In their May 8, 2006, issue, Newsweek listed their Best 100 Public Schools across the nation. They ranked the schools using a ratio of the number of Advanced Placement (AP) and/or <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/tag" rel="tag">tag</a>/international+baccalaureate" rel="tag">International Baccalaureate</a> tests taken by all students within a school, divided by the number of graduating seniors. The 2006 list was based on the 2004-2005 school year. Their aim is to acknowledge those schools that do the best job of preparing average students for college, regardless of their economic background. <br /><br /> Three <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/dallas+schools" rel="tag">Dallas schools</a> made the list with one taking top honors. Dallas schools' Highland Park High School weighed in at number 18 with a ratio of 4.735. Dallas schools' Science and Engineering Magnet took honors at number eight with a ratio of 6.275. Dallas schools' Talented and Gifted (TAG) High School had a 14.128 ratio and ranked number ONE! What an achievement for the Dallas schools. <br /><br /> Located near downtown Dallas in an impoverished neighborhood, TAG exemplifies how a school can meet the Dallas schools' goals of providing an excellent education for each and every child. The racially mixed student body receives a high-level of learning that challenges each child to achieve. TAG focuses on getting students into college through <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ap+courses" rel="tag">AP courses</a>, providing the same opportunities to its students as the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/wealthy+private+schools" rel="tag">wealthy private schools</a>. <br /><br /> Some educators refer to schools like Dallas schools' TAG as a boutique school, catering to special interest while ignoring course variety. Educators, including those in the Dallas schools, have been demanding reform for over 10 years; yet, they cannot agree on what works. In the '80s, the thought was to make all students college ready through a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/rigorous+core+curriculum" rel="tag">rigorous core curriculum</a>. In the '90s, school choice and testing became the norm. Now, some are calling for dumping the entire public school system; while others see smaller schools, class size, and a boutique focus as optimum. <br /><br /> Even when a plan is working as it is in Dallas schools' TAG High School, opposition still rears its ugly head. Some believe that the smaller school loses the social acclimation that the larger high schools provide. They say that maintaining quality is difficult and the coursework lacks substance. Proponents of Dallas schools' TAG say that these Dallas Schools' students get more teacher and counselor attention and the children are less likely to get lost in the crowd, which gives the students an edge. <br /><br /> TAG is one of the Dallas schools that is committed to helping students achieve their best, encouraging each and every student to aim high. They stress the importance of attending college and try to make the AP as much a part of students' lives as music or hanging out with their friends. While only 30 percent of high school students across the nation take any AP courses at all, each TAG student is required to take at least one, with most students taking more. <br /><br /> Dallas schools' TAG and other boutique schools like it have increased the number of minorities taking AP courses, increasing their chances to attend college. According to the College Board, which administers the AP, four times as many Hispanics and three times as many Blacks took AP courses in 2005, as compared to 10 years ago. <br /><br /> Newsweek cited Dallas schools' TAG student Fanny Frausto, age 18, who has taken 16 AP courses and scored high on many of them. She scored a five on her final three-hour exam. Her transcript is definitely atypical for a public high school student, showing a seemingly impossible schedule of classes. She attends MIT on scholarship in the fall of 2006. <br /><br /> Dallas schools' teachers at TAG go the extra mile for their students. They assist the youth in learning to meet deadlines, constructing essays and organizing their time, managing workloads, and dealing with the tension and nervousness students may feel during testing. <br /><br /> Schools that consistently have high achieving students and programs were not included in Newsweek's list. Their ratio formula only measures test participation, rather than testing success. Also, due to inconsistencies, the formula does not include drop out rates or state testing scores.   <bio>Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. Patricia has a nose for research and writes stimulating news and views on school issues. For more information on Dallas schools visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/texas/dallas/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/texas/dallas/index.html</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Are More Charter Schools In The Chicago Schools Future?</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-more-charter-schools-in-the-chicago-schools-future</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-more-charter-schools-in-the-chicago-schools-future#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2007 23:15:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>public charter schools</category><category>public charter school</category><category>chicago schools</category><category>margaret spellings</category><category>bush administration</category><category>officials</category><category>president of the united states</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-more-charter-schools-in-the-chicago-schools-future</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Ever since George W. Bush took the oath of president of the United States, he and his administration have instituted many federally mandated changes for public schools across the nation. Now, according to Margaret Spellings, education secretary for the Bush Administration, there may be more that]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ Ever since George W. Bush took the oath