USG NEWS:
www.therepublic.com
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/480a4aab964d42c98fb9b94bf80e1e6b/GA–Barr-Papers
University of W. Georgia showcasing collection of former Congressman’s papers
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
CARROLLTON, Georgia — The University of West Georgia is showcasing its collection of government papers from former Congressman Bob Barr. A reception on May 15 will mark the opening of those documents to the public. Barr will attend and offer remarks.
www.gpb.org
http://www.gpb.org/news/2013/05/08/trees-tell-a-tornados-story
Trees Tell A Tornado’s Story
By Adam Ragusea
It’s been five years since 19 tornadoes cut across central and southern Georgia. Two people in a mobile home died in Laurens County on that Mother’s Day morning. A direct hit also robbed what was then called Macon State College of nearly all its trees, but now the campus canopy is on the mend.
‘Roots up in the air’
Trees are a big deal at what is now called the Macon campus of Middle Georgia State College. What began in the 1960s as a commuter school plopped in farm fields gradually became a showcase for all manner of native and adapted species.
www.annistonstar.com
http://annistonstar.com/bookmark/22499436-Industrial-board-eager-to-get-the-word-out-about-Heflin-s-industrial-park-
Industrial board eager to get the word out about Heflin’s industrial park
by Laura Camper
…He suggested the board start looking for a professional to design a website and some marketing material for the industrial park. Board member Jerry Cash volunteered to contact some companies about creating the website to get an idea of how much it would cost. Maloney said she knew someone who could design a marketing flyer, while board member Faye McIntyre said she would approach the art department at the University of West Georgia about having students create a logo for the industrial park.
GOOD NEWS:
www.connectstatesboro.com
http://www.connectstatesboro.com/news/article/4222/
Congrats, grads!
From staff reports
This weekend, Georgia Southern University again will divide its spring commencement into two ceremonies: the first for graduate students on Friday, May 10, and the second for undergraduate students on Saturday, May 11.
www.chronicle.augusta.com
http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/education/2013-05-07/more-57-million-will-boost-cancer-services-gru?v=1367977324
More than $57 million will boost cancer services at GRU
By Tom Corwin
Staff Writer
With a stroke of a pen Tuesday, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal boosted cancer care in Georgia with more than $57 million for a new building and enhanced services at Georgia Regents University Cancer Center. That money includes $45 million to help build a building that could bring an important national designation but also funding to establish outreach and prevention and fund clinical trials in new therapies discovered at the center, the director said.
www.redandblack.com
http://www.redandblack.com/ugalife/terry-college-narrows-in-on-funding-goal-for-new-business/article_478b9922-b744-11e2-985b-0019bb30f31a.html
Terry College narrows in on funding goal for new Business Learning Community
Staff and UGA News reports
The Terry College of Business announced Monday it is close to reaching its goal of $90 million to fund its new home at the corner of Baxter and Lumpkin streets. “Our vision for Terry is national prominence,” said Terry College Dean Robert T. Sumichrast. “With the nation’s 13th highest score for student satisfaction, Terry has continued to improve in national rankings, both in terms of student experience and placement upon graduation. We are moving in the right direction.”
Related article:
www.businessweek.com
Funding for New Georgia B-School Almost Complete
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-05-07/funding-for-new-georgia-b-school-almost-complete
www.hastingschivetta.com
Congratulations to Columbus State University on Winning 2013 NIRSA Award
CONGRATULATIONS TO COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY ON WINNING 2013 NIRSA AWARD
We proudly congratulate Columbus State University on winning a 2013 Outstanding Sports Facility Award from NIRSA – the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association. These awards acknowledge excellence in distinctive architectural features, positive impact on student life, and exemplary functionality.
