Education News – Weekly Newsletter for April 1-5, 2010

Education News – Weekly Newsletter for April 1-5, 2010

Monday, April 5, 2010

Students at 2 Mass. schools for the blind en garde for fencing match, an apparent first

Mass. schools for blind gear up for fencing match

WATERTOWN, Mass. – Cory Kadlik has never let being blind stop him from golfing, skating, learning martial arts or riding a dirt bike. He had his doubts when it came to fencing.
“I never even knew this was possible,” said Kadlik, 19, of Medway as epees clanged, his … Original source on Gaea Times at : Students at 2 Mass. schools for the blind en garde for fencing match, an apparent first.

Modified rice that once seemed good pits farmers against chemical company in court after court

Farmers face off with chemical maker over rice

LONOKE, Ark. – Researchers at Ghent University in Belgium set out nearly 20 years ago to do what seemed like a good thing for farmers – create a strain of rice that could withstand a popular herbicide that kills weeds in the fields.
The scientists were so successful that …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Modified rice that once seemed good pits farmers against chemical company in court after court.

Nitish justifies setting up AMU branch in Kishanganj

PATNA – Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar justified the government’s decision to set up a branch of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) at Kishanganj district in the state in the wake of opposition by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and students organisation Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

“There should not be any opposition to set up a …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Obama plans to sign student loan legislation that makes government the primary lender

Obama to sign student loan legislation in Virginia
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama prepared Tuesday to sign the piece of his sweeping health care overhaul that makes the government the primary lender to students and strips banks of that power.
Obama’s hard-fought legislative victory packaged two of his domestic priorities. Obama already signed … Read : Obama plans to sign student loan legislation that makes government the primary lender.

IIMK to churn out socially sensitive executives

CHENNAI – If livelihood is for life, what is life for? A simple question but pregnant with a heavy message that would make anybody ponder. Curiously, the person who poses this question is not a philosopher or a religious guru, but the affable Debashis Chatterjee, director, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Kozhikode, Kerala.

Unlike other heads [..] Read the original article: here.

France’s Sarkozy holds hands, but not his tongue, taking US to task in NY visit

French president, first lady take on New York
NEW YORK – With a lectern flown in from France and his fingers firmly entwined with those of his smiling wife, French President Nicolas Sarkozy made a splash Monday even before he opened his mouth for a no-holds-barred speech at Columbia University.
Amid blogger reports …. Original article on Gaea Times at : France’s Sarkozy holds hands, but not his tongue, taking US to task in NY visit.

France’s Sarkozy lays into US health care and broadcasts marital bliss on trip to NY

Sarkozy, visiting NY, lays into US health care
NEW YORK – With a podium flown in from France and his fingers firmly entwined with those of his smiling wife, French President Nicolas Sarkozy made a splash Monday even before he opened his mouth for a no-holds-barred speech at Colombia University.
Amid tabloid reports of strains …. Read the original article : here.

With school webcam case as backdrop, Pa. Sen. Specter pushes for electronic privacy laws

Specter pushes for stronger federal privacy laws

PHILADELPHIA – Broadening wiretap laws to include videotaped surveillance could either safeguard privacy or thwart efforts to recover stolen property, a U.S. senator was told Monday at a hearing not far from a school that’s being sued for trying to find missing laptops by activating their webcams.
Sen. Arlen Specter, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : With school webcam case as backdrop, Pa. Sen. Specter pushes for electronic privacy laws.

Does this add up? Russian mathematician ponders saying ‘nyet’ to $1 million prize

‘Nyet’ to $1 million? Math genius may reject award

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia – Who doesn’t want to be a millionaire? Maybe a 43-year-old unemployed bachelor who lives with his elderly mother in Russia – and who won $1 million for solving a problem that has stumped mathematicians for a century.
Grigory Perelman can’t decide if he wants …. Source : Does this add up? Russian mathematician ponders saying ‘nyet’ to $1 million prize.

