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NJ Spotlight--Coding in Kindergarten? NJ Says It’s Never Too Early for Computer Science
Governor announces five-point plan that will put computers and STEM technology in every grade, starting with the youngest
Gov. Phil Murphy wants to amp up computer science instruction, even in kindergarten.
Over the years, computer science hasn’t always gotten its due in New Jersey’s public schools.
For more than a decade, New Jersey has included computer and technology skills among those students are expected to learn in school. To that end, there is a wealth of courses and even whole schools and academies centered on STEM and computer skills.
John Mooney | November 6, 2019 | Education
The Atlantic--The Power of a Wealthy PTA
Thanks to parents’ donations, some public schools can afford shiny extras like coding classes, camping trips, and classroom iPads.
Parent-teacher associations, or PTAs, are generally considered quaint and charming at best, and innocuous at worst. Run by volunteers, they are known for organizing bake sales and holiday parties, and buying gifts for Teacher Appreciation Day.
But PTAs, despite their wholesome reputation, can also wield significant financial power, helping determine which programs a school can afford to offer. A PTA at a well-off school might raise a million dollars or more to pay for additional teachers’ salaries, band or orchestra instruments, a new library, iPads for classrooms, field trips, or other initiatives.
https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/11/pta-fundraising-schools/601435/
Suzanne Cope| Nov 5, 2019
Edutopia--Helping Students Pick a Unique College Admission Essay Topic
Many college admission essays are the same, but these exercises can help students find topics that make them stand out.
“But my life is so boring!” “Nothing has ever happened to me!”
My students are less than thrilled when I tell them they’ll be writing college application-style essays—those short, personal narratives intended to give admissions and scholarship committees insight into students’ unique qualities.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/helping-students-pick-unique-college-admission-essay-topic
Christina Baulch| November 1, 2019
