2014 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION NEWS
www.11alive.com
http://www.11alive.com/news/article/318756/3/Georgia-General-Assembly-2014-session-begins-Monday
Georgia General Assembly 2014 session begins
John Shirek
ATLANTA — Some of the most vulnerable among us may not be able to travel to the Georgia State Capitol in downtown Atlanta over the next several weeks to speak out, and to lobby the legislature, on their own behalf. But the political debate over their fate officially begins on Monday when the General Assembly convenes its 40-day session of wheeling, dealing and lawmaking.
www.myajc.com
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/some-key-issues-in-2014-legislative-session/ncfLH/?icmp=ajc_internallink_invitationbox_apr2013_ajcstub1 q
Some key issues in 2014 legislative session
BY STAFF
Budget; Guns; Teacher raises; more
www.myajc.com
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/what-to-expect-from-the-georgia-legislature/ncjr5/
What to expect from the Georgia Legislature
BY KRISTINA TORRES – THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION
The 2014 Georgia legislative session kicks off at 10 a.m. Monday under the Gold Dome. Here’s a look at what to expect over the 40-day term:
www.myajc.com
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/voters-jobs-yes-guns-no/ncjrG/
Voters: Jobs yes, guns no
BY AARON GOULD SHEININ AND KRISTINA TORRES – THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION
On the eve of the 2014 legislative session, Georgia voters are generally pleased with the direction of the GOP-led state but not with one of the lawmakers’ signature proposals to expand access to guns statewide, according to a new poll conducted for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Voters still feel the sting of the recession. An overwhelming number stressed they want jobs and the economy to be the focus of the Gold Dome this year.
www.ajc.com
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/georgia-voters-positive-about-the-state-but-not-gu/ncjsZ/
Georgia voters positive about the state, but not guns
By Aaron Gould Sheinin and Kristina Torres
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgians are generally bullish about the direction of their state but want lawmakers to remain focused on boosting an economy and job market that voters say remains weak, according to a new poll conducted for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. A majority of registered voters say the state is headed in the right direction, with 51 percent saying they are satisfied with Georgia’s course and 7 percent who say they are very satisfied. …But when it comes to one of the top priorities for 2014 for the Republican majorities in the House and Senate, voters gave a resounding thumbs down. The GOP leadership in both chambers wants to greatly expand where gun owners can carry firearms. But voters in the poll by majorities exceeding 70 percent said it was a bad idea to allow owners to carry guns on college campuses, into churches and other locations.
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2014-01-12/athens-lawmaker-keeping-eye-out-gun-malpractice-bills
Athens lawmaker keeping eye out for gun, malpractice bills
By NICK COLTRAIN
State Rep. Spencer Frye said he’ll be keeping an eye on gun legislation that failed to pass in both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly last year, but remains viable in the new session that starts today. …“(The gun bill is) alive and well and we definitely need to pay attention to that,” Frye said. “That’s something every school district in our community is concerned about. They don’t want guns in our elementary schools.” Frye said he’s unsure if any compromise on the bill is looming. But even as a student — Frye is a semester from finishing a degree at the University of Georgia — he said he has his concerns. “Having actually sat in a classroom this last semester, and sat there with a room full of 150 folks around 21 years old, the idea of any of them having a firearm in their backpack is extremely disconcerting,” he said.
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2014-01-12/fast-focused-session-will-have-big-initiatives-controversie
“Fast & focused” session will have big initiatives, controversies
By WALTER C. JONES MORRIS NEWS SERVICE
ATLANTA – Raises for state workers and teachers, a scholarship and loan for technical-college students, and assistance for felons reentering society are among the few new initiatives expected in this year’s legislative session. The new ideas may be few, but the fights over old issues probably won’t be. Among the battles will be the Common Core curriculum, the minimum wage, expanding Medicaid, limiting medical-malpractice claims and guns on college campuses.
www.gainesvilletimes.com
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/94088/
Top issues facing the General Assembly in 2014 (2nd article down)
From staff reports
Education
Expect Common Core to be at the tip of everyone’s tongue, with 2013 Senate bills 167 and 203 asking the state to withdraw from the set of curriculum standards. Gov. Nathan Deal ordered the state board of education to review the standards in August, while in May, he signed a state order affirming Georgia’s role in the education of its students while continuing to support Common Core. Those same bills went nowhere in 2013, but it’ll be an issue to watch as awareness and an anti-Common Core sentiment grows throughout the state, particularly within the conservative tea party.