of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/president+of+the+united+states" rel="tag">president of the United States</a>, he and his administration have instituted many federally mandated changes for public schools across the nation. Now, according to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/margaret+spellings" rel="tag">Margaret Spellings</a>, education secretary for the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/bush+administration" rel="tag">Bush Administration</a>, there may be more that directly affect the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/chicago+schools" rel="tag">Chicago Schools</a> and the state of Illinois. Currently, the states of Illinois, Michigan and New York have the lowest caps on the number of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/public+charter+schools" rel="tag"><a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/public+charter+school" rel="tag">public charter school</a>s</a> allowed. Illinois has the lowest cap of 60, then New York with a cap of 100, and Michigan with 150. <br /><br /> At one of the charter Chicago schools in late January, Spellings stated that the president wants all school districts across the country to change their restrictions on the number of public charter schools allowed, giving school districts, like the Chicago schools, the ability to convert as many failing traditional schools to charters as they wish. <br /><br /> Chicago schools' <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/officials" rel="tag">officials</a> see this as a positive move. Over the years, they have aggressively pursued the conversion of failing schools to charters. The Chicago schools currently have 29 of their allowed 30 charter schools in place and running. With a current 185 low performing schools, the Chicago schools' officials see conversion to public charter schools as a possible solution to improve the schools' performance. Otherwise, their only option is to make major staff changes, since they can only convert one more traditional school to charter under current state guidelines. <br /><br /> Chicago schools' officials believe that more drastic interventions are required to make these failing schools successful. Charters within the Chicago schools have more freedom over their curriculum, budgeting and scheduling than traditional schools do. They also have more accountability to the Chicago schools. <br /><br /> Opponents to the Bush Administration proposal for changing the state's public charter school cap believe the president is going too far. Legislators involved in drafting Illinois' cap are some of those opposed to the proposal. The state's teachers' union also is against the proposal.<br /><br /><br /><br /> Representative Monique Davis, who is a Democrat representing Chicago (and the Chicago schools) and vice chairwoman of the House Education Committee, stated in response to the proposal that the legislators of Illinois believe, as many others across the nation, that charter schools still are in the experimental stage. Expansion of the number of public charter schools should be held back until they prove themselves as a viable and successful alternative for the future. They just are not there yet. <br /><br /> Regardless of what the Illinois legislators believe, the proposal will soon be in Congress. If the bill passes, it takes the matter out of state hands, since the federal government can impose whatever mandates they desire when contributing federal funding to schools. This means the Chicago schools' officials may soon be able to enact some serious interventions for their 185 low performing schools.   <bio>Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information on Chicago schools visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/illinois/chicago/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/illinois/chicago/index.html</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Make Up Schools - What You Should Know About Make Up Schools</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/make-up-schools-what-you-should-know-about-make-up-schools</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/make-up-schools-what-you-should-know-about-make-up-schools#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sun, 04 Nov 2007 22:34:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>fashion magazines</category><category>make up tips</category><category>cosmetology schools</category><category>color palette</category><category>ins</category><category>schools of thought</category><category>drag queen</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/make-up-schools-what-you-should-know-about-make-up-schools</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ There are many different make up schools that one can learn from, each having a different philosophy. Some schools of thought preach that less is more, while others encourage their followers to pile it on and make it dark. Most women will never go to an actual make up school, and instead learn]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ There are many different make up schools that one can learn from, each having a different philosophy. Some <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/schools+of+thought" rel="tag">schools of thought</a> preach that less is more, while others encourage their followers to pile it on and make it dark. Most women will never go to an actual make up school, and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ins" rel="tag">ins</a>tead learn from the comfort of their own home with a women's magazine as their professor. Women's magazines give countless <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/make+up+tips" rel="tag">make up tips</a> that women can learn from, and can walk you through the application process step by step. Isn't that what they teach at <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/cosmetology+schools" rel="tag">cosmetology schools</a> anyway? <br /><br /> Unless you like looking like a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/drag+queen" rel="tag">drag queen</a>, I suggest that you choose one of the make up schools that teaches the natural look. If you're looking to a magazine