Tennessee Reconsiders Tilt to Merit Aid

Original Article

Summary goes here!

My thoughts on this is that, in general, educators and policy makers did not carefully went through the brain storm session of what kind of citizen they need and what kind of resources they have.

The goal of a society is to bring the prosper to the society with best efficiency. With this in mind, policy makers need decided that, with limited resources and the economic goal they try to achieve, do they need higher education for every possible citizen? Or maybe it is more efficient to educate a group of experts that will establish new businesses to bring prosper to all citizen.

Beside the analysis on physical entities, policy maker also need to factor in if the policy encourage the general idea of promoting responsibility - i.e. asking yourself first instead of asking what the society should do for you.

Open Courses Open Wider

Original Article

Summary goes here!

===Revision of my post at InsideHigherEd.com
I know some of you may not up to this and I know there are issues that need to be worked out. But I like to, again, toss the idea that we should find a way to give certificates/degrees to people that is capable of learning by themselves. These people can be charged minimum fees for the certificate/degree evaluation. With this being available, we prompt the idea that the goal of education is to build the ability to learn.

It shifts the obligation of learning to students. As long as students can learn, they will be charged much less than those who need extra services that cost institutions to setup.

This will give society the right mindset for education.

U.S. Students Fall Short in Math and Science

Original Article
PISA 2006 - At OECD, At US ED

Summary goes here!

I don't know about how Finland and Canada structure their education system. But I do see quite few far east countries made the list. As far as I know, testing is a common theme in these countries. Especially that test scores are given high regards. Grades are usually second to the most important. By the way, I believe the data show that they are spending less than United States.

A point: If you can set a clear goal, you can steer education to that goal. The goal can be improved and so will education. A bunch of non-compatible goals is next to no goals and give people excuses of no clear goal. I will not argue that NCLB is doing everything right, but I will give it the credit of setting a clear goal.

Postsecondary Education and Nebraska's Future forum

Original Article
Related material on the internet:
Nebraska Innovation Forum
University of Nebraska 2000 - 2004(strategy plan?)

This is a news report not my comments on the event.

On Dec. 5, 2007, Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE) and Senator Ron Raikes, Chair, Nebraska Legislature's Education Committee, co-host the forum: Postsecondary Education and Nebraska's Future.

The forum features presentations by Dennis Jones, president, National Center for Higher Education Management Systems and Q&A sessions with Nebraska leaders - Dennis Baack, Stan Carpenter, Doug Christensen, Tip O'Neil, Linda Ray Pratt (above, represent education sector), Wendy Boyer and Jim Linderholm (business sector). Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman is also invited. Dennis Jones' presentation can be found here.

Dennis Jones, a native Nebraskan who had been invited to give similar talks to Nebraska's policy makers in the past(e.g. 2003), made his points even clear this time that the most important thing for Nebraska is to strive on economic development. In general, his talk concluded that Nebraska is doing a fair job in educating our kids but is short on building a sustainable economics and, as a result, Nebraska was not able to retain these well educated kids and was not able to achieve economic gain.

At the Q&A session, several good points are raised. Stan Carpenter, with daughter in school, talk about customizing system to fit students learning style. Doug Christensen talked about what K12 system have done in recruiting minority students. Dennis Baack talked about community colleges' efforts in working with Universities, State colleges and private institutions in making the system more economic. Tip O'Neill talk about the culture changes in savings and about legislature's efforts in encouraging saving for education. Linda Ray Pratt talked about University's willingness in engaging the society in economic development and University's efforts in creating the innovation park. She also talked about UNO's efforts in attracting Iowa students. Wendy Boyer, when asked about businesses' view about the training need from higher education institutions, talked about the mixed need from business world and talked about the short term specific training needs of businesses.

Governor Dave Heineman use his opportunity to talk about the difficult budget decision he have to make between other issues and education. Even though he has passions on education and economic development, the tight state budget is limiting the funding state can appropriate to education. The lower tax and budget discipline is his signature.

Lincoln Public School Grading Policy Change?

Original Article - Sorry, can't find relative material at LPS.org

Summary goes here!

I heard this from my daughter and confirmed by school principle.

LPS is discussing the possible change in the way middle school students are graded. The basic idea is that grades will be based on tests only, the homework and assignment are considered a separate item that evaluates a student's behavior.

An argument I learned from the principle is that people are wondered why should we keep ponding on these students for assignments if they can performed well in tests.

In general, this is a sound argument. But, I have to be causals. At this point in time, in general, grade is all people care and I can see the 'behavior' item been ignored totally. The question: Will this produce a right mind set for our youth?

As we all understand that no all kids are born equal and we also understand that not all people with highest grade accomplished the most. If there come a time that society and these young kids understand these, I will say the approach is OK. But! Are our society understand all these implications? Will colleges look into the value of assignments?

Once thing troubles me is that bright kids will begin to ignore assignments and could be ignorant to the fact that smart isn't every thing. The worst is that they will ignore the importance of working hard and better use of their gifts.

