21st Century Education Initiative - "You Should Care..."

The average public school in this country is more than 40 years old–and showing its age. Roofs leak, walls are ridden with termites and lead paint, and rooms are chronically overcrowded. PARADE looks at two communities that remade their schools–and the lessons they can teach all of us.

In 2007, Florida graduated 70 percent of its high school students. Four years later, the state’s graduation rate increased 10 percent and the dropout rate decreased. Aside from the portion of Floridians walking around with diplomas, what changed in the interim? In fall 2007, the Sunshine State started requiring freshmen to choose a major of interest — an area of study that they hoped would help them in a career down the road.

As the trend to overhaul teacher evaluations catches fire, some teachers find that new feedback and mentoring programs can lead to ‘incredible’ results with their students.

Parents should try to create a nurturing learning environment in their homes by filling it with books, puzzles, blocks and other stimulating toys. And parents should always be looking for "teachable moments."

I’ve been trying to discuss this more with my son as we’re watching the Olympics. Imagine how many times those divers belly-flopped and how often those gymnasts fell down to learn those beautiful flips and spins! It makes sticking a puzzle piece in the wrong spot seem a lot less traumatic — and maybe worth trying a few times.

"Improvement requires connection" with peers, colleagues, and new ideas, said Karen Cator, director of the Office of Educational Technology for the U.S. Education Department (ED), at a recent ed-tech conference–and that’s the idea behind the first-ever Connected Educator Month, which kicks off Aug. 1.

"The study confirms that musical activity preserves cognition as we age, by comparing variability in cognitive outcomes of older adults active in musical instrumental and other leisure activities."

"This is a very untraditional way of teaching and learning, so … it’s unlike anything we’ve ever done before,"

Turning data into higher achievement involves changing the entire school culture.

Cities across the country, including in the District and New York, are clamoring for Rocketship to set up shop.