to teach you, you can usually get a feel for what they want you to look like by the cover of the magazine. Look around the newsstands until you find a cover with a make up look that you want as your own. Usually on the inside they will list the names and shades of the make up brands that they used on the model or actress that graces the front. If you do this enough and buy the products that they list, eventually you'll have quite the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/color+palette" rel="tag">color palette</a> to choose from each morning as you get ready. <br /><br /> Women's magazines are not only effective make up schools for people who want to be in the know, but they're also affordable. If you pay attention and practice enough each month, after awhile you'll be able to give any make up artist a run for his or her money. All this, and without the expensive school tuition! When you think about it, there's no better place to turn to than the pages of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/fashion+magazines" rel="tag">fashion magazines</a> to learn the ins and outs of trendy make up and how to apply it.   <bio>For more information on make up schools, visit the Makeup Forum at <a href="http://www.TheCosmeticsForum.com/" >http://www.TheCosmeticsForum.com/</a> today. It's free to become a member so join today!  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Engineering As A Career</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/engineering-as-a-career</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/engineering-as-a-career#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 13 Sep 2006 08:27:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>occupational outlook handbook</category><category>career field</category><category>bureau of labor statistics</category><category>help</category><category>work exploration</category><category>main engineering</category><category>labor statistics occupational</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/engineering-as-a-career</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Engineering is a great career choice for many. With 1.4 million engineering jobs in the U.S. alone, it's no wonder this career field is a popular one. Let's take a look at a few reasons why engineering is such a hot and rewarding career.  Challenging Work  Engineers get to combine their creativity,]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Engineering is a great career choice for many. With 1.4 million engineering jobs in the U.S. alone, it's no wonder this <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/career+field" rel="tag">career field</a> is a popular one. Let's take a look at a few reasons why engineering is such a hot and rewarding career. <br /><br /> Challenging Work <br /><br /> Engineers get to combine their creativity, mathematics and science background with technology in order to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/help" rel="tag">help</a> solve everyday problems. They get to work on the design and development of new products, help with their production, monitoring, maintenance and testing. <br /><br /> In alphabetical order, the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/main+engineering" rel="tag">main engineering</a> specializations are: aerospace, agricultural, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, electronics, environmental, health and safety, industrial, marine, materials, mechanical, mining and geological, nuclear and petroleum. <br /><br /> Career Tidbits <br /><br /> The following list includes some interesting information about this career field according to the U.S. Department of Labor <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/bureau+of+labor+statistics" rel="tag">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a> <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/occupational+outlook+handbook" rel="tag">Occupational Outlook Handbook</a>: <br /><br /> - Engineers generally work 40 hours per week, but the workload may increase under tight deadlines. Daily engineering tasks often involve work outside the desk space including lab research, field work, exploration and construction sites, monitoring stations and more. <br /><br /> - Engineers need to continue their educations to keep on top of the latest research and technological changes. Some companies offer funding for this. Not staying on top of the changes can mean the difference between maintaining employment and being laid off. <br /><br /> - The Internet has opened the doors for telecommuters (who may often come aboard for less money via long-distance arrangements), but local engineers are still in demand. Engineers often work on-site teaming up with others and their support staff. <br /><br /> - In 2004, engineers with higher degrees (Master's and PhD's) earned more. And for specialty engineers, workers earned well into the 6-figure ranges. <br /><br /> - Rapid growth in the technology sector means companies must seek the means to stay ahead of competitors with product and technology development, testing, and monitoring. Therefore, engineers are in demand and will be for some time to come.   <bio>So check into career opportunities in your area and see what rewards you can reap as an engineer! Visit <a href="http://www.engineeringcareersecrets.com/" >http://www.engineeringcareersecrets.com/</a> and learn more about this exciting career field today. </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>New York City Schools Include Charters</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-york-city-schools-include-charters</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-york-city-schools-include-charters#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sun, 07 Oct 2007 12:35:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>charter schools</category><category>charter school</category><category>open charter</category><category>new york city</category><category>philanthropists</category><category>traditional public schools</category><category>student performance goals</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-york-city-schools-include-charters</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ There