Wash Post Education

Teens in American U. program learn about law via moot court

James Hohmann — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Eboni Stewart, 15, thought her school's constitutional law class sounded "kind of boring," but she needed an elective. A few months into it, however, she's considering becoming a lawyer.

In recession, one road led back home

Eli Saslow — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Her parents redecorated her bedroom soon after she left for college, as sure as everyone else in this town that Melissa Meyer would not be moving back. They took down the photos of Melissa meeting the Dalai Lama and laughing alongside Joe Biden, placing them in the closet. They packed away dozens of...

D.C. charter schools put out a call for protection

Michael Birnbaum — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Principal Peggy Pendergrass heard it from a teacher who rushed in with the news: Three gang members were trying to force their way into Friendship Collegiate Academy, one more example of the violence that had plagued the high school in the weeks since classes started.

D.C. unemployment climbs to among highest in nation

V. Dion Haynes — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Unemployment in the District soared to a record high of 11.9 percent in October, according to government data released Friday, ranking it among California, Nevada, Michigan and other states with the highest jobless rates.

Calif. college student fees on the rise

Ashley Surdin — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

LOS ANGELES -- California's mission of providing residents with access to affordable, high-quality public education suffered a setback this week as University of California officials sharply increased student fees, driven by economic realities that are forcing similar steps at public university...

Debate on playtime's value grows as more states fund preschool

Emma Brown — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

On a recent Thursday, 5-year-old Estefani Lovo Rivera took charge of a make-believe hair salon in her preschool classroom at Oakridge Elementary in Arlington County. Wielding a plastic fork as a hairbrush, dispatching customer after customer with a certain cool efficiency, she looked around the room...

Book Review: Making the Grades by Todd Farley

Post — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

As college application season hits a fever pitch and standardized tests become the fixation of high school seniors and admissions boards everywhere, Todd Farley's memoir, "Making the Grades," argues for taking the results of these and other ballyhooed exams with a heavy dose of skepticism.

Montgomery school board backs six-year construction plan

Nelson Hernandez — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Montgomery County Board of Education approved a $1.49 billion, six-year construction plan Thursday night for the district and shot down a proposal to close a small elementary school in the rural northwestern part of the county.

19 alleged gang members in Md. face federal charges

Maria Glod — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Maryland authorities announced federal racketeering charges Thursday against 19 alleged members of the violent Latin Kings gang who are accused in robberies, beatings and murder plots.

Report urges separation from UDC for new 2-year college

Daniel de Vise — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

An independent report scheduled for release Friday contends that the new D.C. community college must break free of the University of the District of Columbia if it is to be embraced as "credible and legitimate" by a business community that has lost faith in UDC.

Discount retailer Forman Mills to open pair of new area stores

V. Dion Haynes — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Capitalizing on consumers' growing desire to "trade down," no-frills retailer Forman Mills is making a bigger foray into the Washington area with two new stores, one opening in New Carrollton on Friday and another in the District on Nov. 27.

Gates Foundation gives $335 million for teacher effectiveness

Nick Anderson — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced Thursday a $335 million investment in teacher effectiveness, funding experiments in tenure, evaluation, compensation, training and mentoring in three large school systems and a cluster of charter schools.

Young heirs grapple with wealth of ambivalence

Ian Shapira — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

One night in Adams Morgan, the sons and daughters of lawyers and corporate executives padded into a friend's rowhouse for a kind of group therapy session about their families' wealth.

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Alternate exams questioned as test scores rise in Virginia

Michael Alison Chandler — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Lynbrook Elementary School, which serves one of the poorest communities in Fairfax County, seems to be a model for reform. Three years ago, the Springfield school failed to meet state testing goals in English. Since then, it has charted double-digit gains in passing rates for every one of its clo...

Enrollment up at Md. public, private colleges

Daniel de Vise — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Enrollment increased at Maryland's public and private colleges this fall, with public two-year colleges seeing the greatest growth and private institutions the least, according to a report released Wednesday.

Man charged with involuntary manslaughter in fireworks-related death

Maria Glod — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:19:59 EST

A Centreville man who was lighting fireworks in the bed of a moving pickup truck in July was charged with involuntary manslaughter after a friend fell from the truck and later died, Loudoun authorities said Wednesday.

