“State university presidents paint grim picture on budget cuts” by Katherine Long
The Seattle Times
Published 2/24/11
Retrieved 2/27/11
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014325571_higheredcuts25m.html
Intended Audience: higher-education students and teachers
Summary: The presidents of Washington’s three largest state universities were asked to predict specific outcomes of the governor’s proposed worst-case-scenario budget cuts on each of their schools. The presidents’ responses were equally and universally bleak with their firm beliefs that nothing good would come of them as they would ultimately undermine the state’s economy by reducing the opportunity for – and the quality of – higher education.
Key Points: Maximal budget cuts could result in the following:
• Significantly reduced admission of in-state residents. Out-of-state tuition is approximately three times higher than in-state.
• Increased faculty layoffs, including those jobs responsible for the schools’ maintenance and renovation.
• Dissolution of smaller degree programs, as well as reduced enrollment in larger programs.
• A typical four-year degree would be extended to at least five years. Less classes offered per semester would prevent students from taking on a larger credit load.
• Negative impact on the state’s economy. Decreased enrollment in higher education results in fewer higher-paying jobs to inject money back into the economy.
Relevance: Increased enrollment competition and higher tuition rates, as well as a potential decrease in the quality of education, may be enough reason to deter many in-state college hopefuls to look elsewhere to fulfill their career goals. I found some of the comments posted in regard to this article to be especially intriguing:
• “I have a budget cut for them … Stop paying university executives and coaches million dollar annual salaries!”
• “They could save a lot of money if they required tenured and highly paid professors to teach more than one or two classes a week.”
• “Basically just another kick in the gut for the middle class. A first class education is to be a privilege of the wealthy.”
Showing posts with label Seattle Times. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seattle Times. Show all posts
Monday, February 28, 2011
Older teachers would get help to retire early under Senate measure
“Older teachers would get help to retire early under Senate measure” by Andrew Garber
The Seattle Times, Olympia Bureau
Published 2/22/11
Retrieved 2/27/11
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014303070_teachers23m.html
Intended Audience: teachers
Summary: A new bill proposes to give financial incentive to help older teachers more easily transition into retirement at an earlier age (approximately 3 years earlier). The bill would provide a $250 monthly stipend to help cover medical expenses before they become eligible for Medicare. Supporters of the bill predict these expenses will be offset by replacing newer, lower-paid teachers with the more experienced, higher-paid teachers who retire early. The salary difference between new teachers and veterans is reported to be around $23,000.
Key Point: Older, higher-paid teachers will receive financial support to retire early.
Relevance: Allowing – or encouraging – older teachers to retire early creates more room in the job market for new teachers. Not sure how else to say it, relevance is pretty self-explanatory in this case.
The Seattle Times, Olympia Bureau
Published 2/22/11
Retrieved 2/27/11
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014303070_teachers23m.html
Intended Audience: teachers
Summary: A new bill proposes to give financial incentive to help older teachers more easily transition into retirement at an earlier age (approximately 3 years earlier). The bill would provide a $250 monthly stipend to help cover medical expenses before they become eligible for Medicare. Supporters of the bill predict these expenses will be offset by replacing newer, lower-paid teachers with the more experienced, higher-paid teachers who retire early. The salary difference between new teachers and veterans is reported to be around $23,000.
Key Point: Older, higher-paid teachers will receive financial support to retire early.
Relevance: Allowing – or encouraging – older teachers to retire early creates more room in the job market for new teachers. Not sure how else to say it, relevance is pretty self-explanatory in this case.
WWU suspends drama prof on new accusations
“WWU suspends drama prof on new accusations” by Janet I. Tu
The Seattle Times
Published 2/16/11
Retrieved 2/27/11
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014248425_professor17m.html
Intended Audience: teachers, education administrators
Summary: A WWU drama professor has been suspended after new accusations of making inappropriate comments to students. Examples include addressing an overweight student as a “400-pound canary,” a female student as a “bimbo” and “slut,” and a student he thought was gay as “precious.” The professor denies all accusations, claiming they are a conspiratorial attempt by the university to substantiate grounds for his termination. The professor has reportedly received warnings about his behavior from university officials since 1998.
Key Points• A professor has been repeatedly accused of making inappropriate and demeaning comments to students.
• This behavior began 13 years ago.
Relevance: Judging by his age (69) and the duration of his alleged offenses, it is likely this professor has tenure at the university, which implies a higher degree of job security. A new bill has been introduced to Washington legislation that may directly affect the survival of tenured status. See the article “Teachers’ seniority targeted in house bill” (URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014236213_teachers16m.html) for more details.
