Education News – Weekly Newsletter for March 22-29, 2010

Education News – Weekly Newsletter for March 22-29, 2010

Monday, March 29, 2010

House passes increased college aid for students in need; ends reliance on private lenders

House boosts college aid for students in need
WASHINGTON – Riding the coattails of a historic health care vote, the House on Sunday also passed a broad reorganization of college aid that affects millions of students and moves President Barack Obama closer to winning yet another of his top domestic policies.
The bill rewrites a … Read : House passes increased college aid for students in need; ends reliance on private lenders.

Student loan rewrite, tacked on to health care, could give Obama another domestic win

In student loan plan, Obama looks for another win
WASHINGTON – With health care dominating House action, President Barack Obama was looking for another domestic policy victory Sunday – passage of a vast rewrite of college aid for needy students.
The legislation, piggybacked to the expedited health care bill, would end a four-decades … Original source on Gaea Times at : Student loan rewrite, tacked on to health care, could give Obama another domestic win.

Punjab B-school gets approval to use GMAT scores

CHANDIGARH – Punjab-based Aryans Business School (ABS) has become the first private B-school in the region to get approval from the US-based Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) to use Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score for admitting students.

“We are the first in this region and 31st in the country to get nod from GMAC to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Punjab B-school gets approval to use GMAT scores.

Right to education in Madhya Pradesh from April 1

BHOPAL – The Right to Education Act will be implemented in Madhya Pradesh from April 1, state Minister of School Education Archana Chitnis said here Sunday.

Addressing a state level workshop on the Right to Education Act, the minister said the state government will be implementing from April 1, 2010, the act which envisages free and … Read more >>.

Schoolkids wise up to water management in Madhya Pradesh (World Water Day is on March 22)

BHOPAL – Vikas Pawar, a student of Class 10, was so impressed by the Wise Water Management efforts being implemented in his Madhya Pradesh school by Unicef that he made it part of a science project.

He built a cardboard and plaster model showing how water could be conserved and recycled effectively to avoid a shortage. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Schoolkids wise up to water management in Madhya Pradesh (World Water Day is on March 22).

East Carolina hires former Auburn coach Lebo to lead take over men’s basketball program

East Carolina hires Lebo to coach basketball team

GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina has turned to former Auburn coach Jeff Lebo to lead its long-struggling men’s basketball program.
The school announced Monday it had hired Lebo to replace Mack McCarthy, who spent three seasons on the sideline for the Pirates before stepping down to take a fundraising [..] Read the original article: here.

Dentist becomes 1st Sikh soldier to complete Army officer school after decades of restrictions

1st Sikh in decades graduates Army officer school

SAN ANTONIO – The soldiers in standard-issue fatigues and combat boots stood side-by-side repeating their creed: “I am an American soldier. I am a warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army values …”
Capt. Tejdeep Singh Rattan … Original article on : Dentist becomes 1st Sikh soldier to complete Army officer school after decades of restrictions.

House speaker not happy that Ky. Senate took construction projects out of state budget

Stumbo warns Ky. Senate action could hurt budget

FRANKFORT, Ky. – House Speaker Greg Stumbo delivered a harsh warning to Senate leaders on Monday, saying they are jeopardizing the state budget if they push ahead with a plan to cut out construction projects intended to kickstart the state’s economy.
Hours after Senate budget committee Chairman Bob Leeper … Read more >>.

Memphis must vacate record 38-win basketball season from 2007-08 after NCAA rejects appeal

NCAA rejects Memphis’ final appeal of vacated wins

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis must vacate its record 38-win men’s basketball season from 2007-08 after the NCAA rejected its appeal.
The NCAA announced Monday that its Infractions Appeal Committee ruled against Memphis, which was found to use an ineligible player, believed to be Derrick Rose. The Tigers lost in … Original article on : Memphis must vacate record 38-win basketball season from 2007-08 after NCAA rejects appeal.

IGNOU, NIS-Sparta to train 24,000 rural youths

NEW DELHI – NIS-Sparta, a learning solution company of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group, has joined hands with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to train and place 24,000 youths from poor families in the telecom and BPO sector.

The training project is part of the ministry of rural development initiative to increase employability of …. Source article : IGNOU, NIS-Sparta to train 24,000 rural youths.

Jammu University B.Ed Results Declared

JAMMU, India (GaeaTimes.com)- The Jammu University B.Ed Results has now been declared and is available on the official website of Jammu University. The exams whose results have been declared at the Jammu University site are BA, BBA, BCA, BSc, BCom- all in its Part-III level. The results of Jammu Univeristy is available on …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Jammu University B.Ed Results Declared.