Md. lobbyist with drunken-driving convictions freed

Maria Glod and Jonathan Mummolo — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

A Maryland lobbyist with seven drunken-driving convictions who has represented the Prince George's County Council and Sheriff's Department was ordered released Wednesday after 36 days in jail.

Class Struggle: Term papers are worth the time and trouble

Jay Mathews — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Doris Burton taught U.S. history in Prince George's County for 27 years. She had her students write 3,000-word term papers. She guided them step by step: first an outline, then note cards, a bibliography, a draft and then the final paper. They were graded at each stage.

First lady helps USDA honor Fairfax school's healthy habits

Michael Alison Chandler — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Students at Hollin Meadows Elementary School were harvesting lettuce from the school's garden Wednesday morning when they received a visit from Gardener-in-Chief Michelle Obama.

Virginia analyzing lack of minorities in gifted programs

Michael Allison Chandler — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine announced Tuesday that the Virginia Education Department has launched a study of minority students' low participation in gifted education programs statewide.

Va. to study minorities in gifted education programs

Michael Alison Chandler — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:34:01 EST

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said Tuesday that the Virginia Education Department has launched a study of minority students' low participation in gifted education programs throughout the state.

To save money, Fairfax schools may change bus boundaries

Fredrick Kunkle — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Almost everyone has a grandparent who claims to have walked two miles to school every morning. Uphill. In the snow. Etc.

Maryland woman gets 12 years in mortgage scam

Maria Glod — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

A Maryland woman who stole millions from Washington area homeowners trying to avoid foreclosure is a "vulture" whose case should serve as a warning to other con artists, a federal judge said yesterday before imposing a sentence of more than 12 years.

Fairfax schools debate language instruction and its costs

Michael Alison Chandler — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Fairfax County School Board took a sharp detour from America's aversion to learning foreign languages when it adopted an ambitious goal in 2006 that language instruction should start early and graduates should be able to speak two languages.

Second NE shooting victim dies

Theola Labbé-DeBose — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:18:02 EST

A man wounded in a double shooting last week in Northeast has died.

Report says performance of Arizona's charter schools is mixed

Nick Anderson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. -- Here, where suburb meets desert, students are clambering amid the cacti to dig soil samples and take notes on flora and fauna. In an old movie complex in nearby Chandler, others are dissecting a Renaissance tract on human nature. On a South Phoenix campus with a National Foot...

D.C. schools offer students breakfast in the classroom

Bill Turque — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The lights are still off in Alex Brown's fourth-grade classroom at Friendship Public Charter School's Southeast Elementary Academy just before 8 a.m. as he tends to an integral part of his early morning routine: placing small purple-and-yellow boxes called "breakfast breaks" in front of each seat.

The Answer Sheet: No fit way to treatyoung athletes

Post — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

How many concussions would you allow your child to suffer before you decided that perhaps he or she should retire from the travel soccer team?

More optimistic label for 'at-risk' kids draws skepticism

Jay Mathews — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

I sympathize with those who might not be comfortable with the latest plan to rid our schools of at-risk kids. Several educators across the country, including Alexandria Superintendent Morton Sherman, have decided not to call them that anymore. Henceforth they will be known as "at-promise" children.

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GWU's exercise in ground-floor entrepreneurship

Emma Brown — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Tim Foley pulled out a glossy black brochure and started talking fast. He had three minutes to sell his idea for a social networking Web site for car lovers. That's all he needed.

Debate flares over Prince George's schools' siblings policy

Nelson Hernandez — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

A proposal to end the practice of allowing siblings to automatically enroll in specialty programs in Prince George's County schools turned into a freewheeling debate over equity for students last week as school officials grappled with a crowd of parents opposed to changing the policy.

Grant providers answer call to action

Susan Kinzie — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

This year, the Sanford and Doris Slavin Foundation gave out more -- yes, more -- money to nonprofit groups in Montgomery County.

Downturn stalls U-Md.'s plans for upscale East Campus district

Daniel de Vise — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The University of Maryland has suffered a setback in its plan for East Campus, a proposed district of upscale restaurants, shops and housing that it hopes will build a stronger sense of a college town in College Park.