The Seattle Times
Published 2/16/11
Retrieved 2/27/11
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014248425_professor17m.html
Intended Audience: teachers, education administrators
Summary: A WWU drama professor has been suspended after new accusations of making inappropriate comments to students. Examples include addressing an overweight student as a “400-pound canary,” a female student as a “bimbo” and “slut,” and a student he thought was gay as “precious.” The professor denies all accusations, claiming they are a conspiratorial attempt by the university to substantiate grounds for his termination. The professor has reportedly received warnings about his behavior from university officials since 1998.
Key Points• A professor has been repeatedly accused of making inappropriate and demeaning comments to students.
• This behavior began 13 years ago.
Relevance: Judging by his age (69) and the duration of his alleged offenses, it is likely this professor has tenure at the university, which implies a higher degree of job security. A new bill has been introduced to Washington legislation that may directly affect the survival of tenured status. See the article “Teachers’ seniority targeted in house bill” (URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014236213_teachers16m.html) for more details.
Teachers' seniority targeted in house bill
“Teachers’ seniority targeted in house bill” by Queenie Wong
The Seattle Times Olympia Bureau
Published 2/15/2011
Retrieved 2/24/2011
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014236213_teachers16m.html
Intended Audience: teachers and principals
Summary
Economic downtime has motivated education-conscious lawmakers to begin looking for new ways to cut down. A new bill proposes to base layoffs on teacher evaluation, rather than seniority. Supporters of the bill claim that students will ultimately benefit when the best teachers keep their jobs. Opponents believe this change in policy will put too much power in the hands of school principals. Timing may be a significant factor in the bill’s consideration, as some fear immediate legislation will disrupt the transition to a new teacher evaluation system currently underway.
Key Point: Teacher layoffs will be prioritized by performance instead of seniority.
• Support: positive step in school reform – the best teachers stay
• Opposition: job security dependent on principal’s evaluation
Relevance: This progressive stance may impact tenure in the school system. Teachers entering the workforce may have more job opportunities, whereas some veterans may be looking for an early career change. Performance-based job security will likely affect intra-school relationships among teachers and between teachers and principals. Whether students will benefit from this change remains to be seen.
The Seattle Times Olympia Bureau
Published 2/15/2011
Retrieved 2/24/2011
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014236213_teachers16m.html
Intended Audience: teachers and principals
Summary
Economic downtime has motivated education-conscious lawmakers to begin looking for new ways to cut down. A new bill proposes to base layoffs on teacher evaluation, rather than seniority. Supporters of the bill claim that students will ultimately benefit when the best teachers keep their jobs. Opponents believe this change in policy will put too much power in the hands of school principals. Timing may be a significant factor in the bill’s consideration, as some fear immediate legislation will disrupt the transition to a new teacher evaluation system currently underway.
Key Point: Teacher layoffs will be prioritized by performance instead of seniority.
• Support: positive step in school reform – the best teachers stay
• Opposition: job security dependent on principal’s evaluation
Relevance: This progressive stance may impact tenure in the school system. Teachers entering the workforce may have more job opportunities, whereas some veterans may be looking for an early career change. Performance-based job security will likely affect intra-school relationships among teachers and between teachers and principals. Whether students will benefit from this change remains to be seen.
Monday, February 14, 2011
UW program expanded for Kent high-school students
“UW program expanded for Kent high-school students” by Olivia Bobrowsky
The Seattle Times
Published 2/11/2011
Retrieved 2/13/2011
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014201274_uwpartnership12m.html
Intended Audience: educators, parents, and the general public
Summary: Beginning with the Kent school district for now, the University of Washington has expanded its AP program to the potential for an entire year’s worth of college credit. Students enrolled in the program receive intensive instruction in the high school setting that will prepare them for the higher demands of college. While enrolled, students pay approximately 20% of standard tuition for up to 45 credits. In addition, this will allow students to obtain a college degree in three years, instead of the standard four.
Key Points: It’s a win-win situation:
• Up to 1 year of college credit
• Completion of degree in 3 years after high school
• 20% tuition rate
• Easier transition into more rigorous academic demands
Relevance: All the points are great, but the preparation is key. The first year of college is a culture-shocking transitional experience in many ways: higher academic demands, greater financial responsibilities, new people, and a new-found freedom. Minimizing even one of these transitional factors will be overwhelmingly positive in the student’s academic, emotional, and social success. This program is especially important for those lower-income, first-generation college goers who will only get one shot.