Guns (3rd article down)
Guns, always a hot-button topic, saw an explosion in legislative attention this past year after a Connecticut school shooting in December that claimed the lives of 26 students and school staff members. Lawmakers were cautious to act too quickly on several proposed bills, some of which will carry over to this year’s session, including greater discretion in allowing people voluntarily treated for mental health diseases to carry a weapon.
Budget (6th article down)
As a constitutionally mandated function of the legislature, determining the budget is a top priority. Rep. Carl Rogers, R-Gainesville, said budget priorities will be more clear once Gov. Nathan Deal has made his state of the state address on Wednesday.
Ethics (10th article down)
Sweeping ethics reform was approved by the 2013 legislature, with House bills 142 and 143 placing a $75 limit on gifts and meals from lobbyists. There were several exceptions, though, and strident supporters of ethics reform in the state may seek stricter rules.
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/general-assembly/2014-01-12/lawmaker-predicts-common-core-fuding-be-legislative-issues
Lawmaker predicts Common Core, funding to be legislative issues
By WALTER C. JONESMORRIS NEWS SERVICE
ATLANTA – Georgia’s participation in the Common Core curriculum standards, finances and “zero tolerance” behavior rules are expected to be among the top education issues in the legislative session that starts today. Rep. Brooks Coleman, R-Duluth, and Sen. Lindsey Tippins, R-Marietta, chairmen of the House and Senate education committees, met with reporters last week during a conference hosted by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education.
www.macon.com
http://www.macon.com/2014/01/10/2872801/funding-common-core-among-hot.html
Funding, Common Core among hot topics facing Georgia schools in 2015
BY JENNA MINK
ATLANTA — Education experts discussed issues from child poverty to state funding during the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education seminar Friday in Atlanta. A major topic was the statewide debate over the Common Core standards, with opponents calling for a complete overhaul and proponents claiming the standards should remain. Georgia is among 44 states to adopt the Common Core standards, which aim to provide a consistent framework for educating students nationwide.
www.accessnorthga.com
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=269800
A precedent-setting legislative session?
By Ken Stanford Staff
GAINESVILLE – At least one state lawmaker from Gainesville feels the state legislative session that begins Monday could be precedent-setting. Sen. Butch Miller says that’s because of the streamlined process planned this year in light of the earlier-than-usual date for the state primary elections. …THE ECONOMY, EDUCATION AND TRANSPORTATION
If the predictions of some area lawmakers come true, Georgians can expect a the session to go focus on the economy, education and transportation. …Rogers was asked about the governor’s proposal to alter the lottery-funded HOPE scholarship to benefit more technical college students in the state. Specifically he was asked if the state’s financial condition has improved to the point where that is economically feasible? …A major lingering question from last session is whether lawmakers will back a bill expanding gun rights on college campuses. A compromise emerged late on the final day of the session between two competing bills but never received a vote. …Some lawmakers says the budget is expected to dominate much of the session, as lawmakers have the benefit of increased revenues that have brought an end to additional spending cuts.
www.macon.com
http://www.macon.com/2014/01/11/2874697/election-season-casts-shadow-over.html
Election season casts shadow over 2014 legislative session
BY MAGGIE LEE
ATLANTA — As Georgia lawmakers prepare for their annual 40-day session in Atlanta, they may aim to finish quickly, keep the to-do list modest and return to work on their election campaigns. Or they may seek to do deeds worthy of stump speeches — on teacher pay, gun laws, the power structure in Macon-Bibb County and even the U.S. Constitution. And the state Legislature faces a situation that some of its newer members have never seen: state coffers filling up as the economy improves.
