Obama calls on govs to raise school standards to keep US students competitive

Obama enlists governors to raise the education bar
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama wants academic standards for America’s high school students raised, and he’s applauding a program from the nation’s governors that works toward those goals.
In a statement issued Sunday, the White House said the initiative will develop and implement new reading … Read more »»».

Government committed to overhaul education infrastructure: Patil

NEW DELHI – From investing more in primary education to allowing foreign universities to open campuses in India, the central government is working to bring a paradigm shift in the educational infrastructure to further inclusive growth in the country, President Pratibha Patil said here Monday.

My government is committed to bringing about a paradigm shift in … Original article on : Government committed to overhaul education infrastructure: Patil.

New legislation to bring foreign education to India: President

NEW DELHI – Giving force to the idea of allowing foreign universities to set up shop in India, President Pratibha Patil Monday said the central government will bring in legislation for such a move.

The government is endeavouring to bring forward an appropriate legislation for facilitating the participation of globally renowned and quality academic institutions in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New legislation to bring foreign education to India: President.

Obama offers proposals to help states prepare students for college, careers

Obama wants students prepared for college, careers
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama will urge states to better prepare high school students for college and careers when he meets Monday with the nation’s governors.
The White House said Sunday that Obama will praise governors for working in tandem with his Race to the Top program …. Source article  : Obama offers proposals to help states prepare students for college, careers.

Vance-Granville Community College player dies during basketball game in NC

NC community college player dies during game

HENDERSON, N.C. – A North Carolina community college basketball player died after he collapsed while playing in a game Saturday, officials said.
Raymond Dunn, a 6-4 sophomore forward for Vance Granville, collapsed on the court near the end of the first half of a game against Guilford Tech, Vance Granville …. Source article  : Vance-Granville Community College player dies during basketball game in NC.

Credit cards then and now: A look at how the new law changes the rules

What you need to know about credit card reform

NEW YORK – The new credit card law is finally here. Starting Monday, banks will need to abide by new regulations on terms and disclosures. The idea behind the landmark law was to prevent banks from using practices that often dug borrowers deeper into debt.
A look at … Original article on : Credit cards then and now: A look at how the new law changes the rules.

IIM-A placement process going great guns

GANDHINAGAR – The second phase of the placement process at the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A) is going on well with over 20 offers made Sunday.

Deloitte made 10 offers (including lateral offers) for consulting roles while other regular recruiters like TAS and Feedback ventures offered general management and consulting roles and hired six students each. … Read more »».

No Maoists in Osmania University, says vice-chancellor

HYDERABAD – Osmania University’s Vice-Chancellor Tirupati Rao Sunday said there were no Maoists on the university campus. The statement comes on the heels of the government’s claim that “Maoist elements” had entered the university to take advantage of the ongoing agitation for Telangana.

Rao told reporters that there was no information about the presence of Maoists … Read more >>.

MG University Results: BBA BCom Results Declared

KOTTAYAM, KERALA (GaeaTimes.com)- The long wait for all the students who undertook various undergraduate degree examinations under MG University is finally over. The results for the disciplines of B.Tech, B.Com, B.Sc as well as B.A have been declared.

The students can find out how they have evaluated in the examinations by checking out the official website …. Original article  : MG University Results: BBA BCom Results Declared.

IGNOU setting up new institute of education in Nagaland

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is setting up a new institute called the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education and Development (MGIDE) in Nagaland, where it will offer an on-campus master’s degree course on social work beginning July this year.

The MGIDE is being set up in collaboration with Nagaland Gandhi Ashram …. Source  : IGNOU setting up new institute of education in Nagaland.

More adolescents suffer cyber bullying now

LONDON – Around 10 percent of all adolescents in grades 7-9 are victims of Internet bullying, says a new study.

“Cyber bullying occurs when new technologies such as computers and mobile phones are used to harass or bully somebody. The perpetrators often use SMS, e-mail, chat rooms and Facebook to spread their message,” says study … Read more »».

China rejects report schools linked to hacking, criticizes suggestions government involved

China rejects report schools linked to hacking
BEIJING – China on Tuesday rejected a news report that U.S. investigators have traced hacking attacks against Google Inc. to two Chinese schools and said suggestions the government might be involved were irresponsible.
A foreign ministry spokesman, Ma Zhaoxu, said Chinese law prohibits hacking and the government will … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : China rejects report schools linked to hacking, criticizes suggestions government involved.

Sssh, sleeping is helping the baby learn

WASHINGTON – Anyone who grew up in a large family probably remembers hearing “don’t wake the baby”. Latest research confirms that sleep is an integral part of how infants learn more about their new world.

Psychologists Rebecca Gomez, Richard Bootzin and Lynn Nadel at the University of Arizona-Tucson (UA-T) found that babies who nap a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sssh, sleeping is helping the baby learn.

Kids only trust adults, when it comes to rules

LONDON – Children don’t trust other kids when it comes to learning a new game and will turn to adults to learn them instead, says a new study.

