Teacher helps pupils cheat, but gets answers wrong

LONDON – A teacher in Britain helped her students cheat but got the answers wrong, reveals a probe initiated after 18 out of 19 pupils gave the same incorrect answer in the exam.

Investigators found that students had been illegally helped by the teacher during the exam, Standard Assessment Tasks (SATs).
In another school, its … Read more >>>.

Malaysian school for pregnant teens gets its first pupils

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s first ‘School of Hope’ for pregnant teenagers began its work Monday with five girls joining it.

Four Malays and an ethnic Chinese students resumed their studies in Forms Four and Five at the school in Malacca state.
The teenagers, accompanied by their parents, were first required to make their … Original source on Gaea Times at : Malaysian school for pregnant teens gets its first pupils.

Legal challenges to NCAA threaten to redefine the definition of ‘amateur’ athlete

Lawsuits seek to compensate college athletes

SAN FRANCISCO – Basketball star Ed O’Bannon and quarterback Sam Keller each earned most valuable player awards during their collegiate careers.
Now, years after playing their final games, they are pursuing what they consider a more significant collegiate legacy. They are attempting through federal lawsuits to force the NCAA to share … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Legal challenges to NCAA threaten to redefine the definition of ‘amateur’ athlete.

Deputy spoke with missing California sect members while they were praying outside school

Missing Calif. members prayed outside school

PALMDALE, Calif. – A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy spoke with members of a break-off religious sect that has been reported missing while they were praying in their parked vehicles outside of a Palmdale high school.
Capt. Mike Parker says when the deputy made contact at 3 a.m. Saturday, the adults …. Source article  : Deputy spoke with missing California sect members while they were praying outside school.

Foreign diplomats learn to speak Chinese

BEIJING – An institute here has started a 10-week Chinese-speaking course for foreign diplomats, a media report said Sunday.

Fifty-six diplomats from 26 countries will attend the course every weekend, China Daily reported.
The programme was launched Saturday by the Confucius Institute.
Diplomats and their spouses will spend two-and-a-half hours every weekend learning how to speak …. Source article  : Foreign diplomats learn to speak Chinese.

Chinese think cost of raising children very high

BEIJING – About 87 percent of Chinese believe the cost of raising children is very high, a study has shown.

Some 3,283 people took part in the study carried out by Chinese website sina.com based on a finding by a Nanjing-based university, China Daily reported.
Parents who accompanied their children for registration at the School …. Original source  : Chinese think cost of raising children very high.

Pope beatifies Anglican convert, praises those in Britain who fought the Nazi regime

Pope praises courage of those who fought the Nazis

BIRMINGHAM, England – Pope Benedict XVI beatified Cardinal John Henry Newman at an open-air Mass on Sunday and marked the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a personal reflection on the evil of the Nazi regime, praising those who “courageously” resisted it.
It was the second …. Original source  : Pope beatifies Anglican convert, praises those in Britain who fought the Nazi regime.

Big row over tiny bookstore’s closure in China

SHANGHAI – A move by authorities at a Chinese university to close down a campus bookstore has been vehemently opposed by students and teachers alike who describe the shop as a “garden of knowledge”.

The group of about 30 people from East China Normal University have signed a petition to prevent the small bookstore from being …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

California group that runs 30 charter schools shares in Oprah’s $6M public education gift

Calif. charter schools get $1M nod on ‘Oprah’

OAKLAND, Calif. – An Oakland nonprofit that operates 30 charter schools in California is being recognized with a $1 million donation from Oprah Winfrey’s Angel Foundation.
Aspire Public Schools was one of six public school reform groups honored with grants from the talk show host Monday.
The charter school network …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : California group that runs 30 charter schools shares in Oprah’s $6M public education gift.

Coaches wary of rising stress, health concerns after Dantonio hospitalized with heart issue

Football coaches wary of health concerns
OKLAHOMA CITY – Gary Pinkel likes to get away from a stressful day and sneak in a quick shopping trip with his granddaughters, even it’s just for 15 minutes.

