Highlights from the May 5, 2006 PEN Newsblast

Every now and the the PEN Newsblast is loaded with interesting items. I try to be selective when I cite them, but there are too many good choices this time. So here are my favorites from the May 5th eidtion.
Enjoy.

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Top Five Special Education Issues

Thirty years ago, Congress announced that more than half of American children with disabilities were not receiving appropriate educational services. Today, American schools have a world-class system for differentiating instruction for all students, regardless of cognitive, emotional or physical limitations. That's quite an accomplishment, and something about which educators should be proud.[...] Whether it's because teachers and administrators are all leery of being called prejudiced, embarrassed about some of their past policies or simply too overwhelmed with day-to-day work to get their arms around the bigger issues, the result is the same: There are a number of seemingly insurmountable challenges in special education, and not much is being said about them: (1) Not all special ed students have gotten the education they deserve; (2) Special education teachers are often considered second-class citizens; (3) Special education paperwork overwhelms teachers and administrators; (4) A disproportionate number of children of color end up in special education; and (5) Numbers of special-ed students grow as number of dollars shrink.

Harassment of Gay Students in School Still Too Commonplace

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, announced findings from the 2005 National School Climate Survey (NSCS), the only national survey to document the experiences of students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) in America's schools. The survey reveals that anti-LGBT bullying and harassment remain commonplace in America's schools... Overall, LGBT students were twice as likely as the general population of students to report they were not planning to pursue any post-secondary education. The average GPA for LGBT students who were frequently physically harassed was half a grade lower than that of LGBT students experiencing less harassment (2.6 versus 3.1). On a positive note, the report indicates that trained and supportive staff, the presence of Gay Student Alliance clubs, and anti-bullying policies all lead to reductions in harassment.

Other Demands Outmuscling Physical Education Instruction

Most states require physical education for elementary and high school students, but the time in these classes is often short and is being gobbled up by other academic demands, a new report says. Some classes are even offered online. The trend could undercut efforts to stave off obesity in children, the researchers say... "Schools have a difficult time squeezing everything in," says Bruce Hunter. "PE and the arts have gotten pushed to the side a little because administrators, principals and teachers are trying to get in as much instructional time as they can to prepare for state achievement tests."

Race, Income Influence School Experience, Survey Suggests

"African-American students are far more likely than white students to report that their teachers have low academic expectations for them," finds a new report from the Education Alliance, a local education fund. "African-American pupils are also less likely to indicate that there are sufficient caring and mentoring relationships between students and teachers." Researchers surveyed 19 West Virginia schools -- four in central cities, two in mid-sized cities, three in small towns and 10 in rural areas, reports Anna L. Mallory. "This may be the most important research we've done," said Hazel Palmer, director of the alliance. "We're not saying [students’] perception is reality. But, it is now."...

Paying for College: The Rising Cost of Higher Education

At the same time that a college education has become the ticket to the middle class, college has become less affordable. The situation in New England is worse than it is nationally. Even though incomes are higher in the region, families are likely spending a higher share of their income to pay for college. In 2003-04, families with students attending a community college in New England spent 17 percent of their annual income to cover the costs of college. Families are stretching even more to attend a public four-year college in the region, spending 21 percent of their income. Private colleges are the most expensive, requiring that families spend a stunning 33 percent of their income. Although family incomes and grant aid have increased over the past decade, they have not increased enough to offset the increases in tuition prices. As a consequence, more students and parents are taking out loans to finance their college education, and the amount of debt that students are carrying has increased significantly during the past ten years...

Are Charter Schools Closing the Achievement Gap?(PDF)

Charter schools have been lauded for reasons ranging from increasing parental choice to introducing innovative practices to reducing educational bureaucracies. However, most charter schools are located in urban centers and enroll lower-income and minority students. Serving disadvantaged students is a principal goal of charter school reform. Assessments should account for this purpose. An article by Ron Zimmer and Richard Buddin examines the effect that charter schools are having on student achievement in general, and on different demographic groups, in two major urban districts in California. The authors find that achievement scores in charter schools are keeping pace, but not exceeding those of traditional public schools. The findings in this study show that charter school effects do not vary systematically with race/ethnicity or English proficiency status of students.