Hannes Rakoczy from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany tested 44 children aged three and four years.
The children were shown a video … Original article on : Kids only trust adults, when it comes to rules.

Music helps kids process speech more accurately

WASHINGTON – Playing musical instruments helps youngsters process speech more accurately in noisy classrooms and interpret nuances of language that are conveyed by subtle changes in the human voice, says a new study.

The study, led by Nina Kraus, professor of neurobiology, physiology and communication sciences at Northwestern University, suggested that education through music can [..] Read the original article: here.

China orders schools to shun British relief agency Oxfam over alleged political agenda

China tells schools to shun British agency Oxfam

BEIJING – China is telling schools to shun the international relief agency Oxfam and bar their campus recruitment efforts, accusing the group’s Hong Kong branch of having a hidden political agenda.
School administrators must ban all campus volunteer recruitment efforts run by the group’s Hong Kong office, according to … Read more : China orders schools to shun British relief agency Oxfam over alleged political agenda.

Reticent Toyota president typical for Japan Inc., where harmony reigns not wherewithal

Reticent Toyota president typical for Japan Inc.

TOKYO – Americans are likely in for a surprise if they expect Toyota President Akio Toyoda to put on a show of authoritative “the-buck-stops-here” clout at Wednesday’s congressional hearing on the automaker’s massive recalls.
In harmony-loving Japan, company heads are rarely management professionals, and are picked more to be cheerleaders … Read more >>>.

Arkansas House panel endorses $5K scholarships for 4-year schools, $2,500 for 2-year

Ark. House panel endorses $5K lottery scholarships

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A House panel advanced legislation Monday that would use lottery proceeds to fund $5,000 college scholarships for eligible students attending four-year schools in Arkansas and $2,500 scholarships for those who go to two-year schools.
Lawmakers, meanwhile, also rejected parts of Gov. Mike Beebe’s plan to borrow … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Arkansas House panel endorses $5K scholarships for 4-year schools, $2,500 for 2-year.

Stanford receiver sues for return of $1.6 million in financier’s political contributions

Receiver wants Stanford political donations back

DALLAS – The court-appointed receiver of R. Allen Stanford’s empire is suing Democratic and Republican party organizations for the return of $1.6 million in political contributions made by the jailed financier.
Ralph Janvey filed the lawsuit in federal court in Dallas on Monday.
The largest unreturned contributions were $950,500 to the Democratic …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Stanford receiver sues for return of $1.6 million in financier’s political contributions.

Pa. district accused of webcam spying could have tracked laptops less intrusively, experts say

Experts: School can track laptops less intrusively

PHILADELPHIA – School officials in Pennsylvania who admit remotely activating student webcams to locate missing laptops could have used far less intrusive methods such as GPS tracking devices, technology and privacy experts say.
The Lower Merion School District instead finds itself defending a potential class-action lawsuit after a student complained …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pa. district accused of webcam spying could have tracked laptops less intrusively, experts say.

American Public Education 2010 earnings outlook misses Street, but revenue to top forecast

American Public Education issues 2010 outlook

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. – Online university company American Public Education Inc. issued financial guidance for 2010 on Monday.
The company said it expects annual net income to grow from 36 percent to 37 percent in 2010, compared with 2009, on revenue that increases 36 percent to 39 percent.
That would mean net …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : American Public Education 2010 earnings outlook misses Street, but revenue to top forecast.

American Public Education 4th-quarter net income rises 66 percent as student enrollment climbs

American Public Education 4Q net income up 66 pct

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. – Online university company American Public Education Inc. said Monday its fourth-quarter earnings rose 66 percent, as more students enrolled and signed up for classes.
Investors sent shares up $1.51, or 3.8 percent, in after-hours trading. During the regular session, the stock slipped 85 cents, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : American Public Education 4th-quarter net income rises 66 percent as student enrollment climbs.

Retiring University of Virginia president John Casteen named to Altria’s board of directors

UVa head joins Philip Morris parent Altria’s board

RICHMOND, Va. – Cigarette maker Altria Group says outgoing University of Virginia president John T. Casteen III has been elected to the company’s board of directors.
The Richmond, Va.-based owner of Philip Morris USA, which makes the top-selling Marlboro brand, also said Monday that it increased its board from …. Source article  : Retiring University of Virginia president John Casteen named to Altria’s board of directors.

Pa. school district agrees to preserve webcam evidence on 2,300 laptops amid spying lawsuit

Pa. schools agree to preserve webcam evidence

PHILADELPHIA – A suburban Philadelphia school district has agreed to preserve webcam evidence on student laptops as a lawsuit alleges that officials spied on students at home.
A lawyer for a family suing the Lower Merion School District wants to block the district from altering data on about 2,300 student … Read more »».

Pa. district accused in suit of webcam spying is asked not to clear computers of evidence

Pa. school district is asked not to wipe computers

PHILADELPHIA – A student who accuses his suburban Philadelphia school district in a lawsuit of spying on students via their school-issued webcams will ask district officials not to remove any potential evidence from student computers, his lawyer said Monday.
Lawyers for the Lower Merion School District are due …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pa. district accused in suit of webcam spying is asked not to clear computers of evidence.

