Author Archives: Julie Ewart

“We Need Help to Have Better Schools”

“When ceiling tiles need to be changed once a week, it’s hard for students to feel like they’re here for serious business,” said LaTanza Boarden, principal of Lew Wallace Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Academy, during a visit by Peter Cunningham, … Continue reading

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What Inspires Young Teens?

What inspires young teens to do well in school? The admission from President Obama that he wasn’t always a perfect student really struck a chord with 6th – 9th graders as they watched the President’s  3rd Annual Back-to-School speech on Sept. 28 in Chicago. “I … Continue reading

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Answering Federal Student Aid Questions in Chicago

CHICAGO – Parents and students voiced questions about federal funding for college, and got some answers in an informal town hall meeting with Assistant Secretary of Postsecondary Education Eduardo Ochoa at Mather High School on Chicago’s north side last Friday. … Continue reading

Posted in Back to School Tour 2011, Federal Student Aid, Headlines, News, Schools and Community | Tagged | 3 Comments

Teachers ‘Go Bananas’ Over Real-World Connections to STEM

How can a room full of bananas help teachers get kids excited about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)? Secretary Duncan and other national leaders say that U.S. students need to complete a rigorous math and science coursework so they’re … Continue reading

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Public Gives Input on Race to the Top Assessments

According to Secretary Duncan, the new Race to the Top Assessments (RTTA) are “an absolute game-changer in public education.” Which is why ED is taking the necessary steps to ensure that stakeholders have a voice in the development of the … Continue reading

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Inspiration Overcomes Anxiety for Future Teachers in Rural Illinois

Why teach? “This may sound like a hippie answer, but I want to change the world,” said future teacher Joelle Schulda, when asked what drew her to education. “If I can reach just one child—who knows?—that child could grow up to … Continue reading

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