Denise Fawcett Facey

Everything old really is new again. In this case, the old and new topic is the Chinese language. Although Spanish remains the dominant language taught in U.S. foreign language classes, Chinese is rapidly growing in popularity. And, like the propensity toward taking Japanese language classes in the 1980’s, a major impetus for the Chinese classes today is China’s emergence as a key player in the international business world. (more…)

High school students have some compelling academic choices nowadays. For example, which should they take: Advanced Placement courses that require rigorous work to achieve college credit or less arduous college courses offered at the high school for credit at both high school and college (i.e. dual-enrollment)? Yet, as the pendulum swings toward dual-enrollment replacing Advanced Placement courses, it’s a dilemma that increasing numbers of students won’t even have to solve. And this is where the battle is joined. (more…)

When it comes to broadening students' perspectives, deepening their understanding of divergent concepts and providing opportunities to meet and know people of diverse backgrounds, college offers wonderful opportunities. Yet, that being said, college is not for everyone. And therein lies the problem; many high schools don’t prepare students for anything else. (more…)

Think back to your high school graduation. Of all the good memories associated with that special occasion, do you include the students who were your class valedictorian and salutatorian? What were their names? You may not be able to remember their names, but some future graduates won’t have valedictorians or salutatorians to remember. (more…)