Menachem Porush, Israeli rabbi, politician and ultra-Orthodox Jewish activist, dies at 93

Powerful ultra-Orthodox Israeli rabbi dies at 93

JERUSALEM – Menachem Porush, a well-known Israeli rabbi and longtime leader of one of the most influential ultra-Orthodox parties in parliament, has died. He was 93.
Porush served for more than 30 years in Israel’s parliament, acting twice as deputy labor minister. He was known for leading the minority ultra-Orthodox …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Menachem Porush, Israeli rabbi, politician and ultra-Orthodox Jewish activist, dies at 93.

Lawyers due in Pa. court in suit over webcam-spying allegations against school district

Lawyers due in Pa. court in school webcam spy case

PHILADELPHIA – Lawyers for a suburban Philadelphia school district accused of spying on students via their school-issued webcams are due in court.
A federal judge is being asked Monday to stop officials of the Lower Merion School District from removing any information from the 2,300 laptops issued …. Source  : Lawyers due in Pa. court in suit over webcam-spying allegations against school district.

Using federal money as leverage, Obama hopes to prod states to raise academic standards

Obama prods states to raise academic standards
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama wants to rewrite federal education law by sending aid for poor students only to states that adopt new standards to prepare high school graduates for college or a career.
States that fail to raise the bar could lose their share of [..] Read the original article: here.

Obama says US still lags others in math and science skills, urges states to do better

Obama: US cannot accept second best in education
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says America’s “primacy in the world” is at stake in the quest to substantially improve educational quality and global competitiveness.
Speaking to governors gathered at the White House Monday, Obama said he won’t “accept second place for the United States of America.” … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama says US still lags others in math and science skills, urges states to do better.

IGNOU to make 100 mn rural youths computer literate

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Monday joined hands with technology firm Srei Sahaj e-village to make 100 million youths in rural India computer literate.

The courses were inaugurated by union Minister for Communication and Information Technology A. Raja at IGNOU here.
These programmes will deliver international quality skill … Read more >>.

Badal wants farm science institute in Punjab

CHANDIGARH – Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Wednesday urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to set up the proposed Borlaug Institute for South Asia at Ladhowal, in Punjab’s Ludhiana district.

In a letter to Manmohan Singh, Badal stated that the Nobel laureate and father of the green revolution Norman E. Borlaug was intimately associated with Punjab. … Read more : Badal wants farm science institute in Punjab.

Allocate more money for children: NGO

NEW DELHI – With the union budget round the corner, child rights NGO CRY Wednesday said that more funds should be allocated for sectors like health and education which impact children directly.

“Children who live and grow in poverty are deprived of almost every fundamental right. They are much more likely to be malnourished, be living … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Allocate more money for children: NGO.

IGNOU students to get train travel concession

NEW DELHI – On-campus students of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) will get concessional fares for train travel anywhere in the country, Vice Chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai announced Wednesday.

“The railway board has agreed to give train travel concession with immediate effect to face-to-face programmes students of varsity and this will place them on par …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : IGNOU students to get train travel concession.

Physical activity at school keeps child fit

LONDON – A structured physical activity programme at school can improve children’s fitness and decrease body fat, confirms a new study.

Researchers in Switzerland studied 540 seven and 11-year-olds in 15 schools. Over nine months, pupils randomly allocated to an intervention group underwent a physical activity programme designed by experts.
This involved structuring their existing three …. Source  : Physical activity at school keeps child fit.

UC San Diego freezes media funding after student TV show mocks blacks’ outrage to ghetto party

University TV show mocking blacks sparks freeze

SAN DIEGO – The University of California, San Diego has halted funding for student media after a TV segment ridiculed black students outraged by a party mocking Black History Month.
The head of the school’s student government froze funding for print media outlets last week after one, The Koala, ran … Read more >>>.

Few people survive 5 heart attacks; Cheney illustrates peril and progress in heart disease

Cheney’s 5 heart attacks unusual, shows good care

WASHINGTON – Surviving five heart attacks makes former Vice President Dick Cheney pretty unusual – showing that he has good medical care as well as a particularly aggressive form of heart disease.
But the number, attention-grabbing as it is, isn’t the real issue: It’s how much damage a heart …. Read the original article  : Few people survive 5 heart attacks; Cheney illustrates peril and progress in heart disease.

Ark. lawmakers refuse to give up $2.9M in local project money for budget needs

Ark. lawmakers refuse to give up project money

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas lawmakers on Tuesday declined to give up $2.9 million in money intended for local projects to help pay for budget needs, instead tapping the state’s unclaimed property proceeds and the fund for the state’s constitutional officers.
Gov. Mike Beebe’s office called the move risky, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ark. lawmakers refuse to give up $2.9M in local project money for budget needs.