Supreme Court rejects student’s appeal over ban on playing of ‘Ave Maria’ at graduation

Court: Student can’t sue over ‘Ave Maria’ ban

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Monday refused to let a high school student sue over school officials’ refusal to let her play an instrumental version of “Ave Maria” at her graduation, a decision one justice says could lead to wide-ranging censorship of student speech.
The high court on … Original article on : Supreme Court rejects student’s appeal over ban on playing of ‘Ave Maria’ at graduation.

DOEACC Results Declared

NEW DELHI, India (GaeaTimes.com)- The official DOEACC (Department of Electronics and Accreditation of Computer Courses.) website shows DOEACC Results Declared on the site. DOEACC happens to be an results is an independently operating scientific society which is registered under the Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, Government of India. The institution is involved …. Original article on Gaea Times at : DOEACC Results Declared.

Mizoram to set up more technical institutes

AIZAWL – The Mizoram government will soon set up four more polytechnic institutes and a National Institute of Technology (NIT) to provide technical education to the youth, state Education Minister Lalsawta said here Monday.

“The polytechnic institutes and the NIT would be set up with financial assistance from the centre, which has already given its green …. Source article : Mizoram to set up more technical institutes.

India needs 800 more universities: Sibal

NEW DELHI – India needs at least 800 more universities in addition to its current number of 480 to boost higher education, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said Wednesday.

“Currently the gross enrolment ratio (GER) in India is 12.4 percent, and we intend to take it to 30 percent in the next few years,” Sibal … Read this article on Gaea Times at : India needs 800 more universities: Sibal.

Right to Education to start with deficit budget

NEW DELHI – The Right to Education (RTE) Act, which aims to provide free and compulsory education to all children up to Class 8, may not start with a bang as the scheme is facing several hurdles, including a shortage of around Rs.7,000 crore (Rs.70 billion), in the first year of implementation.

A senior official of …. Read the original article : Right to Education to start with deficit budget.

Thanks to health care, private lenders set to lose student lending business worth billions

Banks on verge of losing student lending business
WASHINGTON – Banks and other private lenders are about to lose a $70 billion-a-year student loan business, part of a massive overhaul of college assistance programs that has received an unexpected boost from President Barack Obama’s health care success.
Industry lobbyists have watched helplessly as Democrats and …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Thanks to health care, private lenders set to lose student lending business worth billions.

ND lawyer says board can drop Fighting Sioux name, tribal members want time to voice opinions

Lawyer: ND board can drop Fighting Sioux nickname

BISMARCK, N.D. – An attorney for North Dakota says the state higher education board can drop the University of North Dakota’s Fighting Sioux nickname before the deadline in a court settlement.
But an attorney for eight Spirit Lake Sioux tribal members told the state Supreme Court on Tuesday that …. Original article on Gaea Times at : ND lawyer says board can drop Fighting Sioux name, tribal members want time to voice opinions.

Reform Title IX or law misinterpreted? Man who wrote law, college chancellor agree it works

Official says football Title IX’s biggest problem

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A wrestling coach sees Title IX being used to discriminate against men. The man who wrote the original legislation thinks it’s working well with the numbers of both men and women playing college sports up greatly over the past four decades.
The head of an athletic department …. Read the original article : here.

How young is too young? Recruiting is the game within the game of college basketball

Recruiting young hoopsters draws scrutiny
APPLE VALLEY, Minn. – When Tyus Jones took the floor for his first varsity practice last fall, Tubby Smith was there to watch the budding star – who happens to be an eighth grader.

For kids like Jones, who plays at Apple Valley High School in this Minneapolis suburb, it’s not unusual …. Source : How young is too young? Recruiting is the game within the game of college basketball.

St. John’s receives permission to interview Georgia Tech’s Paul Hewitt

St. John’s receives permission to interview Hewitt

ATLANTA – Georgia Tech has granted permission for St. John’s to interview Yellow Jackets coach Paul Hewitt.
Georgia Tech associate athletic director Wayne Hogan said St. John’s was given the OK on Tuesday to speak with Hewitt. Hogan said he did not know when the interview will take place.
Hogan said …. Source : Gaea News Network.

No protests as pacifist Indiana college begins playing national anthem at sporting events

Pacifist college begins playing national anthem

GOSHEN, Ind. – Fans packed the stands and an American flag fluttered in a spring breeze as strains of the national anthem floated over the baseball field at Goshen College in what is typical pregame ritual for most Americans.
But both the flagpole and the anthem were new Tuesday to the …. Read the original article : here.

With budgets getting bleaker, school leaders face unpopular idea of closing schools

Bleak budgets force schools to consider closure

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In a neighborhood dotted with boarded up homes, trash and gang graffiti, McCoy Elementary has been an oasis.
Now that the 94-year-old school is closing, residents are fearful that the neighborhood could become even worse, attracting drug dealers and vandals when the children are gone. McCoy [..] Read the original article: here.