RESEARCH:
www.savannahnow.com
http://savannahnow.com/exchange/2013-05-07/exchange-brief#.UYrrYuCTpGM
Exchange in brief
Historical marker app will find sites for you
Georgia Southern University has launched a Georgia Historical Markers smartphone application that will allow historians and visitors to easily locate and explore Georgia’s more than 2,500 historical markers. Georgia Southern partnered with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to develop the app.
www.redandblack.com
http://www.redandblack.com/ugalife/uga-researchers-discover-one-endangered-species-depends-on-another/article_5864f42e-b7de-11e2-9faa-0019bb30f31a.html
UGA researchers discover one endangered species depends on another
UGA News Service
Mussel researchers have long been stymied in their efforts to study the reproductive habits of mussels, the often-overlooked mollusks that live in rivers and filter the water by removing contaminants and balancing bacteria levels. Identification of the fish species mussels use as hosts can be difficult, but University of Georgia researchers have done just that with the federally threatened purple bankclimber mussel. But they’ve also discovered something even more troubling.
www.southeastfarmpress.com
http://southeastfarmpress.com/print/soybeans/mapped-soybean-genome-fast-track-better-varieties
Mapped soybean genome: Fast-track to better varieties
From the United Soybean Board
…Epigenetics — New technology, being used at the University of Georgia, measures soybean epigenetics, which is variation caused by nongenetic factors. Researchers are looking at this variation to determine how it contributes to soybean physical characteristics, also called phenotypes. “This will give breeders and scientists a fundamental grasp on genetic variation to efficiently breed higher-yielding soybeans,” says Scott Jackson, Ph.D., who leads the project.
www.albanyherald.com
http://www.albanyherald.com/news/2013/may/06/county-oks-fire-law-enforcement-studies/
County OKs fire, law enforcement studies
By Carlton Fletcher
ALBANY, Ga. — As Dougherty County Commissioners discussed the merits of proposed fire protection and law enforcement feasibility studies in the county’s special services district, District 1 Commissioner Lamar Hudgins offered a compelling summary of the uncertainty swirling around the $39,000 studies. …Following through on issues that were discussed at the commission’s January retreat, the board voted Monday to fund feasibility studies by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government to determine if the county would be better served by funding its own fire department (a study that will cost $24,000) and if it should do away with its county-funded police department ($15,000).
STATE NEEDS/ISSUES:
www.monroe-ga.patch.com
http://monroe-ga.patch.com/articles/campus-carry-bill-is-still-alive-and-well-it-didnt-die-with-last-sessions-defeat
Campus Carry Bill is Still Alive and Well – It Didn’t Die With Last Session’s Defeat
“It’s not going to go away,” says SB 101’s sponsor, Sen. Frank Ginn.
By Rebecca McCarthy
The campus carry bill, HB 512, didn’t pass in the last session of the Georgia General Assembly. The Board of Regents, the Chancellor of the University System and the Presidents of Georgia’s public universities and colleges opposed it. As did many parents, faculty and community members. No matter. According to Senator Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville), “that bill is alive and well and in the Conference Committee right now. It could be passed on the first day of the session next year.”
Related article:
www.athens.patch.com
Though Defeated Last Session, Campus Carry Bill is Still Alive and Well
“It’s not going to go away,” says SB 101’s sponsor, Sen. Frank Ginn.
http://athens.patch.com/articles/though-defeated-last-session-campus-carry-bill-is-still-alive-and-well
Editorials/Columns/Opinions
www.beta.effinghamherald.net
http://beta.effinghamherald.net/section/2/article/21340/
Lawmakers correct a past mistake
By Tom Crawford
It’s no secret that politicians often make mistakes — a lot of them. We are all human and we all make mistakes, so politicians are not unique. I have often observed, however, that elected officeholders can be extremely reluctant to admit they have made a mistake and then do something about it. That’s why it was so heartening to see the governor and the General Assembly recognize a serious error they made two years ago and attempt to fix that error in this year’s session. The misjudgment involves HOPE Grants, financial aid that is provided through Georgia Lottery revenues to students who take job training courses at the state’s network of technical colleges.
www.diverseeducation.com
http://diverseeducation.com/article/53176/#
Higher-Income Families Seen as Main Beneficiaries of Lottery-Generated Scholarships
by Pearl Stewart
A piece of scholarly literature authored by University of Georgia economics professors Dr. Christopher Cornwell and Dr. David B. Mustard, titled “Merit-Based College Scholarships and Car Sales,” has informed an ongoing debate on the purpose and usefulness of lottery-funded, merit-based scholarships. Published in Education Finance and Policy in 2007, the study concluded that the introduction of Georgia’s HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) Scholarships largely benefited affluent families who, in some cases, purchased automobiles for their college students as incentives for them to attend state universities instead of expensive out-of-state institutions. Most of the money flowing into the lottery, however, comes from lower-income people.