Md. Islamic center's owner targeted for alleged ties to Iran

Michael Birnbaum — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Federal authorities served notices initiating forfeiture proceedings Friday to a 26-year-old Islamic school and community center in Potomac whose landlord is alleged to have ties to the Iranian government .

D.C.'s 'All Hands' to continue, despite ruling

Theola Labbé-DeBose — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Despite a ruling by a federal arbitrator that her most public crime-fighting strategy is illegal and should end immediately, D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier kicked off another weekend of the All Hands on Deck program with a public announcement Friday in Northwest Washington, praising its necessity...

Pr. George's schools debate automatic admission to specialty programs for siblings

Nelson Hernandez — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:52:01 EST

A proposal to end the practice of allowing siblings to automatically enroll in specialty programs in Prince George's County schools turned into a freewheeling debate over equity for students Thursday night as school officials grappled with a crowd of parents opposed to changing the policy.

State colleges accepting more nonresidents to keep up revenue

Daniel de Vise — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Raechel Hanson toiled through high school to build an academic transcript strong enough for admission to the College of William and Mary, the storied "public Ivy" in Williamsburg. She maintained a 3.9 grade-point average, played flute in the band, presided over the Spanish club and amassed more than...

Middle school tests Va. Muslim girl's decision to wear head scarf

Tara Bahrampour — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Smar Abuagla steps out her front doo r at 7:20 a.m., her shoulders slightly hunched, her eyes watchful.

Md. Islamic center's owner targeted for alleged ties to Iran

Michael Birnbaum — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Urn with old soldier's ashes vanish from van in D.C.

Clarence Williams — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Everything was set for retired Army Col. Norbert Otto Schmidt to be buried Friday with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. But on Thursday afternoon, his ashes disappeared out of the back of a rented van in an apparent theft that has thrown the family's plans into turmoil.

D.C. school uneasy about Rhee's plans for it

Bill Turque — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

For much of the past decade, Rose L. Hardy Middle School has been a small gem in the District's public education system, a place where large numbers of sixth- seventh- and eighth-graders have found academic success.

Metro charged with dumping hazardous material after washing trains

Maria Glod and Meg Smith — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Federal authorities have criminally charged Metro with releasing hazardous chemicals into the sewer system over a six-day period in 2003, according to documents unsealed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt.

Pr. George's schools will salvage troubled computer system

Nelson Hernandez — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

An investigation by Prince George's County officials found the SchoolMax system that snarled the first days of the new school year had significant shortcomings that required repeated repairs. But it also determined that replacing the system would be more costly and time-consuming than fixing it.

Prestigious D.C. private school deals with dark side of limelight

Michael Birnbaum — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Its parent-teacher conferences made the evening news. So did cases of swine flu. And Sidwell Friends School has recently been the target of a few small protests that seem aimed at prominent parents, not students.

Maryland universities defy order to regulate pornography

Daniel de Vise — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:08:59 EST

Regents of Maryland's state university system voted Wednesday to defy a legislative order to regulate pornography on campus, concluding that any such rules would be impossible to enforce.

Pr. William guidance counselor, 81, is lesson in dedication

Michael Alison Chandler — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Thirty years of service in Virginia schools and at least 50 years old: That's the formula to be able to retire with full benefits from Prince William County public schools.

U.S. devises scoring system for school reform contest

Nick Anderson — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Educators argue endlessly about the merits of one idea or another to improve schools. But with billions of dollars at stake, the Obama administration Thursday will lay out a novel federal system for keeping score.

Man, 21, shot and killed boarding a bus in the District

Theola Labbé-DeBose and Paul Duggan — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

A 21-year-old man whose brother was killed in a controversial police shooting was gunned down Wednesday on a Metrobus in the District after attending the funeral of another homicide victim, according to his family.

Class Struggle: A valuable lesson pays off for Md. students

Jay Mathews — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

I often interview educators and gather data to find which high schools are doing the best job teaching kids. It is satisfying work, with the biggest payoff in visiting those schools and telling them how good they are compared to others. This is often a surprise to the teachers and administrators,...

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Teacher has a gift for making math add up

Jennifer Buske — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Woodbridge Senior High School freshman Tina Warner said math never came easily to her, until a unique teacher sent her in a new direction.

Teacher up for national prize for special-ed work

Jesse Yeatman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Every school day, Anne Fogel draws on more than three decades of teaching experience to find what she calls that "light-bulb moment" in her students.

