We know how important and how expensive a good education has become. College students graduate with an average $24,000 debt. (Thirty years ago it was near zero). At the same time, high school diplomas no longer provide a ticket to the middle class; more than ever before, advanced training is critical to finding and...
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More than 1,000 music teachers are in Yakima this weekend for the association’s annual state conference – and to celebrate the group’s 75th birthday. About 1,600 of the state’s best student musicians are also in town to perform a series of concerts beginning today. via Local News | Increased HS grad courses mean less...
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A superintendent in Oregon explains the reasons why a shift to a four-day school week works well for students, teachers, and families. Start with better academic performance. via The four-day school week: why less really is more | Crosscut.com.
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Summit Academy will have an open house and information night Wed, Feb. 15, 6-7 p.m. Current students will discuss how project-based learning and a rigorous, college readiness curriculum combine to inspire them. A short film will demonstrate how transformative this education reform model is. Now enrolling K-6, growing to K-12 at 7430 276th St...
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Two proposals to change the way Washington state evaluates teachers were back in play Tuesday in Olympia after being blocked last week by the leaders of Legislature’s education committees. via Local News | Wash. teacher evaluation bills come back to life | Seattle Times Newspaper.
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Snohomish County Public Utility District has awarded 16 mini-grants for science-related educational projects in several school districts. The grants help schools incorporate energy and water education into their curriculum. Locally, a class at Port Susan Middle School received a grant. After studying the forms and sources of energy,  Rebecca Klein’s 6th grade students will...
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A week ago there was an article in the Seattle Times describing a large drop in applicants to the UW this year.  Considering that other WA State schools have not seen a similar decline and all state colleges are experiencing essentially the same tuition increases, why are UW applications down? Could it be the...
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A fascinating and important piece in the Wall Street Journal this morning makes the case that our modern habit of keeping kids out of work during years and years of academic study may actually stunt the development of important parts of their brain: the parts that have to do with practicality and making responsible...
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The Shining Star Award was presented to three students, Lindsay Thomas, Stanwood High School, Paige Johnson, Elger Bay Elementary, and Storm Ironwing, Cedarhome Elementary, at the Board of Directors meeting in November. Each were recognized for demonstrating positive accomplishments, perseverance, and overcoming personal challenges. read the rest at  Stanwood-Camano School District #401 – Shining...
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by Norman W Wilson, PhD Toward the end of the last century, the Washington Post published an article  by Alfie Kohn: A Look At . . . Getting Back to Basics First Lesson: Unlearn How We Learned. (October 10, 1999.) Mr. Kohn’s opening sentence rang true then and unfortunately rings true today. He wrote,...
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