Latest news with #instruction
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion: What Employers Want, Project-based Learning Can Deliver
Dear high school and college students, Are you a good communicator? Can you effectively lead a team of your peers? Can you think critically about issues, ask questions, and find solutions to complex problems? If so, we're looking for you. Apply now if you can show evidence of teamwork, creativity, and a strong work ethic. We don't need 'good test-takers' or the highest GPA. No experience? No problem. We will train you. We want employees who know how to learn, think, and lead. We want employees with the skills to help our company succeed both now and in the future. Are you up for the challenge? Sincerely, Every Industry in America Today's education system fails to adequately prepare many students for college and the workforce. One survey found less than a quarter of high school graduates believe their schooling prepared them for life after graduation. Meanwhile, employers want candidates with '21st Century Skills,' but are coming up short. In recent years, however, there has been a promising shift as many states re-evaluate how to prepare students for the world. Twenty states and hundreds of districts have created 'Portraits of a Graduate' outlining the skills students should have by graduation such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Meanwhile, the landscape of K-12 assessments is also shifting. Last year when New York set a timeline to eliminate the requirement that students pass the Regents Exam in order to graduate, it joined a growing number of states that have ended reliance solely on exit exams as a condition of graduation. Instead, states are increasingly embracing measures such as performance-based assessments which measure both what students know and whether they can apply that knowledge. These students demonstrate their skills through completing a project or performing a certain activity, which can include. essays, portfolios or research papers. With the right support, these changes can effectively prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow. We have seen this happen in schools that have taken a project-based learning approach to instruction and assessment. For instance, the rural Adair County School District in Kentucky launched an initiative to help students build skills outlined in the state's portrait of a graduate and create a 'culture of inquiry.' In one project, high school English and business classes, led by teachers Amy South and JR Thompson, worked together to research local industries and community businesses, interview business owners, analyze marketing strategies and develop comprehensive plans for promoting the community and its local businesses to outsiders. As part of the process, students were introduced to the concept of a 'strong hook' to capture interest and then divided into two teams. Each team worked collaboratively to propose a value proposition and refine their marketing strategies. They were then required to pitch their ideas and plans, ultimately narrowing down their focus to two distinct community projects. They presented their final pitches live to a jury, which selected one — a Marketing Day Vendor Fair — to be implemented in the community. The project culminated in students hosting an event at the high school showcasing local businesses The Thomas Edison CTE High School in Queens, New York, is currently a mentor school for the New York State Department of Education, training other schools to develop performance-based assessments. It uses a project-based learning model in which students engage in real-world and personally meaningful projects. It developed a framework and 'essential skills' rubric that assesses both how well students know the content and whether they can demonstrate essential skills of communication, collaboration, feedback and reflection, design thinking and professionalism. Related These are just two examples of schools that are leading the way in making sure students are prepared for the world by the time they graduate. We need more stories like this. Instead of focusing on cuts to education, we need to continue the momentum happening in New York and elsewhere by supporting and growing these innovative programs. We call on parents, caregivers, students, schools, districts, boards of education, policy makers and government agencies to focus on these key areas to ensure the momentum continues and the changes last Professional development and capacity building: Institutions must ensure all teachers have ample time for professional development around performance-based curriculum and assessments as well as ongoing professional support. Buy-in at all levels is required in order to strengthen the system and build the capacity needed to make the shift toward building and measuring real-world skills. Funding: Re-defining student success — and how to assess it — will require investment. State leaders must ensure that there is funding to provide the staffing, training, curriculum and resources to support implementing performance-based assessments. Stakeholder alignment: K-12 schools, local industries and higher education institutions must be aligned on which skills are important for career and college readiness. Communications: Some students may resist performance-based assessments because they have learned how to navigate the current system and do well on tests. Communicating effectively to students and families will help to shift mindsets and make the process smoother. Change is slow, but worth it. It will take persistence. There must be a willingness from all involved to hold the line and know it might take 10 years for this new way of assessing student learning to fully take hold. We are experiencing a rare opportunity to change education and improve student success. This work must be intentional, evidence-based, and supported at all levels. We implore education leaders, policy makers, schools, districts and communities to lay the groundwork now to ensure students have a successful future and can respond to the 'letter to high school and college graduates' with a resounding 'Yes.'
