NEWS BYTE # 9

1. Forest of The Rain Productions, Inc., the parent company for The Journey Begins, radio for the engaged parent and dedicated educator, along with Global Training Systems, Inc., Veronica Sullivan’s Journey, Education: The Natural Bridge, Education4and2Parents, and The Educational Journey announced it will present its first annual “Innovative of the Year Awards” in the spring of 2009. The awards will awarded for individuals in the areas of :

• Community Outreach/Engagement
  
• K-12 Education
  
• Postsecondary Education
  
• Parental Advocacy

For more information, visit http://www.forestoftheraineducation.com/

2. In a report by Community College Times: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded $3.78 million to projects in several cities to boost college graduation rates by better coordinating services provided at colleges, schools and government and community agencies. The grants will be managed by community colleges and local government agencies to help cities in New York , Florida , Arizona , Ohio and California.

3. Lisa M. Krieger, of the mercurynews.com reports that 40% of community college students in California who are seeking a degree are prepared to transfer to a 4-year institution. The report by Krieger, discusses alarming facts and trends regarding community colleges in the state of California . The data is more alarming because of the recent efforts of President Obama to make community colleges the economic hub for the re-tooling of America . In her report, Krieger, stated:

• California 's universities are cutting back slots for incoming freshman and are promoting beginning the college experience at one of the 110 community colleges in the state
  
• However, 6 out 10 students at community colleges in the state give up on the notion of transferring to a four year college and thus never make to a four year college campus
  
• Silicon Valley schools do somewhat better — with success rates that range from 48 percent at San Jose City College to 68 percent at De Anza and Foothill colleges
  
• Parental job loss means students need to work more hours
  
• Once they arrive at universities, data shows that transfers are successful, graduating at a slightly higher rate than students who enter as freshmen
  
• Difficulty getting courses. Swamped with students but underfunded, community colleges are adding extra entry-level classes such as math and English. But some higher-level classes, needed for transfer, have been dropped

To read more on this story visit our blog at educationthenaturalbridge.blogspot.com for a link to the article.

4. Dr. Debbie Pushor, Renowned Canadian Scholar on Parental Engagement has agreed to discuss her thought on What is Effective Parental Engagement? on Educational Gateway, hosted by Michael Robinson. To hear the discussion visit the Journey Begins, radio for the engaged parent and dedicated education, or visit Education4and2Parents.podbean.com to download the entire interview

Additional guest scheduled to appear on the Journey Begins, radio for the engaged parent and dedicated educator are:
i. Quwan Spears, Sports Information Officer California Interscholastic Federation, who discussed the Role of Parents in the Academic Success of Their Child, the Student Athlete

ii. Carrie L. Billie, Esq., President & CEO, American Indian Higher Education Consortium, discussed the Important Role of Tribal Colleges

iii. Dr. Patricia Spakes, Chancellor, University of Washington , Tacoma , offered her insight on the Role of Leadership in Decision Making in the Postsecondary Education

5. More than 500 individuals seeking employment attending a job fair held at Howard Community College in Howard County, Maryland. The College is expecting to host its Spring Job Fair on March 19, 2009.

6. The board of trustees of St. Louis Community College voted 4-2 Thursday to close two of its campus-based child care centers despite assurances by its administration that a decision would not happen this month. The surprise vote means the end of a 70-student child care center on the college system’s Meramec Campus and a 100-student child care center at Forest Park Community College . A third center at Florissant Valley Community College will remain open. The centers are set to close July 1. They employ about 22 full- and part-time staff. The majority of parents who use the centers for their kids are students at both campuses. College officials said the number of community college students affected by the closures would amount to 200, but those who’ve spoken in support of the center point to discussions at previous board meetings where officials pegged the number of students was 700.