School Board member wants to ditch ‘high-stakes testing’
Winona Post – Sept. 30
Earlier this month, the Minnesota Department of Education released the full set of MCA test scores for districts across the state. The scores showed a disappointing fact for Winona Area Public Schools — for the third year in a row, test scores have continued to decline across the board. At the WAPS Board meeting on September 5, board member Jim Schul shared a prepared speech against the standardized testing system, calling for the board to directly come out against the state tests and lobby the legislature to get rid of “high-stakes standardized testing.” “To quote my dear friend, curricularist and Dean of Education of the University of Alabama, Peter Hlbewitsh: ‘We have known for years that school experiences in high-stakes-testing environments generally reduce themselves to what is being tested.
The problem with U.S. retail? There’s too much of it
ReJournals – Sept. 30
The number of store closings and retail bankruptcy filings have to slow in the coming years, right? There have been so many of both, it only makes sense that in 2020 and beyond, we’ll see fewer retailers shuttering locations and even fewer declaring bankruptcy, right? Not necessarily, according to the latest research from the CCIM Institute. According to a report from K.C. Conway, the institute’s chief economist, in partnership with the Alabama Center for Real Estate at the University of Alabama, the number of store closings and retail bankruptcies isn’t about to slow anytime soon. That’s because, as the institute says, the United States is “over-retailed.” The country simply has too many stores.
University of Alabama researchers to design next-gen transportation system in west central Alabama
Alabama Newscenter – Sept. 29
Researchers at the University of Alabama are embarking on a $16.8 million project to transform the roads and highways in the Tuscaloosa area into a smart transportation network that is safer, less congested and more environmentally friendly. By dotting the roadways in west central Alabama with sensors and cameras, utilizing emerging technologies like machine learning and advancing concepts like connected vehicles, the UA researchers are designing the transportation system of tomorrow.
Wired Focus – Sept. 29
Public invited to view T-Town episode of ‘Discovering Alabama’
The Tuscaloosa News – Sept. 29
The public is invited to see the premiere of an episode of “Discovering Alabama” that focuses on the history of Tuscaloosa. The premiere, hosted by the University of Alabama’s College of Continuing Studies and the Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Committee, is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Bryant Conference Center, 240 Paul W. Bryant Drive. Admission is free. The episode details Tuscaloosa’s history from its settlement as a frontier city to its emergence as a thriving cosmopolitan city.
Is this money app targeting Alabama children, young adults on social media?
Al.com – Sept. 29
Fees and “voluntary” tips should make people leery of using the app, said Alan Tidwell, associate professor of finance at the University of Alabama. The tip feature is branded as a way to “pay it forward” for other users who are strapped for cash. It goes like this: Plug in your bank and card information, request up to $100 using an interactive dial and pay up to $14 in “tips” to help someone else out. When the user gets their scheduled paycheck, Earnin takes the money the user previously cashed back.
RISE CENTER PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH TAILGATING EXPERIENCE
WVUA – Sept. 29
Friday was a fun and spirit-filled day for students of the RISE Center on the University of Alabama’s campus. RISE hosted its annual “Rise with the Tide” pep rally. Students got to jam out to UA’s pep band, interact with UA cheerleaders, Crimsonettes and even love on Big Al at the event.
LEND A HAND: Mural brings attention to Black Warrior River
The Tuscaloosa News – Sept. 28
…in the spring semester Environmental History of the Americas class at the University of Alabama selected the mural’s topic and prepared the…
Game Day Heat Prep
WVUA – Sept. 28
Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue have been taking steps to reduce the large amounts of heat-related illnesses on game days. The heat has been taking a toll on Alabama fans on game day. “Folks get too hot. They’re dehydrated. Folks are sitting in the sun. The main thing is to remove them from the hazard, which is the heat and get them into a cooler space.” Tuscaloosa firefighters, EMTs and paramedics have been trying to keep up with the high volume of calls, but there has been some difficulty in making sure every call gets answered in a timely and sufficient manner.
Fans tailgate on Quad before first SEC Home Game
WVUA – Sept. 28
The University of Alabama’s football team had their first SEC home game today. The Crimson Tide went up against Ole Miss. Whether fans were cheering, “Hotty Toddy” or yelling, “Roll Tide,” fans were prepared for the Tide to be on top. Alabama football fans say nothing compares to SEC football games.
The Tuscaloosa News
Science Says the Most Successful Kids Have Parents Who Do These 5 Things
Inc. – Sept. 28
There’s no denying that if you coast along and put forth minimal effort in raising your kids, there’s a high likelihood they’ll end up being mediocre (or even worse than mediocre, to be honest). Raising the highest achieving children will necessitate being intentional, disciplined and diligent. Here’s what researchers say the parents of the most successful kids do differently. Researchers from the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama surveyed 2,323 parents of kids ages seven to 17 who were currently participating in some kind of private music lesson and found that the majority of parents see several ways music lessons help their kids manage their time and attention.
RISE with the Tide Pep Rally held at the RISE Center
CBS 42 – Sept. 27
A special treat heading into the weekend for students at The University of Alabama’s RISE Center. The RISE Center hosted the annual “RISE with the Tide” pep rally. The children got to see and hear the sounds of UA’s pep band and got to see Big Al and the cheerleaders.
Fox 6
WVUA
UA Dean of Engineering visits HTHS Engineering Academy students
Trussville Tribune – Sept. 29
Engineering Academy students at Hewitt-Trussville High School had a special guest on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019. The Dean of Engineering from the University of Alabama spoke with students taking engineering, physics and computer science classes. Dean Karr explained how to be successful in college. According to the school system, Karr stressed the importance of time management, treating college as a job and taking advantage of available opportunities such as service, co-op, internships, and clubs and organizations.
SCHOOL NEWS: September 29, 2019
Tuscaloosa News – Sept. 29
During the summer, Kaylin Hughes, a junior from Central High School, was one of 40 girls in the state of Alabama who participated in the 2019 National Science Foundation LEGACY Program. This program was led by Dr. Jeff Gray, who is a professor at the University of Alabama. After completing the program, Kaylin received a $2,000 stipend.
On campus
Kendall County Now (New York) – Sept. 29
John Alexander Watson of Oswego received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama during summer commencement Aug. 3.
Malibu Surfside News
Temple Daily Telegram (Texas)
Florida Times Union