| Education News from Around the World |  |
| Learning and Teaching |  |  |
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- South Korea revises plans for all-digital classrooms
South Korea has scaled back its plans to replace paper textbooks with electronic texts in all classrooms by 2015, following concern that students might benefit from having less exposure to technology. Instead, the country will introduce electronic textbooks in some classes, where the digital resources will be used along with traditional textbooks. In some lower grades, students are not expected to use digital textbooks. The Washington Post
(24 Mar.)      
- Resources for teaching students in the UK about drought
 With experts predicting the United Kingdom could experience its driest spell in 30 years, this blog offers resources to teach students about drought. The Guardian Teacher Network offers online resources, and questions for students, as well as a PowerPoint presentation about droughts worldwide. The Wildlife Trust also offers tips for helping animals during a drought and conserving water at home. The Guardian (London)
(26 Mar.)
- Parents, teachers in France call for homework boycott
Despite a ban on homework in primary schools in France, many students are assigned work to complete at home, and older students report about one hour of homework each school night. Now, however, a group of parents and teachers are calling for a two-week boycott of homework in protest of the practise, which they say is ineffective and unfair to students whose parents are unable to help them. Protesters say students can still receive assignments, but they should be completed at school. The Guardian (London)
(26 Mar.)
| Professional Leadership | | |
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- Teachers in Nicaragua rank low in salary comparison
In Nicaragua, officials have pledged to improve education, but critics say the country's budget has indicated less of a commitment to public schools. School teachers remain among the worst-paid employees in the country, earning less than factory and construction workers. While teachers' salaries have increased in recent years, an analysis shows that the higher wages have been canceled out by inflation and an increased cost of living. The Christian Science Monitor
(26 Mar.)
- UK plan for regional teacher pay draws ire
The Association of Teachers and Lecturers is considering a strike over plans in the United Kingdom to move to a regional pay plan for public-sector workers. Under the plan, the role of the School Teachers' Review Body, which oversees teachers' pay and working conditions, would be diminished. The teaching union has said banding could be a good compromise, but if the decisions are made on a school-by-school basis, educators are likely to strike. The Guardian (London)
(26 Mar.)
| Regional Spotlight: Israel | | |
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ASCD Worldwide Edition SmartBrief highlights education practices and policies in specific regions to give readers more in-depth insight into that country or region's education system. This edition focuses on British Columbia, Canada.
- BC teachers consider next steps in fight over contracts
Teachers in British Columbia, Canada, continue to be at odds with their employer over their contract and now are considering whether to go on strike or stop performing duties related to extracurricular activities. Since last year, teachers have stopped performing many administrative tasks, including the drafting of report cards. The teaching union now, however, is urging teachers to release their first report cards of the year, saying they are important for students and their parents. CTV.ca (Canada)/The Canadian Press
(25 Mar.)
- British Columbia district expands classroom Internet access
A school district in British Columbia, Canada, plans to install wireless Internet in schools beginning this year. The plan calls for expanding access to secondary schools this year, followed by primary schools next year. Officials say the change will allow teachers to use their personal tablet computers and other technology to access Web-based resources in the classroom. However, officials say allowing greater access to the Internet means that safeguards must be implemented to ensure students use the resource for educational purposes. Nanaimo News Bulletin (British Columbia)
(24 Mar.)
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| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
What are 8 keys to schoolwide math success? Small Steps, Big Changes helps you and your staff set goals, create a culture of mathematical thinking, and translate high-level standards such as Common Core into effective classroom practice. Includes examples from diverse schools across the country. Preview the entire book online!
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| Reform and Research | | |
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- Australia not privatising education, officials say
Officials in Australia are responding to criticism that the Attracting Outstanding Principals programme -- which awards bonuses to principals who work in hard-to-fill schools -- is a step toward privatising schools. While officials acknowledged they had not consulted the teaching union in establishing the programme, they refuted claims they are attempting to privatise education. The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
(25 Mar.)
- Gove seeks fast-moving education reform in England
England's Education Secretary Michael Gove is calling on head teachers to accelerate the pace of education reform. In particular, he said, it will be important to keep pace with changing technology. However, Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, questioned Gove's goal. "I think there's a real issue of capacity in lots of our schools, and actually, by accelerating the reform too much, you actually prevent us from doing it properly," Lightman said. BBC
(24 Mar.)
| ASCD News | | |
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Feedback to the future, with tools students really use
Effectively delivered feedback can help students grow, but, "too often, feedback is just a way to justify a grade", pointed out ASCD Annual Conference presenter and educator Melissa Poole during her "Feedback 2.0" session. Realising that her students viewed feedback as criticism instead of a means to improve, Poole refined her delivery -- once teacher-centered and written. In a new post, ASCD blog manager Laura Varlas chronicles the evolution of Poole's approach, which now incorporates 2.0 tools, wins student buy-in, and leads to real improvements in student work. Read on.
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ASCD debuts digital 2011 Annual Report
ASCD is pleased to share our 2011 Annual Report, entitled Creating Revolution: The Next Chapter in the ASCD Story. "In 2011, ASCD set out to [revitalise] and refocus on our best work to ensure that in years to come, we remain the global leader in providing the [programmes], products, and services that empower educators to support the success of each learner," said ASCD Executive Director and CEO Dr. Gene R. Carter. "This report tells that story, incorporating educator voices from around the world." Through stories, interviews, audio clips, and user-generated videos found in the report, visitors will learn from real educators how each facet of ASCD's work in 2011 strengthened and supported their practise, creating opportunities for learners everywhere. Read the official press announcement.
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