Topic - It’s Not Science But…

The Republican Candidates’ Views on Education – Should We Do Away with the Department of Education?

By Blog Editor Susan Wells

As the field narrows and we get closer to a front runner emerging for the Republican nomination for president, it’s important that voters do their homework and really learn about each candidate and their views. The candidates do not agree on many topics, including education.

We looked at the remaining five candidates and their views on the future of education. Two of the candidates are in favor of eliminating the Department of Education. Is this a good idea?

The U.S. Department of Education’s website states its mission “is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.”

ED was created in 1980 by combining offices from several federal agencies. ED’s 4,400 employees and $68 billion budget are dedicated to:

• Establishing policies on federal financial aid for education, and distributing as well as monitoring those funds.
• Collecting data on America’s schools and disseminating research.
• Focusing national attention on key educational issues.
• Prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education.

I think the majority of Americans will agree our education system needs repair and reform. Some of the questions being asked of the candidates

Reaching a Communication Balance – Best practices for Parent-Teacher Communication

- By Guest Blogger Carissa Rogers and VolunteerSpot.com

What do parents and teachers have in common?

We want what’s best for our kids…and we’re busy! Parents and teachers don’t get to spend much time together,  plus the teacher is out numbered, easily having 50-60 class parents!

Building a strong parent-teacher relationship can be challenging. However, the closer the connection between teachers and parents, the better our kids are going to perform. These communication best practices help parents and teachers strike a balance and work together for a great year!

Back to School Block Party Welcomes the Return to Learning While Raising Money for a Good Cause

Douglas County Vouchers – Student Choice or Protecting Public Taxpayer Funded Education?

By Blog Editor Susan Wells

There is a fight going on in Douglas County, Colorado. Not over school lunches, school hours or even the amount of homework assigned.

The fight is over a parent’s right to choose vs how taxpayer money is spent.

Let’s not forget, this issue is also about kids and their families getting caught in politics.

Last year, the Douglas County Schools approved a school voucher program, the first of its kind in Colorado. The voucher program gave parents the ability to choose the right school for their child. If Dougco wasn’t able to provide for and meet the needs of a student, parents were able to take some of the money allocated for their child’s public education and spend it at the school of their choice, including private or religious schools.

The district spends about $6,000 for each student per year, and the district offered “scholarships” of $4,575 to use at a private school. Families would receive four checks during the school year either covering the cost of tuition at their chosen private school or 75% of what the district would have spent if the child attended class in

The Big Brain Club Teaches Kids that Smart is Cool

By Blog Editor Susan Wells

Peer pressure is a state of being and survival for school age children. Kids deal with daily pressure to have the right clothes, say the right things and own the right possessions. The pressure bounces off the charts when kids reach junior high.

No one wants to be singled out as “the smart kid” in middle school. You want to be cool, blend in and not receive the “nerd” label.

That’s where Dom Testa, Denver young adult author and radio personality, and the Big Brain Club step in. They want kids to be proud of their intelligence and not feel the need to dumb down to fit in. They tell kids “Smart is Cool.” Now that’s a message we at Steve Spangler Science can get behind.

Photo Courtesy Clayton Jenkins

After working with kids for over 20 years, Testa noticed a silent epidemic of intellectual peer pressure – or kids dumbing down to be considered popular. The Big Brain Club was created in 2003 as an online