top mba schools http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for top mba schools Copyright 2008 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:14:55 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/top+mba+schools Number Of Charter Schools Increasing Over Traditional Tampa Schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/number-of-charter-schools-increasing-over-traditional-tampa-schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/number-of-charter-schools-increasing-over-traditional-tampa-schools#comments Thu, 26 Jul 2007 03:15:01 +0000 public charter schoolscharter schoolfirst chartergovernor jeb bushtraditional schoolsstudent test scoresapproaches http://www.artwoo.com/article/number-of-charter-schools-increasing-over-traditional-tampa-schools governor Jeb Bush co-founded the first 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.

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 converted to and still under the direction and control of the school districts, such as the Tampa schools.

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, to curriculum and teaching methods, and administrative structures, as well as their overall philosophy.

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 on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)), they are closed.



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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/florida/tampa/index.html ]]> The San Jose Schools Struggle With Charters http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-san-jose-schools-struggle-with-charters http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-san-jose-schools-struggle-with-charters#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:25:02 +0000 california charter schoolseducational research grouppublic education systemurban school districtorganization charterbusiness charterbone of contention http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-san-jose-schools-struggle-with-charters 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 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 .

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 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?

Results of Charters in the San Jose Schools

A recent study of had some interesting results that may impact the San Jose Schools. An independent found that charters are better for middle school students, worse for elementary school students, and there was no consistent pattern for high school students.

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.



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?

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. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/California/San-Jose/index.html ]]> Baltimore Schools Lose In Court -- Ruling Favored Charter Schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/baltimore-schools-lose-in-court-ruling-favored-charter-schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/baltimore-schools-lose-in-court-ruling-favored-charter-schools#comments Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:27:05 +0000 baltimore schoolsreiteratedstudent chartervaguelyvastpatterson parkcity neighbors http://www.artwoo.com/article/baltimore-schools-lose-in-court-ruling-favored-charter-schools City Neighbors and Public, two charter schools in Baltimore, appealed the ' 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.

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.

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.

After the court handed down its ruling, the Baltimore schools board met in executive session, issuing a worded statement. It 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 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."

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.

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. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Maryland/Baltimore/index.html ]]> Are More Charter Schools In The Chicago Schools Future? http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-more-charter-schools-in-the-chicago-schools-future http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-more-charter-schools-in-the-chicago-schools-future#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2007 23:15:01 +0000 public charter schoolspublic charter schoolchicago schoolsmargaret spellingsbush administrationofficialspresident of the united states http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-more-charter-schools-in-the-chicago-schools-future president of the United States, he and his administration have instituted many federally mandated changes for public schools across the nation. Now, according to , education secretary for the , there may be more that directly affect the and the state of Illinois. Currently, the states of Illinois, Michigan and New York have the lowest caps on the number of s allowed. Illinois has the lowest cap of 60, then New York with a cap of 100, and Michigan with 150.

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.

Chicago schools' 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.

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.

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.



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.

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. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/illinois/chicago/index.html ]]> Make Up Schools - What You Should Know About Make Up Schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/make-up-schools-what-you-should-know-about-make-up-schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/make-up-schools-what-you-should-know-about-make-up-schools#comments Sun, 04 Nov 2007 22:34:59 +0000 fashion magazinesmake up tipscosmetology schoolscolor paletteinsschools of thoughtdrag queen http://www.artwoo.com/article/make-up-schools-what-you-should-know-about-make-up-schools 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 tead learn from the comfort of their own home with a women's magazine as their professor. Women's magazines give countless that women can learn from, and can walk you through the application process step by step. Isn't that what they teach at anyway?

Unless you like looking like 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 to choose from each morning as you get ready.

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 to learn the ins and outs of trendy make up and how to apply it. For more information on make up schools, visit the Makeup Forum at http://www.TheCosmeticsForum.com/ today. It's free to become a member so join today! ]]> New York City Schools Include Charters http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-york-city-schools-include-charters http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-york-city-schools-include-charters#comments Sun, 07 Oct 2007 12:35:01 +0000 charter schoolscharter schoolopen charternew york cityphilanthropiststraditional public schoolsstudent performance goals http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-york-city-schools-include-charters s have been formed. For many Schools families, charters appear to be the way to go.

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, and nonprofit organizations are all examples of the types of folks who schools in response to a perceived lack in quality public education.