Health Care REIT, Forest City form joint venture over Cambridge, Mass., project

Health Care REIT, Forest City form joint venture

Health Care REIT Inc. and Forest City Enterprises Inc. said Tuesday they have formed a joint venture to buy a $668 million life sciences campus in University Park in Cambridge, Mass.
The companies said Health Care REIT will acquire a 49 percent stake in Forest City’s seven life sciences … Original article on : Health Care REIT, Forest City form joint venture over Cambridge, Mass., project.

Ralph Remington is named director of the NEA’s theater and musical-theater division

Ralph Remington is named NEA theater division head

NEW YORK – A former Minneapolis city council member who has extensive regional theater experience has been named director of theater and musical theater at the National Endowment for the Arts.
Ralph Remington will join the NEA March 15 for the two-year appointment, Rocco Landesman, the endowment’s chairman, announced …. Original article  : Ralph Remington is named director of the NEA’s theater and musical-theater division.

Salman Rushdie visits Atlanta’s Emory University for opening of his literary archive

Salman Rushdie visits Emory for opening of archive

ATLANTA – Novelist Salman Rushdie is at Emory University this week for the official opening of his literary archive.
Rushdie, who is in the middle of a five-year stint as a distinguished lecturer at the Atlanta university, has donated his personal papers to Emory’s special collections library. The university … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Salman Rushdie visits Atlanta’s Emory University for opening of his literary archive.

New teacher contracts in Minn., Conn., Philly support reforms in failing urban schools

Teacher contracts support reforms in worst schools

PHILADELPHIA – Even in a school system known for its academic troubles, the numbers at Vaux High School are jaw-dropping: More than 90 percent of 11th-graders tested last year could not read or do math at grade level.
But next fall, at least half the teachers at Vaux and 13 …. Read the original article  : here.

Student found dead at suburban NY college; police say campus safe, killing was ‘family matter’

Student killing at NY college a ‘family matter’

PURCHASE, N.Y. – A freshman at a private suburban college who grew up on campus as the daughter of a maintenance worker was found slain in her family’s staff housing apartment, and police on Tuesday characterized the killing as domestic violence.
Harrison police Capt. Anthony Marraccini said investigators were …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

IGNOU pushing for seamless flow of knowledge

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Tuesday said it is striving to make learning a seamless process through digital libraries.

With open and distance learning increasingly becoming popular, we are trying to bring in a set of recommendations by experts from across the world to make learning a smooth process, Sudhir Arora, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Punjab to provide 70 acres for Indian business school

CHANDIGARH – The Punjab cabinet Tuesday approved in principle transfer of 70 acres of land in the Knowledge City in Mohali town adjoining Chandigarh for setting up Indian School of Business (ISB) in the state.

The land, located in Sector 81 of Mohali, 15 km from here, will be given to the ISB management on lease …. Original article  : Punjab to provide 70 acres for Indian business school.

Orissa seeks Rs.16,000 crore to work right to education

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa government Tuesday sought Rs.16,000 crore from the central government to implement Right to Education (RTE) Act in the state from April.

The government said the state is not in a position to implement the RTE due to paucity of funds.
“We require about Rs.16,000 crore to implement the RTE. We have already … Read more >>>.

Class eight to shift to primary slab in Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat government proposes to bring a bill in the state assembly’s budget session, opening Wednesday, that will transfer class eight from the secondary slab of education to the primary one.

The move is expected to throw open job avenues to an additional 45,000 Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) teachers over the next three years, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Class eight to shift to primary slab in Gujarat.

Univision and the Obama administration join forces to improve Hispanic academic achievement

Univision, feds team up to boost Hispanic ed

MIAMI – Univision has kicked off a multiyear, multimillion dollar campaign to boost academic achievement among Hispanics in the United States.
The Spanish-language network unveiled its “The Moment is Now” campaign Tuesday in partnership with the federal government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal is to … Read more »»».

Court restrains school from seeking hiked quarterly fees

NEW DELHI – Restraining a school in the capital from demanding hiked fees on quarterly basis instead of monthly, the Delhi High Court Tuesday directed it to stop this practice.

Hearing the petition of 10 aggrieved parents who had approached the court against the discriminatory attitude of Summer Field Public School, Kailash Colony, Justice S.N. Aggarwal … Original source on Gaea Times at : Court restrains school from seeking hiked quarterly fees.

More funds to safeguard foreign students’s fees in Australia

NEW DELHI – Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard Tuesday announced funding of A$5.1 million to further strengthen the country’s international education industry and “safeguard the course fees of international students”.

The funding will be made available to top up the Education Services for Overseas Students Assurance Fund (ESOS Assurance Fund), said a statement by the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : More funds to safeguard foreign students’s fees in Australia.

Students should sign undertaking on sexual harassment: Professors

NEW DELHI – Just like they do in case of ragging, university students should be made to sign undertakings against sexual harassment in order to curb such cases on campuses, said professors of prominent varsities in the capital Tuesday.

At a panel discussion on sexual harassment on the campus at Jamia Milia Islamia (JMI), R. Gopinath, …. Read the original article  : Students should sign undertaking on sexual harassment: Professors.