School club aims to turn girls toward careers in engineering

Laura Buck — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Last week, Karin Hill, the director of education and public programs for the National Museum of the United States Navy in the District, visited Calvert Middle School in Prince Frederick.

At region's food programs, no recovery in sight

Megan Greenwell — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The nation's economic leaders have declared that the country has begun to emerge from the deepest recession in decades. But with the holiday season approaching, a return to prosperity feels more distant than ever at many Washington area food pantries.

Quicker rebound seen for D.C. area

V. Dion Haynes — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

An anticipated expansion of the Washington area economy -- to be spurred largely by a federal hiring spree and military base realignment -- should help local governments restore tax revenue to pre-recession levels quicker than other municipalities across the country, according to a new report...

Uproar over Navy color guard at World Series

Daniel de Vise — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Leaders of the U.S. Naval Academy tinkered with the composition of the color guard that appeared at a World Series game last month so the group would not be exclusively white and male.

A wall divides, then unites students at a Md. German school

Michael Birnbaum — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

It was 1989 all over again: a wall dividing East and West, long lines, passport checks.

Pr. George's schools may owe millions in funding dispute

Nelson Hernandez — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The head of Prince George's County schools said Monday that the district could be liable for as much as $26.8 million in penalties after Maryland's attorney general found that the county had failed to meet the state's minimum level of funding for education.

Unions, paperwork help keep bad D.C., Md. teachers in jobs

Nick Anderson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

A new national report card on educational innovation contends that principals in Maryland and the District face too many barriers to ousting bad teachers.

Silver Spring school blends instruction in English, Spanish

Nelson Hernandez — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Whether someone speaks English or Spanish to you at Kemp Mill Elementary School can be a matter of walking a few feet in one direction or another.

Evaluations have little role in promoting better teaching

Jay Mathews — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Those unfortunate people in the District might worry about the quality of their teachers and wait anxiously for the results of the school system's controversial new evaluation of classroom techniques and test score improvement. But those of us in the Washington area suburbs don't have to worry...

With Fort Hood, Virginia Tech confronts link to another tragedy

Jenna Johnson and Derek Kravitz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- As Americans scrambled to make sense of the life of Army psychiatrist Nidal M. Hasan, who allegedly killed 13 people and injured 38 more at Fort Hood, Tex., last week, one fact stood out for those living here: Hasan graduated from Virginia Tech in 1995.

Virginia poses challenges for charter school advocates

Michael Birnbaum — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Tuesday's elections in Virginia swept a staunch supporter of charter schools into the governor's mansion, raising hopes for advocates in a state that has been skeptical of the publicly funded, privately run alternatives to regular public schools.

Piedmont Stories: For the new schoolteacher, work and love

Eugene Scheel — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

In late October, my history class for Loudoun County public school teachers was mesmerized listening to Anne Frazer speak of 1937, her initial year in Loudoun County. As an 18-year-old from Pembroke, Giles County, she taught first grade at Hamilton Elementary School and took full advantage in off...

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Austrians discuss Holocaust at Md. Jewish day school

Michael Birnbaum — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

To the history teacher at one of the country's biggest Jewish schools, it was a chance to show her students that Europe didn't freeze in place at the end of World War II. To the Austrian officials, it was an opportunity to talk about how their country deals with its past with a curious group of...

Suspect in Fort Hood shootings attended Silver Spring mosque

William Wan — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring was empty Thursday night, but inside, the phone didn't stop ringing. Members of the mosque where Maj. Nidal M. Hasan had been a regular attendee and members of the media wanted to know about the place where the suspect in the shootings at Fort Hood, Te...

Comedian urges Hispanic students to stay in school

Michael Alison Chandler — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Los Angeles comedian Ernie G has a message for first-generation college-bound students in Washington.

Search continues for Virginia Tech student last seen Oct. 17

Maria Glod — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Daniel Harrington's sock drawer is filled with cards his daughter, Morgan, has written over the years. Birthday, Valentine's Day, Christmas.

Mental health hearing for mother who left girl in Va. creek

Maria Glod — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

A Prince William County judge ordered a mental health evaluation Thursday for a woman who left her adopted 13-year-old daughter for dead in a frigid creek, prosecutors said.