He’ll push them around in a shopping cart for a while, get them all wired, then drop them back off with his …. Original article  : Coaches wary of rising stress, health concerns after Dantonio hospitalized with heart issue.

On the Call: Discover Financial CEO David Nelms sees Student Loan deal boosting profit in 2011

On the Call: Discover Financial CEO David Nelms

NEW YORK – Discover Financial Services Co. CEO David Nelms said the acquisition of The Student Loan Corp. from Citigroup will significantly boost the company’s student lending business.
The deal, announced Friday, will add relationships with 1,000 schools to Discover’s existing 800 – some will overlap, he noted during … Read more >>>.

Top business school INSEAD names Dipak Jain as next dean

WASHINGTON – Leading international business school INSEAD has named noted Indian-American academician Dipak Jain as its next dean, succeeding J. Frank Brown, who will step down in March 2011.

Jain, an American citizen and native of Tezpur, Assam, was Kellogg’s Dean from 2001-2009. He is the Sandy and Morton Goldman Professor in Entrepreneurial Studies and Professor …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Top business school INSEAD names Dipak Jain as next dean.

Lesbian suing for reinstatement to Air Force takes witness stand at federal trial in Wash.

Lesbian seeking return to Air Force testifies

TACOMA, Wash. – A decorated Air Force flight nurse discharged for being gay has taken the witness stand in federal court in Tacoma.
Former Maj. Margaret Witt is suing the Air Force in hopes of being reinstated. She began her testimony Monday discussing her family’s military history and spoke of [..] Read the original article: here.

Contempt notice issued to Delhi chief secretary, MCD chief

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Monday issued notices to Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner Rakesh Mehra on a contempt petition filed by an NGO over facilities for disabled students in schools.

The petition filed by Social Jurist alleged that the government and the corporation had failed to comply …. Read the original article  : here.

Report says poor countries face education crisis; Somalia and Haiti rated worst for students

Report: Poor countries face education crisis

NAIROBI, Kenya – Nearly 70 million children around the world are not getting an education despite much progress in the last 10 years, and Haiti and Somalia are the two worst countries in which to be a school-age child, a new report released Monday said.
The global financial crisis has forced … Original source on Gaea Times at : Report says poor countries face education crisis; Somalia and Haiti rated worst for students.

Eat, pray, learn to love: Camping among enemies to stop high school gang wars in Thailand

Death of 9-year-old puts focus on Thai gang wars

LOPBURI, Thailand – Under the shade of tamarind trees, the teenage students display their battle wounds.
One shows where a gunshot grazed his neck last month. Another bares two scars on his scalp and forearm from a recent knife attack.
“It happens so often we’re used to it,” says …. Read the original article  : Eat, pray, learn to love: Camping among enemies to stop high school gang wars in Thailand.

Adequate steps to provide hassle-free CAT 2010: Prometric

KOLKATA – Global testing and assessment service provider Prometric, which was responsible for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2009 – the entrance examination for Indian Institutes of Management and other leading management institutions – Tuesday assured a hassle-free test this year.

CAT 2009 became a disaster after technical glitches and server crashes at several centres across …. Source  : Adequate steps to provide hassle-free CAT 2010: Prometric.

Seven Indians awarded Australian scholarship

NEW DELHI – Seven Indian students have been selected by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) for prestigious Australian Leadership Award (ALA) scholarship, it was announced Tuesday.

“I congratulate the seven outstanding people who have been identified for their potential to provide important policy leadership on their return home,” said Australia’s High Commissioner Peter Varghese. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Seven Indians awarded Australian scholarship.

Seven Indians win Australian scholarship

NEW DELHI – Seven students from India will be offered an Australian scholarship to help them “shape future social and economic policy” in India.

Peter Varghese, Australia’s high commissioner to India, Tuesday announced the Australian Leadership Award (ALA) scholarships.
“I congratulate the seven outstanding people who have been identified for their potential to provide important … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Seven Indians win Australian scholarship.