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 , 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.

Charter schools are under the umbrella of the New York City Schools district, and are held directly accountable for meeting specific . 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.

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:

- 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.

- 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.

- Charter schools obviously provide a greater amount of choice for parents and students of New York City Schools.

- Also, charter schools can provide motivated educators with the means to pursue their beliefs and ideas.

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. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/New-York/New-York-City/index.html ]]> Checking Out Vocational Trade Schools In Your Area http://www.artwoo.com/article/checking-out-vocational-trade-schools-in-your-area http://www.artwoo.com/article/checking-out-vocational-trade-schools-in-your-area#comments Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:27:08 +0000 vocational tradesprofessionvocational trainingdropout ratebusiness needsuccess rateworkforce http://www.artwoo.com/article/checking-out-vocational-trade-schools-in-your-area 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 with the special skills that their . Most businesses today consider having an employee with to handle specialized jobs that not everyone are qualified to handle.

If you plan to enter a vocational trade school in your area, you should be able to make sure of what type of 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.

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.

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.

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 for each of the school. Ask what percentage of students is able to complete the program. A school with a high 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.

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. For more information on Vocational Schools and other useful information, please visit http://vocational-schools.articlekeep.com.This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. ]]> What Can The Washington DC Schools Teach Us? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-can-the-washington-dc-schools-teach-us http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-can-the-washington-dc-schools-teach-us#comments Mon, 13 Aug 2007 02:15:02 +0000 washington dcdc schoolsschool vouchersracial achievement gapironicallyextreme povertyexacerbate http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-can-the-washington-dc-schools-teach-us extreme poverty, the 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, function in poverty and need.

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 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.

Methods in the Washington, DC Schools

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 was offered to needy students in the Washington, DC Schools.

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. , 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 the situation.

However, this may be just the thing to motivate schools to improve. Just like in business, competition can be a good thing.

Needed Construction in Washington, DC Schools

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. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Washington-DC/Washington-DC/index.html ]]> Small Schools Offer Alternatives For Indianapolis Schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/small-schools-offer-alternatives-for-indianapolis-schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/small-schools-offer-alternatives-for-indianapolis-schools#comments Tue, 21 Aug 2007 04:25:03 +0000 guessffa kidsindianapolis public schoolshigh school studentsbaseball diamondsmusic buildingfootball fields http://www.artwoo.com/article/small-schools-offer-alternatives-for-indianapolis-schools music building, a gym, library, office, cafeteria, weight room, tennis courts, , and . We even had a barn, for the (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 it's all relative to our own experiences.

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. administrators, teachers, and even Indianapolis Schools parents are trying hard to improve the education given to . And small schools, such as the ones present in Indianapolis Schools, are meeting this need.

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.

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. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Indiana/Indianapolis/index.html ]]> Magnets In The St. Louis Schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/magnets-in-the-st-louis-schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/magnets-in-the-st-louis-schools#comments Sun, 17 Feb 2008 05:15:01 +0000 public education systemmagnet programsmagnet schoolsmagnet programmagnet schoollanguage immersionlottery system http://www.artwoo.com/article/magnets-in-the-st-louis-schools s are both alternatives to the traditional model of St. Louis Schools.

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.

How are Magnet Schools Different from Charter Schools?

St. Louis Schools also has a wide spread . A magnet school is one with a specific focus like math and science, or . 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 and must abide by all the same rules. While this does mean some consistency, it also means some challenges.

The other difference is that students are accepted in a St. Louis Schools magnet by 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 .

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.

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.

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. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Missouri/Saint-Louis/index.html ]]> Nashville Schools Examines Its 2005-2006 Performance http://www.artwoo.com/article/nashville-schools-examines-its-2005-2006-performance http://www.artwoo.com/article/nashville-schools-examines-its-2005-2006-performance#comments Mon, 11 Sep 2006 18:27:13 +0000 nashville schoolsadequate yearly progressboard of educationprogress resultspoverty schoolseducation reviewstennessee http://www.artwoo.com/article/nashville-schools-examines-its-2005-2006-performance Nashville Schools Reviews Results

Every year, every school district in must examine its performance from the pervious school year. This summer Nashville Schools had to do this as well. The Nashville Schools' Board of Education, which included both the outgoing members from 2005-2006 and the incoming members from 2006-2007, reviewed the results from the Tennessee Adequate Yearly Progress. The results will help to pinpoint for Nashville Schools those areas that have improved and where continued progress is needed. Nashville Schools had both remarkable achievements in some areas and areas that continue to be a challenge. This is the third year that the majority of schools in the Nashville Schools have received a rating of Good Standing, the highest rating that can be given. The remaining schools had moved either up or down from the previous year. The number of schools in Good Standing was 81 which is the same number as last year.