Education Department: Delaware, Tenn. get $600M in 1st round of ‘Race to the Top’ grants

Feds pick Delaware, Tenn. for $600M ed grants
ATLANTA – Federal officials on Monday awarded Tennessee and Delaware $600 million in grants to improve failing schools, sending a message to other states hoping to win money: revamp your education laws and get your districts and teachers to sign off.
They are … Original source on Gaea Times at : Education Department: Delaware, Tenn. get $600M in 1st round of ‘Race to the Top’ grants.

Economic centre of gravity shifting to Asia: Mukesh Ambani

BANGALORE – The economic centre of gravity is slowly shifting to Asia and the 21st century is poised to become an Indian century, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani said Monday.

“The world is emerging from a severe economic shock and resetting itself to face newer economic realities. India is one of the earliest countries to recover …. Original source : Economic centre of gravity shifting to Asia: Mukesh Ambani.

Gay teenager who alleged unchecked bullying settles with NY school district, to get $50K

Gay student settles lawsuit against NY district

ALBANY, N.Y. – A gay teenager in upstate New York who had claimed he was relentlessly bullied by classmates while school administrators stood by settled his lawsuit Monday against the school district.
Jacob – who is identified as “J.L.” in the lawsuit and doesn’t want his name revealed – sued …. Source article : Gay teenager who alleged unchecked bullying settles with NY school district, to get $50K.

Source: Education Department picks Delaware, Tenn. for 1st round of ‘Race to the Top’ grants

Source: Feds pick Delaware, Tenn. for ed grants
ATLANTA – The U.S. Department of Education has picked Delaware and Tennessee to receive part of an unprecedented $4.35 billion to help them improve student performance and transform struggling schools, a source said on Monday.
The states, selected from 16 finalists, are going … Read more >>.

Education Department picks Delaware, Tennessee for first round of ‘Race to the Top’ grants

Federal officials pick Delaware, Tenn. for grants
ATLANTA – A source says the U.S. Department of Education has picked Delaware and Tennessee for the first round of its “Race to the Top” competition.
The states will receive part of a $4.35 billion pot meant to encourage the use of innovative programs to improve student performance …. Source article : Education Department picks Delaware, Tennessee for first round of ‘Race to the Top’ grants.

Laptop spying, wiretap laws on agenda at Senate hearing Monday in Philly, amid school suit

Senate hearing in Philly focuses on laptop spying

PHILADELPHIA – Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania says he will seek legislation to address growing concerns about electronic privacy, given the widespread use of cell-phone, laptop and surveillance cameras.
The Pennsylvania Democrat led a field hearing on the issue in Philadelphia on Monday. Experts invited to speak debated whether … Read more >>>.

PTU Result Declared

JALANDHAR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Punjab Technical University, which is commonly referred as the PTU has declared their result for the examinations that was conducted in the month of December, 2009. According to the reports of the sources, the authorities of the Punjab Technical Universities have declared the results for multiple examinations and students should check the …. Source article on Gaea Times at : PTU Result Declared.

AMU to start religious counselling for students

LUCKNOW – The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) will offer religious counselling and spiritual teaching programmes to help students overcome psychological stress, an official said Monday.

“Within two-three days we will launch such programmes,” AMU’s official spokesperson Rahat Abrar told IANS on telephone from Aligarh, some 300 km from Lucknow.
“On the directions of Vice Chancellor P.K. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : AMU to start religious counselling for students.

Tamil schools, literature not neglected in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – Amidst vehement criticism by the Indian ethnic minority that Tamil schools and literature are being treated as “step-children” in Malaysia, the deputy prime minister has said these institutions are very much part of the national education system.

Describing as “wild” the allegations from some members in the Malaysian parliament, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin …. Source article : Tamil schools, literature not neglected in Malaysia.

‘Chinese, Tamil schools not neglected in Malaysia’

KUALA LUMPUR – Chinese and Tamil language schools are not being treated as step-children, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has said after minority ethnic groups claimed such institutions were being neglected in the country.

Describing as “wild” the allegations from some members in Dewan Rakyat (parliament), Yassin Tuesday said Chinese and Tamil schools were part … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Chinese, Tamil schools not neglected in Malaysia’.

