A new report by LFA and Grunwald Associates, with support from AT&T, examines how parents perceive the value of mobile devices, how they see their children using mobiles, and what they think of the possibilities for mobile learning.
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Blog Entries
Richard Simmons should feel vindicated by a new studies that demonstrate the importance of health and physical education.
Today's on-line edition of Education Week reports that five elementary schools in Philadelphia have managed to control obesity rates among their students by keeping sodas and candy out of vending machines, trimming back snack foods, encouraging physical education and educating parents, teachers and children about healthy nutrition.
According to a study of these schools published today in Pediatrics, students in schools that followed these steps for two years were half as likely to become fat as students in schools that did not. ...
As 
part of our week-long examination of student health and safety, we have gathered together descriptions of our member associations' work to keep students safe. Keep reading for an extensive list of resources from Learning First Alliance member associations.
- School Crisis Guide: National Education Association Health Information Network
This new manual offers step-by-step advice to help schools and districts prepare for, respond appropriately to, and help students and teachers recover after a crisis. Created by educators for educators, this guide aims to keep schools safe and help students return to learning after a crisis. - School and Community Safety Site: National Education Association
New success stories keep coming in from districts across the country--Many thanks to Public School Insights readers who have taken time to submit news about what's working in their schools.
Many of the stories we have posted over the past two weeks focus on community connections.
Here's a sample: ...
As part of its week-long examination of student health and safety, Public School Insights has assembled abundant information on its member associations' initiatives to ensure every child a healthy learning environment. Read on for an extensive list of resources from Learning First Alliance member associations...
American Association of School Administrators
The Asthma Leadership Project
AASA helps building school district leaders' capacity \to address childhood asthma.
Healthy School Environments
Poor indoor air quality poses a serious risk to children’s health and academic performance. To prepare schools for children, this program promotes holistic improvements to the school environment, while educating students and staff.
Leadership for Healthy Communities
Working in collaboration with the Leadership for Healthy Communities partner organizations, AASA encourages superintendents' commitment and action to reduce childhood obesity. ...
This week, Public School Insights turns its attention to student health and security. Both are essential to safe, inspiring learning environments that foster strong
So, stay tuned to www.publicschoolinsights.org for a series of on-line events focusing on student health, including: ...
Education Week reported a couple of months ago that a change to Medicaid reimbursement rules could cost districts Billions in the coming years. Currently, schools that provide health care services for Medicaid-enrolled children with disabilities can be reimbursed by Medicaid for transportation and administrative costs. But a Bush administration decision may well bring an end to all that.
Districts across the country are now bracing for the double impact of lost Medicaid reimbursements and a potentially "wrenching" fiscal crisis. (A very hasty Google search of news stories over the past few weeks turned up articles about the effect of Medicaid changes on schools in Florida, Arizona, Wisconsin and others.) ...
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Michael de Vito and Carmen Macchia of Port Chester Middle School, one of the many successful schools we feature on this site.
De Vito and Macchia told me the remarkable story of how they and their colleagues created a safe and positive school climate, a richer, broader curriculum focused on literacy and aligned to state assessments, a commitment to literacy across the curriculum, intensive collaboration among school staff, and strong support for teachers' work.
A central piece of their strategy: a focus on reading across the curriculum. DeVito and Macchia describe how their school-wide commitment to literacy has actually enriched their curriculum, rather than narrowing it.
One of Principal Macchia's insights bears repeating: It takes time to effect real transformation in schools. Though the political environment may favor instant turnaround, Macchia urges educators to settle in for a much longer haul. He advocates for multi-year plans to effect true systemic change.
Do you have a story about your school's transformation? Leave us a comment below, or share it through our story tool. ...
A new study by the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE) finds that low-income youth are far less likely than their peers to learn about politics and citizenship in school. At a time when voter turnout among disadvantaged youth is dishearteningly low, CIRCLE's findings raise concerns that a generation is being disenfranchised through neglect. 
Fortunately, schools like the Boston Community Leadership Academy are working to level the playing field.
Let me hear from you. How can we ensure that our low-income youth have access to excellent civic education? ...
Welcome! This new Learning First Alliance website presents a fresh, 21st century vision for public schools, with real examples of what is working in all kinds of public schools and districts. see how public schools - maybe even yours -- are pursuing imaginative strategies to helping students succeed.
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Yesterday's Washington Post included a somewhat dissatisfying article on critical thinking skills. While the author dutifully provides the Foundation for Critical Thinking's definition of the elusive term, the article's most convincing statement about critical thinking comes in a quotation from Tufts University dean Robert Sternberg: "You know it when you see it." Though some concrete examples may have been in order, the article disappoints us.
As if rising to the challenge, ASCD released a Smart Brief Special Report this morning entitled Teaching Students to Think, Part I, which "explores the many ways educators are developing students' thinking skills." Stay tuned for Part II (Coming February 21st), which will focus on "best practices and professional development." ...
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A VISION FOR GREAT SCHOOLS
On this website, educators, parents and policymakers from coast to coast are sharing what's already working in public schools--and sparking a national conversation about how to make it work for children in every school. Join the conversation!
