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Obama administration wants longer school day, year
President Barack Obama and top education officials say the school calendar in use is outdated, and they would like to see longer school days and years in an effort to boost student achievement. Students in countries such as Japan and Hong Kong, who outperform U.S. students in math and science, have longer school years but fewer instructional hours. Experts say that models with longer school days, such as charter schools, have had some success, and disadvantaged students might benefit from shorter summer breaks. New York Times
Girl with Down syndrome is welcomed on to cheerleading team
Anna Frierson, a 12-year-old girl with Down syndrome was unanimously voted to the Red Bank Middle School cheerleading squad by other members. Anna's participation underscores the success of inclusion education, her parents feel. "She doesn't know all the cheers, she's definitely not perfect, but I think the fact that they have included her and accept her for the abilities that she does have is really what learning with special-needs kid[s] is all about," said her mother, Patti Frierson. Chattanooga Times Free Press
Video distributed by Autism Speaks draws ire from advocacy groups
A roundup of educational Web sites offering reading curriculum suggests four destinations for innovative phonics learning. The sites are critiqued for appearance, ease of use and quality. Tools and techniques range from interactive, age-appropriate reading games for children to printable flashcards, worksheets and books for educators to use with students. Boston Glob
Classroom technology helps students with learning disabilities
A Canadian teacher says technology, such as laptop computers and electronic whiteboards, has led to improved achievement among struggling students and students with learning disabilities. Technology offers alternatives to traditional teaching and allows students to learn through different methods, educators said. For example, students are using one computer program that reads text aloud for them and another that teaches geography by allowing students to build their own maps on a computer program. Nanaimo News Bulletin
Talented surfer with Asperger's syndrome impresses top surfers
The new film "Just Add Water" focuses on Clay Marzo, a 20-year-old surfer with Asperger's syndrome and an unmatched surfing technique, say some of the sport's best. "Clay is so good because he has Asperger's, not in spite of it," said the director of the film. "His level of focus in the wave is incredible, he makes instant natural connections with the water, something very few people have." USA Today
Video games are used to aid motor skills of students with special needs
An Ohio teacher who teaches students with special needs is using a Nintendo Wii video-gaming system to improve his students' fine and gross motor skills. So far, students have played Wii Sports, Wii Music and Wii Fit, which offers instant feedback about balance and performance. Students also improve their fine motor skills, used for writing, by handling the controllers. Marion Star
New Americans With Disabilities Act Rules Mean Big Changes For Employers
Congress made important changes to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), broadening the scope and making it easier for applicants and employees to prove that they (a) have a disability and (b) are entitled to the protections of the ADA, including reasonable accommodation. Bracewell & Giuliani