South Dakota lawmakers reach deal on balancing state budget using spending cuts and transfers

SD lawmakers reach deal on budget, using some cuts

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota lawmakers voted mostly along party lines Tuesday to use a combination of spending cuts and one-time transfers from various accounts to balance next year’s state budget.
The Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee approved the spending plan after meeting for nearly eight hours. The Senate …. Source : Gaea News Network.

With 100 percent placement, cheer at youngest IIM

SHILLONG – All the 63 first-batch graduates of the youngest Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Meghalaya have got job offers, with an annual average salary of around Rs.10 lakhs and the highest pay package worth a whopping Rs.34 lakhs.

The mood is upbeat and one of utter jubilation at IIM Shillong (IIM-S).
“We are indeed …. Original source : With 100 percent placement, cheer at youngest IIM.

IUPUI to vacate wins in 6 sports after eligibility violations

NCAA orders IUPUI to vacate wins in 6 sports

INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA says it has found major infractions involving all 14 sports at IUPUI.
The NCAA said Tuesday that IUPUI allowed erroneous eligibility certification for 97 student-athletes from 2003-04 through 2006-07, demonstrating a lack of institutional control and a failure to monitor by the university.
A former …. Original article on Gaea Times at : IUPUI to vacate wins in 6 sports after eligibility violations.

East Los Angeles math teacher who inspired ‘Stand and Deliver’ film dies

Teacher who inspired ‘Stand and Deliver’ film dies

LOS ANGELES – Jaime Escalante transformed a tough East Los Angeles high school by motivating struggling inner-city students to master advanced math, became one of America’s most famous teachers and inspired the movie “Stand and Deliver.”
He died Tuesday at age 79 after battling cancer for several years, family … Original source on Gaea Times at : East Los Angeles math teacher who inspired ‘Stand and Deliver’ film dies.

Attorney: Lesbian who sued over same-sex prom date ban can bring girlfriend to private dance

Lesbian, girlfriend OK for private Miss. prom

JACKSON, Miss. – An attorney says a lesbian student who sued a Mississippi school over its policy banning same-sex prom dates can bring her girlfriend to a privately sponsored dance.
Itawamba County school board attorney Michele Floyd said Tuesday that 18-year-old Constance McMillen can escort her girlfriend to the dance …. Source article : Attorney: Lesbian who sued over same-sex prom date ban can bring girlfriend to private dance.

Mass. teen’s suicide raises questions about accountability for social officials in bullying

Bullying raises questions about schools’ vigilence

BOSTON – A gay teenager in New York wins $50,000 from a school district that failed to stop taunts about his sexual orientation. The Justice Department investigates complaints that administrators ignored racial bullying in a Philadelphia school.
And in Massachusetts, a 15-year-old girl hangs herself after she is mercilessly harassed for …. Read the original article : here.

Program that pays the poor for good habits makes some strides, but has no effect on school

NYC pays poor for good conduct, with mixed results

NEW YORK – An experimental anti-poverty program that pays the poor for maintaining good habits – $25 to $150 for things such as going to the dentist, staying on the job or opening a bank account – has not exactly been life-changing.
The cash incentives funded with private [..] Read the original article: here.

Obama says students, community colleges to benefit from loan changes he signed into law

Loan changes to help students, community colleges
WASHINGTON – Bigger grants for college students who need them. Relaxed payment terms for students with loans. More money for community colleges and historically black institutions.
The law that President Barack Obama signed Tuesday could mean big changes for hard-pressed students and colleges as the government [..] Read the original article: here.

Philadelphia charter school questioned over sharing space with a nightclub

Philly charter school moonlights as a nightclub

PHILADELPHIA – Who knew a school cafeteria could be so much fun?
A space where hundreds of Philadelphia charter school students have been eating their lunches during mundane weekdays has been doubling in its off-hours as nightclub, offering dancing and drinking despite an expired liquor license.
City and school officials are …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Colleges, pro teams look to ’sports mortgages’ to finance stadium expansion in uncertain times

Colleges add stadium seats with ’sports mortgages’

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Season ticket holders know the annual lament. The cost of prime seats keeps rising, even if the team is lousy.
Now, combine that frustration with cash-strapped college athletics departments, struggling to upgrade aging stadiums, and you’ve got the latest innovation in marketing for big-time athletics – the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Colleges, pro teams look to ’sports mortgages’ to finance stadium expansion in uncertain times.

