Business Week – Harold L. Sirkin

“Clearly one of your challenges as the next President is to revive American education. The key is not how much we spend, but spending smarter. If we don’t, America will find itself falling further behind those countries that can and do properly educate their children. ” (more)

Los Angeles Times – Evan Halper and Nancy Vogel

“Reporting from Sacramento — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told education leaders Tuesday that he would push for a tax hike and deep cuts to schools to help close the state’s yawning budget gap, according to several participants in a meeting with him. ” (more)

Associated Press – Staff Writer

“A Sacramento County Superior Court judge on Tuesday ordered the state Board of Education to postpone its expensive and bold plan to force all California 8th-graders to be tested in algebra.” (more)

Associated Press – Staff Writer

“The state Supreme Court agreed Tuesday to decide a school-choice issue: whether two voucher programs for foster and disabled children attending private schools violate the Arizona Constitution.” (more)

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington 

Make your own witches’ brew and drink it too! This special FREE, family event is for children 1-6 years old. It will be held Saturday, November 1 from 2-4 pm and will include a fun afternoon of silly science, crafts, playground games and food. The event will be held at the Panama City Renaissance School, located at 1608 Baker Court in Panama City. For more information call 850-215-8712 or go to http://www.pcrschool.org/events.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington 

On Tuesday, Children’s Book Award Nominated Author Timothy Weeks visited the Panama City Renaissance School. Mr. Weeks grew up on the Florida Panhandle and journeys back to the area in the spring and fall to talk with school children. The kids enjoyed the book reading, multimedia presentation and learning how to cast net mullet.  Most of all the kids loved getting signed copies of Mr. Week’s most recent book, “Ol” Middle Saves the Day.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington 

Over the weekend the Panama City Renaissance School performed at the annual Festival of Nations in downtown Panama City.  The children performed traditional US, Chinese and Latin American songs and dances.  What a fun way to spend a Saturday!

BBC – Staff Writer

“Today’s 14-year-old pupils are better at quick-fire answers, but much worse at complex questions than teenagers in the 1970s, research suggests.” (more)

WMBB News 13 – Staff Writer

“The Festival of Nations is an event downtown to highlight culture and diversity in Bay County. . . . Students from the Renaissance School showed off their skills in Mandarin Chinese. . . .” (more)

Associated Press – Libby Quaid

“WASHINGTON (AP) — Your child is less likely to graduate from high school than you were, and most states are doing little to hold schools accountable, according to a study by a children’s advocacy group.” (more)