Category Archives: Education

The Two-Edged Sword of SOL Reform

Posted on October 16, 2013 by matt ohern

Judging from the platforms of both gubernatorial candidates, Virginia’s Standards of Learning exams may be in for a tougher time next year. Both Ken Cuccinelli and Terry McAuliffe have called for a commission to review and revise the SOLs and … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Top Story | Comments Off on The Two-Edged Sword of SOL Reform

Has College Enrollment Peaked?

Posted on October 2, 2013 by matt ohern

The number of Americans enrolled in four-year colleges has increased fairly steadily since 1970 but it took a dive between 2011 and 2012. Nationally, according to the September 2013 edition of American Consumers Newsletter, enrollment at four-year colleges plunged by … Continue reading →

Posted in Education | Comments Off on Has College Enrollment Peaked?

Governor’s Race Produces New Educational Accountability

Posted on September 18, 2013 by matt ohern

Ken Cuccinelli can’t catch a break. From the left, opponent Terry McAuliffe charges that his tax plan will cut funding to education – a false claim ignoring the truth noted by Democratic blogger Ben “Not Larry Sabato” Tribbet: that Cuccinelli … Continue reading →

Posted in Education | Comments Off on Governor’s Race Produces New Educational Accountability

Standards of Learning (SOLs) are Changing

Posted on September 18, 2013 by matt ohern

Here’s a pop quiz: since their inception in the 1990s, the Standards of Learning tests have (a) relied exclusively on multiple-choice questions, (b) rewarded rote memorization, (c) resulted in ever-higher passing rates, or (d) none of the above. Go to … Continue reading →

Posted in Education | Comments Off on Standards of Learning (SOLs) are Changing

Cuccinelli: For Reform, Stand With Parents

Posted on August 21, 2013 by matt ohern

Read Republican Ken Cuccinelli and Democrat Terry McAuliffe’s plans for pre-K through 12 education, and you’ll find a lot in common: Both want a new emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curricula, to reform the state Standards of … Continue reading →

Posted in Education | Comments Off on Cuccinelli: For Reform, Stand With Parents