The Wall Street Journal – Ellen Gamerman

“. . . Visitors and teacher trainees can peek at how it’s done from a viewing balcony perched over a classroom at the Norssi School in Jyväskylä, a city in central Finland. What they see is a relaxed, back-to-basics approach. The school, which is a model campus, has no sports teams, marching bands or prom.” (more)

The Economist - Staff Writer

“. . . Many ambitious parents would like to set their children off on this gilded path. But there is a problem: the soaring cost. Fees at private day schools have more than doubled in the past 20 years, in real terms; those at boarding schools have risen even faster.” (more)

The Hindu - Staff Writer

“Fewer than half of American teenagers who were asked basic history and literature questions in a phone survey knew when the Civil War was fought, and one in four said Columbus sailed to the New World some time after 1750, not in 1492.” (more)

Republican American – Staff Writer

“. . .Clearly, no correlation exists between spending and academic performance. But a comparison of key demographics of the Top and Bottom 10 reveals the critical cause-and-effect relationships.” (more)

Discover Panama City Florida – Lou

“Highlights from the 2008 Chinese New Year Festival in downtown Panama City Florida.” (more)

WJHG – Staff Reporter

“Saturday marked the official start of the Chinese New Year. Each year, the Panama City Renaissance School puts on a celebration to honor the event, but because so many people participated last year, they decided to move the festival to Harrison Avenue and partner up with the Downtown Improvement Board.” (more)

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

“Masks, music, food, kids games were all part of the Panama City Chinese New Year celebration in downtown Panama City on Saturday.  Children and adults enjoyed the parade and other activities on the bright, spring-like day. Lucky Mud, Mark Whittington and the Panama City Renaissance School children provided musical entertainment.  Griffin Design firm handled the decorations and advertising for the event and the Panama City Renaissance School and Panama City Downtown Improvement Board sponsored the festivities.  Join us next February when we celebrate the Year of the Ox!

New Herald - Staff Writer 

“Page 1B. . . . The Year of the Rat in the Chinese Lunar New Year began Feb 7. At left, Panama City Renaissance School classmates Lena Ottinger, left, and Gabriel Richard, both 4, laugh while trying on traditional Chinese clothing during the celebration.” (more)

The Hindu - Staff Writer

“Baripada (Orissa) (PTI): In a fresh initiative to ensure spread of education, the Centre was contemplating amendment to the Constitution to make right to education as a fundamental right, a Union government official has said.” (more)

Jamaica Gleaner – Dr. Joseph Bonsu-Akoto

“. . . . Children need stronger personal bonds with caring adults. Yet powerful technologies are distracting children and adults from each other. Children also need time for active, physical play; hands-on lessons of all kinds, especially in the arts; and direct experience of the natural world. Research shows these are not frills but are essential for healthy child development. Yet many schools have cut already minimal offerings in these areas to shift time and money to expensive, unproven technology.” (more)