January 28, 2005

 I. Teachers and Teaching

1. International Symposium on Qualification Systems for Teachers in Beijing

The International Symposium on Qualification Systems for Teachers will be held April 8th to 10th, 2005 in Beijing. It is coordinated by Beijing Normal University and Directing Center of Teacher Qualifications with the Ministry of Education in China. The system of teacher qualification was legislated in China three years ago. Chinese education researchers and policy makers are interested in learning about teacher qualification systems in other countries.

2. Reciprocal License Bestowed on New Teachers
Almost 200 teaching candidates from three East Coast states and the District of Columbia have earned a new designation that will allow them to work throughout the region without having to meet additional state licensing requirements.

II. Learners and Learning

1. Beijing Forbids Remedial Courses to be Held during Winter Break

Beijing model middle schools have a tradition of requiring remedial courses during winter and summer breaks. However, this academic demand interferes with the freedom of both teachers and students to enjoy breaks. The Commission of Education in Beijing required that all schools eliminate the use of remedial courses during the coming winter break.

2. Report: Every State Increasing Share of Successful AP Students                     

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In every state and the District of Columbia, more students are passing at least one Advanced Placement test, a sign of progress in a nation eager to improve college preparation.

III. Leaders and Leadership

1. Campus Security is Strengthened by the Government                                                       

The Ministry of Education, Security Department, Ministry of Law, Ministry of Culture, and News Agency allied to establish an inspection commission to promote security in K-12 schools across China. The commission will examine schools nation-wide to ensure that school management contributes to a secure environment for children.

2. How Much Money is Enough?                                                                                        

A New York case is emblematic of the newest and most controversial thinking on school financing, which focuses not simply on whether different districts are funded roughly equally but on the far thornier and open-ended question of just how much money is enough to ensure that an education is constitutionally "adequate."

IV. Curriculum

1. Ancient Canons are Popular in Chinese Curriculum                                                                     

Local governments in China have the authority to develop its own curriculum, including the selection of textbooks.  Ha’erbin Province in Northern China has favored the inclusion of ancient canonical readings in the curriculum.  It is suggested that the material should be selected cautiously and students should be guided appropriately.

2. Ningbo Middle School Teachers Talk about “Love”                                                            

Love is not openly discussed in schools in China. However, in the week of activities concerning “psychological health,” Ningbo middle school teachers talked with students about how to establish healthy attitudes toward love.

3. Ranking Math and Science Students Internationally                                                     

Two international comparisons released in December showed mixed results for American 4th graders, 8th graders, and 15-year-olds. Of those three groups, only the scores of 8th graders were consistently celebrated for improving and closing the achievement gap between white and African American students.

 V.  Family and Community

1. How to Help Children Speak Appropriately                                                                   

 A Child’s environment (including school) contributes to their manner of speaking. However, the family is the most important factor that affects the manner in which children speak. It is suggested that parents begin to talk with children in appropriate ways to provide good modeling. 

2. How to Get Along with Your Children                                                                              

Liu Yong, a famous Chinese writer suggested that Chinese parents listen to their children’s voice, fully communicate with them, and encourage them to ask questions.

3. Best toys for your children
Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., also known as “Dr. Toy” is a nationally recognized expert on toys and children's products. Read her advice on choosing the best products.  Included are recommendations for developmentally appropriate toys.