Possibly the biggest gain this year for Nashville Schools is that some of the schools categorized as high received Good Standing ratings. Two schools Kirkpatrick and Napier Elementary Schools achieved a Good Standing rating for the first time since the Tennessee Adequate Yearly Progress was established. These two schools are two of the highest poverty schools in Nashville School District. There ratings reflect the effort that the students, teachers, parents and principals put in last school year.

But many schools did not receive a rating of Good Standing or even the same rating as last year. Many of these schools received a lower rating than previously. This indicates that there are still lots of areas that still need improvement. Nashville Schools has made the commitment to strive for every school to receive a Good Standing rating. Each summer the Nashville Schools' Board of Education meets to determine what steps can be taken to improve the coming school year's scores. The difficulty is that there are a variety of factors that can influence the rating. A small adjustment in one area could affect the overall standing. With this in mind the Board tries to find a way to make every school a school that rates Good Standing.

One of the biggest concerns for the Nashville Schools' Board of Education is the size of the District. Nashville Schools currently has around 74,000 students and must provide educational opportunities that meet the needs of this student population. Nashville School District includes both Nashville and Davidson Counties, so there are logistic concerns also. Nashville Schools are very confident about how this school year will proceed. The Nashville Schools Board of Education is a nine member body that is elected at the end of every school year composed of educators, community leaders and administrators. The members are elected in a public vote by the citizens of the Nashville School District. The Board believes that there is a real potential for all the schools to gain ratings of Good Standing by summer of 2007. 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. For more information on Nashville schools visit http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Tennessee/Nashville/index.html ]]> Young Teachers Moving On In Milwaukee Schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/young-teachers-moving-on-in-milwaukee-schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/young-teachers-moving-on-in-milwaukee-schools#comments Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:20:00 +0000 turnover ratesbone of contentionfrustrationschicago schoolsprivate schoolsschool districtsfirst year teacher http://www.artwoo.com/article/young-teachers-moving-on-in-milwaukee-schools turnover rates in the nation. According to some in the Milwaukee Schools, there are several reasons for this rate.

One of the main reasons for this high rate within the Milwaukee Schools is the residency rule. Milwaukee Schools require that teachers reside within the city. At first, for young teachers, this does not seem all that bad until they are actually living in the city and cannot move. As they get married and start families, many want to move to the suburbs, but can't.

Many teachers sighted other with the Milwaukee Schools as their reason for leaving. However, all agreed with the National Commission on Teaching report that states that high turnover affects the overall education of our students. Almost all said the story of the idealistic, eager, newcomer who doesn't last very long in the job is far too familiar. Of the 50 largest in the US, only Milwaukee Schools and have this residency rule. It has long been a with teachers, but always received strong support from politicians.

Young teachers get into the Milwaukee Schools because they are anxious to start their careers but, again, they begin starting families and realize they will be forced to live in the city and to send their children to those Milwaukee Schools unless they make other arrangements or pay for . Many feel that the Milwaukee Schools are filled with bad influences and the neighborhoods are filled with crime. So, these teachers from Milwaukee Schools move on to other districts in the suburbs, and some on to other careers.

Other teachers from Milwaukee Schools cited frustrations more directly related to schools and classrooms as the main reason they moved on. One , a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, tells about a particularly bad year at one north side school. She was hired to teach first grade, but also had some five-year-old kindergarten students in her classroom. She was not given her mentor until January, and was given absolutely no support from school administration. She felt she had been left alone to sink or swim. And this is not an isolated experience.