The Seattle Times
Published 2/11/2011
Retrieved 2/13/2011
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014201274_uwpartnership12m.html
Intended Audience: educators, parents, and the general public
Summary: Beginning with the Kent school district for now, the University of Washington has expanded its AP program to the potential for an entire year’s worth of college credit. Students enrolled in the program receive intensive instruction in the high school setting that will prepare them for the higher demands of college. While enrolled, students pay approximately 20% of standard tuition for up to 45 credits. In addition, this will allow students to obtain a college degree in three years, instead of the standard four.
Key Points: It’s a win-win situation:
• Up to 1 year of college credit
• Completion of degree in 3 years after high school
• 20% tuition rate
• Easier transition into more rigorous academic demands
Relevance: All the points are great, but the preparation is key. The first year of college is a culture-shocking transitional experience in many ways: higher academic demands, greater financial responsibilities, new people, and a new-found freedom. Minimizing even one of these transitional factors will be overwhelmingly positive in the student’s academic, emotional, and social success. This program is especially important for those lower-income, first-generation college goers who will only get one shot.
Rising tuition a threat to GET program
“Rising tuition a threat to GET program” by Katherine Long
The Seattle Times
Published 2/1/2011
Retrieved 2/13/2011
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014102603_get02m.html
Intended Audience: educators, parents, and the general public
Summary: One of the State’s reliable methods of increasing revenue is to increase tuition at their universities and colleges. Washington’s governor proposes to do just that in 2011 and 2012, raising the cost of tuition by 11% for each year. This poses a threat to the continuation of the Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program, which was set up to handle only a 7% annual tuition increase. At this rate, the program has only enough funds to pay each enrollee 86% of their tuition.
Key Points: 3 directions for the GET program:
1. Cut off new enrollment, which will prevent further financial loss from the program, but guarantee the need for the State to bail out the program in order to fully fund tuition for those already enrolled.
2. Guarantee payment of the State’s average tuition instead of its highest tuition. Full funding will depend on which school is attended.
3. Wait it out. Continue to attract investors to the GET program and hope the improving economy will stabilize the tuition rate.
Relevance: The reliable GET program may not be around for much longer, and if it is, enrollment may be much more expensive in order to prevent the whole program from going under. This issue is one illustration of the problem of steadily rising college tuition fees and the low-paying, entry-level jobs at which they can get your career jumpstarted.
The Seattle Times
Published 2/1/2011
Retrieved 2/13/2011
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014102603_get02m.html
Intended Audience: educators, parents, and the general public
Summary: One of the State’s reliable methods of increasing revenue is to increase tuition at their universities and colleges. Washington’s governor proposes to do just that in 2011 and 2012, raising the cost of tuition by 11% for each year. This poses a threat to the continuation of the Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program, which was set up to handle only a 7% annual tuition increase. At this rate, the program has only enough funds to pay each enrollee 86% of their tuition.
Key Points: 3 directions for the GET program:
1. Cut off new enrollment, which will prevent further financial loss from the program, but guarantee the need for the State to bail out the program in order to fully fund tuition for those already enrolled.
2. Guarantee payment of the State’s average tuition instead of its highest tuition. Full funding will depend on which school is attended.
3. Wait it out. Continue to attract investors to the GET program and hope the improving economy will stabilize the tuition rate.
Relevance: The reliable GET program may not be around for much longer, and if it is, enrollment may be much more expensive in order to prevent the whole program from going under. This issue is one illustration of the problem of steadily rising college tuition fees and the low-paying, entry-level jobs at which they can get your career jumpstarted.
Bill: different tuition rates for each program
“Bill: different tuition for each program” by Katherine Long
The Seattle Times
Published 2/1/2011
Retrieved 2/13/2011
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014102433_higheredbill02m.html
Intended Audience: educators, college prospects, and the general public
Summary: A new bill proposes that different academic programs require different costs of tuition at all the State’s universities and colleges. These changes will likely set a new – and higher – base tuition. Increased revenue will be directed toward increasing financial aid for lower- and middle-income students.
Key Point: Each academic program may have a different tuition rate.
Relevance: Depending on how large these proposed differences in tuition are, some areas of study may become a lot more attractive. And since many of the technological and science-related fields (including the health sciences) will likely be the more expensive endeavors due to the higher demand for expensive equipment and facilities, we may see a further decline in these already-less popular fields.
The Seattle Times
Published 2/1/2011
Retrieved 2/13/2011
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014102433_higheredbill02m.html
Intended Audience: educators, college prospects, and the general public
Summary: A new bill proposes that different academic programs require different costs of tuition at all the State’s universities and colleges. These changes will likely set a new – and higher – base tuition. Increased revenue will be directed toward increasing financial aid for lower- and middle-income students.
