Stats that Stick: August 31, 2011

High school graduates who think their high school diploma is not enough to compete in today’s society: 90 percent
A new report shows that roughly 90 percent of 2010 high school graduates believe it’s not enough to be able to compete with a high school diploma, and they believe college is important. The report, released by the College Board – which administers the SAT and Advanced Placement exams – surveyed roughly 1,500 students who graduated in 2010 one year later. Three-fourths of students said they had a “good” or “great” 2010, and only 9 percent said they were dissatisfied with their high school experience. However, nearly half said they wish they had enrolled in different classes in high school, especially more difficult science, math, and writing courses. Read Entire Post

Morning Announcements: August 31, 2011

Chicago Public Schools officials announced they have agreed with teachers union to implement Common Core State Standards into the city's curriculum beginning in the 2012-2013 school year. The more rigorous standards have been adopted by forty-five states, including Illinois, but have not yet been enacted in Chicago, according to the Chicago Tribune. The state standards curriculum is a national initiative to improve student performance in core subject areas such s math and reading by favoring comprehension and analysis over rote memorization.

President Barack Obama spoke about education issues in an interview on the nationally syndicated radio program the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Education Week reports some people in the education sector are hopeful Obama will include money to help avoid teacher layoffs and to revamp old schools in his job-creation package set to be unveiled in coming weeks.

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