Quick Hits

Students can earn cell-phone minutes for getting good grades: Some Oklahoma City students will be given cell phones and will earn minutes for good grades as part of a study on academic motivation. A Harvard University economist will study the results among 1,500 middle-school students over nine months. The program is similar to those in other districts that offer students cash incentives to earn good grades. (The Oklahoman)

Poll - Social media, text messaging might stress out students: Social networking, text messaging and other technologies might be causing stress among college students, according to a recent poll that found about 25% of students believe a "media blackout" would relieve some of their stress. Colleges are being asked to encourage more in-person interaction among students to help curb their dependence on technology. (The Chronicle of Higher Education)

Colo. district simplifies instruction with curriculum "dashboards": A Colorado school district is using a new system for aligning lessons with state academic standards in math and English. Short outlines of the skills each standard includes are included in curriculum booklets known as "dashboards," which are helping to streamline instruction, say educators. Some teachers are also sharing the dashboards with their students, which they say helps them understand the purpose of certain lessons. (Durango Herald)

L.A. layoff-policy change may prompt union lawsuit: The Los Angeles teachers union is considering filing a lawsuit over a tentative agreement that limits teacher-seniority protections when making layoff decisions. Union officials say they should have been included in the decision-making process. (Los Angeles Times)

Federal officials to analyze impact of school's discipline policies: The Obama administration plans to use "disparate-impact analysis" to determine if schools' discipline policies are having an equal effect across all groups of students. Some civil rights lawyers say the previous administration limited its analysis of discipline policies to whether particular groups of students were subject to "different treatment." (Education Week)

Chicago charter-school system continues expansion amid concerns: Grants from the federal government and private foundations are fueling the expansion of charter schools in Chicago. Some say the grants and the explosive growth of charters is a reflection of the level of performance and success of the schools, but critics maintain the charters continue to threaten the viability of neighborhood public schools. (The New York Times)

10 tips for decreasing bullying and cyberbullying in schools: Educators can take steps to reduce bullying and cyberbullying in schools, according to this opinion article by Elizabeth Englander and Kristin Schank of Bridgewater State University's Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center. Responding appropriately to even small incidents involving disturbing behavior, and talking to students about their behavior online are among their suggestions. (eSchool News)

Can schools require students to take Advanced Placement exams?: A top-performing magnet school in Dallas is facing criticism over a new requirement that parents and students sign a contract agreeing that students will take Advanced Placement courses and take the fee-based exams. The high number of students who take AP exams has helped the School of Science and Engineering win national recognition, but critics say the school's policy may violate state law. (The Dallas Morning News)

Health reform provides $100M for school-based health clinics: The Department of Health and Human Services has announced about $100 million in federal grants under the federal Affordable Care Act to support the construction and renovation of school-based health clinics. "These new or improved sites will help ensure effective, efficient, high-quality care," HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. (Modern Healthcare)