That is not fair to the students of Milwaukee schools. Most first year teachers cite school leadership and the lack of support as a main source of either frustration. Some teachers in Milwaukee schools that are not properly administered say they spend their entire day breaking up fights and issuing discipline instead of teaching. It's hard to imagine how the Milwaukee Schools can provide for their students, when they still can't support their teachers. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Wisconsin/Milwaukee/index.html ]]> Chicago Schools Debate Merits Of Small Schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/chicago-schools-debate-merits-of-small-schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/chicago-schools-debate-merits-of-small-schools#comments Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:20:01 +0000 contactbill melinda gates foundationchicago schoolsphilanthropistsmelinda gates foundationtest scoreshigh school diploma http://www.artwoo.com/article/chicago-schools-debate-merits-of-small-schools philanthropists think it's a great idea too. Various groups like the Bill and and the Carnegie Corporation have invested $26 million to the small schools concept.

For urban areas like the , there's a lot of research to support the idea that teen learners do better in an environment where people know them and have regular with them. So over 20 of the Chicago Schools have been transformed to high schools that house 500 students or less. Elementary schools have a limit of 350 students.

The recent controversy is because the 2006 state test results for Chicago Schools did not show the expected rise in that everyone hoped to see. But there were a lot of positive effects. Teachers report that the small schools have a climate that is better for teaching and learning. Drop-out rates are lower and graduation rates are higher in Chicago Schools that have switched to the new model. But what about the test scores? If academics aren't affected are the smaller schools working?

My answer is- definitely. The fact that school climates are changing is a really big deal. Failing students in Chicago Schools usually live in low-income areas and have a history of school failure. So getting them to come to school, and to graduate is an important first step. And even if those students graduate with low test scores or low grades, the and the options it opens up can be life changing. And an improved climate at the Chicago Schools will have long-term affects as well.

One of the biggest benefits of small Chicago Schools is that it fosters relationships between teachers, students, and parents. This closer communication helps the attendance rates because smaller schools are more likely to alert parents of student absences. Smaller schools could the best thing that the Chicago Schools have done in years. That doesn't mean it's the total solution, but it's a great start.

As for why Chicago Schools didn't show improvements on the Prairie State Assessment Test, well it actually makes sense. Keeping the low-achieving-would-be drop-outs in schools probably lowers test scores overall. But that's OK, because they are where they need to be and getting a better chance at life than they would as drop-outs. Lifetime income for Chicago Schools students rises incrementally when they have a diploma.

All students in Chicago Schools, and all children in the world, thrive when given attention and when they feel that someone cares about what happens to them. Smaller schools simply make sense. I hope that the Chicago Schools have the sense to keep them around. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Illinois/Chicago/index.html ]]> Fashion Marketing Schools In California: Is The World Of Fashion Marketing In The Golden State Right For You? http://www.artwoo.com/article/fashion-marketing-schools-in-california-is-the-world-of-fashion-marketing-in-the-golden-state-right-for-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/fashion-marketing-schools-in-california-is-the-world-of-fashion-marketing-in-the-golden-state-right-for-you#comments Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:15:00 +0000 fashion marketingfashion schoolsschools in californiafashion industryintimate environmentart industryfashion designer http://www.artwoo.com/article/fashion-marketing-schools-in-california-is-the-world-of-fashion-marketing-in-the-golden-state-right-for-you fashion marketing schools. In California there are many schools that an aspiring or fashion entrepreneur can choose to attend to learn their stuff, if they know where to start looking and if their head is in the right place. Many people think that anybody can afford to go to and get into any of the fashion marketing , but that is not true.

In essence, the is a great deal like the , and art students need to do more than breathe and have a heartbeat to get into art school, don't they? Even so, if anybody could get into fashion marketing schools, there would be a good many failures and drop-outs as the industry is simply not for everyone.

How to Know If California is Right for You

It is not just fashion marketing schools that must be considered but also whether or not the location is right. California is certainly a beautiful state, but it is also jammed full of people, cars, and smog; that paints a pretty nasty picture but anybody who has ever been to California should know that things are quite to the contrary.

It is a beautiful state with a booming economy in the fashion niche, and it is where many artists and designers actually get their start. If you can't deal with a little bit of pollution, some rather strange people, and a whole lot of noise and business then most of the fashion marketing schools in California are probably not going to be the best idea for you.

Choosing the Right in California

If you decide that California is the type of environment that you would do well in, it is just a matter of deciding on the right fashion marketing schools. In California many of the art institutes have fashion divisions and fashion majors that people can get marketing degrees in, but finding the right one for you is the most important thing. If you prefer to learn in a more and get individualized attention, then perhaps a private art schools if for you.