University of Wyoming cancels William Ayers speech after slew of criticism

University of Wyo. cancels William Ayers speech
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The University of Wyoming has canceled a speech by former 1960s radical William Ayers after it raised hundreds of objections from citizens and politicians over the man who became an issue in the 2008 presidential campaign.
In a statement released by …. Source article on Gaea Times at : University of Wyoming cancels William Ayers speech after slew of criticism.

After 9 charged in bullied Mass. girl’s suicide, schools face tough questions on prevention

School staffs face tough questions on bullying

BOSTON – An anti-bullying expert says a school attended by a harassed freshman who committed suicide didn’t follow through on all her recommendations.
Barbara Coloroso told The Associated Press on Tuesday that schools need procedures to protect victims and punish perpetrators, and programs to prevent further problems.
She says that South … Original article on : After 9 charged in bullied Mass. girl’s suicide, schools face tough questions on prevention.

British envoy shows interest in Haryana’s education city

CHANDIGARH – British High Commissioner Richard Stagg Tuesday expressed keen interest in Haryana’s Rajiv Gandhi Education City (RGEC), coming up at Kundli town in Sonepat district.

“Education has become a global activity. We are enthusiastic about Haryana’s education city and even the vice-chancellor of the Oxford University is also keen to see it and to know … Read more »»».

Philadelphia charter school questioned on shared space with nightclub, spending practices

Philly charter school questioned on club, spending

PHILADELPHIA – Charter school by day, social club by night.
Authorities say that’s what it was like at a building housing the Harambee (ha-RAHM’-bay) Institute of Science and Technology Charter School in Philadelphia.
When school wasn’t in session, the space became a nightspot known as Club Damani. Authorities say the club … Read more >>>.

IIM-Ahmedabad again raises fees for post-graduate course

GANDHINAGAR – The Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A) has raised the fees for the post-graduate programme in management for the third year in a row, an official said Tuesday.

For the students joining the June 2010-12 batch for the two-year course, the fees structure will be Rs.13.70 lakh payable in two parts – Rs.6.6 … Read more »»».

Obama signs law that wraps up health care bill, overhauls federal loan program

Obama signs law; finalizs health care, loan remake
WASHINGTON – Finalizing two major pieces of his agenda, President Barack Obama on Tuesday sealed his health care overhaul and made the government the primary lender to students by cutting banks out of the process.
Both domestic priorities …. Original article : Obama signs law that wraps up health care bill, overhauls federal loan program.

Consultant to Mass. school where 9 are charged in bullying didn’t use all her advice

Bullying expert: Mass. school didn’t use advice

BOSTON – An anti-bullying expert says a school attended by a harassed freshman who committed suicide didn’t follow through on all her recommendations.
Barbara Coloroso told CBS’ “The Early Show” on Tuesday that schools need procedures to protect victims and punish perpetrators, and programs to prevent further problems.
She says South …. Original article : Consultant to Mass. school where 9 are charged in bullying didn’t use all her advice.

‘1.2 mn teachers needed to implement right to education’

NEW DELHI – Save the Children, a child rights NGO, said Tuesday that India faces a shortfall of at least 1.2 million trained teachers for implementing the Right to Education Act which will be notified across the nation Thursday.

“There are many critical challenges that lie ahead which may make the claim of fundamental right to … Original article on : ‘1.2 mn teachers needed to implement right to education’.

India pledges right to education for all (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Millions of children across India will now get free and compulsory education up to class eight as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday empowered the nation by enforcing Right to Education as a fundamental right.

“Today our government comes before you to pledge all our children elementary education. The Right of Children …. Source article on Gaea Times at : India pledges right to education for all (Second Lead).

Teachers asked to give undertaking on education act rules

BHOPAL – With the Right to Education Act formally coming into effect Thursday, government school teachers in Madhya Pradesh have been asked to give an undertaking that they will follow the rules prescribed by the act, which includes not giving private tuitions, sources in the education department said.

The State School Education Ministry that has issued …. Original source : Teachers asked to give undertaking on education act rules.

