WHY SCIENCE

Issue 10, June 30, 2011

Dear Tom Safeguarding American Democracy through Public Education In 1941, in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States and her allies came together to create the United Nations. Just as these democratic nations were facing a state of emergency, so too were educators, argued Willard E. Goslin, superintendent of schools in the Webster Groves (Mo.) School District. In his 1944 article “When We Work Together” Goslin encourages educators to band together to fight the looming education crisis and emulate our nation’s democratic principles in their schools and districts. Today, we face a quiet storm-eroding American leadership in math and science, and an antiquated education system that produces average students in science and below average students in math.  75 % of  our nation's state prision inmates and 59 % of federal inmates are high school dropouts.  We are getting these results at a time when the fastest growing high paying jobs in the economy require post-secondary education in science and math. As we celebrate America's 235th birthday let us all reflect on what we can do toease this quiet storm by supporting school and community efforts to increase student achievement during the upcoming school year. What can we learn from Goslin to effect holistic school change?   In this newsletter you will: Learn how to effect holistic school change from Williard E. Goslin, superintendent of schools. Learn how to increase student achievement from successful K-12 schools. Understand the nature of the achievement gap and how to close it from Professor Edward Joyner, professor of education, Sacred Heart University. Be upto date on brain research trends for improving  student achievement. In other news at Why Science,  Ease The Quiet Storm is now on sale for $9.99!  This resource was produced to help teachers ignite a passion for learning in their students. Know a teacher? Get them a DVD of Ease The Quiet Storm while supplies last. Watch Ease The Quiet Storm to learn how you can increase student achievement in your community. EASE THE QUIET STORM TRAILER  3 ratings 823 views Best wishes to you and your family this July 4th weekend! Sincerely, Dr. Yvonne Akpalu CEO & Founder Why Science     Lessons from the Past: Safeguarding American Democracy through Public Education  "Teachers and administrators find answers to their problems through cooperative study"  ... Click Here to Read Full Article.   NRC Releases Report on Successful K-12 STEM Education "The primary driver of the future economy and concomitant creation of jobs will be innovation, largely derived from advances in science and engineering. . . . 4 percent of the nation’s workforce is composed of scientists and engineers; this group disproportionately creates jobs for the other 96 percent" .... Click Here to Read Full Article. The Achievement Gap-A Conversation with Edward Joyner Edward Joyner, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor and Director of Five Year Program at Sacred Heart University.  For 20 years, he led the most comprehensive school reform model in American Education. Below are some highlights of our discussion on the achievement gap ... Click Here to Read Full Article.   Research Trends: Brain Research, Intelligence, Instruction and Achievement This recent report highlights cutting-edge research from leading neuroscience experts on how various activities affect the brain, and how these activities can help students improve their comprehension and memory ... Click Here to Read Full Article.