Some of the best fashion marketing schools in California are public colleges that don't have as stringent of an admissions process as the private ones do, yet they still put out graduates. See which colleges graduate the most students and the average cost of attendance as well as other factors that matter to you in selecting a school.

Choosing the right fashion marketing schools is not always the easiest thing to do. Deciding to attend fashion marketing schools in California is a big step, and if you want to be prepared for it you can start now. Do your research and find out which schools best suit your needs and start submitting your application materials. If you can get all of your ducks in a row, this can be one of the biggest steps in your life.

I hope you find this article informative as to decide if choosing this type of career path in the state of California is right for you. Article written by Jessica Bradbury, she has a site dedicated to articles on fashion designer schools at http://www.fashion-school-info.com ]]> Teachers In New York City Schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/teachers-in-new-york-city-schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/teachers-in-new-york-city-schools#comments Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:54:58 +0000 regents examyork city schoolsnew york city schoolsmandatory testsplace teacherslearning environmentscity experience http://www.artwoo.com/article/teachers-in-new-york-city-schools York City Schools are at an advantage because New York State has required the stringent as a requirement for graduation for years. That doesn't mean that everyone in the is fond of the , but it has put the city and state at an advantage as far as meeting some of the No Child Left Behind Act's Standards. At least teachers and administrators of the New York City Schools already had some tight standards in place.

Teachers in New York City Schools need to have or obtain a Master's Degree to teach. While the New York City Schools are in need of teachers, just like the rest of the nation, the standards that they hold their teachers to and the pay are among the highest in the country. That's not to say the New York City Schools don't have problems- they do. But the New York City Schools do have a sound foundation for hiring teachers.

Diversity of New York City Schools

For anyone who hasn't visited the Big Apple, it's not easy to explain the different worlds that exist in one city. It's like the difference between the hustle and busy of New York City and the rural feel of the rest of New York State- different worlds. For teachers in New York City it means that where you teach can make all the difference in the world. New York City school teachers in Harlem will have an inner-, while New York City school teachers in Long Island may have a more suburban teaching experience.

Issues for New York City Schools

The size of New York City Schools and classrooms is an issue that has haunted teachers for years. Most teachers agree that smaller class sizes are more effective for creating . Some students and teachers in about 50 New York City Schools have moved into smaller sized school buildings. Teachers in New York City Schools say that smaller school sizes create a more intimate setting, better parent-teacher relationships, and higher student achievement. Teachers also have a better chance of individualizing instruction when there are fewer students in a classroom. While the small schools initiative was mainly targeted at school size, teachers try to address class size as well.

Teacher turnover has been an issue in many, usually poorer, New York City Schools. Coming up with ways to keep teachers happy in these at-risk areas continues to be a challenge. Tenured teachers often leave these for "better" schools. And turnover itself creates issues. The teachers in the New York City Schools have a tough job by anyone's standards. And as the country looks for solutions to public education, New York City Schools will continue to be watched closely. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/New-York/New-York-City/index.html ]]> A Commentary On Dallas Schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-commentary-on-dallas-schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-commentary-on-dallas-schools#comments Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:29:59 +0000 magnet programsdallas schoolsdallas public schoolswallace foundationstudent spendingexcellent educationarts education http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-commentary-on-dallas-schools
Awards in

Dallas Schools have won numerous awards for their . IBM has recognized several Dallas Schools as "exemplary" or "recognized". This recognition is vital to . 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.

Lower Budget in the Dallas Schools

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 , indeed the most important parts of any school system budget. While money doesn't solve everything, it certainly does help!

in the Dallas Schools

A new Dallas Schools Arts Coalition was recently announced in February 2007. The 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.



Science Magnets in the Dallas Schools

Dallas Schools offer many . 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. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Texas/Dallas/index.html ]]> Orlando Schools To Improve Literacy http://www.artwoo.com/article/orlando-schools-to-improve-literacy http://www.artwoo.com/article/orlando-schools-to-improve-literacy#comments Sun, 24 Feb 2008 14:24:59 +0000 latch key kidssummer reading programbeverly hillbilliesorlando schoolsbook shelvessummer vacationsred bus http://www.artwoo.com/article/orlando-schools-to-improve-literacy summer reading program that Orlando Public Schools got behind this summer. The took a bus, painted it red, ripped the seats out and installed . The bus was then crammed with books for kids ages 5 to 18. Orlando Schools students can keep the books they take off the bus, or they can bring them back and get more. What an awesome program!