IGNOU to provide English course through Nokia phone

NEW DELHI – As part of its initiative to integrate modern technology in distance education, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) said Tuesday it would provide a certificate programme in English through Nokia phone’s Ovi Life Tools.

“We will initially start this programme in six districts of Maharashtra. After six months, depending on the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : IGNOU to provide English course through Nokia phone.

Chinese school uses metal detectors to bar mobile phones

BEIJING – A school in China has started using metal detectors to prevent students from bringing in mobile phones.

Langfang No 1 Middle School in Hebei province purchased metal detectors that are similar to the ones at airports to regulate mobile phone usage.
This was done to prevent students from viewing pornographic videos and playing …. Source  : Chinese school uses metal detectors to bar mobile phones.

Ohio governor candidates clash over Ohio’s new system for funding public schools

Ohio governor candidates clash over school funding

COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a defining moment in the Ohio governor’s race, Gov. Ted Strickland and his rival in the fall election are locking horns over the new public schools funding system on which Strickland has staked his governorship.
Republican John Kasich, the former congressman and presidential candidate, says the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ohio governor candidates clash over Ohio’s new system for funding public schools.

Decades after last hit, ’70s rockers Kansas carry on _ now playing with college symphonies

Rockers Kansas carry on, play with college groups

STILLWATER, Okla. – College students who weren’t alive the last time Kansas had a hit will benefit from the progressive rock band’s latest tour – a series of performances with university symphonies.
The ’70s supergroup is known for songs like “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son.” …. Source article  : Decades after last hit, ’70s rockers Kansas carry on _ now playing with college symphonies.

Microsoft’s Gates joins ‘Superman’ mission to promote film on fixing public schools

Microsoft’s Gates joins ‘Superman’ school mission

TORONTO – Bill Gates had the good fortune to attend private school, and he sends his children there, too. Yet the Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist has a passion to fix America’s public schools.
Gates has been on a road show this year to promote the education documentary “Waiting for ‘Superman,’” … Read more : Microsoft’s Gates joins ‘Superman’ mission to promote film on fixing public schools.

Highly educated less likely to be unemployed; Slogans can have unexpected effect on shoppers

Highly educated less likely to be unemployed

EDUCATION AND JOBS: Government data suggest that education is increasingly crucial in protecting workers from unemployment.
The difference in joblessness between the country’s least educated people and most educated people increased during the recession, according to statistics from the Labor Department. People without a high school diploma remain more than …. Source  : Highly educated less likely to be unemployed; Slogans can have unexpected effect on shoppers.

Yale to enlarge focus on India

WASHINGTON – Yale University is planning to grow ties with India to at least equal its ties with China and make it a leading university in the US for teaching of India, according to a media report.

Yale was earlier “devoting pretty large resources to China,” but in 2008 and going forward the Ivy League school … Original source on Gaea Times at : Yale to enlarge focus on India.

Pakistani universities go on strike

ISLAMABAD – The academic scene in Pakistan’s state-run universities came to a standstill Wednesday as the faculty and students went on a strike to protest the reduction in funds.

There was no academic activity in the universities Wednesday and thousands of students and teachers took out rallies to press for their demands.
The Higher Education …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistani universities go on strike.

IGNOU to open study centres in six European countries

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), the largest in the world, will open study centres in six European nations, including Germany and France, to offer personalised courses, its Vice Chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai has said.

“We will open our centre in Paris next month. Negotiation is going on with Germany. I …. Source article  : IGNOU to open study centres in six European countries.

Ayodhya verdict: Two-day holiday for Karnataka schools

BANGALORE – Karnataka Wednesday declared a two-day holiday for all educational institutions Friday and Saturday, imposed orders restricting gatherings to less than five people, and banned liquor sale here in view of the Sep 24 court verdict on the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute at Ayodhya.

“I have decided to declare holiday for all schools and colleges, … Read more : Ayodhya verdict: Two-day holiday for Karnataka schools.

