Are Magnet Schools the Answer to Test Score Woes?

Howard Blume
Westchester High to Become Magnet School Amid Cost, Ethnicity Concerns (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/04/westchester-high-to-become-a-magnet-school-raising-concerns-about-cost-and-ethnic-make-up.html#more)
LA Times
April 13, 2011

Summary: One of the predominantly black schools in Los Angeles has proposed a move away from traditional education. The proposal would turn the school into a magnet school with a focus on science. The article is a brief discussion of the implications of such a move.

Intended Audience: General Public

Key Points: 1) The school, while improving, is still struggling to break out of the bottom %20 of schools--in terms of test scores, 2) The new principle believes that a focus on math and science creates the best opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the students, 3) Opposition comes from those scared of both the budget situation and a possible shift in the school's demographics.

Relevance: Perhaps magnet schools, like trade schools, can be one answer to providing students with diverse educations. Maybe we do not all need to know the same things, and maybe providing more freedom of choice as to is available will lead to better education in general.

Fun Science

Charlie McDonnell
Fun Science: The Moon
Posted February 19, 2011
Youtube

Complete URL:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jg0L5lD9bM&feature=fvhl

I am not sure if I posted this correctly. I thought this was an intersting presentation. His "mum" made a comment that inspired this video. I did not verify if his information was true.

One thing he did that I thought was great was the bit about Dennis Hope. I could see that grabbing the attention of a student. Like Tristan's teacher telling her about the "horse squashing" thing.