When I look back at , I find that I was mostly bored. My best friend's parents always took her to New York for the summer, and all I had to look forward to was a 3-week trip to my grandparents' houses in Ohio. While I did have fun visiting them, most of the summer was quite boring, and lonely, to tell you the truth.

Orlando Schools Brings the Books to the Students

The big intended to serve Orlando Schools students in the summer would've done me a world of good as a child. While I've always been an avid reader, meeting the bus would have given me something to look forward to. A lot of "latch-key kids" are pretty starved at times for contact with other kids. When parents of children in the Orlando Schools work or can't be available a lot of children are left to fend for themselves.

As a child my family went to bookstores fairly often, but I often found myself with nothing to read unless I reread what I already had. I did plenty of that, but more and more times I sat down to watch Andy Griffith and ' reruns, instead. If my school had had the Orlando Schools program in place for the summer holidays, I'm sure that the vacation would have passed quickly for me.

I'm not bitter, however. Education has come a long way in schools throughout the country, and Orlando Schools are no exception. I truly believe that the schools I attended did the best they knew how at the time and have simply progressed over time to continually improve, as they should. Today, however, they are concentrating more on keeping students engaged over the summer months, and I applaud them for that. Orlando Schools have recognized the need to keep kids reading when they are off, and this will pr help retention of what the students have learned in the previous school year as well. Since the newness of free books will most likely wear off, the leaders of this program developed by Orlando Schools have also developed a website to encourage the kids to keep visiting the bus, and to keep reading. Orlando Schools students who have gotten books from the bus can log on, record what they've read, and in the process get a chance to win prizes. Not much else thrills a kid more than that! 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Florida/Orlando/index.html ]]> Massage Schools Educate People Around The World http://www.artwoo.com/article/massage-schools-educate-people-around-the-world http://www.artwoo.com/article/massage-schools-educate-people-around-the-world#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2007 23:25:01 +0000 massage schoolsmassage therapiesmassage therapistpractice massagemassage trainingmassage schoolall fifty states http://www.artwoo.com/article/massage-schools-educate-people-around-the-world s are located around the United States and around the entire world. People interested in pursuing a career as a will find a great selection of schools for their studies. The massage schools offer different types of programs and courses so each student should think carefully about the type of program they would like to find before beginning their search. There are more than eighty different types of so each student will want to research the options before searching for a school. Massage schools are located in and in many foreign countries so potential students should think about their preferences for location.

Prior to choosing a massage school, it's important to do research regarding the rules and regulations for practicing massage in a given province or state, as well as knowing what the licensing requirements are for a city or town. This can give a better idea of what kind of will be needed to legally with a certain area.

Some massage schools specialize in different types of massage, and the possibilities are amazing. Some types of massage are great for someone who wants to work on their own, and other types of massage are great if a student wants to work for an established organization. Some people go to massage schools with an area of expertise in mind that will provide them with perfect training to work at a lavish spa or resort. These types of massage schools will also provide training that open up opportunities on cruise ships.

Massage Schools Offer Courses For Specific Fields

Massage schools offer specific courses for their students. The information for each of the accredited schools can be obtained by contacting the school or checking their website. Some of the best schools have more offerings than others. Those massage schools that have a wide selection of specialties allow students to start with the basic courses and then select specialties. The massage schools with the widest selection of specialties are great for students who change their minds about their goals after they start the program.

The best massage schools offer beginning courses for study of the muscular and skeletal structures in the human body. These courses prepare students to move into the different specialties. Excellent schools then allow students to study massage modalities. The excellent schools also provide students with courses to help them offer their massage skills as the core of an effective business. The good schools help students with decisions about working as a massage therapist after their studies are complete. Many of the good schools offer courses so students learn to design health and fitness programs for their clients. These excellent schools often offer programs so students get actual work experience while going to school. For more articles like this one about massage please visit: http://www.massage-news.com ]]> Public Versus Private New Orleans Schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/public-versus-private-new-orleans-schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/public-versus-private-new-orleans-schools#comments Sat, 06 Oct 2007 08:20:01 +0000 new orleans public schoolsgoing to new orleansunscathedart computer labsfingers crossedhurricane katrinaprivate school http://www.artwoo.com/article/public-versus-private-new-orleans-schools private school and have to send their kids to public schools and keep their . For still yet others, scrimping and saving to send little Johnny and Suzie to private school is their top priority. Sure, for most private schools, there are lots of benefits: smaller class sizes, a wider array of programs available such as Latin or Montessori, and the quality of amenities the school has to offer (pool, track, state-of-the-, etc=85) are all examples.

