Merit Software Dispatch
views and opinions regarding education and technology
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Twenty-six states have now adopted the Common Core standards in English language arts and math developed by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, and all but two states have expressed interest in following suit.
Are Common Core standards an effective tool to reform U.S. public schools?
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A newly published report claims that English-language learners academic progress is jeopardized because of flaws in California’s English-language programs.
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Almost one third of students are failing a requirement at an Ontario university that they pass an exam on English language skills. The failure rate has jumped five percentage points in the past few years.
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Last week a new report, “Writing to Read – Evidence for How Writing Can Improve Reading,” was released by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Alliance for Excellence in Education.
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The U.S. Department of Education released its final guidelines for the $650 million Investing in Innovation (i3) grants.
The U.S. Department of Education has issued additional guidance for its upcoming $650 million Investing in Innovation (i3) grants.
According to a new study published by ACT, Inc. the percentage of U.S. high school graduates ready to earn at least a “C” or higher in first-year college courses was only 23 percent in 2009
Last week, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced preliminary guidelines for the $650 Million Investing In Innovation (i3) grant program.
Unlike the previously announced Race to the Top funds which were only for public schools, i3 funds will also be available to non-profits, charter schools, colleges, and private companies.
Earlier this week the U.S. Department of Education issued guidance for applying for stimulus funds for the Enhancing Education though Technology (Ed-Tech) program.
The National Curriculum Board of Australia has recently proposed that traditional English and grammar lessons be reinstated in school classrooms to address a deterioration in writing skills. See the report on ABC News.
The recommendation comes after complaints from universities and business that students lack the most basic knowledge.
Many businesses and colleges, along with parents and self-motivated students, have purchased and used Merit writing and grammar software to fill this void.
Mastery of grammar and language is essential for success in school and on the job. In school, a command of grammar improves students’ ability to understand concepts and to communicate their ideas.
The most popular resources are Essay Punch, Paragraph Punch and Grammar Fitness.
In most jobs, good verbal and written communication skills are essential. In the corporate world, for example, where communication is often via email, poor grammar and language skills are exposed immediately.
In job interviews as well as social interactions, command of grammar and language signals a person’s level of education and competency.
What do you think? Have you seen a decline in grammar and language skills? Should traditional English and grammar lessons be reinstated in the curriculum? Share your thoughts with us.
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