RBC makes Grand Canyon Eductation ‘Top Pick,’ lifts price target; Strayer Education downgraded

RBC names Grand Canyon Education ‘Top Pick’

NEW YORK – An RBC analyst named Grand Canyon Education Inc. a “Top Pick” Tuesday, saying the for-profit school’s decision to charge for more credit hours will accelerate earnings growth.
In a client note, analyst Robert Wetenhall wrote investors are underestimating the benefit of Grand Canyon’s switch to charging for …. Read the original article : RBC makes Grand Canyon Eductation ‘Top Pick,’ lifts price target; Strayer Education downgraded.

Huntington officials continue push on Google to make W.Va. city an ultra-fast broadband site

W.Va. city wants to be test site for fast Internet

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Mayor Kim Wolfe has trotted out an old campaign prop to help the city’s effort to win over Google and become a test site for the company’s ultra-fast broadband experiment.
Wolfe, a former mounted police officer, says a video showing him riding a horse …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Huntington officials continue push on Google to make W.Va. city an ultra-fast broadband site.

More Americans hit the river banks instead of the money banks to have free time fun

Gone fishing? More Americans did in ‘09
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – At a time when the economy has shaken big-time sports from the PGA to the NFL, the low-key pastime of fishing has enjoyed a quiet resurgence.

A pair of recent studies indicate that families have been turning to fishing, which can be as simple as standing on … Original source on Gaea Times at : More Americans hit the river banks instead of the money banks to have free time fun.

‘Patty Duke Show’ cast reunites in ad touting Social Security online applications

‘Patty Duke Show’ cast reunites for ad
LOS ANGELES – The cast of TV’s 1960s comedy “The Patty Duke Show” is reuniting to promote the Social Security Administration’s new online service aimed at baby boomers.

Duke and Social Security commissioner Michael J. Astrue were in Los Angeles on Tuesday to debut the public service announcement.
The Social Security …. Source : ‘Patty Duke Show’ cast reunites in ad touting Social Security online applications.

Duke Energy top executive Rogers receives 2009 compensation of $6.5 million

Duke CEO receives 2009 compensation of $6.5M

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The top executive of one of the nation’s largest power companies received total compensation of $6.5 million in 2009, according to an Associated Press calculation of figures disclosed in a regulatory filing.
Almost all of the compensation, $6.1 million, for Jim Rogers, chairman, president and CEO of …. Read the original article : Duke Energy top executive Rogers receives 2009 compensation of $6.5 million.

Sibal advocates public-private partnerships in education

NEW DELHI – From outsourcing infrastructure development of educational institutions to adopting the no work no pay principle in government institutes, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal Tuesday called for a better tie-up with the private sector.

This will have the advantage of mitigating government capex (capacity expansion), so that extensive infrastructure can be built very …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Supreme Court rules for bankrupt student in dispute over loan repayment

Court sides with debtor in student loan case

WASHINGTON – A unanimous Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a man who wanted his student loans dismissed through bankruptcy without having to prove that paying the money back would cause an “undue hardship.”
Justice Clarence Thomas said Tuesday in his opinion for the court that debtors must …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Supreme Court rules for bankrupt student in dispute over loan repayment.

Ex-Princeton donors announce new foundation to give scholarships at variety of universities

Donors who sued Princeton announce new foundation

PRINCETON, N.J. – A foundation formed in the aftermath of a legal settlement between Princeton University and disgruntled donors says it will fund scholarships for students planning careers in federal government service.
The Robertson Foundation for Government says its scholarships won’t be limited to graduate students at any one university.
Princeton …. Source : Gaea News Network.

MAT to continue with online, paper-pencil formats

CHANDIGARH – The Centre for Management Services (CMS), which conducts the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) across India, is in no mood to completely switch over to the online version and will continue with both paper-pencil and online formats of the exam.

Keeping various factors in mind, we have decided to continue MAT in both paper-pencil and …. Read the original article : MAT to continue with online, paper-pencil formats.

Proposed Knowledge Park on Hyderabad campus sparks row

HYDERABAD – The decision of the University of Hyderabad to lease out 200 acres of land for Knowledge and Innovation Park (KIP) on the campus has sparked a row with a section of teachers and students strongly opposing the move.

The protest by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the faculty, non-teaching staff and students and … Read more »».

Indian owned college collapses in Australia

MELBOURNE – Hundreds of international students, including many Indians, have been left clueless about their future as a college owned by an Indian collapsed in Australia.

With Sydney-based Austech Institute for Further Studies going for voluntary liquidation late last week, over 750 international students are looking at an uncertain future.
The hospitality college, owned by … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indian owned college collapses in Australia.