Key Point: Each academic program may have a different tuition rate.
Relevance: Depending on how large these proposed differences in tuition are, some areas of study may become a lot more attractive. And since many of the technological and science-related fields (including the health sciences) will likely be the more expensive endeavors due to the higher demand for expensive equipment and facilities, we may see a further decline in these already-less popular fields.
Panel hears bill to take state schools chief off ballot
“Panel hears bill to take state schools chief off ballot” by Donna Gordon Blankinship
The Seattle Times
Published 2/2/2011
Retrieved 2/13/2011
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014107319_education03.html
Intended Audience: educators, lawmakers, and the general public
Summary: Washington’s governor has proposed to create a new framework within the state’s department of education in an attempt to improve coordination between departments. In an offshoot of this proposal, lawmakers are considering the notion to turn the position of superintendent of public instruction from an elected position to that of one appointed by the governor.
Key Points: Elected vs. appointed position:
• Elected: preserves the ability of the people to elect their leaders in education; prevents any direct political influence from the governor
• Appointed: improved continuity with the lower turnover; candidates will ideally be chosen on the basis of professional ability instead of political prowess.
Relevance: Not much now, but the decision to appoint or elect the superintendent of public instruction will determine the public’s ability to vote for who they want in this position. They must decide how broken the system is, how bad it needs changing, and how much they’re willing to put this position in the governor’s hands.
The Seattle Times
Published 2/2/2011
Retrieved 2/13/2011
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014107319_education03.html
Intended Audience: educators, lawmakers, and the general public
Summary: Washington’s governor has proposed to create a new framework within the state’s department of education in an attempt to improve coordination between departments. In an offshoot of this proposal, lawmakers are considering the notion to turn the position of superintendent of public instruction from an elected position to that of one appointed by the governor.
Key Points: Elected vs. appointed position:
• Elected: preserves the ability of the people to elect their leaders in education; prevents any direct political influence from the governor
• Appointed: improved continuity with the lower turnover; candidates will ideally be chosen on the basis of professional ability instead of political prowess.
Relevance: Not much now, but the decision to appoint or elect the superintendent of public instruction will determine the public’s ability to vote for who they want in this position. They must decide how broken the system is, how bad it needs changing, and how much they’re willing to put this position in the governor’s hands.
Lawmakers contemplate changes in statewide testing
“Lawmakers contemplate changes in statewide testing” by Donna Gordon Blankinship
The Seattle Times
Published 2/4/2011
Retrieved 2/13/2011
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/education/2014135283_schooltesting05.html
Intended Audience: educators, lawmakers, and the general public
Summary: Washington lawmakers anticipate difficulty in making the transition from general math and science exams to more in-depth, end-of-course exams as prerequisite to high school graduation. It is likely that some students may be required to complete end-of-course exams for courses they took in previous years of high school. Lawmakers are concerned about preserving fairness for those caught in this transitional period
Key Points: 3 current options (in the form of bills):
1. Reduce the amount of exam requirements needed to graduate for those students in transition.
2. Make the transition more gradual by delaying some subjects and continuing with others.
3. Do away with statewide testing as a graduation requirement altogether.
Relevance: The issue here is one of fairness for those students who, say, took Calculus in their freshman year of high school and may now be required to take an end-of-course exam up to three years later – on a subject that may require a few months of extracurricular studying to return to a level of proficiency in that field. Granted, this article focuses specifically on a transitional period which does not affect many students, but once the new policies are established, these end-of-course exams may have a big effect on the rigors of graduation requirements.
The Seattle Times
Published 2/4/2011
Retrieved 2/13/2011
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/education/2014135283_schooltesting05.html
Intended Audience: educators, lawmakers, and the general public
Summary: Washington lawmakers anticipate difficulty in making the transition from general math and science exams to more in-depth, end-of-course exams as prerequisite to high school graduation. It is likely that some students may be required to complete end-of-course exams for courses they took in previous years of high school. Lawmakers are concerned about preserving fairness for those caught in this transitional period
Key Points: 3 current options (in the form of bills):
1. Reduce the amount of exam requirements needed to graduate for those students in transition.
2. Make the transition more gradual by delaying some subjects and continuing with others.
3. Do away with statewide testing as a graduation requirement altogether.
Relevance: The issue here is one of fairness for those students who, say, took Calculus in their freshman year of high school and may now be required to take an end-of-course exam up to three years later – on a subject that may require a few months of extracurricular studying to return to a level of proficiency in that field. Granted, this article focuses specifically on a transitional period which does not affect many students, but once the new policies are established, these end-of-course exams may have a big effect on the rigors of graduation requirements.
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