www.mdjonline.com
http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/24377051/article-Budget–education-among-top-Georgia-legislature-issues?instance=lead_story_left_column
Budget, education among top Georgia legislature issues
by Christina A. Cassidy, Associated Press
ATLANTA — The legislative session is set to begin Monday, and state lawmakers have a short list of top priorities amid a busy election year. Lawmakers will be motivated to move quickly and wrap up the session with enough time to return home and start campaigning. One of the first orders of business will be to move the state primary date to May 20 to align with the federal primary, which was moved up under court order to allow more time for overseas and military ballots. The budget is expected to dominate much of the session, as lawmakers have the benefit of increased revenues that have brought an end to additional spending cuts.
www.myajc.com
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/lobbyists-have-dozens-of-questions-about-their-new/nchSz/?icmp=ajc_internallink_invitationbox_apr2013_ajcstub1
Lobbyists have dozens of questions about their new limits
BY AARON GOULD SHEININ AND CHRIS JOYNER – THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION
Lawmakers and lobbyists start the 2014 legislative session Monday with this understanding: the days of unlimited spending on expensive dinners, sporting events and cocktails are gone. How gone, exactly, is the big question. Last year, legislators acceded to the will of the people that the General Assembly limit gifts from lobbyists. The result was a $75 cap on individual spending, plus an outright ban on free sports tickets and golf outings. Senators and representatives hailed the reforms as both historic and straightforward, but they were only half right. Elements of the new law have so perplexed the Georgia Professional Lobbyists Association that it is drafting a letter with dozens of questions for the state ethics commission about how the law will work.
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2014-01-10/georgia-teachers-rally-against-state-health-plan
Georgia teachers rally against state health plan
By ANDY MILLERGEORGIA HEALTH NEWS
Jan. 1 rang in a major change for more than 650,000 members of the state employees’ health plan. And on Jan. 2, the wife of a Cherokee County teacher started a Facebook page to voice complaints about the 2014 changes to the State Health Benefit Plan. In just days, the Facebook page has exploded, with thousands joining the group. As of Friday afternoon, the page had nearly 5,800 members. Also, the governor’s office has been deluged with phone calls and preparations are under way for a rally against the new plan. State employees’ leading complaint is the lack of choice of health plan providers, said Ashley Cline, creator of the Facebook group, called TRAGIC, or “Teachers Rally Against Georgia Insurance Changes.” A single vendor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, is providing medical care for the plan, which covers public school teachers in the state.
USG NEWS:
www.myajc.com
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/local-education/tougher-teacher-preparation-standards-about-to-tak/ncjtN/
Tougher teacher preparation standards about to take effect
BY JANEL DAVIS – THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION
Becoming a teacher in Georgia is about to become more difficult. Starting in February, tougher standards will be implemented for teacher-training programs. The new rules, announced this week, include a program-effectiveness measurement, changes in certification, and consequences for programs that fail to meet the mark. That’s fine, state teacher groups say, as long as the rules are the same for everyone, including private and alternative teaching programs such as Teach for America, a national nonprofit organization. “It may be some adjustment, but while the University System (of Georgia) wants to do this to improve teacher quality, (school) systems are hiring people who come from five-week programs,” said Tracey-Ann Nelson, lobbyist for the Georgia Association of Educators.
www.therepublic.com
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/85b748078d9b4a3d834bbd5d8f9da3b3/GA–Georgia-Colleges-Tuition-Waivers
Georgia regents to review policies on tuition waivers for out-of-state students
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ATLANTA — The University System of Georgia Board of Regents say they’re considering policy changes next month that would allow the board — rather than state lawmakers — to make decisions on tuition waivers for out-of-state students at Georgia colleges and universities. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported (http://bit.ly/JJHQ1y) that the regents acknowledged Wednesday that guidelines for out-of-state tuition waivers need to be improved.
