School not the only place for teaching, learning
President Barack Obama spoke about education earlier this week, suggesting holding teachers and students accountable and considering a longer school year. Those things, plus money, may help Johnny learn to read better, but probably not any more than things his parents, siblings and relatives could do at home. Editor Don Whitten calls on family members to do their part in the education process as well. (September 28, 2010, Page 4)
Sleazy Self-Expression
After addressing one of his student’s dress – a cap turned around backward and droopy pants – as he came into the classroom recently, local columnist and college instructor Jimmy Reed thought back to his high school days and what his principal did when he was not satisfied with his students’ dress. (September 28, 2010, Page 4)
The main goal should be helping kids learn
We’ve heard for years that we shouldn’t label people and things and now the accountability reports for state schools are out and schools are being – you guess it – labeled Star or High Performing or whatever all the way down to failing. Editor Don Whitten wonders if so much emphasis has been put on reaching certain levels and rankings that we’re spending more time “teaching to the test” than teaching our youngsters the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. (September 13, 2010, Page 4A)
Who likes early-August school days?
Did football move up the start of school? Or did school move up the start of football? Editor Don Whitten takes a closer look at early-August school days in Mississippi and lists some of the factors in the earlier start to classes these days in reaction to a move by a group called “Save Mississippi Summers” to have classes start later in August or even in September. (August 11, 2010, Page 4)
New principal begins first year of leadership at Oxford High
That time of the year
Staff Writer Melanie Addington urges parents to get involved with their children’s education, and notes the excitement at her house as her son gets ready for his first day as a seventh-grader. (August 5, 2010, Page 4)
United Way steamlining focus
Through research, a Transition Committee has been formed by the United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County that’s designed to coordinate a community agenda for change by focusing on three main areas — health, education and income. Over the next few weeks, The Oxford EAGLE will publish a series of articles that examine the United Way’s three focus areas and what plans are in place or being considered to improve the health, education and income of our area’s residents. (July 22, 2010, Page 1A)
Missing more days has more serious consequences
School is serious business to the Oxford School Board. Beginning this year, the district is taking measures to ensure students and parents make attendance a priority. (July 13, 2010, Page 3B)
America’s Achilles Heel
Local columnist Jimmy Reed takes a look back at his days in education, nothing differences and similarities with community college students through the years. One thing he’s noticed – most students are still intent on earning their grades and disproving the claim that education is America’s Achilleges’ heel. (May 18, 2010, Page 4)
So how well do you know your ‘times’ tables?
Have they changed the way youngsters are taught math, particularly the multiplication tables? Editor Don Whitten did an unscientific survey/study to see how well people knew their “times” tables and wonders if calculators and other modern tools have lessened how much time is spent teaching youngsters to learn – or memorize – their multiplication tables. (May 10, 2010, Page 4A)
