WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation has far fewer so-called “dropout factory” high schools these days, down sharply from 2008 as more students leave high school with a diploma, according to a new report. The number of dropout factories — where less than 60 percent of students who started as freshmen remain enrolled four years later … Continue reading
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — One of South Africa’s top universities will re-open Wednesday after reaching agreements with students whose protests against tuition hikes spread to other campuses, forcing the closure of universities around the country. The academic program and other activities will resume at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, and students will be informed … Continue reading
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) — Self-described computer geek Edgar Williams has a clear vision of his future: study electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or perhaps Caltech. But at a time when the soft-spoken sophomore should be engrossed in his studies at East St. Louis High School, he has to be content … Continue reading
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The number of Virginia public schools that have earned full accreditation has increased for the first time in five years, Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s administration said Tuesday. More than 1,400, or 80 percent of all schools, are fully accredited for the 2015-2016 school year after meeting state benchmarks, Virginia’s Department of Education … Continue reading
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Aiming to slow the steady rise of tuition, Virginia’s coordinating body for higher education is recommending an additional $302 million in state support for public universities and colleges over the next two fiscal years. On Tuesday, the State Council of Higher Education sent its funding guidance to Gov. Terry McAuliffe and … Continue reading
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Muhlenberg College has become the latest school to rescind an honorary degree awarded to Bill Cosby following renewed accusations of sexual assault against the entertainer. Faculty, staff and students at the eastern Pennsylvania college were told in an email Tuesday that the board of trustees had voted Friday to revoke the … Continue reading
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s 2016 teacher of the year is a fifth-grade educator in Salem. Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced Natalie DiFusco-Funk’s selection Monday night. The governor called her “the best of the best.” DiFusco-Funk is a 12-year classroom veteran who teaches at West Salem Elementary School. She earned her master’s in education at Boston … Continue reading
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Chanting protesters, including medical students with stethoscopes around their necks, demonstrated against planned increases in tuition fees at a number of top South African universities on Monday, blocking roads and entrances and causing the suspension of classes on some campuses. “No to fee increase!” screamed students during a rally at the University … Continue reading
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — New members of Virginia public universities’ governing boards are learning the ropes this week. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia is conducting its orientation for recent appointees Tuesday and Wednesday. State law requires new board members to attend orientation within two years of their appointment. Gov. Terry McAuliffe is scheduled … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Celebrating Hispanics’ contribution to the nation, President Barack Obama said Thursday that America is made great “not by building walls, but by tearing down barriers to opportunity.” Obama spoke as the White House observed Hispanic Heritage Month. His remarks contrasted with concerns about immigration among some Republican presidential contenders. Front-runner Donald Trump … Continue reading
HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) — Shenandoah University says it didn’t discriminate against a former professor who was fired. The Winchester Star (http://bit.ly/1VU3iEk ) reports that the university and its board denied the allegations in their response to a lawsuit filed by Kriesta Watson of Ranson, West Virginia. The recent filing says Watson wasn’t meeting standards of … Continue reading
A look at things to watch in the Atlantic Coast Conference for Week 4: GAME OF THE WEEK: No. 20 Georgia Tech’s visit to Duke figures to once again have significant ramifications in the Coastal Division race. Both teams are coming off close losses to ranked nonconference teams, with the Yellow Jackets falling at No. … Continue reading
The last game of Virginia’s challenging September schedule is Friday, Sept, 25. night when Boise State comes to Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers beat William & Mary last week and hope that gives them something to build on. The 35-29 triumph over the Tribe wasn’t all that pretty. But it was secured with a defensive stand … Continue reading
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (AP) — At Wesleyan University, known for its liberal culture, a campaign to shut down the campus newspaper is coming from an unlikely source: its students. The student government for the liberal arts school is weighing a petition to strip The Wesleyan Argus of funding after some students objected to an opinion piece … Continue reading
Spartan Echo 