Changing Schools, Summer 2009

Culture: A school's secret sauce

At McREL, we analyze research on the science of education and translate it into effective teaching, schooling, and leadership practices. But we have learned that the effectiveness of any practice is dependent on the school culture. Culture is not "touchy-feely"-it makes a difference. In this issue, we take a critical look at school culture. We offer concrete guidance for improving school culture and provide examples of what happens when school leaders fail to acknowledge its importance in their endeavors. We want to hear from you: If you are on Twitter, describe your school culture in a tweet containing the #CS60 hashtag or send a short e-mail to us at changingschools@mcrel.org.

Structuring Out-of-School Time to Improve Academic Achievement

REL Central at McREL

This new practice guide from the What Works Clearinghouse will help you design effective out-of-school time programs to increase student learning. The guide was co-authored by McREL Senior Director Danette Parsley.

Study finds that online education beats the classroom

The New York Times: Bits Blog

A new report from SRI International finds that, on average, students participating in online education perform better than students in a traditional classroom setting.

SAT scores dip for high school class of 2009

eSchool News

Results of the 2009 SAT college entrance exam were recently released by the College Board. On average, students have scored lower this year than in previous years, while achievement gaps based on gender, race, and income have increased.

Transit issues snag school choice in Colorado

The Denver Post

Even when school choice is available, many families send their children to neighborhood schools because of transportation hurdles, according to a study from the Center on Reinventing Public Education. The study surveyed 600 families in Denver and Washington, D.C., about how transportation affects school choice.

Crisis in the Kindergarten: A New Report on the Disappearance of Play

Alliance for Childhood

Increasing demands for high student achievement for children of all ages has led to the reduction, or elimination, of playtime for kindergarten students nationwide. This report emphasizes the dangers of losing playtime in the classroom. The loss of play in kindergarten ignores modern research, including that of McREL Principal Researcher Elena Bodrova.

Challenges and Opportunities in Math Education Reform

Wisconsin Center for Education Research

Using data from the 2008 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), this report points out that mathematics learning opportunities for students in the U.S. lack depth and are poorly aligned with district frameworks and classroom curriculum. The author calls for development of richer, more challenging mathematics classrooms and renewal of curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

PEAK Afterschool Webinar series

Learn practical strategies for PEAK performance in afterschool programs.

We are offering several afterschool-themed Webinars this summer and fall to afterschool practitioners nationwide. Each Webinar costs $49 per connection, and there is no limit to the number of people who can participate in the Webinar through each connection.

Power Walkthrough® Informal Observation Software and Training

Turn your classroom observations into power walkthroughs.

McREL's popular Power Walkthrough software & training can be delivered in multiple formats to meet your needs and budget:
Join an online Webinar
Attend a seminar at McREL
Bring Power Walkthrough to your school or district

Dave Heineman: Change needed to plug achievement gap

Omaha World Herald
August 7, 2009

Gov. Dave Heineman cited McREL's report, School District Leadership That Works, in a presentation to the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. The report highlights the impact school and district leaders have on student achievement.