Quick Hits

Web site helps educators spot high-tech cheating: Technology may make it easier for students to cheat and harder for educators to catch them, as students share tips on YouTube, such as advising others how to hide cheat sheets on soda-bottle labels and other high-tech methods. A Web site created by a community-college leader, Teachopolis.org, is compiling such methods in an effort to educate teachers and help change attitudes that promote cheating. (Edutopia.org, image by Hugh D'Andrade)

Texas evolution debate could shape textbooks across country: The Texas State Board of Education's upcoming vote on whether to include "strengths and weakness" of evolutionary theory in state science standards could reverberate around the country as any changes may force publishers to revise science textbooks. (The New York Times)

Federal judge rejects Illinois moment-of-silence law: A law that mandated Illinois schools offer a moment of silence for prayer or reflection violates the U.S. Constitution, U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman ruled Wednesday. "The statute is a subtle effort to force students at impressionable ages to contemplate religion," he said. (The Associated Press)

House panel likely to OK gambling bill, Could Bring $235 million: A bill to allow electronic slot machines at Kentucky racetracks will probably get an overhaul in coming days, but still could come up for a committee vote by mid-February, said Rep. Dennis Keene, D-Wilder...The bill would allow video lottery terminals under the auspices of the state lottery laws rather than an amendment to the state's constitution. Stumbo said the state could earn $235 million in tax revenue the first full year of operation. (Herald-Leader)

Laurel County Officials say CATS test is important tool for accountability: While state Sen. David Williams, R-Burkesville, has again suggested tossing out the CATS test as a cost-savings measure, Laurel County School District administrators are again standing by the annual examination.The bottom line is, while the test could be tweaked in some areas, the district is having success with it. Scores are climbing and 10 of the district’s 15 schools are at 90 percent proficiency or higher.Kentucky is also faring better nationwide. (Sentinel-Echo)

Debate may improve literacy skills, college-enrollment rate: High school debate is experiencing a resurgence in America's classrooms thanks to an effort by several organizations to recruit students and praise the benefits of having solid, well-spoken opinions. A national debate organization says that student debaters show an average increase of 25% in literacy skills, graduate at higher rates than their peers and have a high college enrollment rate. (Los Angeles Times)

Principals offer to forgo possible raises to retain staff: At least 16 principals and other administrators in Florida's Hernando County schools want to forgo planned raises and instead apply the proposed funds to prevent the layoffs of teachers and other school staff. "It was a nice gesture," said superintendent Wayne Alexander. (St. Petersburg Times)

Google project lets students get up close to art masterpieces: A new Google Earth project allows users to view art masterpieces online and zoom in to levels invisible to the naked eye. So far, the project is limited to Spain's Prado Museum. (The Seattle Times)