Cable In The Classroom Presents Education News Parents Can Use

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 54MB], the June 19, 2007 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.This edition showcases several award-winning and effective summer learning programs; explores innovative strategies to academically engage and nurture low-income and disadvantaged youth during the summer; profiles corporate, community and library-based initiatives designed to encourage students to read and learn during the break; and spotlights the efforts of organizations dedicated to providing disadvantaged students with access to books and reading materials in the summer and throughout the year. Educators, policymakers, parents and community leaders will discuss key issues such as: Why is it important to sustain academic skills over the break and avoid the “summer slide?” What does an effective and high-quality summer learning program look like? What kinds of summer programs are available and who offers them? What types of summer reading p

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 54MB], the April 19, 2007 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.Today, parents have more choices than ever— they can choose from neighborhood schools, charter schools or other public schools of choice, or transfer their children to another public school in or out of district. Families can also select private schools, either religious or secular, or teach their children at home. Free tutoring programs are also available to families with students in certain low-performing schools. This episode highlights Bush Administration proposals to expand public and private school choice, as well as successful charter and school choice programs, as educators, policymakers and parent-leaders discuss key issues such as: What are the latest tools and options for parents under No Child Left Behind? How has the charter school and school choice movement impacted academic achievement? What does a high-performing choice program

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 55MB], the March 20, 2007 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.In an era when what students know is the most important factor in determining success, postsecondary education has never been more critical. Yet, there are far too many Americans who want to go to college but can’t, either because they’re not prepared or can’t afford it. In this episode, award-winning educators, university leaders, students and other experts discuss the Commission on the Future of Higher Education's final report and the Secretary' Action Plan for Higher Education, and explore how the Department, parents, schools, and higher education institutions together can put the Commission's recommendations into action to better prepare students for college, to help them succeed once enrolled, and to make college affordable. It addresses questions such as:Why is a college education more important than ever before? What federal, state and loc

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 55MB], the February 20, 2007 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.To ensure that this and future generations of students have the math and science skills to be globally competitive, we must build a stronger foundation in these subjects in the early grades, and encourage more children to consider careers in math and science. This episode focuses on a series of targeted math and science-related investments the President has proposed under the American Competitiveness Initiative. As described in the program, the Initiative aims to strengthen K-12 math and science education in a number of innovative ways. It addresses questions such as:What is the “global economy” and what new demands does it place on our students and our schools? How does No Child Left Behind strengthen math and science? How will the 2007 science assessments help? How will the American Competitiveness Initiative help to improve math and

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 52MB], the January 16, 2007 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.This episode features examples of high-performing public schools that are meeting the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), where all students are succeeding. The program profiles these schools, featuring stories of their classrooms in action and conversations with principals and education experts about how assessment, accountability, parent options and a firm belief that all children can learn is raising the bar as never before. It addresses questions such as:Five years after being signed into law, how do we know that No Child Left Behind is working? What are the core principles of the law and what do they mean? How do they help students learn? How can the reforms of the law be extended to high school and beyond, and why is this important to American competitiveness? What kinds of options does No Child Left Behind offer to

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 53MB], the September 20, 2005 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.The high school diploma symbolically marks the moment American youths enter adulthood. Yet, today, many students, particularly minority and disadvantaged youths, leave high school unprepared, often lacking the basic skills they need to get a high-wage job or to pursue postsecondary education and training. To succeed in a global economy shaped by technology and international competition, all high school students, regardless of their post-graduation plans, must acquire a high level of academic knowledge and skills during high school. This edition features special back-to-school tips and addresses issues such as: How do U.S. high schools need to change to meet the demands of the 21st century? How has No Child Left Behind impacted the academic performance of our country’s younger students, and how can its principles be expanded to our nation’s hi

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 52MB], the October 18, 2005 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.This episode explores what can be done to keep our children safe—before, during and after school—in the face of a natural catastrophe or other crisis. Examining the recent examples of the responses to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the program highlights ways that local, state and federal agencies, as well as teachers, principals, mental health professionals, law enforcement officials and others can respond when our children face a crisis. It addresses questions such as:What should schools and communities do to prepare for natural disasters and other traumatic events?What are the emotional, social and academic needs of students directly affected by the trauma of natural disasters or school violence?What are the key areas of recovery planning that all school and community crisis plans should address?How can I help keep my child safe at school, in

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 55MB], the November 15, 2005 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.This program showcases successful inclusion programs in schools, profiles research-based, early identification and intervention initiatives to identify academic and behavioral problems in young children, and addresses questions such as:How is NCLB helping ensure the academic progress of children with disabilities?What are the key provisions of the reauthorized IDEA legislation and does it impact those involved with the special education process?What do parents need to know about early intervention for children suspected of having a disability and what challenges do these students and their families face?How have schools made it easier for parents to navigate the system as they create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for their student with a disability?How can students with disabilities be successfully integrated into general educatio

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 55MB], the January 17, 2006 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.Recent statistics are telling: about 80 percent of the fastest-growing jobs require postsecondary education, and on average, college graduates earn nearly twice as much as workers with only a high school diploma. In addition, our increasingly competitive global economy places even greater emphasis on the need for a college degree, as today’s jobs require advanced levels of skill and proficiency in math, science, and engineering. This episode focuses on ways we can ensure that all students gain access to a high quality postsecondary education and succeed once they get there. It addresses questions such as:What is the Secretary’s Commission on the Future of Higher Education and how is it working to improve and reform postsecondary education in the United States?Why is a college education more important than ever before? What federal, state and lo