Obama’s loss of top economic adviser Lawrence Summers could set stage for postelection changes

Obama aide’s exit could be prelude to more changes

WASHINGTON – The departure of President Barack Obama’s top economic adviser at the end of the year could provide the White House with an opportunity to revamp its economic team after the November elections, when voters are expected to take out their anxieties on Democrats.
The White House …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Obama’s loss of top economic adviser Lawrence Summers could set stage for postelection changes.

Federal Communications Commission to give schools more flexibility in using Internet subsidies

FCC to expand use of Internet subsidies in schools

WASHINGTON – The Federal Communications Commission wants to get more bang from the federal dollars that subsidize Internet access in schools and libraries by lifting some of the restrictions that come with the funds.
The FCC plans to let schools open their doors to the public after hours … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Federal Communications Commission to give schools more flexibility in using Internet subsidies.

Obama’s top economic adviser, Lawrence Summers, to leave the White House at end of year

Top economic adviser to leave White House
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s top economic adviser, Lawrence Summers, plans to leave the White House at the end of the year, a move that comes as the administration struggles to show an anxious public it’s making progress on the economy.

While administration officials Tuesday quickly sought to paint the [..] Read the original article: here.

Florida dad tearfully apologizes for storming bus, threatening kids over daughter’s bullying

Fla. dad sorry for storming school bus, threats

LAKE MARY, Fla. – A father tearfully apologized Tuesday for acting like a bully himself when he stormed onto a school bus to confront students he believed were harassing his 13-year-old daughter who has cerebral palsy.
James Willie Jones is seen angrily gesturing and yelling at students and the …. Original source  : Florida dad tearfully apologizes for storming bus, threatening kids over daughter’s bullying.

Teacher bonuses fail to boost test scores; Obama administration says the issue isn’t settled

Study: Teacher bonuses fail to boost test scores

ATLANTA – Offering big bonuses to teachers failed to raise students’ test scores in a three-year study released Tuesday that calls into question the Obama administration’s push for merit pay to improve education.
The study, conducted in the metropolitan Nashville school system by Vanderbilt University’s National Center on Performance …. Original article  : Teacher bonuses fail to boost test scores; Obama administration says the issue isn’t settled.

Award in case against University of Minnesota, Tubby Smith cut to $1M; No new trial

Award in case against Tubby Smith cut to $1M

MINNEAPOLIS – A judge has reduced the amount of money the University of Minnesota must pay to a former Oklahoma State basketball coach who sued the school and coach Tubby Smith after they decided not to hire him.
In court documents Tuesday, Hennepin County Judge Regina Chu denied … Read more >>.

APNewsBreak: Law student says ’sexting’ Wis. DA harassed her as she sought a pardon from him

APNewsBreak: Wis. DA harassed woman seeking pardon

MADISON, Wis. – A law student said Tuesday that a Wisconsin prosecutor under fire for sending racy text messages to a domestic abuse victim also sent her similar texts in 2008 after agreeing to help her seek a pardon for a decade-old drug conviction.
Maria Ruskiewicz said she believes Calumet … Read more »»».

Study: Merit pay for teachers doesn’t improve student test scores

Study: Teacher bonuses don’t affect student tests

ATLANTA – A new study shows that giving performance bonuses to teachers does not raise student test scores.
Vanderbilt University researchers found that students in classrooms where teachers received merit pay did not outperform the classes where educators got no bonus.
The report comes as the Obama administration pushes states to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rev. Al Sharpton to host weekly syndicated TV show on education that will premiere in Oct.

Al Sharpton to host new TV series on education

NEW YORK – The Rev. Al Sharpton will host a weekly syndicated TV program focusing on education.
ESH Holdings, a new minority-owned multimedia company, says the half-hour news and information magazine, called “Education SuperHighway,” will target parents, educators and students.
Hosted by the well-known civil rights leader, the show … Read more »»».

NC high school again suspends teen who wears nose stud as a religious statement

NC school suspends teen again over nose stud

CLAYTON, N.C. – A 14-year-old high school student in central North Carolina has been suspended again for wearing a nose stud she says is a sign of her faith.
North Carolina American Civil Liberties Union legal director Katy Parker says Ariana Iacono (eye-uh-KOHN’-oh) was suspended Tuesday morning from Clayton …. Source article  : NC high school again suspends teen who wears nose stud as a religious statement.