ABVP shutdown begins in Bihar

PATNA – The statewide dawn-to-dusk shutdown in Bihar called by the students organisation Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Thursday, to protest the government’s decision to set up a branch of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in Kishanganj, began on a peaceful note with no reports of violence.

Police sources said security forces were deployed to … Original article on : ABVP shutdown begins in Bihar.

Pledge all our children elementary education: PM

NEW DELHI – Right to Education as a fundamental right formally came into effect Thursday with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging all stakeholders to make it a success by empowering people through education.

“Today our government comes before you to pledge all our children elementary education. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act … Original article on : Pledge all our children elementary education: PM.

Right to Education becomes fundamental right

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday dedicated the Right to Education (RTE) act to the nation terming it as a fundamental right and urged every Indian to make the country strong through education.

“The act comes into effect from today. Our government comes before you to pledge right to free and compulsory education (to …. Source article : Right to Education becomes fundamental right.

Duke, former lacrosse coach resolve slander lawsuit; university apologizes for media stories

Duke, former lacrosse coach resolve slander suit

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Duke lacrosse coach fired after a stripper falsely accused three players of rape in 2006 has ended his slander lawsuit against the university.
Attorney Jay Trehy said Wednesday that Mike Pressler was dismissing his claims, though he declined to discuss the terms of how the matter …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Duke, former lacrosse coach resolve slander lawsuit; university apologizes for media stories.

Mrs. Obama joins local elementary school students in replanting White House garden

Mrs. Obama replants the White House garden

WASHINGTON – First lady Michelle Obama welcomed spring to the White House by replanting her popular vegetable garden with the help of local elementary school students.
Mrs. Obama was joined on the South Lawn of the White House by third through sixth grade students from Bancroft Elementary School in Washington …. Source article : Mrs. Obama joins local elementary school students in replanting White House garden.

3 teens scheduled for arraignment in Mass. bullying case that led to teen girl’s suicide

Court dates set for 3 Mass. teens in bullying case

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. – Three Massachusetts teenagers are due in court next week on charges stemming from a 15-year-old classmate’s suicide after incessant bullying.
Seventeen-year-olds Sean Mulveyhill and Kayla Narey, both of South Hadley, face charges of criminal harassment, disturbing a school assembly and violation of civil [..] Read the original article: here.

Philadelphia charter school will close nightclub that operated in cafeteria during off-hours

Philly charter school says nightclub will close

PHILADELPHIA – A charter school cafeteria will no longer double as a nightclub on nights and weekends, city education officials announced Wednesday after inspecting the facility.
Owners of the Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School told officials they have removed all banquet supplies and equipment, including alcohol, from …. Source article : Philadelphia charter school will close nightclub that operated in cafeteria during off-hours.

GE Aviation to add research center near Dayton, Ohio

GE to put research center in Dayton
CINCINNATI – GE Aviation announced plans Wednesday for a new electric power systems research and development center near Dayton in southwest Ohio.

Ohio’s Third Frontier program, which funds investment in innovative technology projects, will provide a $7.6 million grant for the project estimated at $51 million. GE Aviation said the … Read more : GE Aviation to add research center near Dayton, Ohio.

Pa. university offers free iPads to students; Ore. college gives choice of iPad or computer

Pa. university offers free iPads to its students

GREENSBURG, Pa. – A western Pennsylvania university is offering free iPads to all full-time students starting this fall.
Seton Hill University in suburban Pittsburgh says about 1,500 students are eligible for the Apple tablet computers. The highly anticipated product goes on sale Saturday.
University officials say the iPad will make … Read more : Pa. university offers free iPads to students; Ore. college gives choice of iPad or computer.

Punjab to copy Bihar model for rural IIT aspirants

CHANDIGARH – Impressed with the success of Bihar’s “Super 30″ programme for rural students, the Punjab government is set to replicate the model here to facilitate its marginalised and underprivileged students to crack the entrance test of India’s prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Wednesday gave an in-principle approval to … Read more »».

NYC program that pays the poor for good habits has no effect on school, job retention

Report: Money for good habits doesn’t change lives

NEW YORK – An experimental anti-poverty program that pays the poor for maintaining good habits – $25 to $150 for things such as going to the dentist, staying on the job or opening a bank account – has not been life-changing.
The cash incentives funded with private donations have … Read more : NYC program that pays the poor for good habits has no effect on school, job retention.