India Today
26-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
National Education Policy is key to India's growth, says education minister
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has underscored the critical role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047—a vision set forth by Prime Minister Narendra at a Letter of Intent (LOI) handover event with the University of Liverpool, Pradhan emphasized the need for international collaboration and progressive reforms to meet India's educational ambitions. 'India, with a student population of 300 million—of which 40 million are in higher education—must raise its Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) from the current 26–27% to 50% in the next five years,' he stressed that education reform is not optional but essential for India's growth on the global stage. 'To realise our dream of becoming a developed nation by 2047, we must implement the NEP in letter and spirit. We cannot afford to remain inward-looking—we must think globally and act accordingly,' Pradhan stated. The NEP 2020, which replaced the decades-old 1986 education policy, is a landmark framework designed to revamp India's education system from school to university level. One of its most significant features is the flexibility it offers students in choosing the language of instruction. Unlike earlier policies, students are no longer compelled to study any specific language—they are now encouraged to learn in a language that resonates with their personal and cultural learner-centric approach was shaped through extensive consultations and feedback from stakeholders across the education ecosystem, making the policy not only inclusive but also remarks reflect the government's commitment to leveraging education as a key pillar in India's journey toward inclusive growth, global competitiveness, and long-term national development.(With ANI inputs)Must Watch
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man killed brother in what appears to be accidental shooting in Mass. home
A man was fatally shot by his brother in Northbridge late Wednesday night in what is described in a police report as an accident. Christopher Lacour, 33, of Northbridge, faces a single charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the shooting, which killed his brother, Jonathan Lacour, 36. Police were called to 63 Legion Way at around 11:02 p.m. Wednesday. Arriving officers found Jonathan Lacour lying face up on the floor between the living room and the kitchen, covered in blood. Christopher Lacour was pressing what appeared to be a dark-colored T-shirt to his brother's lower chest when police arrived, Northbridge Police Sgt. Jeffrey White wrote in a report filed in Uxbridge District Court. When White asked where the weapon was, a woman stood up from the couch and picked up a black semi-automatic handgun off a love seat, which she pointed at police. At White's instruction, the woman put the gun back on the love seat. The magazine was not in the gun and was found on a coffee table in front of the couch. White began providing first aid to Jonathan Lacour while his brother continued putting pressure on the wound. As officers were speaking with family in an attempt to get more information about what took place, Christopher Lacour said his brother had the weapon and unknowingly racked a round. Christopher Lacour told police he pointed the gun at his brother as a joke and pulled the trigger. When paramedics arrived, Christopher Lacour, who was kneeling on the floor, fell backwards and began hyperventilating and begging for his brother to be OK, the report reads. Jonathan Lacour was taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester and pronounced dead. Police took Christopher Lacour to the station. During an interview, he acknowledged pulling the trigger on the gun, the report reads. Christopher Lacour was ordered held on $10,000 bail at his arraignment Thursday. Trump Commerce boss gets put on blast with 'no pain' tariff claim 'Unlawful and unwarranted': Harvard opens 2nd lawsuit against the Trump admin Mass. State Lottery winner: 1st $1M prize claimed in new game Mass. Senate passes dramatic liquor license overhaul. Will the House pass it? Man killed in Northbridge shooting identified as suspect's brother Read the original article on MassLive.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Martin Hall not retiring after stepping away from 'School of Golf' on Golf Channel
Martin Hall not retiring after stepping away from 'School of Golf' on Golf Channel Show Caption Hide Caption Celebrities attending Tiger Woods TGL golf matches at SoFi Center While most fans attending TGL golf matches since January are ordinary people, there has been no lack of big-named celebrities at SoFi Center. Hall made the decision to leave the show after 15 years and 430 episodes, citing a desire to "have a little left in the tank." WEST PALM BEACH — It is late Friday morning and Martin Hall is in his happy place: the south range at The Club at Ibis. There are no cameras or producers around, no microphone clipped to his chest or IFB (audio receiver) in his ear, just the occasional sound of a ball being well struck by an Ibis member. Hall has settled into LAT – Life After TV – as easily as making a 2-foot putt. He's doing the same thing he did for 15 years and 430 shows as the face of instruction on Golf Channel's "School of Golf." Only now, it's to an audience of one, the Ibis member who is smiling after hitting her final drive straighter than a ruler. 'He's good!' she says. Hall smiles. If he misses being in front of a camera, he hides it well. Timing isn't just important with the golf swing, it's paramount to a successful life. Hall, who turns 70 this fall, insists he has no regrets after taping his last show that aired March 31 (his shows continue on replay on GolfPass). 