Audit: Missouri schools could have gotten $21M more if lawmakers hadn’t changed casino measure

Audit says Mo. schools could have gotten $21M more

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri could be spending an additional $21 million on public schools if lawmakers had followed the wishes of voters when distributing new casino revenues, Auditor Susan Montee said Thursday.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Rob Mayer said Montee’s audit is wrong, and that schools are …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Audit: Missouri schools could have gotten $21M more if lawmakers hadn’t changed casino measure.

Education Department awards $442M in grants for teacher, principal merit pay programs

Education Dept. grants $442M for teacher merit pay

WASHINGTON – The Education Department is giving school districts and nonprofit organizations from across the country $442 million to create merit pay programs for teachers and principals.
The Teacher Incentive Fund is aimed at attracting and rewarding quality educators and encouraging them to work in the country’s highest need …. Source article  : Education Department awards $442M in grants for teacher, principal merit pay programs.

Texas sues over federal rejection of state’s application for $830 million in education aid

Texas sues feds over $830M in education aid

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas officials filed a lawsuit Thursday against the U.S. Department of Education, seeking to overturn the federal agency’s rejection of the state’s application for more than $830 million in aid that has been tied up in political wrangling.
A state-specific provision inserted into a federal law …. Source article  : Texas sues over federal rejection of state’s application for $830 million in education aid.

Facebook founder donates $100 mn to Newark schools

NEW YORK – Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is donating $100 million to the school system in Newark, New Jersey, one of the poorest in the country, it was announced Thursday.

The huge donation came just days before the release in the US of a major Hollywood film about the founding of Facebook, which portrays Zuckerberg in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Facebook founder donates $100 mn to Newark schools.

50 kids sent home from ‘overcrowded’ New York school

NEW YORK – Over 50 children in a school in New York’s Brooklyn area were asked to leave because officials thought it was “overcrowded”.

The 54 students had spent a full two weeks into the school year at the Marine Park middle school when they got the news.
Joy Solomon, an 11-year-old whose parents enrolled her … Original article on : 50 kids sent home from ‘overcrowded’ New York school.

NJ 5th-grader suspended from school after he found lighter; administators consider it a weapon

Boy who found lighter suspended from NJ school

JAMESBURG, N.J. – Officials suspended a fifth-grader in New Jersey who found a lighter on his way to school.
Jamesburg school superintendent Gail Verona told The Home News Tribune of East Brunswick the lighter had the potential to compromise student safety.
But the 11-year-old boy’s father questioned why school officials …. Original source  : NJ 5th-grader suspended from school after he found lighter; administators consider it a weapon.

School girl’s claims of discrimination illustrate language still bitter issue in South Africa

Language still bitter issue in S. Africa schools

JOHANNESBURG – A 16-year-old who believes she was kicked out of class for speaking her first language at school has prompted government investigations, and the case is demonstrating how volatile the issue of language in education remains in South Africa.
School officials insist a disciplinary problem and not racism … Read this article on Gaea Times at : School girl’s claims of discrimination illustrate language still bitter issue in South Africa.

Text me UR … equations? SAfrican social networking site offers math tutoring via cell phone

SAfrican students study math via cell phone

JOHANNESBURG – A South African think tank said Thursday they have lined up volunteers to tutor on a popular mobile phone platform after a nationwide teachers’ strike left students unprepared for final exams.
With exams for graduating students a month away, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is concentrating …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Text me UR … equations? SAfrican social networking site offers math tutoring via cell phone.

Troubled school system in NJ’s biggest city to receive $100M donation from Facebook founder

Newark, NJ, schools to get $100M Facebook donation

NEWARK, N.J. – Mark Zuckerberg, the 26-year-old wunderkind behind Facebook is making a move to become a player in philanthropy just before the opening of a film that portrays him as less than charitable.
The recipient of his $100 million donation – thought to be the biggest of his … Read more : Troubled school system in NJ’s biggest city to receive $100M donation from Facebook founder.