JNTU Kakinada Results Declared

KAKINADA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- JNTU Kakinada has declared their results this week and students, who had appeared for the examinations can check their marks. It has been reported that Jawaharlal Nehru Technological Museum in Kakinada is one of the highly renowned engineering colleges of India and every year numerous students try to secure an admission in … Read more : JNTU Kakinada Results Declared.

NIT Warangal director, registrar quit after students’ protest

HYDERABAD – The director and the registrar of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Andhra Pradesh’s Warangal town have announced their decision to quit following massive protests by students who alleged embezzlement of funds.

Director Y.V. Rao and in-charge registrar C.S.P. Rao announced their resignations late Wednesday after three hours of protests by students.
Tension …. Original source : NIT Warangal director, registrar quit after students’ protest.

Study: Third of Americans use library computers to look for jobs, connect with friends, learn

Study: Third of Americans use library computers

SEATTLE – A third of Americans – about 77 million people – use public library computers to look for jobs, connect with friends, do their homework and improve their lives, according to a new study released Thursday.
It confirms what public libraries have been saying as they compete for public …. Source article : Study: Third of Americans use library computers to look for jobs, connect with friends, learn.

Obama ed secretary, former Chicago schools CEO Duncan facing questions about admissions calls

Ed Secretary Duncan faces questions on admissions
CHICAGO – Revelations that President Barack Obama’s top education official kept a log of calls from powerful people trying to get students into top Chicago high schools when he ran the massive district have raised new questions about the city’s admissions practices.
Still, observers said Wednesday, former Chicago … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama ed secretary, former Chicago schools CEO Duncan facing questions about admissions calls.

Texas Tech becoming first to offer aspiring family docs quicker degrees _ at half the cost

Texas Tech offers quicker degrees to family docs
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech University’s medical school will soon become the first in the U.S. to offer aspiring family doctors a three-year degree at half the cost of a traditional four-year path, university officials said.
The program, which begins this fall, is aimed at addressing a …. Source : Gaea News Network.

University of Kansas investigates ticket office, fundraising entity

Kansas investigates ticket office, fund
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The University of Kansas announced Wednesday that it plans an independent review of the athletics department’s ticket office and fundraising entity after a report raised questions about the sale of basketball tickets.

The Kansas City Star report quoted anonymous sources as saying federal investigators are looking into possible …. Original article on Gaea Times at : University of Kansas investigates ticket office, fundraising entity.

Robert Culp, who starred with Bill Cosby in groundbreaking series ‘I Spy,’ dead at 79

Robert Culp, who starred in ‘I Spy,’ dead at 79

LOS ANGELES – Robert Culp, the actor who teamed with Bill Cosby in the racially groundbreaking TV series “I Spy” and was Bob in the critically acclaimed sex comedy “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice,” died Wednesday after collapsing outside his Hollywood home, his manager …. Read the original article : Robert Culp, who starred with Bill Cosby in groundbreaking series ‘I Spy,’ dead at 79.

Acclaimed Spanish chef Ferran Adria to teach course on culinary physics at Harvard University

Acclaimed Spanish chef Adria to teach at Harvard

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – An acclaimed Spanish chef who concocted treats such as ravioli made from squid and freeze-dried foie gras is teaming with Harvard University to create an undergraduate course in culinary physics.
Ferran Adria will begin teaching in the fall at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied …. Source : Gaea News Network.

NY Daily News wins 2 top National Headliner Awards; broadcasters in DC, Indy also honored

NY Daily News wins 2 top National Headliner Awards

TRENTON, N.J. – The New York Daily News has won two top honors in the 76th annual National Headliner Awards.
The newspaper won grand awards in the news and photo categories for its coverage of a pilot’s safe landing of a crippled US Airways jetliner in the Hudson … Original article on : NY Daily News wins 2 top National Headliner Awards; broadcasters in DC, Indy also honored.

New Jersey’s new Republican governor is off to a strong start; some say too strong

NJ gov off to a strong start; some say too strong

TRENTON, N.J. – There’s not a lot that’s small about New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. He is a big man with a big personality and a big problem – namely, closing a nearly $11 billion deficit in a state whose residents carry the biggest property-tax … Read more >>>.

Educationist Amrik Singh cremated, PM mourns his death

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday mourned the death of leading educationist Amrik Singh, who was cremated here in the presence of galaxy of people.

Amrik Singh, who was in coma for a fortnight, breathed his last Monday. His last rites were performed here at the Lodhi Road crematorium.
Vice President Hamid Ansari, Delhi …. Source : Gaea News Network.

PM condoles educationist Amrik Singh’s death

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday condoled the death of noted academician Amrik Singh, saying that he was “one of our most distinguished educationists”.