Rs.1,300 crore spent on ‘quality’ education of SC students

NEW DELHI – The government is committed to the welfare of the marginalized sections of society through public-private partnerships for economic and social development, says the Economic Survey for this fiscal.

Nearly Rs.1,300 crore have been released for the “quality” education of Scheduled Castes (SC) students under various centrally sponsored schemes and scholarships, the government said. …. Read the original article  : Rs.1,300 crore spent on ‘quality’ education of SC students.

Trapani sets pace with 17 in first half to lead Boston College to 80-60 win over Virginia Tech

Boston College wins easy over Virginia Tech 80-60

BOSTON – Joe Trapani scored 17 points, all of them in the first half as Boston College opened a double-digit lead and coasted to an 80-60 victory over Virginia Tech on Wednesday night.
It was the second straight loss for Virginia Tech (21-6, 8-5 Atlantic Coast Conference), which lost …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Trapani sets pace with 17 in first half to lead Boston College to 80-60 win over Virginia Tech.

Student party mocking Black History Month prompts anti-racism campaign at UC San Diego

Student party prompts anti-racism school campaign

SAN DIEGO – The University of California, San Diego has initiated a campus-wide campaign against racism in the wake of a student party that used a ghetto theme to mockingly commemorate Black History Month.
A school Web site outlines the “Battle Hate” campaign that aims to ensure that all students feel …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Arkansas House, Senate back $4.5B spending plan, lottery scholarship amounts

Ark. Legislature OKs budget, lotto scholarships

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas lawmakers on Wednesday approved a $4.5 billion spending plan for the coming year and set amounts for scholarships to be funded by the state’s lottery, inching closer toward the end of the state’s first fiscal session.
Gov. Mike Beebe, however, hinted at a new fight with …. Read the original article  : here.

Plan to fire all high school teachers roils poor RI city where student achievement lags

Plan to fire all its teachers roils poor RI city

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. – The blue-and-white banner exclaiming “anticipation” on the front of Central Falls High School seems like a cruel joke for an institution so chronically troubled that its leaders decided to fire every teacher by year’s end.
No more than half those instructors would be … Original article on : Plan to fire all high school teachers roils poor RI city where student achievement lags.

Pa. educator named in school laptop spying case says she didn’t monitor student webcams

Pa. educator says she didn’t watch student webcams

PHILADELPHIA – A Pennsylvania educator named in a webcam spying lawsuit says she never monitored students through webcams or authorized anyone else to do so.
Harriton High School vice principal Lynn Matsko responded to last week’s lawsuit through a statement Wednesday. She did not take questions.
She did not address …. Source  : Pa. educator named in school laptop spying case says she didn’t monitor student webcams.

6 Haitian orphans resume journey to US homes, board airplane bound for Miami

6 Haitian orphans resume trip to US homes
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The director of an orphanage in Haiti says six children are boarding a Miami-bound airplane four days after Haitian officials seized them at the airport.

Maria O’Donovan says the children are getting on the airplane. The founder of her orphanage says adoptive parents will be able … Read more : 6 Haitian orphans resume journey to US homes, board airplane bound for Miami.

Blacklisted universities were family controlled: Ministry

NEW DELHI – The human resource development (HRD) ministry appointed expert committee has found that some of the deemed universities likely to face blacklisting are like family-run institutions, the Lok Sabha was informed Wednesday.

In respect of these 44 deemed institutions, the review committee had found family controlled management architecture, unrelated academic programmes and deviation …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Blacklisted universities were family controlled: Ministry.

RI district fires all educators at underperforming high school; US DOE applauds decision

All educators fired at underperforming RI school

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. – A Rhode Island school district has voted to fire all the teachers at an underperforming school.
The Central Falls School Committee voted Tuesday evening to fire every educator at Central Falls High School at the end of the school year.
It’s the only school in the tiny, …. Read the original article  : here.

China tells schools to cut ties with relief agency Oxfam, says it has hidden political agenda

China tells schools to shun relief agency Oxfam

BEIJING – China is telling schools to sever all ties with the international relief agency Oxfam and bar its campus recruitment efforts, accusing the group’s Hong Kong branch of having a hidden political agenda.
Oxfam Hong Kong – which oversees the group’s mainland China operations – is a “non-governmental … Read more »».

Obama to sign order supporting mission of historically black colleges

Obama to recognize historically black colleges
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to highlight the role historically black colleges have played in America’s educational system.
Obama will speak about that role and sign an executive order for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the East Room on Friday afternoon.
The event …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Obama to sign order supporting mission of historically black colleges.

Government to spend 16 percent more on school education

NEW DELHI – The union budget for the next fiscal has pegged an outlay of Rs.31,036 crore (Rs.310.36 billion/$6.7 billion) for school education, an increase of Rs.4,236 crore from 2009-10, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Friday.

I propose to increase the plan allocation for school education from Rs.26,800 crore in 2009-10 to Rs.31,036 crore in 2010-11, …. Source article  : Government to spend 16 percent more on school education.

