Family Literacy
National Family Literacy Day is being celebrated on November 1. The day is designed to build awareness for the importance of families working together for a better educated tomorrow.
Family literacy teaches families that they can learn together, that learning is a mutual process, that learning is fun and that education has both a social as well as a financial impact.
From choosing books for infants and toddlers to using a computer to build reading skills in adolescents, the National Center for Family Literacy offers a variety of tips for parents on ways to build family literacy throughout the year.
American Education Week
The theme of American Education Week (November 12-18), "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility," highlights the importance of bringing together educators, school staff, parents, students and communities in a unified effort to build great public schools. An online toolkit is available for activity ideas, templates and downloadable materials.
As part of American Education Week, National Invite Parents to School Day is being held November 14. On this day, schools invite parents into the classroom to see what the day is like for their children. The initiative is designed to spotlight the importance of parental involvement.
Ongoing research shows that parental involvement in schools improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism and restores confidence among parents in their children's education. The National Education Association offers resources to parents on getting involved in your child's education.
New Teen Driver Laws in Kentucky
While teen drivers account for only six percent of Kentucky's driving population, they are involved in about 18 percent of all fatal accidents and more than 20 percent of all highway crashes in the state. In an effort to reduce that number, a new Graduated Driver License Law has taken effect in Kentucky. It creates an intermediate period of six months between the time a teen receives a learner's permit and a full, unrestricted license. During the intermediate period teens are restricted from driving between midnight and 6 a.m. and are allowed no more than one unrelated passenger under the age of 20 in the vehicle. The Kentucky Department of Transportation offers a variety of resources for first time drivers and their parents as well as a summary of the new Graduated Licensing Law.
College Costs Increase
It probably comes as no big surprise, but according to the College Board, the cost of college is up – again. Though costs have slowed somewhat, according to the study, Trends in College Pricing 2006, published tuition and fee charges at four-year public colleges average $5,836 in 2006-07. There was a $344 increase over last year, which represents 6.3 percent, or 2.4 percent after adjusting for inflation. The average total tuition, fee, room and board charges for in-state students at public institutions are $12,796.
Published tuition and fee charges at four-year private colleges average $22,218 in 2006-07. The $1,238 increase over 2005-06 represents an increase of 5.9 percent, or 2 percent after adjusting for inflation. The average total tuition, fee, room and board charges at private four-year colleges and universities are $30,367.
Published tuition and fee charges at two-year public colleges average $2,272, $90 more than last year. The 4.1 percent increase is less than one-half of one percentage point above the rate of inflation. But there is some good news. After grants and tax benefits are considered, full-time students enrolled in public two-year colleges and universities pay less than $100 on average in net tuition and fees. After adjusting for inflation, the net price students actually pay is lower in 2006-07 than it was a decade earlier.
NEXT TIME: Trends in Student Aid
Input on New Kentucky Education Commissioner Sought
The Kentucky Board of Education is offering the public a chance to provide input on the search for a new education commissioner.
Through a Web-based comment form, individuals may provide their thoughts on the qualities that Kentucky's next education commissioner should have. By clicking here, individuals may share their thoughts directly with the state board.
In September, Gene Wilhoit, Kentucky's third commissioner of education, announced his resignation effective November 3.