AMU holds talks over tie up with American varsities

ALIGARH/NEW DELHI – A team of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) officials Wednesday held talks with representatives of American universities in New Delhi on academic collaboration between US varsities and AMU.

The Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC), USA delegation consisted of America’s top research universities consisting of University of Wisconsin, Purdue University, Pennsylvania University, Ohio University, …. Original article : AMU holds talks over tie up with American varsities.

Right to Education Act comes into force Thursday

NEW DELHI – The much awaited Right to Eduction (RTE) Act, which promises free and compulsory education up to Class 8, will be implemented Thursday with an address to the nation by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The act will provide for education to students in the age group of 6-14 and specially focus on bringing back … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Right to Education Act comes into force Thursday.

Italy’s Franklin and Marshall apparel translates into scholarship, publicity for Pa. college

School? Fashion label? Franklin & Marshall is both

PHILADELPHIA – To the untrained eye, it would seem that tiny Franklin & Marshall College has a disproportionate number of young alumni in Europe and Japan.
But the trendy hipsters sporting seemingly well-worn F&M gear are wearing a fashion statement, not a badge of pride. The “vintage” college apparel …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Jaime Escalante Dies

RENO (GaeaTimes.com)- Jaime Escalante, the mathematics teacher who made calculus fun, is no more. The 79 year old teacher whose life had inspired the 1988 movie “Stand and Deliver” died at Reno, Nevada. He was suffering from bladder cancer. The actor who played the part of the teacher in the movie, Edward James Olmos … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Jaime Escalante Dies.

Morgantown beefs up police presence for Final Four game, warns fans the world is watching

Morgantown cautions fans: The world is watching

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia town known as America’s couch-burning capital is hoping it won’t live up to its reputation when the Mountaineers battle Duke in the Final Four.
But Morgantown Police Chief Phil Scott is beefing up the force just in case. He’s gathering reinforcements from the sheriff’s …. Read the original article : here.

West beckons students despite foreign varsity bill

NEW DELHI – The government may be keen to allow foreign varsities to set up independent campuses in India but many students say they would still prefer to go abroad for higher education as the exposure counts and the overseas degrees may be of greater value.

Six out of 10 students IANS spoke to said they …. Original article : West beckons students despite foreign varsity bill.

IIM-Shillong first B-School to webcast convocation

SHILLONG – The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Meghalaya is set to be first business school in the country to webcast its first convocation ceremony live April 3.

“We will be the first business institute to webcast our convocation ceremony to attract students to join the institute,” Director of IIM-Shillong Ashoke Dutta told IANS. …. Original source : IIM-Shillong first B-School to webcast convocation.

No secret formula to Spartans’ Final Four run, just a coach who understands “one and done.”

‘If it doesn’t hurt, you haven’t done enough.’

INDIANAPOLIS – The best coach in college basketball doesn’t bother with formulas.
One ingredient is all Tom Izzo needs.
“If it doesn’t hurt, if it isn’t painful to go through a practice, you haven’t done enough. You’re not going to this level. You’re going to win your 20 games,” he …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Houston hires former Texas Tech coach James Dickey as successor to Tom Penders

Dickey taking over at Houston
HOUSTON – James Dickey figures the key to making Houston Cougars basketball relevant again can be found close to home.

“We’ve got to recruit Houston, the greater Houston area, that’s going to be paramount for us,” he said.
Dickey was hired as Houston’s coach on Thursday, putting him in charge of a program …. Source : Houston hires former Texas Tech coach James Dickey as successor to Tom Penders.

Parents of 2 million twentysomethings see relief ahead under health care reform

2 million eager for health care on parents’ plans

CHICAGO – Congress voted to overhaul the health care system on a Sunday. On Monday, Patti Lawson e-mailed her employer’s human resources office to ask how soon she could get her 22-year-old daughter back on her health insurance.
In about six months, the new law will allow at …. Source : Parents of 2 million twentysomethings see relief ahead under health care reform.

