Feb. 5: Education News We're Reading This Week
Feb. 5, 2016—Here’s our weekly roundup of the biggest news you may have missed, including how higher ed admissions are changing for low-income students. New findings also point out the tools and mindsets K-12 students need to thrive.
Elementary & Secondary Education:
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While nine in ten low-income families have an Internet connection, one-quarter of those families “below the median American income of $53,046 rely on mobile-only access.” EdSurge shares the findings of a new report and explains some of the “Kafka-esque” processes low-income families navigate to gain connectivity.
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How do you encourage a gifted child to think creatively? “If you want your children to bring original ideas into the world, you need to let them pursue their passions, not yours” reports The New York Times.
Higher Education:
- Executive Director Harold O. Levy contributed his thoughts to The Atlantic regarding the College Board’s recent announcement to offer the SAT in the summer. Low-income students may have better opportunities to apply early decision and early action, but other aspects of the change have advocates concerned.
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Given the higher rates of arrests and disciplinary action minority students face, asking applicants to detail convictions and disciplinary action in school may “play a role in discouraging minority students from less privileged backgrounds from applying at all,” Mic
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Do in-state or out-of-state students have the advantage in applying to state schools? The Washington Post finds that “at some of the most prestigious state universities, the gatekeepers are clear: It’s much tougher to get in if you live out of state.”
Cooke Foundation Highlights:
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“We need poverty-based affirmative action at America’s colleges,” headlines The Washington Post in publishing Executive Director Harold Levy’s op-ed on True Merit in admissions.
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NBC News names Cooke Scholar William Tarpeh an NBCBLK28 honoree. Throughout the month of February, NBC is profiling “the nation’s most talented innovators and game changers — all ages 28 years and younger.”
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The Cornell Daily Sun publishes a column by Cooke Scholar Sagar Chapagain discussing next steps for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
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Our Young Scholars Program application is now open! High-achieving seventh-grade students with financial need are encouraged to apply for this pre-college scholarship opportunity. Cooke Young Scholars receive individualized advising to set academic goals, guidance on applying to colleges, and funding for summer educational programs, study abroad, internships and school expenses.