In his condolence message to the professor’s wife Harsharan Amrik Singh, the prime minister said: “I am deeply grieved to learn of the passing away of your husband.”
Your husband’s …. Source article : PM condoles educationist Amrik Singh’s death.

Local students protest IIT campus on their college premises

GANDHINAGAR – Students of a local engineering college near Ahmedabad are on a warpath, demanding immediate shifting of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Gandhinagar, from their college premises.

The students of Vishwakarma Engineering College are demanding that the IIT-Gandhinagar’s temporary campus be shifted out from their college premises, where it has been functioning the …. Original source : Local students protest IIT campus on their college premises.

Court notice will not affect right to education: Sibal

NEW DELHI – A Supreme Court notice to the human resource development ministry over some provisions of the right to education act will not affect its implementation from April this year, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said Wednesday.

“I have not got the notice yet. I will reply accordingly. Everybody has a right to challenge …. Original article : Court notice will not affect right to education: Sibal.

Reading scores hold steady on nationwide test; report offers snapshot of changing US classroom

Reading scores hold steady on nationwide test
Reading scores for fourth- and eighth-grade students held mostly steady last year, continuing a stubborn trend of minimal improvement across most racial, economic and geographic groups.
Scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a series of federally funded achievement tests, rose in two …. Original article : Reading scores hold steady on nationwide test; report offers snapshot of changing US classroom.

Parents oppose NDMC school admission policy in court

NEW DELHI – Parents of 12 students have hauled the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) before the Delhi High Court for its decision not to admit their children in a school after their residential areas were excluded from New Delhi parliamentary constituency in delimitation.

In their petition filed through advocate Ashok Agarwal, the parents said … Read more >>.

Foreign varsities to invest money earned back in India

NEW DELHI – The foreign investors setting up educational campuses in India cannot repatriate the money aboard and will have to invest the amount back into the sector in the country, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said here Wednesday.

“No foreign investor can repatriate money abroad but has to put it back into the educational … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Foreign varsities to invest money earned back in India.

Skipping census duty will land Goa teachers in jail

PANAJI – The Goa administration has threatened government primary teachers with jail if they avoid the census survey. The education department is unhappy with the order.

The directive was sent to all assistant district education inspectors, to be served on all primary schools.
The failure to abide by it will attract (charges under) the Indian … Read : Skipping census duty will land Goa teachers in jail.

Pelosi signing sends final piece of health bill to the president

Pelosi sends final piece of health bill to Obama

WASHINGTON – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is marking her 70th birthday by sending to President Barack Obama the final piece of legislation to overhaul the nation’s health care system.
The measure contains fixes to the sweeping health bill that Obama signed into law on Tuesday, including better benefits … Read more : Pelosi signing sends final piece of health bill to the president.

Muslims hail court order on Andhra quota, want states to follow

HYDERABAD/PATNA – The Supreme Court order restoring four percent quota for backward class Muslims in government jobs and education in Andhra Pradesh has come as a relief for students aspiring for professional courses and has been welcomed by the community, which now wants more to states implement it.

Students, who feared they would lose an …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Congress overhauls college aid, strips banks of federal student loans and boosts Pell Grants

Congress alters student lending, hikes Pell Grants
WASHINGTON – Congress has sent President Barack Obama a vast rewrite of federal college aid programs.
The legislation will give more needy students access to bigger college Pell Grants and make it easier for many future borrowers to repay their government-backed loans.
The House passed the measure 220-207 as [..] Read the original article: here.

Court asks NDMC to explain school admission policy

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday asked the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) why 12 students were denied admission to its school, as their parents have claimed, after a delimitation exercise removed their residential areas from New Delhi parliamentary constituency.

Justice G.S. Sistani issued a notice to the NDMC, the Navyug Education Society, …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Court asks NDMC to explain school admission policy.

‘British varsities treating foreign students as cash cows’

LONDON – British universities were Friday warned against treating overseas students as “cash cows” to help fill declining coffers.

The head of the British Council, the cultural arm of the foreign ministry, said universities could harm the reputation of British institutions if they recruited more non-European students merely to tackle cuts in their budgets.
Students from … Read more »»».

Struggling Savannah, Ga., school firing entire staff to avoid more sanctions, get federal cash

Struggling Georgia school firing entire staff

ATLANTA – A failing Savannah high school is firing its entire staff in an effort to avoid further sanctions from the state and to make the school eligible for up to $6 million in federal money, officials said Thursday.
The 200 employees at Beach High School – including the principal – … Read more : Struggling Savannah, Ga., school firing entire staff to avoid more sanctions, get federal cash.