Post — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

U-Md. students protest firing of diversity officer

Daniel de Vise — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Several hundred students marched Thursday to the administration building at the University of Maryland to protest the firing of a popular diversity officer in one of the largest demonstrations at the College Park campus since the Vietnam War era.

Montgomery County might sue Md. over school funding law

Nelson Hernandez — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Top Montgomery County officials threatened Thursday to sue the state and "aggressively pursue" legislation that would change state law after Maryland's attorney general found that the county had failed to meet the state's minimum level of funding for education. The opinion renders it potentially...

NFL player from Sierra Leone gives $2 million to U-Md.

Daniel de Vise — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

At 9, Madieu Williams immigrated to Prince George's County from Sierra Leone, one of the poorest nations on Earth. The move gave his family a sense of perspective. His mother told him over and over that if he ever found himself in a position to make a difference, he should do it.

Montgomery school budget action could cost millions in fines

Nelson Hernandez — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Montgomery County school system could be forced to pay millions of dollars in penalties under an opinion Wednesday by Maryland's attorney general that its county government had "artificially" satisfied a state law that sets a minimum funding level for education.

Obama marks election anniversary by talking education at Wisconsin school

Scott Wilson — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

MADISON, WIS. -- President Obama marked the anniversary of his election Wednesday by speaking in unusually personal terms with schoolchildren and educators in a politically friendly state, far from the partisan fray in Washington.

Foundation giving is expectedto drop more than 10% in '09

Susan Kinzie — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Foundation giving is expected to drop more than 10 percent this year from 2008 and to continue falling next year, according to a survey conducted in September of almost 600 large- and mid-size organizations by the Foundation Center.

Ex-D.C. teachers union chief no longer in federal custody

Bill Turque — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Former Washington Teachers' Union president Barbara Bullock, sentenced to prison in 2004 for masterminding the theft of nearly $5 million from D.C. educators, was released from federal custody Wednesday.

U-Md. to create center to focus on public health initiatives

Daniel de Vise — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:34:58 EST

The University of Maryland on Wednesday plans to announce the creation of a center to focus on public health initiatives in the disparate locales of Prince George's County and the African nation of Sierra Leone, two places close to the heart of the alumnus who is donating some of the funds.

Md., Va. dip toes in charter school waters, as D.C. student numbers soar

Michael Birnbaum — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The number of charter schools in the District has skyrocketed over the past decade, and charters are on track to claim 38 percent of public school students in the city. The charter scene is a comparative desert in Virginia and Maryland, but that might be changing.

College students shunning swine flu vaccine, poll shows

Ian Shapira — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

One night inside a George Washington University fraternity, a sky-diving, weight-lifting, energy-drink-swilling group of brothers gathered around a pool table, boasting about how no matter what their college, government and parents might say, they don't need any swine flu vaccine, thanks very much.

Class Struggle: In math, the readiness is all

Jay Mathews — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Sputnik got me into algebra early, almost. The Soviet satellite frightened the U.S. government into approving lots of money to accelerate math instruction just as I was completing eighth grade in San Mateo, Calif., in 1959. Hillsdale High, where I was to attend ninth grade, got some of these funds...

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Obama to spotlight education reform efforts

Michael D. Shear — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:37:59 EST

President Obama on Wednesday will highlight education reform efforts in 10 states where governors and lawmakers are maneuvering for a piece of the $4.35 billion to be awarded in the "Race to the Top" competition that will begin in the next several weeks.

Black & Decker to merge with Stanley

V. Dion Haynes — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Black & Decker, struggling amid a sales slump resulting from a dramatic slowdown in construction, said Monday it would merge with rival Stanley Works in a $4.5 billion deal joining two of America's best-known tool manufacturers.

D.C. area families board students at local private schools

Michael Birnbaum — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

For Sean Woo, boarding his sons at St. Albans School was an easy choice. His two teenagers got the prestige, the rigorous academics and an around-the-clock minder all in one package. And with St. Albans just a half-hour drive from Woo's McLean home, he could still make all the choral concerts and...

Report says aid kept, added 7,000 D.C. area education jobs

Nelson Hernandez — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Federal economic recovery aid for education has created or saved more than 7,000 jobs in the District, Maryland and Virginia, according to a report by the government board assigned to keep track of stimulus spending, part of about 400,000 jobs preserved nationwide.