have been many instances over the past 20 years or so where people have been so unhappy about the schools that they have decided to step up and do something about it. In response to this discontent, charter schools have been formed. For many New York City Schools families, charters appear to]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ There have been many instances over the past 20 years or so where people have been so unhappy about the schools that they have decided to step up and do something about it. In response to this discontent, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/charter+schools" rel="tag"><a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/charter+school" rel="tag">charter school</a>s</a> have been formed. For many <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/new+york+city" rel="tag">New York City</a> Schools families, charters appear to be the way to go. <br /><br /> Virtually anyone concerned with the state of New York City Schools can open a charter school. Parents, teachers, principals (whether they are from public New York City Schools or private ones), community leaders, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/philanthropists" rel="tag">philanthropists</a> and nonprofit organizations are all examples of the types of folks who <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/open+charter" rel="tag">open charter</a> schools in response to a perceived lack in quality public education. <br /><br /> But what is a charter school, anyway? Most people have heard about them, but are unclear or confused as to what they are, exactly. Charter schools are created by a contract (or "charter") with the New York City Schools system. They are held to the same standards as more <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/traditional+public+schools" rel="tag">traditional public schools</a>, but operate with a greater autonomy than regular schools within the system. The purpose of the charter school is to offer new resources, personnel and ideas to education, as well as to give the families of New York City Public Schools a greater choice. <br /><br /> Charter schools are under the umbrella of the New York City Schools district, and are held directly accountable for meeting specific <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/student+performance+goals" rel="tag">student performance goals</a>. If the charter school fails to meet these criteria, their charter can be revoked or not renewed. In return for these higher standards, these schools are exempt from New York City Schools regulations such as curriculum development, staffing, and budget. <br /><br /> There are 6 reasons why numbering charter schools among the options for families with children attending New York City Schools is a good idea. Charter schools have unique educational goals that are innovative and desirable: <br /><br /> - Charter schools within the districts of New York City Schools are responsible for increasing the learning opportunities and achievement of all students, most especially high-risk students =96 ones in danger of dropping out or who have a low reading ability, for example. <br /><br /> - These special New York City Schools also encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods. Within the confines of the traditional public school classroom, teachers have fewer options with how they go about their jobs. Simple issues such as class size or available resources can considerably tie their hands. <br /><br /> - Charter schools obviously provide a greater amount of choice for parents and students of New York City Schools. <br /><br /> - Also, charter schools can provide motivated educators with the means to pursue their beliefs and ideas. <br /><br /> New York City Schools strive to offer its students the best possible education, and the choice of attending a charter school is one way to do so. Charter schools can offer their children a wider variety of opportunities.   <bio>Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information please visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/New-York/New-York-City/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/New-York/New-York-City/index.html</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Checking Out Vocational Trade Schools In Your Area</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/checking-out-vocational-trade-schools-in-your-area</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/checking-out-vocational-trade-schools-in-your-area#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:27:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>vocational trades</category><category>profession</category><category>vocational training</category><category>dropout rate</category><category>business need</category><category>success rate</category><category>workforce</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/checking-out-vocational-trade-schools-in-your-area</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Vocational trades schools have become very valuable nowadays. More and more people seem to prefer them to taking four-year degree courses. Most businesses and companies today have increasingly relied on vocational trade schools to provide them with a workforce with the special skills that their]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/vocational+trades" rel="tag">Vocational trades</a> schools have become very valuable nowadays. More and more people seem to prefer them to taking four-year degree courses. Most businesses and companies today have increasingly relied on vocational trade schools to provide them with a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/workforce" rel="tag">workforce</a> with the special skills that their <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/business+need" rel="tag">business need</a>. Most businesses today consider having an employee with <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/vocational+training" rel="tag">vocational training</a> to handle specialized jobs that not everyone are qualified to handle. <br /><br /> If you plan to enter a vocational trade school in your area, you should be able to make sure of what type