China Daily – Ma Chao

“”I was told unexpectedly a few days ago that my English classes were going to be cancelled,” said Liang while sitting in the corridor on the eighth floor of Building Nine of Jianwai SOHO, Chaoyang district. She has studied for a few months in the classes, run by Dell International English Language Training School.”(more)

China Daily – Yen Jong-chang

“English is taught in schools like any other subject, not as a language of communication. No wonder, most of the students cannot speak or speak only broken English even after passing the highest-level exam. Since few teachers and students in schools (especially public schools) speak English in China, how can one make it a medium of communication in classrooms, let alone outside school?”(more)

The Denver Post – Jeremy P. Meyer

“In an attempt to get more students to learn in English, the Denver Public Schools district is using federal stimulus money for a four-week summer-school academy for 3,500 first- to eighth-grade pupils. The English Language Acquisition Academy also is educating teachers. About 90 teachers hired this spring are working alongside master teachers to learn how to reach the students who have some of the biggest academic challenges in the district.”(more)

Associated Press (USA Today) – Staff Writer

“At a time when people spend much of their time skimming websites, text messages and e-mails, an English professor at the University of New Hampshire is making the case for slowing down as a way to gain more meaning and pleasure out of the written word.”(more)

Christian Science Monitor – Eoin O’Carroll,/span>

“An overhaul of English spelling would be not without its pitfalls. Even if you could get every printer, publishing house, signmaker, and blogger to agree on a new system, there would still be the problem of those who have learned only the new system of spelling being unable to read literature printed in the old one.”(more)

China Daily – Du Juan

“There is no such thing as failure in learning English, only half success, said Dai Yun, a teacher at an educational services company that specializes in English language test preparation. “Teachers have the responsibility to inspire students’ passion for learning and encourage them to break their limitations for learning English,” said Dai.”(more)

Oklahoman – Jessica Williams

“Davis said widespread reliance on technology contributes to an entire generation missing this acquired knowledge. “I believe the same technology that makes life easier is also stealing time from the younger generation — time that could be used to read and embrace new knowledge,” she said. “… In our quest for things to entertain and wow, many have left the simple pleasure of learning just to learn.”(more)

Guardian – Rachel Williams

“More than half of primary teachers have seen a least one child begin formal education with no experience of being told stories at home. Teachers said the stories pupils did know often seemed to come from watching Disney cartoons. One literacy expert branded the findings a “national disaster”, warning that such children were at risk of being left behind at school and failing to develop the creative talents needed to lead happy and productive lives.”(more)

Forbes – David Randall

“Later in her post, she wonders if a law degree will start to look like a degree from a culinary school: an expensive undertaking that few employers are looking for. Meanwhile, the dean of Northwestern’s law school told the Chicago Tribune that “It doesn’t make a lot of sense to go to law school unless you go to a pretty good one.”(more)

HoweStreet.com – Mike “Mish” Shedlock

“Terry Hoffman, a language teacher, organized the kids [look at the sign -- "SAVE ARE TEACHERS"]. It might behoove Hoffman to spend more time teaching grammar.”(more)