A controversy roiling the University of California highlights a
familiar tension in higher education: What is the best way to
encourage an open exchange of ideas on campus without fostering
an environment that leads to harassment and
discrimination?
In response to concerns about incidents of discrimination on the
campuses in its system, a UC fact-finding team has issued a
report recommending bans on hate speech and campus-backed
protests against Israel as a means of curbing anti-Semitism.
More than ever, community colleges are being seen as key to
getting millions of Americans the education they need to thrive.
Yet while many students enter community colleges for job training
that does not culminate in a degree, many more intend to get a
degree but fall short. What can change?
In a new analysis, researchers from the University of
Pennsylvania make the case that some state higher education
policies may be aggravating social stratification and widening
college-going gaps. Are states implementing the right policies to
improve higher education, or are they making matters worse? Are
there solutions? How should reporters cover these issues?
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Education released an
action plan that would revise how colleges and universities are
evaluated, with graduation rates to now reflect students who
attend part-time, as well as those who are returning to
school.
The new formula is particularly important for community colleges,
which have long complained that two significant segments of their
student populations were being underreported. And a new web tool
launching today from the College Board could offer more
perspective on how community colleges are performing.
Fiscally challenged public universities are relying on
international students — who pay significantly higher tuition
than their in-state classmates — to boost the bottom line, a
move that’s potentially at odds with the underlying mission of
higher education.
Here’s a tip for college journalists contemplating wading into
the murky waters of satire: There pretty much isn’t anything
funny about Hitler.
The gray zone between edgy humor and offensive language can be
tough to navigate, even for experienced writers. In recent
weeks, students from Boston University, the University of
Missouri, and Rutgers University have found themselves under fire
for satirical editions of their campus publications.
As the nation continues to claw its way out of the shadow of the
recession and public education struggles with slashed budgets at
just about every level, one sector that’s more than holding its
own is college fundraising, according to a
thoughtful story from Justin Pope of the Associated Press.
When it comes to showing Adequate Yearly Progress, virtual public
schools operated by for-profit companies are falling short,
according to a new report by the National Education Policy
Center. (Click here
for the link.)
I’m in Phoenix for the next few days at the Walter Cronkite
School of Journalism at Arizona State University. EWA is helping
out with IRE’s (Investigative
Reporters and Editors) third annual Campus Coverage Project
conference. Roughly 75 of the nation’s top college journalists
were selected to spend four days learning the latest techniques
and tips for writing investigative stories.
Here were are in January, and I’m still trying to figure out what
happened to October. The fall sped by as I adjusted to a new city
and a new job. This winter isn’t going much slower.
For many people, myself included, 2011 was a year of intense
highs and lows. In the education world, there is much unfinished
business that carried over from the old year to the new. We still
don’t know what’s going to replace No Child Left Behind. School
districts nationwide are dealing with massive budget shortfalls
that could result in layoffs and cuts to programs and services.
Start-Ups Gamble on Higher Education Innovations
Free Speech vs. Hate Speech: Where Should the University of California Draw the Line?
A controversy roiling the University of California highlights a familiar tension in higher education: What is the best way to encourage an open exchange of ideas on campus without fostering an environment that leads to harassment and discrimination?
In response to concerns about incidents of discrimination on the campuses in its system, a UC fact-finding team has issued a report recommending bans on hate speech and campus-backed protests against Israel as a means of curbing anti-Semitism.
Can Community Colleges Get Better?
More than ever, community colleges are being seen as key to getting millions of Americans the education they need to thrive. Yet while many students enter community colleges for job training that does not culminate in a degree, many more intend to get a degree but fall short. What can change?
New Research on State Policy and College-Going Gaps
In a new analysis, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania make the case that some state higher education policies may be aggravating social stratification and widening college-going gaps. Are states implementing the right policies to improve higher education, or are they making matters worse? Are there solutions? How should reporters cover these issues?
Making Sure the College Completion Numbers Add Up
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Education released an action plan that would revise how colleges and universities are evaluated, with graduation rates to now reflect students who attend part-time, as well as those who are returning to school.
The new formula is particularly important for community colleges, which have long complained that two significant segments of their student populations were being underreported. And a new web tool launching today from the College Board could offer more perspective on how community colleges are performing.
Higher Ed: Are Foreign Students More Valuable to U.S. Universities?
Fiscally challenged public universities are relying on international students — who pay significantly higher tuition than their in-state classmates — to boost the bottom line, a move that’s potentially at odds with the underlying mission of higher education.
When it Comes to Humor, Three College Campuses Aren’t Laughing
Here’s a tip for college journalists contemplating wading into the murky waters of satire: There pretty much isn’t anything funny about Hitler.
The gray zone between edgy humor and offensive language can be tough to navigate, even for experienced writers. In recent weeks, students from Boston University, the University of Missouri, and Rutgers University have found themselves under fire for satirical editions of their campus publications.
Rich Colleges Getting Richer, Widening a Familiar Gap
As the nation continues to claw its way out of the shadow of the recession and public education struggles with slashed budgets at just about every level, one sector that’s more than holding its own is college fundraising, according to a thoughtful story from Justin Pope of the Associated Press.
For-Profit Companies Getting Big Slice of Public Ed Pie, With Mixed Results
When it comes to showing Adequate Yearly Progress, virtual public schools operated by for-profit companies are falling short, according to a new report by the National Education Policy Center. (Click here for the link.)
Campus Coverage Project: College Journos Gather at Arizona State
I’m in Phoenix for the next few days at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. EWA is helping out with IRE’s (Investigative Reporters and Editors) third annual Campus Coverage Project conference. Roughly 75 of the nation’s top college journalists were selected to spend four days learning the latest techniques and tips for writing investigative stories.
A New Year: What’s Ahead For Education
Here were are in January, and I’m still trying to figure out what happened to October. The fall sped by as I adjusted to a new city and a new job. This winter isn’t going much slower.
For many people, myself included, 2011 was a year of intense highs and lows. In the education world, there is much unfinished business that carried over from the old year to the new. We still don’t know what’s going to replace No Child Left Behind. School districts nationwide are dealing with massive budget shortfalls that could result in layoffs and cuts to programs and services.
Today’s Aspen Prize Award: Top Community Colleges to Share $1 Million
Today, the Aspen Institute will award the first-ever Aspen Prize for community college excellence, choosing from a list of 10 finalists (the original candidate pool was over 1,200).
The winning campus and four runners-up will share the $1 million prize, which recognizes both exceptional educational programs and student success.