Barack Obama was sworn in as 44th President of the U.S. this week – what would YOUR advice be to him on improving global education? Write additional comments in the “Speak Up” section
Change the way we assess learning
Create more programs around improving math and science education
Infuse money into public schools
Give tax breaks to quality teachers
Start Date: January 23, 2009 @ 8:36 am
This week, Chicago public schools chief Arne Duncan is to be confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Education. What issue would you like to see Duncan tackle in his first year in office? Tell us what you think on the Speak Up page.
A. Improve teacher development and retention programs so we can keep good, quality teachers from leaving the public education system
C. Bring more computers into the classrooms, so students are learning 21st century skills
B. Provide financial bailout, so we can prevent more public school closures
Start Date: January 13, 2009 @ 9:30 am
In his recent address about his economic recovery plan, President-elect Barack Obama talked about creating 21st century schools in order to help our children compete in a 21st century economy. This would involve upgrading and modernizing school buildings, bringing in more computers into the classroom and providing students access to the internet. Do you agree that computer literacy is important in staying competitive in today’s world economy?
A. I agree, American students need to be fluent in technology in order to compete in a 21st century economy. Computer literacy should be a minimum requirement for students
B. I disagree. Computers and the internet are nice tools to help enhance student’s experiences in the classroom, but quality teachers will help prepare our children for the workplace
Start Date: January 6, 2009 @ 11:45 am
Last week, President-elect Barack Obama announced Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan as his pick for the Secretary of Education. As head of Chicago schools, Duncan earned a solid reputation for confronting pressing issues in public education and has raised achievement in the nation’s third-largest school district. Do you agree with Obama’s choice? (Tell us more about your thoughts on the Speak Up page.)
Yes
Indifferent
No
Start Date: December 22, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
The US ranked in the top 15 in this year's Global Education Olympics with Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan taking the winning places. According to studies from TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), the winning countries have better access to technology, better attention to detail in choosing teachers and focus more on student’s individualism compared to the US. TIMSS also attributes these three characteristics to the educational success of the winning countries. Which do you think is the most important issue for the US to focus on to ensure success in the future? (Also tell us your thoughts on the Speak Up page.)
All attributes are equally important
Giving more attention to choosing inspired, knowledgeable teachers
Increased focus on students’ individual achievements
Better access to technology
Start Date: December 16, 2008 @ 8:45 am