67,000 children skip school in Britain everyday

LONDON – As many as 67,000 children skip school in Britain as truancy levels continue to rise, official data has revealed.

Pupils missing school due to unauthorised absences is now 44 percent higher than what it was in 1996-97, Daily Express reported.
About 67,000 pupils of all ages missed schools through truancy, family holidays and illness, …. Original article : 67,000 children skip school in Britain everyday.

College students get a boost from Congress; Pell Grants rise but don’t meet earlier hopes

Congress gives college aid a boost
WASHINGTON – More needy college students will have access to bigger Pell Grants, and future borrowers of government loans will have an easier time repaying them, under a vast overhaul of higher education aid on its way to President Barack Obama’s desk.

Under the measure, private banks would no longer get … Read more >>.

Officials: Clashes kill 5 Pakistani soldiers, at least 21 suspected militants near Afghanistan

Pakistan: 5 soldiers, 21 alleged militants killed

PARACHINAR, Pakistan – Five Pakistani soldiers and at least 21 suspected militants were killed in clashes in a region near the Afghan border where the military is pursuing Taliban insurgents fleeing a U.S.-backed offensive, authorities said Friday.
The reports came a day after officials said 61 suspected militants died in … Original article on : Officials: Clashes kill 5 Pakistani soldiers, at least 21 suspected militants near Afghanistan.

Carting children to school, the eco friendly way

VRINDAVAN – It could well be a case of back to the future. Bullock carts might be outmoded and belong to an era gone by, but it is the preferred mode of transport for a school here that is trying to cut down on vehicular emissions for a pollution-free tomorrow.

Equipped with all modern educational facilities, …. Original article : Carting children to school, the eco friendly way.

Eisenhower Memorial in Washington would include 80-foot columns and metal ‘tapestries’

Ike memorial would include 80-foot columns

WASHINGTON – A national memorial to former president and World War II general Dwight D. Eisenhower would include eight-story columns and metal “tapestries” of photos, according to plans announced Thursday in Washington.
Architect Frank Gehry designed the memorial, but it still needs some $80 million in funding and the approval of … Read more »».

UConn prodigy, 13, claims age discrimination for school’s denying him overseas study

Prodigy, 13, claims age discrimination by UConn

STORRS, Conn. – Even at 13, Colin Carlson believes he’s running out of time.
Colin is a sophomore at the University of Connecticut, seeking a bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology and another in environmental studies. But he’s been knocked off course by the university’s rejection of his request … Read : UConn prodigy, 13, claims age discrimination for school’s denying him overseas study.

University payments processor Higher One files for $100 million IPO

Higher One files for $100 million IPO
NEW YORK – Higher One Holdings Inc. is planning an initial public offering of up to $100 million, even as pending legislation could change its business.

The New Haven, Conn., company processes financial aid payments and provides banking services for colleges and their students.
The company said late Wednesday in a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : University payments processor Higher One files for $100 million IPO.

Summary Box: AP test of Google searches shows sophistication of China’s ‘Great Firewall’

Summary Box: AP test offers peek at China filters

THE TEST: Associated Press reporters in Beijing and Hong Kong compared searches and other features using the Hong Kong-based Google site that mainland China and the semiautonomous territory now share.
THE FINDINGS: Experiences continue to widely differ. The difference is that the government, rather than Google, is now …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Calif. teacher pleads no contest after confessing to police she had sex with 14-year-old boy

Calif. teacher pleads no contest to student sex

BURBANK, Calif. – A former California teacher who confessed to having sex with a 14-year-old male student has pleaded no contest.
Amy Victoria Beck, of Burbank, entered her plea Thursday in Superior Court to charges of unlawful sex and lewd acts on a minor. Her lawyer says she is [..] Read the original article: here.

AP test of Google searches in Beijing, Hong Kong shows sophistication of ‘Great Firewall’

AP test of Google offers peek at China Net filters
BEIJING – Type “Falun Gong” in Chinese into Google’s search engine from Beijing, and the Web browser suddenly becomes unresponsive for about a minute. Make the same search from Hong Kong, and you’ll get plenty of links to the spiritual movement banned by the [..] Read the original article: here.

Cheaper e-mail font? Wis. college says Century Gothic uses 30 pct. less printer ink than Arial

Wis. college says new e-mail font will save money

GREEN BAY, Wis. – A Wisconsin college has found a new way to cut costs with e-mail – by changing the font.
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has switched the default font on its e-mail system from Arial to Century Gothic. It says that while the change sounds …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Cheaper e-mail font? Wis. college says Century Gothic uses 30 pct. less printer ink than Arial.

