Education

Scientific studies have found that lead is dangerous at much lower levels in the human body than previously thought. The studies show that children's nervous systems are especially vulnerable, and that lead exposure can result in IQ loss and damage to many internal systems. Lead in the air was greatly reduced three decades ago when the government ordered it removed from gasoline, but it is still emitted by lead smelters, cement plants and steel mills.

Intel says it will provide $120 million over the next decade to fuel more interest in math and science among young students. The $120 million is the largest single commitment from Intel ever, the company says, and will extend its title sponsorship of the Intel Science Talent Search through 2016 and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair through 2019. The new funding will support a youth outreach program and an online science community and science fair alumni network.

The US Department of Education reports that, "Continuing constraints in our capital markets have posed challenges for students and student lenders throughout the last year. We recognize that education is the foundation of a strong American workforce and we must not let challenges in our capital markets hinder our students' opportunities."

In support of its belief that that today's youth will invent the greatest technologies of the future, that every student should have the opportunity to shine, and that success is made possible through a solid educational foundation, Google has just announced the Google RISE (Roots in Science and Engineering) Awards.

Until now, membership of public charter schoool boards has required nothing more than a willingness to work hard and the support of the school community. This has resulted in many excellent boards and schools, but also many horror stories. Charter school boards have until now worked in relative obsurity with little oversight, but as the list of horror stories continues to grow, charter school boards may someday face increased scrutiny.

You can read on this at, Many Charter Boards Seen as Unprepared from EducationWeek: Charters and Choice.