Denise Fawcett Facey

Here’s a problem that no one anticipated: increasing numbers of homeless teens attending high schools. Counselors are discovering more and more 18-year-olds in their schools with nowhere to go, while advocates for the homeless report that the number of homeless teens in this age range far exceeds the services available to assist them. And while the persistently down economy doesn’t help, it’s not the only reason for this dilemma. (more…)

In keeping with last week’s blog on the need to incorporate African Americans into the curriculum, I’m impressed by a new course that will be offered this fall to all high school seniors in Pittsburgh Public Schools. Developed by a team of educators, the course will introduce students to books by and about African Americans. Encompassing the familiar (i.e. slavery) in innovative ways, this literature course also reveals diverse aspects of the African American experience not commonly presented to students. (more…)

If it’s February, it must be Black History Month. From schools and bookstores across the country to special television programs and even spots on the evening news, African Americans’ and their contributions to the U.S. are spotlighted this month. And in theory, this is great. However, it’s time to revisit this practice. (more…)

Remember how much you looked forward to recess when you were in elementary school? You couldn’t eat lunch fast enough to get outside and play. Now, some schools have decided to allow children to have recess first, and then have lunch. The result, for the most part, has been (more…)