4 Maharashtra universities get new vice chancellors

MUMBAI – Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan, in his capacity as the chancellor of the state’s universities, Friday appointed new vice chancellors for four varsities, an official said.

The appointments to the top post have been made in the University of Pune, Shivaji University-Kolhapur, Y.B. Chavan Maharashtra Open University-Nashik and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University-Raigad.
R.K. Shevgaonkar, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 4 Maharashtra universities get new vice chancellors.

Outlay for school education goes up to Rs.31,036 crore

NEW DELHI – The union budget for the next fiscal has pegged an outlay of Rs.31,036 crore (Rs.310.36 billion/$6.7 billion) for school education, an increase of Rs.4,236 crore from the previous year, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Friday.

The minister said a lot of this money would go for the implementation of the Right to Education …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Outlay for school education goes up to Rs.31,036 crore.

Feds probe Mass. special needs school over use of electric shock therapy

Feds probe Mass. special needs school
BOSTON – The U.S. Justice Department has begun a review of whether the use of electric shock therapy by a Massachusetts special needs school violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Canton-based Judge Rotenberg Educational Center uses the treatment, known as aversive therapy, as a way to control aggressive behavior and …. Original article  : Feds probe Mass. special needs school over use of electric shock therapy.

Co-winners named after step show result causes controversy, sponsor cites scoring discrepancy

Step show prize to be shared after Internet stir

ATLANTA – After days of controversy over a white group’s win in a step competition, sponsor Coca-Cola said Thursday the second-place team will share top honors.
Coca-Cola said in a statement that a review of the scoring from Saturday’s national contest revealed a “scoring discrepancy” that it declined …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Wal-Mart to push suppliers to cut 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions

Wal-Mart to push suppliers to cut emissions

NEW YORK – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. wants its suppliers to reduce 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2015.
The world’s largest retailer’s push goes beyond its efforts to date to reduce its own emissions by designing more energy-efficient stores and pursuing alternative fuels for …. Source  : Wal-Mart to push suppliers to cut 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Teachers to appeal mass firings at chronically troubled Central Falls, RI, high school

Teachers to appeal mass firings at RI high school

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The entire staff of teachers fired in a radical attempt to improve one of the worst performing high schools in Rhode Island will appeal their dismissals to school authorities, the head of the teachers union said Thursday.
The board of trustees overseeing the school system … Read : Teachers to appeal mass firings at chronically troubled Central Falls, RI, high school.

Villanova-Syracuse game a big hit at the box office; NCAA record crowd of 34,616

Syracuse, Villanova attract record crowd
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – When seventh-ranked Villanova enters the Carrier Dome for Saturday night’s game against No. 4 Syracuse, the Wildcats will be caught in an orange wave bigger than any other in the building’s basketball history.

A crowd of 34,616 is expected, the largest on campus for an NCAA game, and would … Original article on : Villanova-Syracuse game a big hit at the box office; NCAA record crowd of 34,616.

Military spouses angered that career education grants abruptly suspended by Defense Dept.

Military spouses angry that DoD halts job grants

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Military spouses were enthusiastic when the government started offering them grants last year of up to $6,000 for college or career training. Word spread quickly and they signed up by the tens of thousands.
But the response was so heavy that it nearly busted the fledgling …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Military spouses angered that career education grants abruptly suspended by Defense Dept..

Arkansas House and Senate recess first-ever fiscal session; will meet March 4 for adjournment

Arkansas House, Senate recess fiscal session

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas lawmakers recessed the state’s first-ever fiscal session Thursday, giving final approval to the state’s $4.5 billion spending plan and legislation setting the amounts for lottery-funded scholarships to be awarded this fall.
The House and Senate wrapped up less than three week’s worth of work under a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Arkansas House and Senate recess first-ever fiscal session; will meet March 4 for adjournment.

Himachal to check school dropouts

SHIMLA – In a bid to check school dropouts, the Himachal Pradesh government Thursday decided to set up school management committees to ensure involvement of parents and teachers to motivate more children to join schools.

“The state cabinet this (Thursday) evening decided to set up school management committees to ensure involvement of parents and teachers in …. Original source  : Himachal to check school dropouts.

Badal assures jobs to protesting trainee teachers

CHANDIGARH – Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Thursday urged agitating unemployed trainee teachers to give up their protest and assured them the government will initiate measures to fill up vacant posts.

“A confrontational approach will not help them (ETT – elementary teacher training teachers) in any way. We are ready to redress their grievances and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

As EU seeks to appease bond market, painful cutbacks make some fear renewed recession

European Union pushes cuts for indebted countries

DUBLIN – To keep its debt crisis from mushrooming out of control, the European Union is imposing harsh cutbacks on millions of ordinary people in debt-plagued countries like Greece, Ireland and Portugal.
But some economists think cutbacks right now are a mistake that might tip Europe into a dreaded double-dip … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : As EU seeks to appease bond market, painful cutbacks make some fear renewed recession.