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 55MB], the February 21, 2006 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.Today, emergent technologies and rapidly changing technical and manufacturing fields serve as powerful reminders that in order to keep up with our global competitors, we must ensure that all children succeed in mathematics and science. Unfortunately, many American students—especially minorities and high school students—are lagging behind and remain ill prepared for the complex demands of today’s high-tech economy. This program addresses questions such as:What is the “global economy” and what does it demand of our students and educational system?Why is it so critical for all children to become “literate” in mathematics and science today?How will the American Competitiveness Initiative help improve math and science instruction, student competence and achievement?How can parents encourage their children to learn mathematics and science outside th

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 55MB], the March 21, 2006 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.Many students face persistent challenges that hold them back from growing into healthy, productive adults. Risky behaviors, including alcohol and drug abuse, violence and early sexual activity are among the top causes of disease and mortality among young people. This program focuses on what schools can do to engage children in their studies, promote healthy behaviors, and prepare students for successful lives after graduation. It addresses questions such as:What is the Helping America's Youth Initiative and how is it engaging Americans to ensure positive outcomes for children?What does the research say about the current state of America's youth? How well are they doing in and out of school, and what kinds of unique challenges do they face?Why are families, communities and schools so critical to positive youth development? Specifically, what can p

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 51MB], the April 18, 2006 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.This episode showcases award-winning educators and schools; explores how effective teaching is at the core of America’s long-term economic competitiveness; highlights alternative strategies to recruit, train, and reward effective teachers and principals; and reveals how innovative programs are strengthening our nation’s teachers, schools, and students. It addresses questions such as:What does “effective teaching” mean and what is the Department doing to promote it?What is a “highly qualified” teacher and why are teachers so important to student achievement?What can we do to better recruit, train, and reward teachers, especially those in critical subjects like math and science?What programs does the Department of Education offer to help improve teaching and learning?What is an “instructional leader”? How can we develop and sustain good principals

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 52MB], the May 16, 2006 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.This episode highlights the latest information and tools for parents provided under the federal No Child Left Behind Act and provide tips, resources and advice on how parents—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—can access valuable information on the performance of their children’s schools and exercise the full range of options available to them under the law. It addresses questions such as:What are the latest tools and options for parents under No Child Left Behind?What does the research show about the results and “success stories” of parental options? How do these options enable student performance?How can parents access their children’s NCLB school “report cards” and take full advantage of the options available to them under the law?If a child is attending a school “in need of improvement," where does a parent go to find out informati

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 52MB], the June 20, 2006 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.This episode focuses on the issue of childhood obesity, nutrition, and health and the best ways to help students make good choices when it comes to food and exercise. The program explores the ways in which state and federal agencies are working with schools and families to promote healthy, active lifestyles in students. It addresses questions such as:How healthy are the nation’s youth? What is the federal government doing to support schools and families in promoting healthy habits in children?What does the research say about the link between nutrition, fitness and learning?What are the current federal nutritional guidelines and policies—including the new food pyramid—and how do these help schools and parents to keep children healthy, fit and successful?How can parents encourage a lifelong commitment to health and fitness in their children?How can

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 53MB], the September 19, 2006 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.This episode features insights into the rapidly changing world, one driven by technology and innovation, filled with new competitors around the globe who are challenging America’s economic leadership. The program explores approaches to ensuring our students graduate with the mathematics, science and technical skills necessary to succeed in a 21st century workforce where 90 percent of the jobs will require some postsecondary education. It addresses questions such as:What does “global competitiveness” mean, and why is it important to schools and families?Why is it critical that students take more mathematics, science and critical language courses in high school? How can parents encourage this, along with Advanced Placement and other challenging coursework?How will the American Competitiveness Initiative help to prepare students for academic and

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 54MB], the October 17, 2006 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.This episode focuses on what we can do now to prepare for an influenza pandemic—a global outbreak from a new strain of flu—that could have a dramatic impact on our nation’s communities, schools, and families. Although it is difficult to predict when the next pandemic flu might occur or how severe it will be, one thing is certain: educators, parents and community leaders can take steps now to lessen the impact of such an outbreak. The program features experts from across the federal government who are highlighting exemplary flu and emergency preparedness programs; answering questions about the different strains of flu and how they spread; updating an emerging body of resources for families and schools; and providing user-friendly tips for parents on ensuring the safety, health and security of children. It addresses questions such as:What are th

Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 54MB], the November 21, 2006 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.This episode features a conversation with experts from school districts, associations and others about what is being done in our nation's schools and communities to ensure that students graduate with the ability to communicate in critical languages. The program explores ways to provide students with the language skills to engage foreign governments and peoples, especially in critical regions; to encourage reform and promote understanding; convey respect for other cultures; and provide an opportunity for others to learn more about America and its citizens. It addresses questions such as:Why is foreign language instruction so important today, especially in “critical need” languages? What does brain research say about the importance of learning second languages? What are policymakers, together with schools, doing to increase the number of stud