NPR Education
HBCU President Asks Dr. Dre, Why Not Us?
Hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre and music producer Jimmy Iovine recently donated $70 million to the University of Southern California. Many people are applauding their generosity, but some aren't so happy. Host Michel Martin speaks with Walter Kimbrough, President of Dillard University, about why he thinks an HBCU should have gotten the money.
Being Blind To Financial Need: Is It Worth It?
Millions of students rely on loans and grants for their studies. But with universities strapped for cash, fewer schools are able to admit students regardless of their financial need. Host Michel Martin asks the President of Iowa's Grinnell College, Dr. Raynard Kington, why his school considered putting a halt to need-blind admissions.
Losers In Chicago School Closings Target Elected Officials
The Chicago school board voted to close dozens of schools, despite community protests that the closings disproportionately affect minority students. Now the teachers union and community activists want to change the system and oust the elected officials who disagreed with them.
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College Students Wait To See If Loan Rates Double
College students could end up paying a higher interest rate on their government subsidized loans unless Congress steps in. In a replay of last year's battle, Republicans, Democrats and the Obama administration all have competing proposals. A vote is scheduled in the House of Representatives Thursday. But with no consensus in sight, it's not clear if lawmakers can keep interest rates from doubling on July 1.
Sandy Hook's Future: What's To Become Of The School?
It's been over five months since the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. And there have been plenty of opinions about what should be done with the school building. Host Michel Martin speaks with Rich Harwood about the emotional decision-making process.
Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame
The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.
Mont. One-Room School House Boasts International Diversity
Melissa Block talks to teacher Shelly Hoisington. Hoisington teaches fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade at McCormick Elementary School — a one-room school in Troy, Mont. Hoisington recently convinced Gov. Steve Bullock to speak at the graduation ceremony for the five students in eighth grade.
Mont. One-Room School House Boasts International Diversity
Melissa Block talks to teacher Shelly Hoisington. Hoisington teaches fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade at McCormick Elementary School — a one-room school in Troy, Mont. Hoisington recently convinced Gov. Steve Bullock to speak at the graduation ceremony for the five students in eighth grade.
Growing Vegetables From Seeds Takes Root For Many Gardeners
More and more gardeners are bypassing the local nursery and instead starting their veggies from seed. Seeds are often cheaper, and they give growers a bigger choice of varieties. At a community garden in Venice, Calif., students learn the ins and outs of gardening from scratch.
Ivy Leaguers Broaden Minds With New Race Center
Tricia Rose is known as a hip-hop scholar and professor of Africana studies. She's now taking on a new project at Brown University, and hoping it sparks new questions about race and ethnicity. Host Michel Martin speaks with Rose about her vision.
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Hiring Julie Hermann, Rutgers Seeks A New Era In Athletics
Rutgers University welcomes the arrival of new athletic director Julie Hermann as the beginning of a new era, weeks after turmoil engulfed its athletics department. The school's basketball coach was fired last month after videos showed that he verbally and physically abused players during practice.
LA Schools Throw Out Suspensions For 'Willful Defiance'
Students deemed "willfully defiant" accounted for nearly half of California's 700,000 suspensions last year. Many educators are cheering the Los Angeles Unified School District's decision to ban such suspensions, arguing the category is too broad and disproportionately targeted black students.
Publisher Threatens Librarian With $1 Billion Lawsuit
A scholarly publisher has issued a warning to Jeffrey Beall, a Colorado librarian who writes about what he calls "predatory" practices in the journal industry, threatening him with a $1 billion lawsuit for his blog posts about the company. The publisher, based in India, says he could also face jail time.
Utah Charter School Nurtures Entrepreneurial Spirit
A new charter school in Utah wants to equip students in kindergarten through ninth grade with a solid foundation in business. The principal insists it's not just a pint-sized business school. The goal is to give kids a well-rounded education that is also applicable in the real world.
Latino High School Grads Enter College At Record Rate
Latinos are entering colleges and universities at higher rates than whites and blacks but still lower than Asian-Americans. This is an all-time high for Latinos, according to a recent Pew Hispanic Center report. It's the result, in part, of a dramatic rise in the graduation rate among Hispanic high school students.
Latino High School Grads Enter College At Record Rate
Latinos are entering colleges and universities at higher rates than whites and blacks but still lower than Asian Americans. This is an all-time high for Latinos, according to a recent Pew Hispanic Center report. This is the result, in part, of a dramatic rise in the graduation rate among Hispanic high school students.
All Races Attracted To HBCU Campuses
According to a new report, historically black colleges and universities are attracting more Asian and Latino students than ever before. Host Michel Martin discusses that and other findings with the report's author, Marybeth Gasman, and Morgan State University President, David Wilson.
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A First Job Is Like A First Date, And Other Advice For Graduation Day
We asked a bunch of economists what they would say if they were giving a commencement address this spring. Here's what they told us.