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/health/2014-01-12/regents-target-elevated-health-care-costs
Regents target elevated health care costs
By WALTER C. JONESMORRIS NEWS SERVICE
ATLANTA – A new report shows the University System of Georgia has higher costs for some types of medical treatments and greater insurance risks than private industry, but administrators recently said the information will help them find savings. The Board of Regents’ Committee on Personnel and Benefits got its first look last week at the report by Truven Health Analytics and heard how it can lead to cost-reduction strategies.
www.cherokeetribune.com
http://cherokeetribune.com/bookmark/24362007-Georgia-News-Roundup
Georgia News Roundup (4th article down)
Regents to review out-of-state tuition waivers
ATLANTA (AP) — State regents say they plan policy changes next month that would allow the board — rather than state lawmakers — to make decisions on tuition waivers for out-of-state students at Georgia colleges and universities.
www.daily-tribune.com
http://www.daily-tribune.com/view/full_story/24377162/article–White%3D-C-Georgia-universities-could-see-tobacco-ban?instance=homefirstleft
Georgia universities could see tobacco ban
by Mark Andrews
The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents next month is expected to hold a preliminary committee vote on a system-wide campus tobacco ban. Dana Davis, director of college relations for Georgia Highlands College, said any new policy approved by USG would supersede the college’s existing ban.
www.northwestgeorgianews.com
http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/rome/news/local/georgia-highlands-college-presidential-search-committees-named/article_30ab1bc6-787b-11e3-b217-001a4bcf6878.html
Georgia Highlands College presidential search committees named
University System of Georgia officials have announced the formation of the two committees required by regents’ policy to conduct a national search for the permanent president of Georgia Highlands College. Currently, Renva Watterson fills this role in an interim capacity.
Related article:
www.johndruckenmiller.com
http://johndruckenmiller.com/two-committees-to-help-search-for-georgia-highlands-next-president/
Two committees to help search for Georgia Highlands’ next president
www.macon.com
http://www.macon.com/2014/01/12/2876151/new-president-aims-to-transition.html
New president aims to transition MGSC from college to university
BY JENNA MINK
For Christopher Blake, taking the reins of Middle Georgia State College is more than just a job. “It’s a marriage in a sense,” he says. “Coming here feels really, really good. … I want to work where I think the work will make a difference.” …As he becomes better acquainted with the college, he already has a concrete goal: to become a university — and soon. Blake estimates the college could become a university within the next 18 months. It’s an essential step that Middle Georgia State already has committed to, officials say, and it’s a transition that Blake has made at other institutions.
www.walb.com
http://www.walb.com/story/24417218/darton-interim-president-we-will-fix-it
Darton Interim President: ‘We will fix it’
By WALB News Team
ALBANY, GA (WALB) – Darton State College Interim President says he has brought on new staff to deal with the major financial and record keeping shortcomings revealed after a state audit of the school. “We will fix it, that’s the bottom line,” said Interim President Dr. Paul Jones. Among the new staff he has added is a new assistant for his office. Dr. Jones said he is assembling task forces to help facilitate meeting the needs of the Board of Regents laid out in six key areas.
www.albanyherald.com
http://www.albanyherald.com/news/2014/jan/10/paul-jones-is-serious-about-fixing-darton-state/
Paul Jones serious about work fixing Darton State College’s problems (VIDEO)
A Board of Regents limited audit report revealed major compliance issues at Darton State College
By Terri Lewis
ALBANY — It’s been said that it takes serious people to solve serious problems, and Darton State College Interim President Paul Jones is a very serious person. Wednesday afternoon, albanyherald.com first reported the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents had released an audit of Darton that cited six areas of “material” concern dealing with issues ranging from not properly keeping track of the academic progress (SAP) of students receiving federal financial aid to improper use of grant money. …“I had to hit the ground running; there was no transition time for me. I hope you and others understand that. I was doing all right where I was, but I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to come here and serve during these challenging times.”