Court stays suspension of gay AMU teacher

ALLAHABAD – The Allahabad High Court Thursday stayed the Aligarh Muslim University’s suspension of teacher S.R. Siras for “gross professional misconduct”.

Hearing the teacher’s plea, a division bench of Justice Sunil Ambwani and Justice K.N. Pandey also stayed the order of the varsity administration directing Siras, a teacher in the Modern Indian Languages department, to vacate …. Original article : Court stays suspension of gay AMU teacher.

International Hindi Day celebrated in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The growing bilateral relations between India and Kazakhstan make it important for this Central Asian republic to prepare and create a cadre of Indologists who are well versed in Indian languages, history, politics, economy, thoughts and ideas, the Indian envoy here has said.

Speaking at the International Hindi Day celebrations at the Al … Read more : International Hindi Day celebrated in Kazakhstan.

India guarantees compulsory education to its children (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – India Thursday gave the right to all its children to have access to elementary education, becoming among a handful of countries in the world that legally guarantees free and compulsory to education to millions of deprived children.

Citing his own example, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh dedicated the landmark measure to the nation, … Original article on : India guarantees compulsory education to its children (Roundup).

Minister seeks cooperation to implement education act

BHOPAL – Madhya Pradesh School Education Minister Archana Chitnis has urged people’s representatives to cooperate in the successful implementation of the Right to Education act that came into force across the country Thursday.

“With the implementation of the act while it has become the constitutional duty of the government to ensure free and mandatory … Original source on Gaea Times at : Minister seeks cooperation to implement education act.

Major challenges in implementing Right to Education

NEW DELHI – The historic Right to Education (RTE) act that promises to provide every child compulsory elementary education is set to face many hurdles. Following are the key challenges to implementing this historic fundamental right:

* Shortage of funds. In the first year of implementation, the act is likely to face a shortage of Rs. …. Source article : Major challenges in implementing Right to Education.

‘Education act should have come 50 years back’

NEW DELHI – Terming the landmark Right to Education (RTE) Act which came into force Thursday as marvellous and great, India’s leading educationist and an advisor to the central government, Prof. Yash Pal said the act should have come five decades back.

This is great. This is marvellous. But I believe it should have come 50 … Read more >>>.

PM calls for attracting more youth to science courses

PUNE – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday expressed concern over the declining number of youth opting for science courses after the 10+2 stage and urged the need to bring them into the fold of exciting and stimulating research environment of colleges and universities.

Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of the Indian Institute of Science Education …. Source : PM calls for attracting more youth to science courses.

Rs.40 bn package for primary education in Assam

GUWAHATI – With the right to education now a reality, the Assam government Thursday announced a whopping Rs.40 billion package to bolster the state’s primary and middle school level education. It said an estimated 26,000 teachers will be appointed and around 20,000 schools will be set up in the next five years.

“Under the Right …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Mass. school superintendent defends response to bullying, contradicts prosecutor’s allegations

Mass. school head defends response to bullying

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. – A Massachusetts school superintendent is defending his administration’s handling of bullying that prosecutors say contributed to a 15-year-old girl’s suicide.
South Hadley Superintendent Gus Sayer said Wednesday that high school officials disciplined students heard to insult and harass Phoebe Prince. But he says the faculty didn’t … Original article on : Mass. school superintendent defends response to bullying, contradicts prosecutor’s allegations.

Key elements in Right to Education Act

NEW DELHI – Sixty-three years after independence, India Thursday enforced a historic Right to Education (RTE) act that promises freedom from illiteracy for this vast and diverse country. Following are the key points of the legislation that expects to empower the nation through education:

* Free and compulsory education to all children of India in the … Read more >>>.

Child rights panel to monitor RTE act

NEW DELHI – The apex child rights panel Thursday welcomed the implementation of the much-awaited Right to Education (RTE) act and said that it looks forward to taking on the responsibility of monitoring its successful implementation.

The act will provide free and compulsory education to children in the age group of 6-14 and specially focus on …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Child rights panel to monitor RTE act.

