For Teachers, Many Paths Into The Classroom ... Some Say Too Many
One in five newly hired teachers has skipped university preparation for teaching. Indiana is the latest state to make entering the classroom easier.
Education
Playgrounds For All Children: Here's How To Find One
For kids with disabilities, a simple activity like going down a slide can be a challenge. An NPR crowdsourcing project maps inclusive playgrounds — fun and safe for all — across the country.
This Is Your Brain. This Is Your Brain On Music
A new study suggests that learning to play a musical instrument helps improve the brain's ability to process language. That means music lessons could give kids from low-income communities a big boost.
UNESCO Director Concerned About New School Year In Iraq
Irina Bokova, director-general of UNESCO in Paris, calls for international help to protect Iraq's schoolchildren as they return to school.
Heavier Teen Pot Smoking Linked To Problems In Young Adults
Daily smokers are less likely to graduate from high school or college and are at higher risk of suicide, according to an analysis of three long-term studies of teenagers in Australia and New Zealand.
These Kids Grew Up With The Woods As Their Only Classroom
Ben Hewitt's sons do not follow standardized curriculum; there are no tests or grades. He is a member of the "unschooling" movement.
North Carolina District Breaks Ties With Teach For America
The school board in Durham, N.C., voted 6-1 to end its relationship with Teach For America, after the current crop of teachers finish out their stints. Board members cited the lack of experience and the limited commitment of these young teachers in the district's "high-needs" schools. Education reporter Reema Khrais of WUNC explains the situation.
Sounds From The First Day Of School
Millions of children are heading back to school, and to mark the traditional start of the school year, we've asked reporters from member stations around the country to bring us the sounds.
New Orleans Enters The Charter School Era
Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans and swept away many of its public schools. Now, the city's largest district is unveiling a transformed school system, composed entirely of charter schools.
Turnitin And The Debate Over Anti-Plagiarism Software
One company and its algorithms are changing the way America's schools handle classroom ethics.