You Are There: The Thinking Person's YouTube

By Diane Demee-Benoit

I was recently introduced to FORA.tv, a new Web site that aggregates videos of discussions and debates on interesting political, social, and cultural issues. If your schedule is anything like mine, it's difficult to find the time to travel to a bookstore to hear a famous author read or to afford the price of a ticket to see a big headliner speak. FORA.tv -- the name is the plural form of forum -- offers an alternative: Sit on your couch with your wireless laptop and listen to a variety of interesting speakers.

The Report Is In: How Are California’s Charter Schools Measuring Up?

By Diane Demee-Benoit

Many people think of public charter schools as a way to increase student achievement and improve our public school system. However, many others believe charters divert resources from traditional public schools and don’t meet up to accountability measures. These opposing views often lead to friction among people who actually have much in common: a genuine concern for children and the national right to high-quality public education.

Engaging the Heart and the Mind: Expeditionary Learning Teaches the Whole Child

By Diane Demee-Benoit

In addition to its focus on active pedagogy and effective instructional practices, expeditionary learning values the development of the whole child. Self-discovery, collaboration, empathy and caring, diversity and inclusion, and service to community are key design principles in any strong learning adventure.

What Are the Biggest Challenges Young Adults Face Today?

By Diane Demee-Benoit

New America Media, a nationwide network of over 700 ethnic-media organizations, received funding in 2006 from several foundations, as well as from the University of California’s Office of the President, to conduct a survey of young people in California to better understand what young adults ages 16-22 feel are the primary issues impacting their lives.

An Experience They’ll Never Forget: Expeditionary Learning

By Diane Demee-Benoit

In my previous post, "A Passion for Knowledge: An Introduction to Expeditionary Learning," I introduced the concept of expeditionary learning with a video clip taken at ASCEND School, in Oakland, California.

A Passion for Knowledge: An Introduction to Expeditionary Learning

By Diane Demee-Benoit

When I taught zoology and environmental science, my colleagues and I worked hard to create multifaceted learning experiences because we saw that the kids who truly mastered a subject and developed a greater passion for learning were those who had the opportunity to learn with their mind, heart, and hands.

Tech Target: Getting Girls Interested in Science and Technology

By Diane Demee-Benoit

The TechBridge program is alive and well at the Chabot Space & Science Center, in Oakland, California. Selected in 2005 by the National Science Foundation as a model program, TechBridge is an out-of-school program that engages girls in science, technology, and engineering activities. Since its inception, TechBridge has served more than 1,500 girls in five school districts through after-school and summer programs.

Breaking the Mold: How Do We Reform Schools?

By Diane Demee-Benoit

Year after year, we debate numerous reforms to improve our educational system. Yet we are continually hampered by the conventions of our thinking about -- well, everything. We fall into the same old trap of tinkering around the margins and trying to reform an education system with an ever-increasing number of policies, programs, and regulations piled on top of each other. Even the words we use to talk about improving schools -- school reform -- seem worn and out-of-date.

Encouraging Innovation in Our Schools: The Nation's Governors Step Up for Education

By Diane Demee-Benoit

The nation's governors, who met in Washington, DC, in February, voiced their support for educating our students for a globally competitive world. Here's what the recent National Governors Association newsletter reported:

Answering the Call: Part Two

By Diane Demee-Benoit

(Moderator's Note: You may want to read Answering the Call, Part 1 before reading this post.)

I arrived in Nashville for the Climate Project training on New Year's Day -- what a way to start off the New Year -- making a commitment towards stewardship of our planet and to all the living things that call it home.