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Education Reform, Part 2: Panelists prefer formative testing

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(This is the second of two articles on topics discussed during the recent Ames League of Women Voters study public education. Part 1 was on the role of federal government in public education. ANO file photo.)

By Lauris Olson
AmesNewsOnline

(Nov. 10, 2011 – 3 p.m.) New federal standards on core curriculum and acceptable minimum achievement standards aren’t making teaching any easier, several education experts said at a recent panel discussion.

One problem lies with expectations about what is taught, and how, in the classroom. Another problem is the continued emphasis on standardized tests.

The source of the federal curriculum changes frustrate Ames superintendent Tim Taylor.

Education Reform, Part 1: Panelists debate role of federal government in public education

Posted in

(This is the first of two articles on topics discussed during the recent Ames League of Women Voters study public education. Part II will be on testing and student achievement. ANO file photo.)

By Lauris Olson
AmesNewsOnline

(Nov. 7, 2011 – 1 p.m.)  Local school boards’ commitment to professional development for teachers will be a key factor in whether America’s public education system can become successful, according to education experts appearing recently at a forum in Ames.

“If you really want schools to become where individual learning happens, you need to concentrate your resources in the least set of critical factors capable of transforming the system,” said James Sutton, a retired education policy analyst for the Iowa State Education Association.

“You need individualization of instruction, you need decentralization of decision making and you need technology. Professional development will be the glue holding them together.”

Former ISU prof concerned about high E. coli levels in local streams

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ANO file photo

By Andrew Duffelmeyer
AmesNewsOnline

(June 24, 2011 - 12:30 p.m.) A retired Iowa State University professor says bacteria levels in the Squaw Creek are troublingly high, and he's concerned the city and state aren't doing enough to address the issue.

Erv Klaas, who holds a Ph.D. in ecology, regularly records E. coli levels between 300 and 1,000 colonies per 100 milliliters of water in the Squaw Creek. The Department of Natural Resources shuts down beaches at Iowa lakes when they get a reading of just 235.

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