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That was the year that was: Adios to 2024
It was a stupid year, writes Dave Barry in his annual year in review in the Miami Herald. "Let’s start with the art world, which over...

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 31, 20242 min read
1 comment


Sleepovers aren't for sissies
Do American kids need more math tutoring and fewer sleepovers?

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 30, 20242 min read
1 comment


'Brain rot' is the word for Gen Alpha
"Ohio" means "weird" in Gen Alpha slang. Hmmmm.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 29, 20241 min read
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Joanne Jacobs
Dec 26, 20240 min read
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Joy to the world
Have a very merry Christmas. And a happy Hanukkah.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 25, 20241 min read
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The true meaning of Christmas
Christmas traditions are worth preserving.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 24, 20242 min read
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Star of wonder, star of light
A Sikh immigrant's Christmas tableau has become a community tradition in a California town.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 23, 20241 min read
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The Mild Bunch: Teens don't like to take risks
Teenagers in 2024 are less likely to use drugs, alcohol or nicotine and many are postponing driving, work and sex.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 22, 20241 min read
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Poland mandates firearms training for students
Polish students 13 and older will learn to use firearms in school.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 21, 20241 min read
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Is a college degree worth the cost? 45% say 'no'
Americans think college costs too much and want more focus on preparing students for jobs.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 20, 20241 min read
2 comments


Apprenticeships are in demand, but employers are wary of red tape
Everybody loves apprenticeships -- except for employers, who are nowhere near meeting the demand for learn-and-earn jobs.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 19, 20242 min read
1 comment


Teens are doing less homework, earning higher grades
Teenagers are working less and earning higher grades. Everybody's "phoning it in."

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 18, 20242 min read
5 comments


Honey, we lost the parents
Democrats have lost their edge with parents of school-aged children.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 17, 20242 min read
6 comments


Mississippi vs. Masssachusetts: Which state has the best schools?
When states are judged by how well students overcome disadvantages, Mississippi is a winner and high-scoring Massachusetts is mediocre.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 16, 20241 min read
4 comments


Troubled 12-year-old was 'fast-tracked' for hormones, mastectomy, charges lawsuit
A young woman is suing "gender affirming care" providers for starting her on drugs and surgery at age 12.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 15, 20242 min read
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Sorry, kid, your robot friend is about to die
Moxie, sold as a social-emotional support robot, is about to "die."

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 14, 20241 min read
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'Diverse' college graduates are less likely to become teachers
Black and brown college graduates are less likely to choose a teaching career and more likely to leave the classroom for other jobs,...

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 13, 20242 min read
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STEM students will face sink-or-swim calculus in California
California community colleges will require unprepared STEM majors to be placed in calculus.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 12, 20242 min read
4 comments


If tests are optional, calculus is mandatory for aspiring students
Taking AP Calculus is almost obligatory for students applying for top colleges, even if they aren't interested in math or science majors.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 12, 20241 min read
1 comment


'Multilevel classes' aren't equitable or excellent, say teachers
Mixing high-achieving, average and low-achieving students in the same class was a noble experiment, writes Ryan Normandin, a high school...

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 11, 20242 min read
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