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/opinion/2013-05-07/ligon-common-core-sacrifices-sovereignty
Ligon: Common Core sacrifices sovereignty
By SEN. WILLIAM LIGON
Perhaps never before in American history has K-12 education experienced such a huge shift from local to federal control. The Race to the Top grant process bypassed a fundamental principle of constitutional government, “the consent of the governed.” This grant was developed entirely within the federal executive branch, and state executive branch officials unilaterally committed to the mandates of the RTTT grant — including adoption of Common Core standards, even though the standards were not yet written, the tests undeveloped, and the costs unknown.
www.valdostadailytimes.com
http://valdostadailytimes.com/opinion/x508495767/New-school-scoring-system
New school scoring system
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA — The first year of any new program is always a tough one. After years of poor results statewide, Georgia won an exemption from the rigourous No Child Left Behind standards and the Adequate Yearly Progress scores. Those have now been replaced by the College and Career Ready Performance Index or CCRPI. The goal of the state is a lofty one — to ensure that all students are ready to walk into a 2 or 4 year college or university without having to take remedial courses upon graduation. It’s a worthy goal, but the question remains if it is realistic.
Education News
www.clatl.com
http://clatl.com/freshloaf/archives/2013/05/06/deal-tinkers-with-higher-education-funding-formula
Deal tinkers with higher education funding formula
Posted by Jordan Friedman
For years, Georgia’s public colleges have generally received state funding based on the number of students that fill its dorms and classrooms. Gov. Nathan Deal wants to change that. Deal’s Higher Education Funding Commission has proposed a new system to help finance the state’s university and technical college systems. The new formula would focus on student achievement rather than enrollment.
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2013-05-07/gov-deal-signs-teacher-evaluations-bill
Gov. Deal signs teacher evaluations bill
By ASSOCIATED PRESSupdated Tuesday, May 7, 2013 – 10:38pm
ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal has signed a bill to standardize annual evaluations for Georgia teachers and principals based, in part, on student performance. Deal signed the legislation without comment on Tuesday, which is the last day for bill signings. The evaluation system is based on a pilot program launched a few years ago with federal funds and is expected to be implemented in every district by the 2014-15 school year.
www.usatoday.com
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/05/07/gap-year-students/2140259/
Gap year gains make college education worth the wait
Jens Manuel Krogstad, USA TODAY
Students who take a year off to travel overseas can be better students for the experience.
Sydni Heron treated machete wounds and helped deliver a baby at a small-town clinic in Ecuador following her graduation from Ames High School in Iowa. Now, she’s headed to college to study nursing. Heron, 19, took what in the U.S. remains an unconventional route to college by delaying enrollment one year to work and gain life experience, a concept known as a gap year. …As students are finalizing plans to enroll in college next fall, advocates of the gap year are touting the advantages of taking a year to focus on personal development.
www.wvtm.com
http://www.wtvm.com/story/22172343/active-shooter-training-provides-education-on-real-life-scenarios
Active shooter training provides education on real-life scenarios
COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -With all of the shootings that have plagued our country lately, many schools have been working to not only provide extra security, but also education. Columbus Technical College is working to keep students and staff safe on its campus by having them participate in active shooter training sessions. They will see short scenario videos and have their questions answered by criminal justice program director and trainer for the sheriff’s department, Felix Davila.
www.edweek.org
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/05/08/30research.h32.html?tkn=SSXFqo5bPJG3914xCTMMHg9cQCflihgzirAs&cmp=ENL-EU-NEWS1
Common Standards Set for Federal Education Research
By Sarah D. Sparks
San Francisco
As part of an effort to improve the quality of educational research and make it less balkanized, the National Science Foundation and the Institute of Education Sciences have introduced a common set of evidence standards for federally funded work. The criteria, rolled out last week at the American Educational Research Association’s annual meeting here, will guide all new research at the IES, the U.S. Department of Education’s main research agency, and all NSF research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.