The implementation of this policy could also undermined the importance of work ethic especially for those young mind.

Grading the AP Curriculum

Original Article

we need better accountability for colleges and maybe, just maybe, in the way of cross college tests. However, this will happen only if employers are interested in knowing it.

Personally, I don't have much experience with AP. But based on the comments and description, I believe College Board did the right thing in taking the auditing action even though the claim of college level is truly un-necessary.

If conduct properly, the AP test is all it need to insure the quality and accountability. By publishing the statistics of AP test at high school level is enough to hold high school accountable. The decision in whether or how to use the score for admission purposes is up to the colleges. The suggestion of widening the score range by Hoosier Ed is a good one.

If you read Frizbane Manley's comment, you will agree with me that we need better accountability for colleges and maybe, just maybe, in the way of cross college tests. However, this will happen only if employers are interested in knowing it.

==== My comment at InsideHigherEd.com
Personally, I think what College Board should do is concentrate on making the test the best it can be and publish the test statistics of high school - this will hold the high school accountable. It's not that the audit is bad, but this is the final line.

As to professor Manley's joke about customers, I am sure part of the problem is because professor give out the grade. Just suppose for a moment that if grades are evaluated by third parties, students will see professors as allies and wouldn't blame the pressure from the professor.

Closing the College Achievement Gap

Original Article - Initiatives taken by couple of institutions.

Summary goes here!

It is a good thing that college leaders are thinking about these things. But, as I repeatedly advocated on my articles, I echo the view of the comments of CJProf.

The success of most Asian, not all but most, should really be studied and understand. It should shed lights on certain claims.

In general, I don't like the idea of quotas that based on population proportion.

As I discussed in my articles, the society as whole have to take closer look at what is the real goal and what is the real fair way of doing things.

== My comments at InsideHigherEd.com
As I mentioned a lot in my postings, I agree with CJProf that the root of the problem is the society.

The success of most Asian, most but not all, should shed lights on some of the claims. My father used to say it take generations to prosper. I understand that this is a passive action, but it shows the patience and willingness in invest everything in their children - they have taken all of these as their responsibilities. With kids of my own, I understand how difficult it is to implant the right attitudes in them.

Well, if They’re Already Using It

Original Article - How institutions should treat FaceBook, GMail brought in by students.

Summary goes here!

Main body here

Patent Reform and University Research

Original Article - Patent derived from Federal Fund should return royalties to federal.

Summary goes here!

Main body here

Science and the University

Original Article

Summary goes here!

Main body here

DREAM Act Vote on Tap

Original Article - need read more carefully.
'Dream Act' Fails - The Chronicle of Higher Education

Summary goes here!

Main body here

Race-Based Aid, After a Statewide Ban

Original Article

Summary goes here!

I think this is move in the right direction. Public institution does have it duties.

As to the comment of Dave Stone, the argument of the relatively privileged students know how the system work and, hence, benefit from the association is not a good one. In general, as long as organizations made information public, it is up to the individual to seek those information. We can't afford to lift personal duties this way. I understand that there are organizations that take steps to go to that level of help. But we have to understand that those are exceptions. People have to take up their responsibilities, you can't always count on people to bring information to you.

Female Faculty and the Sciences

Original Article

Summary goes here!

Well. We need think carefully here. Just like in the case of race, a simple request for population proportion is not the answer. The main point is stress the open mind and based things on objective measures.

We all understand that it take time for these things to happen. And it is always hard for minority to shine.

Some of the proposal in the comments aren't quite equal. It is definitely true that traditionally women spend more time in taking care of kids. But that no longer have to be the case. A powerful women should take care of their home by asking the share of duties. They should not request a policy to setup for them.

India's Call-Center Jobs Go Begging

Original Article - Well. We just need to be prepared.

Summary goes here!

I said this before. But I will say it again. India will not stay in the low salary league, they will demand more with their skills. The globalization is on their favor. We have to gear up otherwise we will fall.

Check my article about this issue here.

Sweetening the Deal

Original Article - OK. The comments went wild.

Summary goes here!

Anyway. I think computer evaluation is good and the idea of giving all students the same treat from school is also good for now. But the basic problem is, of cause, that the society is no longer value the sincereness. Adults not value the thing sincerely and students were not be taught to be sincere. But even with all these, students talks about professors can be used as administrative tools. Just give students place to talk and monitor them. Of cause, administrators should dis-count those talks about cookie receiving.

By the way, I definitely support evaluate students learning.

The Benefits of Dual Enrollment

Original Article
nacep.org - Non-Official body for accredited Concurrent Enrollment implementation - I still need to check this out.

Summary goes here!

One thought: Should we raise the bar for high school diploma? For one, since some scholars are so interested in general education. Why don't we just add these to high school? Especially, if they are deemed so important for today's society - just make it mandatory! Or extend the K12 to K13. I am sure professors' will be more than happy to teach higher level courses than those introductory courses.

