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Reading and writing are the “golden ticket” to success in school and society, said Julia O’Sullivan, professor and dean of education, University of Western Ontario. And because of the significance of literacy as the central building block in one’s education, “there has to be a commitment that every student in Canada has a right to a golden ticket,” she said. O’Sullivan advocates intervening directly in the education of any student who is displaying poor literacy skills. “The teaching of reading requires excellent instruction. It’s the teacher and the teaching that absolutely makes the difference.”
Weak literacy is hazardous
A paving crew in North Carolina wasn’t paying attention when it marked out the school zone running past Southern Guilford High School, in Greensboro. The crew painted the word “SHCOOL” on the road. Although the company acknowledged the error, it defended itself saying the paint was only “interim paint” that’s used before the final paint is applied.
Cutting leads to three-day school week
Teachers, staff and students at Vancouver’s schools will see their instructional year shortened by 10 days. The move comes as a cost-cutting measure in light of the Vancouver School Board’s $18.1 million shortfall. The reduced number of school days provides for four-day weekends during the year and a longer spring break. Measures are expected to save the school district at least $1.2 million annually. Other steps to reduce costs will be investigated, said trustees.
Calling foul
Permian High School, in Odessa, Texas, will likely forfeit its 2009 championship basketball win after it was discovered that the team’s star player was not homeless 16-year-old student Jerry Joseph but actually Guerdwich Montimere, a 22-year-old. Montimere, posing as Joseph, enrolled at Permian for the 2009/10 school year and led the team to victory in state playoffs. If convicted of providing false documents, he could face up to six months in jail and a fine of US$2,500. “I feel sick, but now that we’ve gotten the truth we can move on from here,” commented Roy Garcia, Permian High School principal.