Right To Education Bill 2009 Sparks Debate

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Right to education bill 2009 has drawn mixed reactions from the political veterans and education reformists in India. There are some proponents of the bill as well as detractors. K Rosaiah, who is the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh has pledged whole hearted support for the bill. The act … Read more >>.

University Of Hyderabad Issues Admission Notice

HYDERABAD, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- University of Hyderabad, which is rated as one of the leading universities of the country has declared the date for its Post Graduate entrance test for 2010. The university offers a variety of Post Graduate Courses for the students. It offers a 5-year integrated Masters Degree course for the students of …. Read the original article : here.

In email to about 5,000 donors, Kansas says their contributions are safe

Kansas assures donors their money is not misused

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In a mass e-mail, the University of Kansas has reassured thousands of its biggest donors that their contributions have not been misused or stolen.
The school announced last week that it has commissioned an independent investigation into possible wrongdoing in the ticket office and the …. Read the original article : In email to about 5,000 donors, Kansas says their contributions are safe.

Wearing convocation gown ‘barbaric colonial practice’: Ramesh

BHOPAL – Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh Friday caused a flutter at a ceremony here Friday by terming the wearing of the traditional convocation robe as a “barbaric colonial practice” and removed the ceremonial gown he was wearing.

“The practice of wearing a traditional coloured gown during a convocation ceremony at any university is a barbaric …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Wearing convocation gown ‘barbaric colonial practice’: Ramesh.

Spacewoman power: 4 women in orbit at same time, setting new record; men still outnumber

Spacewoman power: 4 women in orbit at same time

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space is about to have a female population explosion.
One woman already is circling Earth in a Russian capsule, bound for the International Space Station. Early Monday morning, NASA will attempt to launch three more women to the orbiting outpost – along with four … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Spacewoman power: 4 women in orbit at same time, setting new record; men still outnumber.

Traditional convocation gown ‘barbaric’: Ramesh

BHOPAL – Minister of State for Environment Jairam Ramesh Friday termed the wearing of the traditional convocation robe as a “barbaric colonial practice” and called for wearing a simple dress instead.

“The practice of wearing a traditional coloured gown during a convocation ceremony at any university was a barbaric colonial practice. Why can’t we … Read : Traditional convocation gown ‘barbaric’: Ramesh.

Minor girl challenges expulsion from school in court

NEW DELHI – A 12-year-old girl, who was dropped from the rolls of St. Xavier’s School here last month after she failed in her class 6 examinations, has approached the Delhi High Court challenging her expulsion.

“The school’s action is illegal, specially at a time when the Right to Education Act (RTE) has been enforced … Original source on Gaea Times at : Minor girl challenges expulsion from school in court.

Indian schools allowed to expand operation in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI – Indian and other foreign curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi will be allowed to expand operations under a new plan aimed at improving standard of private school education in the country.

“ADEC is working to enhance the private education sector by improving standards while maintaining reasonable fees and increasing capacity for our multicultural communities. …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Indian schools allowed to expand operation in Abu Dhabi.

Community colleges bask in new-found attention but hurt for money as pressures build

Community colleges like attention, need money
Politicians and policymakers are lavishing unprecedented attention on community colleges, promoting them as engines to train workers in the recession and boost the country’s college graduation rates.
Where rhetoric meets reality on campus, you’ll find people like Tania DeLeon, a student at Folsom Lake College in California who can’t …. Source article : Community colleges bask in new-found attention but hurt for money as pressures build.

Bedtime stories improve child literacy

WASHINGTON – Reading a bedtime story to your child for 20 minutes every night could improve his or her literacy by at least 10 school days a year, experts have said.

Banking on this theory, an American non-governmental organisation has launched a programme which encourages families to read together for at least 20 minutes each night. …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Bedtime stories improve child literacy.

Police: Notre Dame recruit ‘drunk and belligerent’ in fatal fall off Florida hotel balcony

Police: Notre Dame recruit ‘drunk’ on fatal fall

CINCINNATI – A “drunk and belligerent” 17-year-old Notre Dame football recruit was killed in a fall from a fifth-floor hotel balcony during his senior-year spring break in Florida, authorities said Saturday.
Matt James died Friday around 6:30 p.m. at the Days Inn Motel in Panama City Beach. Police said … Read more »»».