On a recent cold evening, a group of Simpson Street Free Press reporters gathered at the Goodman South Madison Library. We were in pursuit of a very hot story.
[read more...]At one time, it was said, girls go to college to earn their “Mrs. Degree.” Today it is more common to hear the phrase, “Girls go to college to get more knowledge; boys go to Jupiter…”
[read more...]In 2011, elementary-school students in the United States scored well in math, continuing a 20-year trend of improvement. On the other hand, reading scores showed only minimal improvement.
[read more...]University of Wisconsin Colleges are attempting to make college a more accessible option for state students. Through a partnership with the Department of Public Instruction, they plan to kick off the 2013-14 school year with a dual- credits program called the Cooperative Academic Partnership Program (CAPP). This program will help prepare high school students for college.
[read more...]The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) recently submitted its 2013 budget proposal. It includes plans to allow public high school students to take the ACT for free.
[read more...]Now, more than ever, it is important for high school students to plan ahead for college. Secondary education is a necessary but costly endeavor. That is why many financially savvy students choose to enroll in 2-year transfer programs. Two-year schools help you fulfill degree requirements, and then transfer to a 4-year college to receive a bachelor’s degree.
[read more...]Nichelle Nichols is a graduate of Madison’s public schools. She is also raising four sons who are attending Madison schools. As part of her professional career, she is active in the schools working for the Urban League to coordinate the Schools of Hope tutoring program. Now, Nichelle Nichols is running for Seat 1 on the Madison school board.
[read more...]“Education should be the top priority in our city.” This statement was made to us during a recent interview with Madison school board candidate Mary Burke.
[read more...]You know those simple, basic words that we use all the time but don’t think much about? Well, some of them have been around for over 10,000 years.
[read more...]The Madison School District is facing more budget cuts than ever and music programs will be among the first to go. Just in the last few years, one entire orchestra was cut from the Madison Memorial music program and more cuts will follow. For example, the music department is in need of important items such as instruments and stands, but no funds are available from the school district.
[read more...]My name is Alex Lee and I am a freshman at West High School. I am thrilled to takeover the role of Fresh Face columnist following Max Lien, who is now a sophomore.
[read more...]The results of a national reading exam administered in 2009 showed Wisconsin’s African-American fourth-grade students posted scores that trailed their racial peers in every other state. Now, there is new national data from 2011; and this new data shows only slight improvement for those Wisconsin students.
[read more...]OMG! New expressions are being added to the dictionary!
[read more...]Recently, studying has been a drag for me and tests seem harder as the school year is progressing. A mediocre score on just one test can send your grade plummeting. Getting behind in class is not good, especially near end of the school year.
[read more...]My name is Max Lien and I am a freshman at La Follette High School.
[read more...]The start of a new school year means that you will be writing essays in class. This is especially true in middle school and high school. To write a great essay you must use effective paragraphs.
[read more...]As the school year begins, many teachers bombard students with homework. This is a time when many of us are still trying to adjust to our new school routine. This is especially true for high school freshmen.
[read more...]In 2006, 49 percent of Wisconsin’s African-American seniors graduated from high school. That figure is 32 percentage points below the state average for all students. Numbers like those are saddening and make me realize that the achievement gap is still very wide, and a lot of work needs to be done.
However much work there is to do on a national or state level, but to many of us, this is a personal thing. Each of us must possess a desire to not be a statistic. We should set the precedent.
[read more...]Each Summer America’s Nagging Achievement Gap Gets Wider.
[read more...]Scientists recently studied the effects of harmonics to pinpoint why music impresses some and disappoints others. Along the way, they made an interesting discovery.
[read more...]My name is Andrew Liu and I am a freshman at James Madison Memorial High School.
[read more...]My parents have owned the Oriental Food Mart on South Park Street since September, 1, 2000. It has been a long journey to get to south Madison.
[read more...]As I near the end of my sophomore year in high school, the idea of college is quickly becoming a reality. I beginning to learn more about the requirements I need to get into college. One of the key deciders of college admission is your standardized test scores.
[read more...]For the first time in decades, girls’ math test scores across the country have equaled that of boys. Some say this disproves the common stereotype that boys are better at math and science.
[read more...]Recently, a celebration of achievement was held for Spanish-speakers at a local Madison church. More than 100 people received certificates recognizing their completion of computer skills classes offered by the Vera Court and Bridge-Lake Point-Waunona neighborhood centers. Classes included basic computing, intermediate skills, Microsoft I, and Microsoft II.
[read more...]Throughout my school years, I have experienced many different types of teachers. My eighth grade history teacher loved to give lectures, tests, worksheets, and essays. My ninth grade history teacher is completely different. We almost never have any tests or lectures. Our teacher likes to teach us in a other ways, using videos, oral presentations, and collage projects.
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