Kalam to be honoured by Canadian university

TORONTO – A top Canadian university will confer an honorary doctorate degree on former Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam next week.

The University of Waterloo, in the city of BlackBerry, will host the renowned space scientist and honour him with an honorary degree in the humanities. The world famous university had also hosted the former Indian …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Kalam to be honoured by Canadian university.

Texas ed board adopts resolution calling for textbook publishers to limit references to Islam

Texas ed board adopts resolution limiting Islam

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas State Board of Education adopted a resolution Friday that seeks to curtail references to Islam in Texas textbooks, as social conservative board members warned of what they describe as a creeping Middle Eastern influence in the nation’s publishing industry.
The board approved the one-page nonbinding …. Original article  : Texas ed board adopts resolution calling for textbook publishers to limit references to Islam.

Seton Hall athletic director Joe Quinlan to resign next month

Seton Hall athletic director Quinlan to resign

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – Seton Hall athletic director Joseph Quinlan Jr. will resign after a five-year tenure marked by problems with former basketball coach Bobby Gonzalez.
Quinlan announced Friday that he will be stepping down Oct. 8 to pursue other opportunities.
The resignation comes six months after the fiery Gonzalez was …. Original article  : Seton Hall athletic director Joe Quinlan to resign next month.

Education Department delays rule that would cut off aid to some for-profit college programs

Govt. delays rule opposed by for-profit colleges

The U.S. Education Department said Friday it will take more time to finalize new regulations targeting for-profit college job-training programs, but emphasized it was intent on moving forward and holding the sector accountable.
For-profit colleges have campaigned hard against the “gainful employment” rule, which would cut off federal aid to …. Original source  : Education Department delays rule that would cut off aid to some for-profit college programs.

Facebook CEO says he’s giving Newark $100M because ‘every child deserves a good education’

Facebook CEO announces $100M gift to NJ school

CHICAGO – Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg on Friday announced a $100 million donation to Newark public schools in a move that could enhance his reputation just before the opening on an unflattering movie about him, “The Social Network.”
Zuckerberg told Oprah Winfrey that he picked Newark for the gift … Original source on Gaea Times at : Facebook CEO says he’s giving Newark $100M because ‘every child deserves a good education’.

Troubles of US education system get big screen close-up in 4 new documentaries

Troubles of US education get big screen close-up

The troubles of the U.S. education system are getting a big screen close-up.
There are no fewer than four education documentaries slated for release by the end of this year, including “Waiting for ‘Superman,’” a poignant look at the lives of five children hoping to escape the dismal outcome … Read : Troubles of US education system get big screen close-up in 4 new documentaries.

Facebook founder tells Winfrey why he’s friending Newark, NJ, schools with $100M donation

Facebook CEO makes $100M gift to NJ school

CHICAGO – Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has announced a $100 million donation to Newark public schools.
Zuckerberg told talk show host Oprah Winfrey on Friday that he picked Newark for the gift “because I believe in these guys.”
“These guys” are Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Newark Mayor …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Facebook founder tells Winfrey why he’s friending Newark, NJ, schools with $100M donation.

Texas Board of Ed considering resolution calling for publishers to limit Islam in textbooks

Texas ed board considers resolution limiting Islam

AUSTIN, Texas – Social conservatives are seeking to curtail references to Islam in Texas textbooks, warning of what they describe as a creeping Middle Eastern influence in the nation’s publishing industry.
The State Board of Education plans to vote Friday on a one-page resolution calling on textbook publishers to limit … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Texas Board of Ed considering resolution calling for publishers to limit Islam in textbooks.

On what would have been Ray Charles’ 80th birthday, his namesake library opens in Los Angeles

Ray Charles Memorial Library opens in L.A.

LOS ANGELES – On what would have been his 80th birthday, Ray Charles has joined the likes of past presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan with his own namesake library in Southern California.
The Ray Charles Memorial Library officially opened its doors Thursday night. Housed in the studio and office … Read : On what would have been Ray Charles’ 80th birthday, his namesake library opens in Los Angeles.

