Quick Hits

Is cursive writing still a valuable skill for students?: With an increased emphasis on digital writing and more of today's schoolwork done on computers, educators in a number of Michigan districts say they are debating the value of teaching cursive writing, especially more complex lettering. It has prompted some to switch to a simplified version that students practice as they complete assignments for other subjects. "I do not believe we will abandon the teaching of handwriting, but I don't believe it will go back to the place it had in the curriculum ... when we were in school," one school official said. (Detroit Free Press)

Arizona struggles to retain quality educators: Arizona education leaders say that increased pressure on teachers and larger class sizes are among the reasons they struggle to retain quality teachers, particularly those who are new to the profession. "I saw how many people were losing their jobs, how many cuts were being made, and it was not a climate I wanted to return to," said one teacher who left the profession. A National Council on Teacher Quality report gave Arizona a grade of D+ for its efforts to retain effective teachers. (The Arizona Republic)

Teacher uses bridge to help students improve reasoning skills: A teacher at a Kansas City, Mo., school is using the card game bridge to enhance knowledge and teamwork among gifted fourth-graders. Teacher Rosemary Brown said the game -- in which two pairs of players compete, each pair working as a team to deduce which cards the other team is holding -- helps students develop math and deductive-reasoning skills. Youth bridge groups say the game has been growing in popularity among students, with high-profile billionaires Warren Buffett and Bill Gates sponsoring a school-based bridge league. (The Kansas City Star)

Groups file suit against N.Y. governor over withheld funds: A group of teachers, administrators and advocates filed a lawsuit Wednesday against New York Gov. David Paterson, questioning his authority to hold back 10% of pending state aid to New York schools. Paterson has said the decision was necessary because the state is facing a statewide budget deficit of $3.2 billion. (WNBC-TV)

Dropout-prevention program is gaining traction in schools: A new dropout-prevention program is encouraging students to complete their education in a growing number of schools across the country. Diplomas Now has an early-warning system that tracks attendance, behavior and grades to identify students at risk for dropping out, and it combines that with social-service supports such as homework help and counseling to keep students in school. Diplomas Now schools are restructured to help students receive more attention from adults and teachers, who also receive professional development under the program. (Education Week)

Reward teachers based on student improvement, Duncan says: Education Secretary Arne Duncan said in a recent interview that he supports rewarding teachers who improve student achievement from one year to the next, and that schools and teachers should learn from those who have improved student progress. Duncan also offered tips for improving high-school student achievement, saying the material should be rigorous, students should have adult mentors and they must understand the importance of what they are learning. (U.S. News & World Report)

New York launches financial-management video game for students: A free video game to help students develop money-management skills has been released by New York state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. "Financial Football" is played in groups, with teams of students advancing down the field with correct answers to questions about balancing checkbooks and investing in retirement accounts. The game is meant to promote students' interest "in personal finances and give them a financial playbook they can use for the rest of their lives," DiNapoli said. (Google)

Arizona considers new method for measuring school performance: Education officials in Arizona are considering a plan to change the way they measure the success of a school, switching from a system that looks at the year-to-year test-score gains of a whole school. Instead, the year-to-year improvement of individuals' scores would be measured -- a "value-added" tactic that some say better measures academic growth. The new system -- which could also be used to determine teacher pay and retention -- will be tested in 2010 alongside the existing system. (The Arizona Republic)

Struggling Miami school to debut college-style curriculum: Officials hope a new curriculum with a college feel will draw goal-oriented students to a Miami high school that has long been plagued with low test scores and discipline problems. Under the leadership of the school's provost, new faculty have been recruited to offer students at Miami Edison Senior High School their choice of four college-style academies, specializing in public affairs, international studies, the arts or an honors program. (The Miami Herald)

Debate students use persuasive speaking to save speech classes: Students at an Arizona high school used their persuasive-speaking skills to convince school board members to not cut their speech-and-debate classes from the curriculum. After more than two hours of presentations by students, teachers and parents, board members agreed to keep the classes, asking educators to promote the course to more students. The classes were among 22 on the chopping block because of low enrollment. (East Valley Tribune)

Experts predict top trends in 2010 school technology: Technology that tracks student progress and helps teachers develop more individualized curricula will be among the top five trends in school technology for 2010, experts predict. Other trends to watch are the use of personal devices like iPods and smart phones -- often banned from the classroom -- by a growing number of teachers to enhance lessons. Digital eBooks also make the list, with experts predicting a growth in their use in K-12 classrooms. (T.H.E. Journal)

After-school instruction boosts achievement at L.A.-area school: Educators at a California elementary school are crediting after-school programming and added instructional time with impressive student achievement. The school's teachers volunteer their time after the regular school day to lead about half the school's students in instruction and supervise homework. "Until 6 o'clock at night, you would think we're still in session," the school's principal said. "Seeing the campus so alive like that, and seeing the parents and students so excited, just makes me and all the teachers want to work harder." (Los Angeles Times)

Digital divide can make completing assignments complicated for students: While the digital divide has narrowed among students nationwide, the use of technology in learning is still difficult for students who do not have access to the Internet at home. Students without home computers work to complete assignments during limited hours at school computer labs or travel to public libraries, where they struggle to complete their work during timed sessions. At one Virginia school, administrators have instituted a special study period during the school day to provide computer time for students who cannot come in early or stay late. (The Washington Post)