of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/profession" rel="tag">profession</a> you want to get into. Different vocational trade schools offer different training modules aimed to prepare and arm a student with a special set of skills for a certain kind of profession. After you do, you also need to check out the vocational trade schools that you wish to enroll in. <br /><br /> Before you decide on one vocational trade school to enroll in try to compare programs that the different schools in your area offer. Get the information that you need from these various schools and learn what they have to offer. Try to find out as much as you can about the facilities of the different vocational trade schools and see if they are adequate enough to answer their students' needs. <br /><br /> Ask about the types of equipment such as computers and tools that they have that are used for training. Learn about the supplies and tools that the students themselves must provide during the course of the training. Try to visit the school when you can to see firsthand the condition of the classrooms and workshops used by the students. <br /><br /> If you are concerned about the quality of training given at the different vocational trade schools in your area, get some idea of the program's <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/success+rate" rel="tag">success rate</a> for each of the school. Ask what percentage of students is able to complete the program. A school with a high <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/dropout+rate" rel="tag">dropout rate</a> could mean that students may not like the program or the training being given. Try also to know if training credits earned are transferable to other schools or colleges. <br /><br /> This might prove useful in case you wish to pursue your education later on. Knowing that your training has transferable credits, you may be able to lessen your time spent on advancing your future studies. If most of the reputable schools and colleges in your area say they don't, it may be a sign that the vocational school in question is not well regarded by the other institutions.   <bio>For more information on Vocational Schools and other useful information, please visit <a href="http://vocational-schools.articlekeep.com.This" >http://vocational-schools.articlekeep.com.This</a> content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>What Can The Washington DC Schools Teach Us?</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-can-the-washington-dc-schools-teach-us</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-can-the-washington-dc-schools-teach-us#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Mon, 13 Aug 2007 02:15:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>washington dc</category><category>dc schools</category><category>school vouchers</category><category>racial achievement gap</category><category>ironically</category><category>extreme poverty</category><category>exacerbate</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-can-the-washington-dc-schools-teach-us</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ A mix of political power and extreme poverty, the Washington DC Public Schools face a struggle that epitomizes the state of education in this country. While the elite and affluent live in the best districts, or send their children to private schools, many students in the Washington, DC Schools]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ A mix of political power and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/extreme+poverty" rel="tag">extreme poverty</a>, the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/washington+dc" rel="tag">Washington DC</a> Public Schools face a struggle that epitomizes the state of education in this country. While the elite and affluent live in the best districts, or send their children to private schools, many students in the Washington, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/dc+schools" rel="tag">DC Schools</a> function in poverty and need. <br /><br /> Why does this matter? The discrepancy between the haves and have-nots in the Washington, DC Schools mimics that which has led to the glaring <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/racial+achievement+gap" rel="tag">racial achievement gap</a> in the country. Recently, studies reporting on the gap percentages in all states have gotten a lot of attention. Also, reports on the correlation between income and achievement have received a lot of press. Although I don't think any jaws are dropping; the question for Washington, DC schools isn't if poverty leads to low achievement, it's what to do about it. <br /><br /> Methods in the Washington, DC Schools <br /><br /> The initiatives that the Washington, DC Schools implement are an important barometer for the rest of the schools in the country. If efforts work, they will be duplicated. If they fail, it is a cause for concern, and considered a waste of money. Vouchers are one big issue. Due to declining enrollment in the Washington, DC public schools, and a desire to offer school choice to low-income students, a federal program offering $7,500 <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/school+vouchers" rel="tag">school vouchers</a> was offered to needy students in the Washington, DC Schools. <br /><br /> Not everyone is fond of this method because they are afraid it will actually encourage more students to leave the Washington, DC Schools for charter or private schools. Many feel this could degrade the quality of the system. <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ironically" rel="tag">Ironically</a>, this is the same concern when affluent and educated families leave the public school system. The Washington, DC Schools loose both per pupil funding and the most involved parents when this happens. Vouchers may <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/exacerbate" rel="tag">exacerbate</a> the situation. <br /><br /> However, this may be just the thing to motivate schools to improve. Just like in business, competition can be a good thing. <br /><br /> Needed Construction in Washington, DC Schools <br /><br /> Washington, DC Schools are also a mirror to the nation is in terms of adequate space and buildings. As old schools deteriorate, the district is challenged to renovate them. Recently, this became a focus of the district. 