Ramco to design software for Air India MRO facility

MUMBAI – Air India has appointed Ramco Systems, a city-based software solutions provider, for designing an software package for its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, a spokesperson of the national carrier said here Friday.

AI plans to bring all MRO areas onto a common information technology platform with the objective of increasing aircraft availability, reducing …. Original source  : Ramco to design software for Air India MRO facility.

US ambassador volunteers service at Delhi school

NEW DELHI – Extending a friendly hand towards the common people of India, US Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer Friday did voluntary service at a New Delhi Municipal Council school here.

The US ambassador, along with his wife Sally, his children and other participants from the America-India Foundation and Clinton Foundation contributed towards painting a classroom …. Original source  : US ambassador volunteers service at Delhi school.

Kuwaiti minister to inaugurate new Jamia library

NEW DELHI – Kuwaiti Oil and Information Minister Shaikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah will inaugurate a library in Jamia Millia Islamia Monday, an university release said.

The Shaikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah library located at India Arab Cultural Centre of the university will be inaugurated by the minister in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Najeeb Jung.
“The …. Original source  : Kuwaiti minister to inaugurate new Jamia library.

Facebook friending Newark, NJ, schools; it could mean big education changes for battered city

Facebook founder’s $100M gift could change Newark

NEWARK, N.J. – Education in New Jersey’s biggest city could be in for a big change – and not just because of the $100 million stock donation Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is expected to announce Friday on Oprah Winfrey’s show.
As part of the deal, the state is expected to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Facebook friending Newark, NJ, schools; it could mean big education changes for battered city.

APPSC Group 4 Hall Tickets Available After 7pm Today

HYDERABAD, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — APPSC (Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission) has announced that the APPSC Group 4 Halltickets will be available today after 7pm.

Candidates can download their APPSC Group 4 Halltickets from the official website of APPSC.
APPSC is recruiting for the posts of Hostel Welfare Officers Grade II in AP Social Welfare Sub- Services (Group- …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Troubles of U.S. education system get big screen close up in 4 new documentaries

Education in U.S. gets big screen close up

The troubles of the U.S. education system are getting a big screen close-up.
There are no fewer than four education documentaries slated for release by the end of this year, including “Waiting for ‘Superman,’” a poignant look at the lives of five children hoping to escape the dismal outcome …. Original article  : Troubles of U.S. education system get big screen close up in 4 new documentaries.

More charity scholarships went to students tied to south Ga. lawmaker, his wife

Scholarships went to people tied to Ga. lawmaker

COLUMBUS, Ga. – The controversy over Rep. Sanford Bishop’s decision to award charity scholarships to his relatives has expanded as four more students tied to the south Georgia Democrat and his wife have acknowledged receiving them, as well.
Bishop earlier this month repaid the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation $6,350 …. Read the original article  : More charity scholarships went to students tied to south Ga. lawmaker, his wife.

Malayalam poet ONV gets Jnanpith award

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Malayalam poet and lyricist from Kerala Ottaplavil Neelakandan Velu Kurup Friday became the fifth Malayalee to get the Jnanpith award, the highest literary award in the country.

ONV, as he is popularly known, has been selected for the award for 2007. He is the second poet after G. Sankara Kurup to get this award …. Original article  : Malayalam poet ONV gets Jnanpith award.

NCAA rejects Middle Tennessee appeal, quarterback Dwight Dasher’s 4-game suspension upheld

NCAA rejects appeal, QB Dasher to sit out 4 games

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The NCAA has rejected Middle Tennessee’s appeal, forcing quarterback Dwight Dasher to sit out his full four-game suspension for accepting a $1,500 loan.
The NCAA student-athlete reinstatement committee heard Middle Tennessee’s appeal in a conference call Thursday afternoon, and the university was informed Thursday …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

To reverse ‘Brain Drain,’ Beijing is luring overseas Chinese back home with cash, incentives

China steps up efforts to reverse ‘Brain Drain’

TOKYO – Having worked for two years at a tech company in Japan and picking up the language, Qiu Zhaohua has decided to return to China, lured by a job in the eastern tech hub of Dalian that pays as much 200,000 yuan a year, or about $29,000 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Australian colleges not refunding fees to Indian students

MELBOURNE – Many students from India’s Punjab state are facing frustration as they are being denied fee refunds by some colleges in Australia, and an educational consultant said that “we are sick and tired”.

