Friday Open Thread

Interesting way to get kids to consider those less fortunate during the holiday season - the Christmas Cat of Iceland.

So this blog has had lively discussions over tracking in music and athletics - China takes this a step too far.  From the NY Times:

“I’ve looked at their teeth, at their arms, their height, everything, very carefully,” Teacher Wang said. “We don’t want anyone with asthma, or heart problems, or eye problems. And we want the smart kids; the quick learners.”

“Your kids were chosen not because they want to play this or that instrument, but because they have long arms, or the right lips, or are the right height, say for the trumpet, or the drums,” he said.

State Superintendent-elect Chris Reykdal is not happy with the spending on the lawsuit that current superintendent, Randy Dorn, filed earlier this year.  It's being reported that more than $77,000 in legal fees have been paid.  Dorn filed the suit against several districts, including Seattle, and the State, saying they illegally rely too much on local levies for funding.  From the PI:

A King County Superior Court judge has put Dorn's lawsuit on hold until April 30 to see if the Legislature and Gov. Jay Inslee resolve the issue in the upcoming session.

Dorn did not seek re-election. His successor, Chris Reykdal, has said he wants to get OSPI dismissed from the case.

Speaking of Dorn, he and Governor just approved new computer science standards for Washington State.  Not to be a Debbie Downer but without follow-up and supports, you're not going to see these enacted.

A heads up from UW and their (State Academic Red Shirt) STARS program in engineering. It's for incoming low-income students in their first year at UW.

STARS is a 2-year program with a specialized curriculum designed to build learning skills and academic preparation. STARS students can expect to complete their engineering degrees within five years—only 1 to 2 quarters longer than the average time to earn an engineering degree at UW.  Applications for fall 2017 will open in January.

 What's on your mind?