Pakistani officials: Airstrikes kill 61 suspected militants in Afghan border region

Pakistan: Airstrikes kill 61 suspected militants

PARACHINAR, Pakistan – Pakistani military airstrikes killed 61 suspected militants in an area near the Afghan border Thursday, including dozens at a seminary where Taliban commanders were believed to be meeting, officials said.
The jet fire rained in two spells during the day in the Mamuzai area of Orakzai, a tribal … Read : Pakistani officials: Airstrikes kill 61 suspected militants in Afghan border region.

Dora the Explorer says no to exam stress

NEW DELHI – It’s exam time again and kids are overwhelmed with stress, facing sleepless nights, revision stress and tension. But popular Nicktoon Dora the Explorer is reaching out to kids with tips to bust the stress.

A schoolgirl herself, Dora gives the following simple rules to conquer dreadful exams:
Manage time wisely: Give yourself … Read more : Dora the Explorer says no to exam stress.

CAG raps Tripura for undue favour to private body

AGARTALA – The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has censured the Left Front government in Tripura for providing undue favour to a Kerala- based private organisation in setting up a medical college in Agartala.

With an annual intake capacity of 100 seats and a general hospital with 1,000 beds, the medical college and hospital, …. Original source : CAG raps Tripura for undue favour to private body.

Italian diocese, deaf students who say they were abused by priests face off on state TV

Church, deaf students square off on Italian TV

ROME – Three deaf men who say they were repeatedly sodomized and abused by priests as children confronted the church diocese Friday about why it hadn’t punished their abusers, saying they want justice.
The three men, first interviewed last year by The Associated Press, appeared on a prime-time talk … Original source on Gaea Times at : Italian diocese, deaf students who say they were abused by priests face off on state TV.

Recalls this week include fireplaces and log sets, stair gates and children’s math sets

Recalls this week: Fireplace log sets, stair gates

NEW YORK – Among the recalled items this week are fireplace log sets that may not light properly and could explode, stair gates that can lose slats and allow children to fall through and educational math kits with a part that contains lead.
There were also more recalls of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Recalls this week include fireplaces and log sets, stair gates and children’s math sets.

Nalanda University bill in parliament next month

SINGAPORE – Giving a push to reviving the Nalanda University, India Friday said the land to set up an international university in its Bihar state has been acquired and a legislation to take the project forward will be tabled in parliament next month.

“The land for the university is already acquired and the Nalanda University Bill … Original article on : Nalanda University bill in parliament next month.

Pelosi signing sends final piece of health bill to the president

Pelosi sends final piece of health bill to Obama

WASHINGTON – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is marking her 70th birthday by sending to President Barack Obama the final piece of legislation to overhaul the nation’s health care system.
The measure contains fixes to the sweeping health bill that Obama signed into law on Tuesday, including better benefits …. Read the original article : Pelosi signing sends final piece of health bill to the president.

Muslims hail court order on Andhra quota, want states to follow

Students, who feared they would lose an … Read : Muslims hail court order on Andhra quota, want states to follow.

Congress overhauls college aid, strips banks of federal student loans and boosts Pell Grants

Court asks NDMC to explain school admission policy

Justice G.S. Sistani issued a notice to the NDMC, the Navyug Education Society, …. Source : Gaea News Network.

‘British varsities treating foreign students as cash cows’

LONDON – British universities were Friday warned against treating overseas students as “cash cows” to help fill declining coffers.

Struggling Savannah, Ga., school firing entire staff to avoid more sanctions, get federal cash

Struggling Georgia school firing entire staff

67,000 children skip school in Britain everyday

LONDON – As many as 67,000 children skip school in Britain as truancy levels continue to rise, official data has revealed.

College students get a boost from Congress; Pell Grants rise but don’t meet earlier hopes

Under the measure, private banks would no longer get … Read this article on Gaea Times at : College students get a boost from Congress; Pell Grants rise but don’t meet earlier hopes.

Officials: Clashes kill 5 Pakistani soldiers, at least 21 suspected militants near Afghanistan

Pakistan: 5 soldiers, 21 alleged militants killed

PARACHINAR, Pakistan – Five Pakistani soldiers and at least 21 suspected militants were killed in clashes in a region near the Afghan border where the military is pursuing Taliban insurgents fleeing a U.S.-backed offensive, authorities said Friday.
The reports came a day after officials said 61 suspected militants died in …. Original source : Officials: Clashes kill 5 Pakistani soldiers, at least 21 suspected militants near Afghanistan.

Carting children to school, the eco friendly way

Equipped with all modern educational facilities, …. Original source : Carting children to school, the eco friendly way.

Eisenhower Memorial in Washington would include 80-foot columns and metal ‘tapestries’

Ike memorial would include 80-foot columns

UConn prodigy, 13, claims age discrimination for school’s denying him overseas study

Prodigy, 13, claims age discrimination by UConn

University payments processor Higher One files for $100 million IPO

Higher One files for $100 million IPO
NEW YORK – Higher One Holdings Inc. is planning an initial public offering of up to $100 million, even as pending legislation could change its business.

