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NEA Today Extra - May 2005

Hot Fun in the Summertime

Another school year is coming to an end. Where will this summer find you? To help you plan, NEA Todayhas compiled links to some fun and unusual vacation ideas. And check out vacation plans, future and past, from NEA members.

Table of Contents

Why Teachers Leave

The nation has a teacher retention crisis, but it's not only the oft-blamed low pay that sends educators packing; it's the feeling that no one's listening to them. University of Pennsylvania Professor Richard Ingersoll found that a "lack of faculty influence" over issues such as curriculum and discipline is leading ever-increasing numbers of educators to leave the profession. Read more about Ingersoll's research, and learn about his new book, Who Controls Teachers' Work?, from Harvard University Press.

'No Child Left Behind' Myths Abound

Share the myths and tall tales you've heard abut the so-called "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) law on our discussion board (NEA members only; registration required).

Since the issue of who's a "highly qualified" teacher is one of the most fertile grounds for misinformation, take NEA's "Highly Qualified" Teacher Quiz to be sure of where you stand. And, visit NEA's Legislative Action Center to urge your Senators and Representative to fix and fund NCLB.

More Organizations Join Coalition To Demand Changes to NCLB

The list of national education, civil rights, disability, children's and citizens' groups, including NEA, who have joined together to demand substantial changes to NCLB has grown to 53. Learn what the coalition is recommending to help the law meet its laudable goals of strong academic progress for all children.

Teacher, Interrupted - More Bulletin Board Responses

NEA members respond to May's Bulletin Board questions about strange PA interruptions, how to start an art club, and resources for teaching nutrition to teens.

Remembering NEA Members

In March, Joyce Gregory, a paraeducator and bus driver at Stewart County High School in Tennessee, was fatally shot by a student during her morning bus route. Barely three weeks later, teacher Neva Rogers died when a student went on a shooting rampage at Red Lake High School in Minnesota. The untimely deaths of these two NEA members have been felt around the nation, as fellow educators send their condolences.

You may post condolences for Joyce Gregory on the Web and send donations to:

The Joyce Gregory Memorial Fund
AmSouth Bank
P.O. Box 432
Dover, TN 37058

You may E-mail expressions of sympathy for Neva Rogers to Red.lake@educationminnesota.org and send donations to:

The Neva Rogers Memorial Fund
41 Sherburne Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103

Ready for National Board Certification?

In May's "Last Bell" column, Minnesota teacher Julie Hutcheson-Downwind chronicled her journey from novice teacher to proud holder of National Board Certification. Considering going through this rewarding process yourself? Check out these resources:

"NBC Brings New Leadership Roles: Teacher Tom White Enjoys the Challenges"
"Preparing for National Board Certification? Some Tips from National Board Certified Teachers"
The Professional Development area of nea.org lists National Board Certification news
Archive of all nea.org articles on National Board Certification

Funding for Urban Schools: Weighted Student Formula

A funding method called Weighted Student Formula shows promise in helping large urban districts achieve equity in school funding. Funds follow students and are not allocated to amalgamated "averages." The formula is not without controversy: some call this decentralized mode of money handling a distraction from the real problem -- inadequate school funding. Learn more about Weighted Student Formula from this new NEA Research report ( PDF, 25 pp., 331k).

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