Study: 2 in 5 teachers 'disheartened' with profession

Recognizing the importance of teacher quality in transforming underperforming schools, Education Secretary Arne Duncan has made retaining and rewarding effective teachers a cornerstone of his school reform agenda. But a recent report that suggests 40 percent of U.S. teachers are disheartened with their profession indicates how difficult these challenges will be. Key words: effective teaching, teacher survey, school improvement, teachers salary, education technology, public agenda, learning point associates

Teens sue district in suggestive pix flap

Two sophomore girls have sued their school district after they were punished for posting sexually suggestive photos on MySpace during their summer vacation. Key words: internet safety, online safety, MySpace safety, MySpace school, sexting, educational techology

Parents: Focus more on 21st-century skills

Although parents, K-12 students, and educators agree that using technology is essential to learning and student success, parents are largely dissatisfied with the technology skills their children are learning in schools, according to a new analysis of survey data released Oct. 29 by the nonprofit Project Tomorrow and Blackboard Inc. Key words: Speak Up Survey, educational technology, 21st century skills, Project Tomorrow, Blackboard Inc., global competitiveness, school technology