INTERVIEW

• Diane Ravitch Makes a 180
  Diane Ravitch's latest book, The Death and Life of The Great American School System (Basic Books, 2010) takes a hard look at public school reforms currently rippling through the United States. The former Assistant Secretary of Education under President George H.W. Bush explains why she's done an about-face on standardized testing, charter schools, and other education reforms, like No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
  
  If you were appointed U.S. Secretary of Education, what would be your first act?
  The first thing I would do is to recognize that high-stakes testing is corrupting education and would therefore remove any penalties and sanctions from the federal law. Then I would request that future versions of the law include a requirement that all schools receiving federal funding must teach a balanced curriculum that includes not only the basic skills of reading and mathematics, but the arts, history, geography, science, civics, and physical education. Then I would go to Congress and urge the full funding of special education, which would relieve every district of a huge unfunded mandate and free up money for schools.    more » » » 

NEWS

• NJ Library, Citing Child Pornography, Removes GLBT Book
  A New Jersey public library in May ordered the removal of all copies of Revolutionary Voices: A Multicultural Queer Youth Anthology (Alyson, 2000) from its shelves–despite the fact there was no formal book challenge–and its library director has referred to the title as "child pornography," according to emails obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey through a Freedom of Information Act.
  
  Gail Sweet, library director of the Burlington County Library System (BCLS), asked Library Commissioners to approve the removal of the book after a member of the conservative group 9.12 Project contacted Sweet requesting that it be taken off shelves.    more » » » 
• Comics Are Key to Promoting Literacy in Boys, Study Says
  Just in time for Comic-Con 2010, a new report says comics and graphic novels may hold the secret to promoting literacy in young boys.
  
  Long dismissed as fluff by parents, educators, and even librarians, the Canadian Council on Learning (CCL) reaffirms what researchers have long held to be true: girls are generally more inclined to read than boys. But it goes on to say that's partly because their literary interests aren't well represented in school libraries and classrooms.  more » » » 

WATCH AND READ

• Nanny McPhee Returns: Warts and All
  This follow-up to the fantasy/comedy film Nanny McPhee (2006) is scheduled for release from Universal Pictures on August 20, 2010. The versatile Emma Thompson not only reprises the title role, but has also penned the screenplays for both motion pictures, which were inspired by Christianna Brand's charming "Nurse Matilda" tales from the 1960s and '70s. While the first movie was set in 19th-century England, Nanny McPhee Returns (PG), directed by Susanna White, takes place on a farm in the British countryside during World War II.   more » » » 

REMARKABLE READS

• The School Newspaper
  If you think back to middle school, it's likely you remember some distinct personalities as part of the newspaper crew. In the titles below, you'll meet some of those kids once again. Whether investigating a corporate cover-up or exposing bullying in the school, these young journalists have great stories to tell.    more » » » 

LIBRARIAN'S INTERNET

• It's Almost That Time Again
  www.pbs.org/parents/goingtoschool
  
  The stores are already setting up displays of school supplies, and parents are beginning to think about getting their kids ready for the big day. This site is designed for those seeking advice and information about how to make their child's transition from home to school, from one grade to another, or from one school to another as easy and pleasant as possible.   more » » » 

JOB OF THE WEEK