Pa. student who filed webcam spying suit says school administrator’s denial falls short

Student: School webcam spying denial falls short

PENN VALLEY, Pa. – The suburban Philadelphia teen who filed a webcam spying lawsuit against his school district says an administrator’s denial of wrongdoing doesn’t address his claims.
Harriton High School sophomore Blake Robbins insists an assistant vice principal did take advantage of a security program to monitor his activity …. Source article  : Pa. student who filed webcam spying suit says school administrator’s denial falls short.

Government gives apex court roadmap on deemed university issue

NEW DELHI – The central government has told the Supreme Court that while it proposes to divest sub-standard colleges of the deemed university tag after giving each of them a hearing, the students of such institutions would be accommodated elsewhere.

The union Ministry for Human Resource Development made this submission in an affidavit filed in the … Read more >>.

Prosecutors open investigations in German Catholic school abuse scandal

Legal investigations begin in German abuse scandal

BERLIN – German prosecutors have opened investigations into allegations of sexual abuse at two Roman Catholic schools – the first legal action since reports of priests abusing students surfaced in January.
The Munich prosecutor’s office said in a statement Thursday that senior prosecutor Andrea Titz had opened an investigation into …. Read the original article  : Prosecutors open investigations in German Catholic school abuse scandal.

‘Over 47 percent Class 5 students cannot read Class 2 books’

NEW DELHI – Portraying a poor picture of the quality of elementary education in the country, India’s annual the Economic Survey said Thursday that over 47 percent children studying in Class 5 cannot even read Class 2 textbooks and the trend has worsened in the last two years.

There was a decline in the number of … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Over 47 percent Class 5 students cannot read Class 2 books’.

CAT Results 2010: Aspirants In Dilemma

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- CAT Results, the stepping stone to the IIM’s is still keeping the candidates under sheer dilemma. The results are being awaited by all CAT aspirants who have appeared for the online exam 2009 thus conducted by the IIMs and Prometric USA. It was the very first time that IIM finally agreed … Original source on Gaea Times at : CAT Results 2010: Aspirants In Dilemma.

CBSE board students cope with last minute jitters

NEW DELHI – With the board examinations beginning next week, Class 10 and 12 students are a tense lot, busy with last-minute preparations. And the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) helpline is ringing non-stop, say counsellors attending to anxious parents and children.

“I am not nervous. I just have this one problem – I … Read : CBSE board students cope with last minute jitters.

Online CAT results out

NEW DELHI – The much-awaited results of the Common Admission Test were announced Sunday by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The scores uploaded on the official website will be the deciding factor for admission to the IIMs and around 100 other management schools.

“IIMs have announced the CAT 2009 scores at www.catiim.in. Candidate short-lists for …. Source article  : Online CAT results out.

Guatemalan schoolteachers end protests

Guatemala City, Feb 28 (IANS/EFE) Guatemalan schoolteachers have ended a weeklong protest after the government agreed to increase their salary, officials said.

The teachers have staged a massive protest in the capital and also blocked highways in the country.
The Guatemalan president’s office said in a communique Saturday that “an accord was reached” during a meeting … Read more »».

Universities push to get all students counted in 2010 Census, with federal funding at stake

Universities push to get students in Census 2010

ST. PAUL, Minn. – It was 5 p.m. in the lobby of the library of Metropolitan State University, and Clara Ware was sitting behind a table covered with pens, notepads and buttons with the Census 2010 logo, calling out like a sideshow barker.
“Here comes a prospect,” she said …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Universities push to get all students counted in 2010 Census, with federal funding at stake.

MAT Results February 2010

NEW DELHI, INDIA, (GaeaTimes.com)- The Management Aptitude Test results have been declared on Saturday by the All India Management Association. Examinees who had sat for the February MAT exam can check the result online.

The test which is one of the most popular management entrance examinations in India is conducted four times a year, February, May, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : MAT Results February 2010.

450,000 students to give CBSE board exams in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Nearly 450,000 students studying in classes 10 and 12 here will appear for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board exams beginning next week.

According to the CBSE, 247,291 students will appear for the Class 10 board exams, an increase of 6.32 percent over 2009.
Similarly, 199,951 students will give their Class … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 450,000 students to give CBSE board exams in Delhi.

Students storm San Diego chancellor’s office after noose is found in campus library

San Diego students storm offices after noose found

SAN DIEGO – Anger boiled over on the University of California San Diego campus Friday, where students took over the chancellor’s office for several hours to protest the hanging of a noose in a campus library.
Students wearing red handkerchiefs over their faces blocked the doors to Chancellor Marye …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rankins scores 25 as Savannah State pulls away from Carver Bible College in 94-68 rout

Savannah State defeats Carver Bible College 94-68

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Tracy Rankins tied his season high with 25 points and Arnold Louis and Rashad Hassan had double-doubles as Savannah State ended its season with a 94-68 rout of Carver Bible College on Friday night.
Louis had 16 points and 14 rebounds and Hassan had 14 points and …. Source article  : Rankins scores 25 as Savannah State pulls away from Carver Bible College in 94-68 rout.

