This week we’d like to start of Editor’s Extras by giving a warm welcome to our newest intern, Dan Woolf, who will be working on reviews, research and creating these wonderful Editor’s Extras. Dan is a graduate from Miami University, where he double-majored in philosophy and American studies. Welcome to TBFI!
- This report from the Alliance for Excellent Education warns against putting off necessary long-term education reforms because of the short-term programs embedded within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and Race to the Top. It calls for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, but regards NCLB as ineffective for solving our education woes for a number of reasons, including NCLB’s blunt grading system and its incompatibility with the goals of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
- In light of Cleveland’s string of tough educational, economic, and publicity luck (it was recently declared the “most miserable city” in America by Forbes magazine), a native son known for his political savvy and proclivity for giving away cars and kitchenware has finally decided to step up and offer Cleveland the solutions others have failed to provide for years. Drew Carey is answering the call by creating and starring in a series of online documentaries suggesting the political path Cleveland should follow for a more prosperous future. For some odd reason, not everyone seems eager to follow the comedian’s advice on governance. Carey’s first suggestion: listen to “Cleveland Rocks” on repeat.
- This New York Times Magazine preview explores the challenges of determining what makes a better teacher, and then instructing others how to become one. While one professor tries to overcome the theory-based focus of university Ed schools, an introverted teacher builds a taxonomy for effective teaching that views classroom management as a crucial link to instruction, rather than a chore.
- People Magazine reports will.i.am (of Black Eyed Peas fame) is sending four students to college on his dime—an opportunity he didn’t get growing up “in a Los Angeles housing project.” The article tries to make the contrast that the Black Eyed Peas usually want to make people dance, but in this case they’re going to want to study. We disagree: if someone were bankrolling our college educations, it would probably still make us want to dance.