But what about cities like New Orleans? There, they have to rebuild their school systems from the ground up; wiped everything out, schools included. Even if New Orleans Schools had made it through the storm , for a time there were no students to attend them. The city has a unique opportunity to restructure their entire New Orleans Schools educational system; what an exciting prospect!

Dividing up the area into two districts, the public sector of New Orleans Schools is working to not only get schools going again, but to also make sure that they are doing it right. Feeling that this division of management will allow for more flexibility throughout the city, leaders are working to ensure that all students who return to public New Orleans Schools will get the chance to continue in their educational careers. For students whose families are sending them to , this restructuring is a beacon of hope. Their children may get the chance to continue learning, and they will do so in newer, safer environments. Their lives have been torn apart by wind and rain; they've lost their homes and their livelihoods. They deserve the consistency that Schools can, hopefully, provide.

For some families, enrolling their children in a private New Orleans Schools is the decision they've made for their students. The rebuilding of an entire city is a great way for private New Orleans Schools to get a foothold in the city. While the public schools must work through the bureaucracy to get things done, private schools must go before their board of directors and perhaps the building permit office in order for changes to occur. Definitely a shorter process, it allows for private New Orleans Schools to open their doors to students. Not only are churches and private institutions leaders of private New Orleans Schools, corporations and groups of parents are getting together to form charter schools. For many families, these quasi-public New Orleans Schools are the way to go. They can choose which school philosophy works for them, which ones they can afford to attend, and go from there.

So, whether you choose private New Orleans Schools or public ones, you and your family have options. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Louisiana/New-Orleans/index.html ]]> New Orleans Schools Are On The Mend http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-orleans-schools-are-on-the-mend http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-orleans-schools-are-on-the-mend#comments Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:15:02 +0000 hurricane katrinahurricane new orleansschool infrastructuregraduation rategraduation ratesteacher recruitmentsmaller schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-orleans-schools-are-on-the-mend Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. In fact, many of its numbers are actually better than those before the hurricane. New Orleans Schools have improved in many of the key benchmarks that students, parents, and community members look at when assessing the strength of a school system. Below is a list of some of the important areas in which New Orleans Schools are making important strides.

Teachers- New Orleans Public Schools are going to retain 98% of its teachers into the 2007-2008 school year. This is well above the national average and a considerable achievement considering that many teachers were driven away after the storm by poor living conditions. More than 99% of those teachers are certified and a large number of those are considered "highly-qualified," an important marker for No Child Left Behind directives.

School Size- New Orleans Schools have been able to keep school size appropriate. This is an achievement post-Katrina because larger schools would have been easier to build or repair instead of several . Studies have shown that smaller schools or learning communities within schools are more conducive to student learning.

Low Teacher to Student Ratio- Perhaps most importantly, due to strong and teacher retention, New Orleans Schools is managing a low student to teacher ratio in all of its schools. Several studies have shown that teacher to student ratio is one of the most important factors in student success and learning.

Recovery- The New Orleans Schools district has signed a number of important contracts to repair and rebuild schools lost during the storm and subsequent breaching of the levies. A master plan of should be on the table in early 2008.

s- New Orleans Schools have been able to improve its graduation rate post-Katrina. In the Parish-led schools the graduation rate is as high as 95%. It is somewhat lower in charter schools and recovery district schools, but is on the rise.

Attendance Rates- New Orleans Schools has set up a unique program to improve attendance. In conjunction with a board of advisors (comprised of local business leaders), New Orleans Schools are now offering incentives for perfect and near perfect attendance. The "President's Club" awards students for going to school on time every day.

New Orleans Schools- A Long Way to Go

New Orleans Schools are in a position unique to American history. Never was a city and its infrastructure as devastated in peace time. New Orleans Schools have a tough battle cut out for them, but with improvements like the ones listed above, they are on track to a success brighter than that before the storm hit. 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 http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Louisiana/New-Orleans/index.html ]]>