Vigil counters 2nd anti-gay attack on a Georgetown student

Jenna Johnson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

For the second time in a week, a Georgetown University student has reported being attacked and called an anti-gay slur while walking near campus, prompting yet another student gathering Monday evening to show support for the victims.

The Answer Sheet: The feuding is getting in the way

Valerie Strauss — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

I just might scream if I hear one more person invoke what is "best for the kids" in the growing conflict between D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee and her critics.

Ex-president of GWU leads in survey of pay in 2007-08

Daniel de Vise — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST

Former George Washington University president Stephen J. Trachtenberg received $3.7 million in pay and benefits in 2007-08, $2 million more than the total compensation that year for any other current or former leader in private higher education in the United States, according to a survey of execu...

Parents can plumb the Web for data on private schools

Michael Birnbaum — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Private schools have a reputation for being, well, private. Private about their size, private about their students, private about rates of college-bound students.

Evaluating D.C. teachers a confusing job

Jay Mathews — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

In the last half of the 19th century, many inventors pursued the dream of building an airplane. Duds and crashes were frequent and skeptics numerous. Only a decade before the Wright brothers' 1903 flight, British physicist and engineer Lord Kelvin had declared that "heavier-than-air flying machines...

D.C. has long history of troubled education reform

Bill Turque — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:08:59 EDT

When Kathy Patterson learned about Thursday's D.C. Council hearing, during which Chairman Vincent C. Gray and Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee pelted each other with accusations of law-breaking and secret meetings, she had one immediate reaction.

D.C. has long history of troubled education reform

Bill Turque — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

When Kathy Patterson learned about Thursday's D.C. Council hearing , during which Chairman Vincent C. Gray and Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee pelted each other with accusations of law-breaking and secret meetings, she had one immediate reaction.

UDC board of trustees about to have 10 vacancies

Daniel de Vise — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

For the University of the District of Columbia, the witching hour approaches: The terms of four trustees expire at midnight Saturday, and there is no one to take their place.

Pr. William woman who left daughter in creek could serve time in mental hospital

Maria Glod — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A Prince William County woman who left her adopted 13-year-old daughter for dead in a frigid creek might suffer from mental illness that would require her to begin serving her sentence in a hospital instead of prison, her defense attorney said Friday.

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For bouncers at college bars, Halloween costumes can be tricky

Jenna Johnson — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:35:59 EDT

Being a bouncer at a college bar is a tough job. You have to be able to quickly scan IDs from all over the country, spot the fakes and match photos to bar-hoppers who are constantly changing hairstyles and facial hair.

Georgetown University rally denounces anti-gay violence

Emma Brown — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

About 50 Georgetown University students rallied on campus at noon Friday to show solidarity with a student who was allegedly attacked this week because of her perceived sexual orientation.

Md. scientist said he gave Israelis secrets, prosecutors say

Maria Glod — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A Chevy Chase scientist accused of attempted espionage told an undercover FBI agent that he gave classified information to an aerospace company owned by the Israeli government, federal prosecutors said Thursday.

Scientist gave Israelis secrets, court told

Post — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

January return for 4 behind racist symbols

Post — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Opposition to Montgomery, Md., School Closing

Nelson Hernandez — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

More than 100 northwestern Montgomery County residents began mobilizing Wednesday night to oppose the proposed closure of Monocacy Elementary School, arguing that the move would hurt their community and possibly backfire on the school system.

D.C., U.K. corporate law firms discuss possible merger

V. Dion Haynes — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Officials at the Washington-based Hogan & Hartson law firm and London-based Lovells said Thursday that they are discussing a possible merger, a move that would make the combined entity one of the largest law firms in the world, with 2,500 lawyers and 40 offices.

United Way error leaves 3 nonprofits off CFC list

Susan Kinzie — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:28:58 EDT

Three local nonprofit organizations were left off the list of the federal government's workplace charity campaign this year because of an error by the United Way of the National Capital Area.

H1N1, other illnesses jack up D.C. area school absences

Nick Anderson — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Waves of swine flu and flulike illnesses are surging through Washington area schools, doubling the normal absence rate in several school systems and leaving some campuses with as many as one-fifth of students out sick.