Student takeover of chancellor’s office at UC San Diego ends peacefully, no arrests

Students peacefully leave UC chancellor’s office

SAN DIEGO – An hours-long student takeover of the chancellor’s office at the University of California, San Diego, is over.
Dozens of students stormed the office earlier Friday, angry over several recent racially charged campus incidents.
They occupied the office for several hours before leaving peacefully at sundown, about the same time …. Original article  : Student takeover of chancellor’s office at UC San Diego ends peacefully, no arrests.

Students storm UC San Diego chancellor’s office racial conflict of noose in school library

Students storm UC San Diego chancellor’s office

SAN DIEGO – Students have taken over the chancellor’s office at the University of California, San Diego, to protest the hanging of a noose in a campus library.
Students wearing red handkerchiefs over their faces blocked the doors to Chancellor Marye Anne Fox’s offices around noon Friday while more students … Read more >>>.

Student hangs noose at San Diego campus library 2 weeks after racially tinged party

Student hangs noose at San Diego campus library

SAN DIEGO – Anger boiled over on the University of California San Diego campus Friday, where students took over the chancellor’s office to protest the hanging of a noose in a campus library.
Students wearing red handkerchiefs over their faces blocked the doors to Chancellor Marye Anne Fox’s offices … Read more >>>.

Obama strengthens White House initiative on historically black colleges

Obama recognizes historically black colleges
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has signed an executive order strengthening the long-standing White House initiative on historically black colleges and universities.
Obama says these schools have felt the pain of the recession most acutely because they enroll a higher proportion of low and middle-income students. He’s calling for increased …. Original source  : Obama strengthens White House initiative on historically black colleges.

White group’s step show win causes fiery debate over integration of traditional black activity

Online debate rages over white group’s step win
ATLANTA – Visit any of the nation’s more than 100 historically black colleges or universities and you’ll see clusters of men and women engaged in the rhythmic clapping and foot stomping routines known in black Greek circles as “stepping.”
Now a white Arkansas team’s win in an …. Original article  : White group’s step show win causes fiery debate over integration of traditional black activity.

Oilman T. Boone Pickens gives another $100M to alma mater Oklahoma State to fund endowments

Pickens gives another $100M to Oklahoma State

STILLWATER, Okla. – Billionaire oilman T. Boone Pickens has made no secret of his love for his alma mater. That adoration has now translated into more than half a billion dollars for Oklahoma State University.
Pickens announced Friday that he is planning a $100 million estate gift to fund a … Read : Oilman T. Boone Pickens gives another $100M to alma mater Oklahoma State to fund endowments.

Police, Penn State crack down on ‘State Patty’s Day,’ criticized as an excuse for drinking

Police, Penn St. target St. Patty’s Day lookalike

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Bars served green beer. Stores sold green shirts and party hats. Revelers took to the streets at dawn.
The unofficial holiday known as “State Patty’s Day” in this college town has looked a lot like St. Patrick’s Day celebration, except it falls two weeks before …. Read the original article  : here.

Oklahoma City Community College evacuated after report of gun; police say no weapon found

Okla. campus shut, police say gun report was false

OKLAHOMA CITY – Police ordered everyone off the campus at Oklahoma City Community College after a report that someone on campus had a gun. Authorities later said there was no gunman but that a campus security officer accidentally fired his weapon during a search.
Oklahoma City Police Lt. …. Read the original article  : here.

UCSD Noose Found

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The University of California San Diego (UCSD) has found itself amidst widespread racial tension lately. The university recently witnessed an extensive campaign against racial discrimination after a student party ridiculed Black History Month with the help of a ghetto theme. The racism tension in UCSD campus escalated once again on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : UCSD Noose Found.

New York City Public School Closing For Weather

NEW YORK CITY (GaeaTimes.com)- It is almost the end of February but the winter weather is still affecting the everyday life of people. Few weeks back, a winter storm had created havoc in different parts of the country, leading to multiple closings and delays of schools. Though the condition had improved in the …. Source  : New York City Public School Closing For Weather.

Eye on reforms, budget allocates Rs. 42,036 crore for education (Second lead)

NEW DELHI – India Friday allocated Rs.42,036 crore (Rs.420 billion/$ 9.1 billion) for both the school and higher education sectors in 2010-11, an increase of over Rs.5,600 crore from the previous fiscal – a move that aims to reform education by bringing equality in the sector.

“I propose to increase the plan allocation for school education … Read : Eye on reforms, budget allocates Rs. 42,036 crore for education (Second lead).

Pa. professor says she was suspended over ‘joke’ Facebook posting about seeking hit man

Pa. prof: Suspended over hit man Facebook posting

EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. – A professor at a northeastern Pennsylvania university says she’s been suspended indefinitely for what she thought was a humorous posting on Facebook about hiring a hit man.
East Stroudsburg University sociology professor Gloria Gadsden says she was suspended Wednesday because administrators thought she was making [..] Read the original article: here.