The Indian students are seeking fee refunds as their visa applications were turned down. Many of the applicants had also decided to …. Read the original article  : Australian colleges not refunding fees to Indian students.

India aims to raise enrolment in higher education: President

AIZAWL – President Pratibha Patil Friday said India intended to increase enrolment in higher education from the present 14 million to about 40 million.

“Higher education has been accorded priority in our country. It is our aim to increase gross enrolment ratio in higher education to 30 percent by the year 2020, which means almost tripling … Read more : India aims to raise enrolment in higher education: President.

Facebook, gadgets galore… Indian children take to ‘multi-tasking’

NEW DELHI – Nikita Mathur types an e-mail, updates her profile status on social networking site Facebook, wades through her study notes and manages to have a phone conversation as well.

“I usually spend three to four hours on the internet daily. Facebook can’t be missed even a single day. But I do other things also …. Original source  : Facebook, gadgets galore… Indian children take to ‘multi-tasking’.

A tarnished Newark sees glittering gold _ and failure’s reflection _ in Facebook schools gift

Newark hopes Facebook gift translates to results

NEWARK, N.J. – New Jersey has already thrown enough money at its largest school district to make it among the nation’s best-funded, yet it remains in the pits. Can a $100 million gift from the founder of Facebook really turn it around?
The money hasn’t even arrived, but it’s already …. Original source  : A tarnished Newark sees glittering gold _ and failure’s reflection _ in Facebook schools gift.

Protect, improve traditional knowledge of northeast India: Patil

AGARTALA – President Pratibha Patil here Saturday made a fervent appeal for everyone to properly document, conserve and perfect the traditional knowledge of the northeast region of India.

“The northeastern states are known for their reservoirs of traditional knowledge in many areas. Efforts should be made to identify this knowledge, document it, conserve it and improve …. Original source  : Protect, improve traditional knowledge of northeast India: Patil.

For new ways to tackle corruption and undercut Taliban, US turns to out-of-the-box thinkers

US strategists seek Afghan fixes outside the box

KABUL, Afghanistan – On a NATO base in Kabul, a five-member team is rethinking the war in Afghanistan and questioning some of the basic assumptions behind the effort to clean up corruption and gain the upper hand over the Taliban.
Among the ideas this so-called “Red Team” is generating:
- [..] Read the original article: here.

British college bans veils

LONDON – A college in Britain has banned veils, drawing criticism from Muslim community leaders, a media report said.

Burnley College, Lancashire, said that for security reasons, all students, staff and visitors must remove any “items of clothing which cover their face”. The ban covers anything concealing faces, including crash helmets, The Sun reported Friday.
Community …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : British college bans veils.

University of Illinois trustees deny 1960s radical William Ayers emeritus status

U. of Ill. denies Ayers emeritus status
URBANA, Ill. – The University of Illinois has denied 1960s radical William Ayers emeritus faculty status.

The decision Thursday came after trustees Chairman Christopher Kennedy noted Ayers dedicated a book to, among others, the man who killed Kennedy’s father, Sen. Robert Kennedy.
All nine voting trustees either opposed granting Ayers the … Read more »»».

Friending a whole school system: Facebook founder giving $100 million to Newark, NJ, district

Facebook founder giving $100M to Newark schools

NEWARK, N.J. – Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is about to make a lot of new friends: The 26-year-old tycoon is pouring $100 million of his staggering fortune into Newark’s blighted school system after hitting it off with the mayor of the poverty-stricken city.
The donation – which is being announced …. Source article  : Friending a whole school system: Facebook founder giving $100 million to Newark, NJ, district.