120 schools are either being renovated or built at this time. Part of the effort involves reconfiguring these Washington, DC Schools for better efficiency. For instance, feeder 6-8 middle schools are being put on campuses with the appropriate high school. The location of administrative offices and special education facilities are being reconsidered to make better use of the space, and to better meet the children's needs. Other districts around the country are following the results of these changes closely. The successes and failures of the Washington, DC Schools will have consequences felt by a lot of students in the nation.   <bio>Washington DC Public Schools Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information please visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Washington-DC/Washington-DC/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Washington-DC/Washington-DC/index.html</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Small Schools Offer Alternatives For Indianapolis Schools</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/small-schools-offer-alternatives-for-indianapolis-schools</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/small-schools-offer-alternatives-for-indianapolis-schools#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 04:25:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>guess</category><category>ffa kids</category><category>indianapolis public schools</category><category>high school students</category><category>baseball diamonds</category><category>music building</category><category>football fields</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/small-schools-offer-alternatives-for-indianapolis-schools</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ When I was in high school, I attended the only high school our town had. A one-high school town, our school was home to every 14-18 year old in residence. My senior year, there were about 250 of us graduating. I thought that was a lot; but I still at least knew everyone's name, even if I wasn't]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ When I was in high school, I attended the only high school our town had. A one-high school town, our school was home to every 14-18 year old in residence. My senior year, there were about 250 of us graduating. I thought that was a lot; but I still at least knew everyone's name, even if I wasn't friends with them all. Looking back, our school wasn't that big compared to some; the name of every person in my graduating class fit on the back of the Prom T-shirt! I never thought of my school as small; it seemed big to my small-town eyes. With approximately 1,000 students, our campus had 4 classroom wings (a 5th one was added in my junior year), a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/music+building" rel="tag">music building</a>, a gym, library, office, cafeteria, weight room, tennis courts, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/football+fields" rel="tag">football fields</a>, and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/baseball+diamonds" rel="tag">baseball diamonds</a>. We even had a barn, for the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ffa+kids" rel="tag">FFA kids</a> (Future Farmers of America) and their livestock. This was my world, and one which I quite honestly wanted to get out of as soon as possible. While the size of our school was really on the small side, it was big to us; but I <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/guess" rel="tag">guess</a> it's all relative to our own experiences. <br /><br /> These days (I only graduated about 15 years ago, thank you very much), Indianapolis Schools have grown. Even my old high school has grown so much that I barely recognize it. (It's still the only high school in town!) In fact, high schools are huge! With enrollments at Indiana and Indianapolis Schools at low of around 1,200 students and as high as 2,000 or more, schools are full to bursting. <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/indianapolis+public+schools" rel="tag">Indianapolis Public Schools</a> administrators, teachers, and even Indianapolis Schools parents are trying hard to improve the education given to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/high+school+students" rel="tag">high school students</a>. And small schools, such as the ones present in Indianapolis Schools, are meeting this need. <br /><br /> In Indianapolis Schools, school systems are trying very hard to personalize their students' education, through the use of "Small Schools". A small school is typically located on a regular Indianapolis Schools campus and shares common areas with other small schools housed on the same location. Cafeteria, gymnasiums, and media centers are used by all students. One Indianapolis Schools campus may house up to four or even five different small schools. These Indianapolis Schools offer a more intimate learning environment that is better able to address the needs of students, staff and parents. Each of these smaller Indianapolis Schools has an enrollment of no more than 400 students. They all offer both core classes (English, math, social studies and science) as well as electives. The needs of all students =96 special education as well as general education =96 are addressed. The purpose of these small schools within Indianapolis Schools is to improve students' academic, social and behavioral performance, to reduce the dropout rate, and to connect students in a more personal way with the Indianapolis Schools they are attending. <br /><br /> Indianapolis Schools that are using the small school models are showing some really good results. I guess my high school knew what it was doing after all.   <bio>Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information please visit <a href="http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Indiana/Indianapolis/index.html" >http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Indiana/Indianapolis/index.html</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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