On YouTube, No Enrollment Caps

Original Article - UC Berkeley put lectures on YouTube

Summary goes here!

My 2003 view of role change of instructors

==== My comments on InsideHigherEd.com
I admire all these open course movements. The implication of these are many.

For instructors, this could mean the role change. If lectures are online, is there any reason for students to show up in class? Of cause, there is. For example, to ask questions. But what if instructors are reachable online? Or what if an institution adopts UC Berkeley's lecture?

We have to realized that, there are a lot of kids that are self-motivated and will learn a lot of material by themselves and there really no good reason to keep them in class all the time. Then, of cause, that they will have questions and would like to have a chat with knowledgeable professionals and this is where instructors can find their new roles.

For employers, since all these material are online and there will be individuals that is capable and is learning those materials. Degree will no longer the sole judgment of a person's capability. Employers should find better ways in gauging their applicants. This is where the hiring consulting companies will play a role. Of cause, hiring consulting companies better know how to measure a person's capability.

Cut half of college courses: Daley

Original Article - Concerning High Cost of Higher Ed.
InsideHigherEd.com

Summary goes here!

==== My comments on InsideHigherEd.com
Higher Ed had been promoted as the way to make more income. People believe in it and that is their goal.

But, the current higher ed system is not built to meet that goal (Community college are close, but traditional 4 year are not) and this is why there are costs that are not directly associated with that goal and there are probably courses that are not definitely needed to achieve that goal.

Personally, I believe competition is the way to bring the price close to the costs. It is true that technology could cost money. But on the other hand, it also save money in reducing labor need. There is really no sense in trying to pin point a source of the rising cost. All we can ask for is the effective costs that will help students reach their goal.

The free market model is a good one to learn from. By setting objective standard on the product and set corporation free to compete.

=========
Well. The right thing to do is to level the playing field by setting the right accreditation structure based on student achievement.

Subtleties and Ethics of Early Decision

Original Article - to be read

Summary goes here!

I believe the decision belong to institution. As long as people have the same opportunities to apply I don't see a problem. How people is going to plan their schedule is up to the people and is of no business and responsibilities of the institution.

OpenCourseWare Goes Statewide

Original Article - Efforts in Utah. A list of open course institutions.

Summary goes here!

The next step: open degree with low cost.

==== My comment at insdiehighered.com
I suppose these course material is mean to open to public not just scholars. But, assuming that attending institutions is essential in obtaining the appropriate skills to qualify for a degree, these material is of no use to general public.

Am I missing something or people really realized that went to college is not the only way of obtaining skills.

Now. The question: Should all people with skills be granted that piece of paper? How we are going to do that? How much we should charge for that piece of paper?

Meeting of the Minds

Original Article

I hope the result is objective enough ... (and) help us in regulating the for-profits ... and held the college price at a reasonable level.

I suppose every one understand that measure of certain skills is difficult. What surprised me is that, with years of efforts, as claimed by institutions, institutions are accepting grants to make more efforts. Maybe, just maybe, that they realized that their past efforts is not of enough efforts at all.

I see these grants as an incentives to get institutions to be serious about their efforts. The thing I wondered is if there are mandated goals. Or if the money is just an incentive.

I hope the result of these grants are of objective nature so that it can apply equally well to for-profit so that it can address the public concern of the high higher ed price.

======== My comments at the insidehighered.com
Well. I hope the result is objective enough so that it can be applied to the for-profit institutions.

This will not only help us in regulating the for-profits but also help public in selecting institutions. This, in turn, can produce a healthy competition and held the college price at a reasonable level.

Elevating the Great Books Anew

Original Article - Teach humanities to college students

Summary goes here!

I need think about this. Of cause, I don't have the humanities education of the Western. But so does those US students that not go through the college education. Are we saying that these people are of lower rank? In what way, I asked.

I tend to think if these things are deem so important, they should be taught at K12. If not, I can see where JLE's comments come from.

Personally, I do not deny the importance of these "things". But I wonder if reading literature is the right way of teaching it, let alone what list of books to read. I wondered isn't this the job of the K12 social studies?

Dealing With ‘Job Outs’

Original Article

Summary goes here!

We should all understand that this is not a bad thing. There are students that are very well capable and can continue to improve themselves.

For higher ed industries, they simply need to define a better measure of success. And if they truly believe in education and their duty to public, they should offer alternative way to issue that piece of paper to students instead of insisting them to sit in class (e.g. allow test-out) and pay for those sitting time.

Here are some of my thoughts along this line:
College Cost : Proceeding ...
Response to Mr. Soto

Accountability and the Applicant

Original Article

Summary goes here!

Well. We will see what will happen. I think without Spellings push, the U-CAN probably never born. The question: Do we satisfied with these dynamics or are there better ways that can keep higher ed institutions constantly attended to publics' interest?