The New Haven, Conn., company processes financial aid payments and provides banking services for colleges and their students.
The company said late Wednesday in a …. Original source : University payments processor Higher One files for $100 million IPO.

Summary Box: AP test of Google searches shows sophistication of China’s ‘Great Firewall’

Summary Box: AP test offers peek at China filters

Calif. teacher pleads no contest after confessing to police she had sex with 14-year-old boy

Calif. teacher pleads no contest to student sex

AP test of Google searches in Beijing, Hong Kong shows sophistication of ‘Great Firewall’

Cheaper e-mail font? Wis. college says Century Gothic uses 30 pct. less printer ink than Arial

Wis. college says new e-mail font will save money

India opening excites some US varsities, others cautious

WASHINGTON – American universities are excited by prospects of expanding their presence in India’s growing education market but some prestigious Ivy league institutions like Yale University don’t expect to open a campus in the country any time soon.

Vivek Wadhwa, an Indian American entrepreneur turned academic, associated with Duke, Harvard and Berkeley, all with strong interest …. Read the original article : India opening excites some US varsities, others cautious.

Indian fellowship, teachers spread education in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA – Indian fellowships and teachers are playing a major role in spreading education in Africa’s second most populous nation.

With fellowships under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, popularly known as ITEC, “steadily increasing”, a record number of 90 fellowships were given to Ethiopians last year.
The 45th anniversary of the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indian fellowship, teachers spread education in Ethiopia.

Private schools in Chandigarh under scanner for flouting rules

CHANDIGARH – Private schools of this union territory (UT) are up in arms against the Chandigarh administration over the surprise inspections being conducted of their premises. But the education department says it is determined to crack down on private schools that “function like business units”.

Based on its surprise checks, the UT administration is sending recommendations …. Read the original article : here.

IGNOU plans ICT education cluster for five countries

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is planning to start an Information Communication Technology (ICT) cluster in five South Asian countries for capacity building in education sector.

The varsity, has already given a presentation outlining the details of the plan to parliamentarians of Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka at … Read more : IGNOU plans ICT education cluster for five countries.

With hope and a telescope, Palestinian space scientist hopes to inspire young Gaza stargazers

Hope and a telescope enthrall Gaza stargazers

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip – Suleiman Baraka’s journey could be measured in light years: the eldest of 14 children of a butcher, he rose from humble beginnings in violence-wracked Gaza to become an astrophysicist, space weather expert and researcher for NASA, the U.S. space agency.
Now, at 45, he is …. Source article on Gaea Times at : With hope and a telescope, Palestinian space scientist hopes to inspire young Gaza stargazers.

Los Angeles school district, teachers union agree to shorten school year by 5 days

Los Angeles school year shortened in teachers deal

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles teachers union says it has reached a deal with the school district that would shorten the school year by at least five days, as officials cope with a $640 million budget deficit.
United Teachers Los Angeles spokeswoman Marla Eby says under the agreement …. Original source : Los Angeles school district, teachers union agree to shorten school year by 5 days.

Struggling families increasingly seek help paying for school meals amid blistering recession

Struggling families depend more on school lunches

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – For a couple tight weeks after taking in her sixth-grade stepson, Lisa Lewis fretted about how to pay for his school lunches.
Unable to find a full-time job, the 37-year-old works part-time at a Kansas City, Kan., daycare, earning minimum wage. On that money alone, she …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Obama: Student loan changes to make college more affordable and debt load more manageable

Obama: Loan changes make college more affordable
WASHINGTON – Big changes in the student loan program will help make college more affordable for students and their debt load more manageable after graduation, President Barack Obama says.
After a week when the loan program overhaul passed in the shadow of the health care law, the president …. Original source : Obama: Student loan changes to make college more affordable and debt load more manageable.

Mahagenco Result For Sub.Engg Exam Declared

Maharashtra, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)-The Mahagenco (Maharashtra State Power Generation Co. Ltd.) result for the supplementary list of candidates have been published. The Mahagenco result which have been published, will have the names of those candidates who are being selected as the eligible ones to appear for the exam of Sub Engg. The exam is scheduled to …. Read the original article : Mahagenco Result For Sub.Engg Exam Declared.

Obama highlights savings in student loan measure in weekly address

Obama cites savings in student loans measure
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama told Americans on Saturday his student loan overhaul should help drive college graduation rates back to the top worldwide and save money in the process.
Capping a week that saw Congress pass student loan changes in something of a shadow from the landmark …. Original source : Obama highlights savings in student loan measure in weekly address.