'It was my decision for a variety of reasons,' he said. 'I was listening to Rory (McIlroy) being interviewed about when he was going to retire, and he said he wanted to have a little left in the tank. I remember my mom telling me, there's nothing worse than seeing a singer stay too long when they can't sing. There was a little voice in me that said this was the right time to hang it up.' More: Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy TGL golf league announces first expansion team - for 2027 Hall is not retiring. He still gives lessons four or five days a week at Ibis, where he has taught since 1997. But that seems like a part-time job after he started hosting the popular Golf Channel show in 2011. Playing golf at a high level is one of the most difficult tasks in sports; you can win a trophy one week and be humbled the next. Teaching golf in front of close to 1 million discerning viewers around the world is perhaps even more difficult. 'People ask me how many shows do I tape a day … four, five, six?' Hall says. 'They don't understand TV at all. I would say on average it takes me about 20 hours to prepare for a 30-minute show when you add up all the time I take to write it, prepare for it, talk to producers, get stuff ready. 'They say, 'Well, you made it look so easy, so natural.' There's nothing easy about it. You've got five cameras, you've got an earpiece, and you've got to look at this camera, then that camera, now 'Turn over here, two steps left, Martin.' It's very difficult, but I loved it.' More: IN HONOR OF MOM: Bella Cecere dedicates her life to late mother Kristin Hoke Martin Hall wanted to play golf professionally Teaching golf was never the plan for the England native and Palm City resident. He became a professional golfer after high school and played on the DP World Tour for a couple of years. In 1977, he had to go to Q-School to keep his card, but failed to advance after missing a 4-foot putt on the final hole. 'It turned out to be a very good 4-foot putt to miss,' he said. Hall started teaching in England before moving to the U.S. in 1985. One of his first jobs was teaching at St. Andrew's in Boca Raton, where he worked with famed instructors Bob Toski, Peter Kostis and Jim Flick. That led to him working for a golf academy run by Jack Nicklaus and Flick, known as the Nicklaus-Flick Golf Schools. When the company went public, Hall started teaching privately. In 1997, Hall was hired at Ibis by former head professional Steve Philbrook. Almost three decades later, Hall is still at Ibis – he's the director of instruction. 'It's been a great fit for me at Ibis,' Hall said. 'Not that I think I'm particularly clever, but I knew it was the right time to leave (Nicklaus-Flick).' Hall's big break, to coin a Golf Channel term, came in 2011 when he won a national talent search to host the network's weekly instruction show. His easy personality, English accent, knowledge of the swing and love of unusual training tools – some call them gadgets – quickly earned him high marks on TV. There were some early anxious moments, such as when he learned he was taping two shows on the same day alongside Tom Watson and Sir Nick Faldo. Hall felt like a high handicapper hitting balls next to Tiger Woods. 'I was so nervous because we're talking about two Hall of Famers,' Hall said. 'I told (wife) Lisa as we were driving to Orlando to turn the car around because I didn't think I could do this. But when I got there, I was fine. They were great to work with.' That was 14 years ago. Things soon changed after Hall became ubiquitous with his weekly prime-time show and unique drills. Some of the world's best golfers were in awe to see him. 'I think the first time I saw Shane Lowry, he nearly fainted,' said Hall, with a chuckle, of the native of Ireland who now lives in Jupiter. "I was coming out of the Bear's Club, and he was going in. When you've done this as long as I have, you can tell when people recognize you. Shane jumped out of his skin.' Such are the perks of being on TV for 430 shows. Hall insists he never got into teaching for fortune or fame – good thing, because most instructors toil quietly – but it was his curiosity of solving the Rubik's Cube that is the golf swing. 'I don't think of myself as a legend at all,' Hall said. 'I'm someone who just loved, loved golf. Never quite played at the level I wanted to but love trying to discover what makes golf swings tick.' Golf Channel's loss has been Ibis' gain. He still arrives before dawn on most days, eager to solve a 20-handicapper's slice, without the constant stress of coming up with a different show next week. Morgan Pressel, Karrie Webb, Lexi Thompson among those he helped For the most part, he eschewed working with touring pros – though he helped LPGA major champions Morgan Pressel, Karrie Webb and Lexi Thompson – because he didn't want to travel more than he did. In addition to private lessons, Hall conducts a half-dozen clinics for Ibis' membership, sometimes with special guests such as Annika Sorenstam when the club started using TopTracer technology on its range. 'Martin knows how to adapt to that individual,' said Robin Boretti, Ibis' director of golf, who has worked with Hall since his arrival at the club. 'He can make you laugh during a lesson. He can make you serious during a lesson. He knows his stuff. He can change your ball flight in seconds. 'What's great about Martin is he's always giving back to the members as well as our other instructors. I don't think there's any doubt he has helped us put together the best instructional team in South Florida. Sometimes, I don't think our membership knows how lucky they are to have Martin here.' His wife, Lisa, knows how much effort he puts into each lesson, especially when he was on Golf Channel. She has been among those making those last-minute drives to Home Depot to pick up a 2-by-4 for his latest prop. 