His education began in the anthracite regions of Pennsylvania, in small towns like Shepton and Port Carbon.
He had come to the smoky mining areas of the state as a young lad from Front Royal, Va., his birthplace, a small resort community nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains. His father was a successful auto mechanic after long military service in the army.
In John Merrow’s new book, Addicted to Reform: A 12-Step Program to Rescue Public Education, the author describes what he sees as a society hooked on school reform.
Island educators say a new eighth grade algebra program prepares students for higher level math and brings the Island in line with other schools around the country. About 40 students are participating in the program.
The Martha's Vineyard Museum has received a $500,000 National Endowment for the Humanities grant. “Sometimes you ask for the moon, and you get it,” said museum executive director David Nathans.
Enrollment is up this year at Island public schools, especially in Oak Bluffs which now sends the largest number of students to both its elementary school and the regional high school among the six Island towns.
As a conversation unfolds across the country about the value of pre-kindergarten learning and whether it should be incorporated into public school education, similar conversations are quietly taking place here. The idea of universal preschool is expected to be up for discussion this year.
While holding their place across the board for strong academic achievement, Vineyard public schools turned in mixed scores this year on the MCAS exam with some schools showing new areas that need improvement, especially when it comes to improving proficiency among low income, non-English-speaking and special needs students.
Island students went on board the whaling ship and explored its nooks and crannies. In the blubber room below decks, the children gathered to hear a Mystic Seaport educator speak about what happens after a whale is captured.
