2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?

Social media, which has become essential for kids and techno-savvy adults, is now entering the realm of public education as well. Schools and districts across the country are leaping aboard the Facebook bandwagon, creating pages that allow students and staff to interact during and after school hours. This online tool provides a whole new dimension to the public school community, but not everyone is thrilled with the idea of posting school business and social interactions on the Internet for the world to see. We'll take a look at both the pros and cons of the use of Facebook in public schools, as well as some districts that have embraced FB already.

This video looks at the pros and cons of using social media.

Positive Ways Schools can Use Facebook

According to an article at Mashable, there are many potentially constructive ways public schools can use Facebook to engage their communities. The author of the article, JG Visual partner David Hartstein, says at the beginning of his report, "By setting up a Facebook page, schools can establish a controlled, professional presence that allows them to capitalize on this social space in many important ways, while still protecting their students."

Hartstein suggests a number of ways to incorporate social media into the public school community, including:

Sharing News

While many schools currently rely on their websites or the old-fashioned "paper home from school" methods of sharing

Teen pregnancy is not a new issue, but schools and parents still struggle with the challenges surrounding this situation. While statistics show that teen mothers who graduate from high school now have a better shot at supporting themselves and their children, keeping them in school until graduation is often easier said than done. With some school districts across the country facing alarming statistics on the teen pregnancy front, the problem does seem to be becoming more prevalent in some areas of the nation. Combine rising pregnancy rates with budget cuts that are forcing some schools for pregnant teens to shut their doors, and the problems facing pregnant teens seem to be getting more prominent while the options are getting smaller. We will look at how some schools deal with their pregnant students today and the legal ramifications of this issue.

What the Law Says

Many pregnant teens may find attending school daily more challenging than they are willing to manage. Consider the morning sickness that makes is difficult for some girls to get to school in the morning, regular doctor visits that result in frequent absenteeism, and the fear of social stigmas, and you can see why some are hesitant to continue their education path in their current condition. However, in a legal guide titled "Public Schools and Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents" states, "The [North Carolina] state constitution guarantees a right to education and promises equal opportunities for all students in public schools," and this

Teaching Gay History in Public Schools: A Possible Mandate in California

The history books in public schools today include figures from all walks of life who have made significant contributions to the development of this country. In California, some legislators do not believe the curriculum has gone far enough to include all Americans who have played a role in our nation's history. To rectify the problem, lawmakers have introduced a bill that requires the teaching of gay history in schools. According to an Associated Press report, the California Senate approved the measure. However, it still must pass the Assembly and Governor Jerry Brown's desk before it becomes an official law of the state.

In this video, the Houston ISD Superintendent posits that what is taught in public schools should reflect today's reality, including African American history, Latino history, and LGBTQ history.

What the Bill Does

The California legislation would require schools to add LGBT figures to the list of social and ethnic groups that must already be included in current history lessons. It would also require the California Board of Education and local school districts within the state to adopt textbooks that cover the historical contributions of sexual minorities in this country. Material that reflects adversely on gays or particular religions would be banned from classroom teaching as well. Each school district would be able to determine what

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas naturally found in the environment. It is found in all 50 states, but some states have more of a radon problem than others. Homeowners in the particularly problematic states are encouraged to test their homes for radon and make necessary adjustments if higher than normal levels of the gas are found. However, during the school year, students and staff spend at least as much time at school as they do at home. Are the schools testing for radon? Let's take a look and see.

The Dangers of Radon

Radon originates in granite deposits located deeply underground. The gas can get into buildings by seeping in through cracks in the foundation, openings around drains, or under basement slabs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon is one of the most serious health problems facing our population today. While this gas does not pose immediate health risks the way carbon monoxide does, over time, radon exposure can significantly increase one's risk for lung cancer. In fact, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country, right behind cigarette smoke.

Radon gas decays overtimes, evolving into radioactive particles that can get into lung tissue and cause damage. Over time, this damage can lead to some types of lung cancer. The EPA cites three factors that determine your risk of lung cancer from radon exposure:

• The level of radon you are exposed to
• The duration of your exposure
• Your smoking