'Martin never takes any shortcuts, which to me stands out more than anything,' said Lisa, who was the 1997 LPGA Rookie of the Year and played on two European Solheim Cup teams. 'He always wants to do his best. There has been relief now that the TV pressure has been taken off. There's a sense of freedom and space and time.' Hall isn't about to use his extra time these days to play much golf. He says he plays maybe 18 holes every two weeks, keeping his handicap in the 2-to-4 range. 'I'd rather go for a walk on the beach and have ice cream,' he said. Like all good instructors, Hall has used ever-improving technology to assist with his teaching. He points out technology is important – if it's used properly. He didn't need a computer to tell him it was time to slow down. His body and mind have been telling him that for a while. 'I feel like I've been going down the river in a speed boat at 100 miles an hour,' he said. 'I'd like to swap it for a canoe and a paddle.' Five Questions with Martin Hall Here are five questions we asked longtime Golf Channel teacher Martin Hall, the director of instruction at The Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach: Question: You hosted 430 shows on Golf Channel. That's a lot of shows. How did you keep them fresh and unique? Answer. Putting a show together that's interesting, compelling, and somehow putting a bit of a slant on it that's a little unusual, a little different, without being ridiculous. It's hard to do, and it I mean, and it got harder at the end as well because my producer kept saying, "I want a drill that no one's ever seen before.' How much joy does it bring you when you see one of your students play better and the enjoyment they have? I don't take any responsibility for how well people play. That's on them, right? I take responsibility, particularly if they're good players, to make sure they have the right message and they have the right tools to do better, but they have to put some of the work in. They have to do some of the push-ups, right? You didn't plan on becoming an instructor. What was it like when you started teaching? I had no idea what I was teaching when it first came off. It really depended on what was on the cover of Golf Digest that month, because that was what I taught for a month until the next Golf Digest came along. If you could take a lesson from anyone, who would it be? I would want to take one from Tiger (Woods). I know Rory (McIlroy) well. I have a really good idea of what Rory would say to any question I would ask him about his golf swing. But Tiger, I'm not. He doesn't give it up as much as Rory does. That's just the difference between them.' What are your thoughts on technology with instruction and how much did you embrace it? I think technology is a good thing for golf, but you have to understand what you're using. I've got five computers running this morning. You have to understand the strengths and weaknesses of every system. They're not perfect. Once you've got a few miles under your belt with technology, it's fantastic. I wouldn't want to teach without it. I'm a far better teacher because of technology than without it.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
A lesson for future popes: Just stay off social media, OK?
Pope Leo XIV used the social media network X before he became pope. That is no surprise, given our modern telecommunications culture. But I urge current (and future) cardinals and popes to be discreet in their social media postings and re-postings. They can leave a trail that could be twisted or manipulated or could tarnish the sender's credibility. The pope serves a dual function. He is a head of state in the diplomatic arena and should be especially prudent in his choice of words. In the separate theologic setting, he is pontiff. Any pope's official proclamation should come directly out of his mouth or appear in the papal newspaper. - James A. Marples, Longview Nearly 78 million voters made Donald Trump our president. He's doing the things he said he would: substantially reducing the flow of illegal immigration, working to end Russia' s war on Ukraine and obtaining a mineral deal, and trying to reduce an out-of-control budget. But the press produces almost entirely negative articles about him, and Democrats in Congress fight him constantly. Does anybody think that is healthy? In fairness, does anyone know why Joe Biden was not subject to the same level of harassment when he allowed a huge influx of immigrants to come here illegally and spent more than $100 billion on a war with little to no effort to stop it? John Holt, Fort Worth Enjoy the bright green spring, because much of our land could be reduced to nothing. Forever chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are accumulating in our soil. Texas farmers have already experienced declines in land productivity and livestock deaths because of PFAS. One source of these chemicals is fertilizer. Waste treatment plants are selling biosolids to Texas farmers, and many contain PFAS. It is complicated and costly to remove PFAS, but we can prevent more from entering our system. The Legislature should set maximum limits of PFAS concentration in biosolids and require monthly testing to reduce accumulation. Find your state representative and speak out about PFAS. - Alyssa Cole, Fort Worth We frequently hear about schools struggling to teach children how to read. Districts develop plans to improve reading instruction, but schools cannot do what needs to be done. The main reason children struggle with reading is their parents. When parents do not read, it tells the children that learning to read is not important. Too many people seem to believe the ability to use a smartphone is more important than learning to read books or newspapers. Students who learn to read at the appropriate level usually have parents who read. - Harold L. Smith, Arlington
