The State is responsible for choosing schools

Education Week looks at a case in Louisville, where the court judged that it is right that the state should choose the school that children attend.  This affects state or public schools only; and it means that students do not necessarily attend the school closest to them.  It is an interesting judgement, one than might avoid sink schools by catchment area.  It needs to be done well, however.

Rewards in Education

Mark Smith considers the benefits, and otherwise of using rewards in education.  My feeling is that students should not be praised, or rewarded for doing what is expected of them, for example, doing classwork or homework.  Praising impressive work, or impressive effort is worthwhile, however.  This article considers incentives that have been popular in many schools, namely giving prizes for work.

Home Education - a right?

I am uncertain about home education.  Part of me, that part that hated school as a child and experienced its flaws as an adult, thinks that the state should not interfere; not at least until it sorts itself out.  At the same time   there are many examples of neglect and abuse that suggest that we as a society have a duty to protect our children.  My inclination, however, is that we should not determine laws on the basis of what will avoid the worst in society.  If the review of Home Education in the UK is a reaction to high profile child abuse cases, it is wrong then.  Such cases should be studied for the exceptions that they are; and home education should not be criticised by an assumed association.

Single Sex Education - a violation of rights?

Having taught in co-educational as well as single-sex schools I can see a lot of advantages in each.  Single sex education is not the answer for all students, but it can help to focus teaching, as well as focussing students.  Regardless, it seems incredible that a court is making a ruling, in this case preventing a middle school from offering single-sex lessons.  Surely commonsense should be recognised as part of the US Constitution.

Online learning - a law

Changes in the US mean that some states now oblige students to complete some of their learning online.  Have a look.

E-books and classrooms

Changes in the print industry are opening up avenues for more digital publishing.  Of greater relevance for classrooms, however, might be the work of Mercy Pilkington, given a brief outline at the bottom of the article.  I am not convinced, though I can see the potential in some circumstances.

Apprenticeships are worth considering

An interesting outline of the Swiss education system, where apprenticeships are the norm for most young people.  My experience would certainly suggest that the same would be useful for the UK.  Higher Education is just one route, and it suits a particular type of person.