www.albanyherald.com
http://www.albanyherald.com/news/2014/jan/10/darton-state-college-athletics-programs-hit-with/?sports
Darton State College athletics programs hit with budget cuts in wake of audit
Darton sports teams to see scholarship limits drop
By John Millikan
ALBANY — More than $165,000 of coaches’ salaries will be absorbed into the Darton State College athletics budget, which will cause cuts and scholarship reductions in nearly every program. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents released a 2013 limited audit of Darton Wednesday that was first reported at albanyherald.com. In it were accusations that costs for the school’s athletic programs were allocated inappropriately. In Issue 6 of the Audit Engagement Report, it was revealed that six of 19 members of the Darton athletic department had “some portion of their salary charged to the grounds maintenance department.”
www.cnn.com
http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/politics/2014/01/09/tsr-dnt-sciutto-new-nsa-reforms.cnn.html
W.H. to consider surveillance reforms
The Situation Room
A day after meeting with the nation’s spy chiefs, President Obama sat down with lawmakers, CNN’s Jim Sciutto reports. Georgia Tech’s Peter Swire is interviewed as part of the story.
GOOD NEWS:
www.times-georgian.com
http://www.times-georgian.com/news/local/article_545d8d5a-799e-11e3-9135-0019bb30f31a.html
UWG earns national ranking in online programs
U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 “Best Online Programs” rankings place the University of West Georgia among the top in the nation, including a WebMBA program ranking of fourth nationally and an online graduate computer information technology program ranking of 12th nationally. UWG’s online graduate nursing program, online graduate education program and online bachelor’s program in criminology received high marks as well.
www.businessweek.com
http://www.businessweek.com/printer/articles/176973-another-university-gets-into-the-health-care-mba-boom
Another University Gets Into the Health-Care MBA Boom
By Patrick Clark
Health-care professionals have been pouring into business schools for the better part of two decades, hoping to parlay a business education into a career opportunity in a fast-growing and maddeningly complex field. The University of Georgia is the latest school to respond to the demand for a health-care MBA. Beginning in the fall, the university will offer a dual-degree program from its College of Public Health and the Terry College of Business. The program is designed for business school students who want an expertise in health care, or public-health students interested in business, according to a press release.
www.macon.com
http://www.macon.com/2014/01/10/2872582/state-approves-firms-for-veterans.html
State approves firms for construction of veterans training center in Warner Robins
BY WAYNE CRENSHAW
WARNER ROBINS — The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has approved companies to build a veterans training center. The board approved a design firm, a project manager and a construction company for the $10 million Military and Academic Training Center, also called the Gateway Center. “That’s exciting, that it’s going forward,” said Larry Walker, a former state representative and Perry attorney who serves on the Board of Regents. Groundbreaking is expected in September or October, said John Millsaps, the board’s spokesman.
USG VALUE:
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/uga/2014-01-09/uga-climate-scientist-take-part-white-house-sponsored-online-discussion
UGA climate scientist to take part in White House-sponsored online discussion
By STAFF REPORTS
With the nation digging out from this week’s bone-chilling freeze, the White House will convene a discussion by experts on the frontlines of weather forecasting and climate science, including the University of Georgia’s Marshall Shepherd, at 2 p.m. Friday “We the Geeks: ‘Polar Vortex’ and Extreme Weather” will be a conversation with leading meteorologists, climate scientists and weather experts about why temperatures dipped to such frigid lows this week, how weather experts turn raw data into useful forecasts and what we know about extreme weather events in the context of a changing climate.
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2014-01-11/athens-entrepreneurs-aim-engineered-serendipity-coworking-spaces
Athens entrepreneurs aim at ‘engineered serendipity’ of coworking spaces
By NICK COLTRAIN
…While not true co-working, the Bottleworks on Prince Avenue is working to fill a similar gap for small businesses looking to work elsewhere than their homes. It’s renting out individual high-end office suites ideal for one- or two-person operations, its representatives said. …Flannery called the Bottleworks plans a smart business move and full of potential for small businesses. It can even echo the benefits of coworking, Flannery said. For instance, the recent UGA graduate in the Bottleworks, Ryan Helsing, started a business called Centerian that serves as payment processor for insurance companies. He works with Aflac and one of its representatives will become a neighbor at the Bottleworks suites.
RESEARCH:
www.athens.patch.com
http://athens.patch.com/groups/university-of-georgia/p/cisplatin-side-effects-blunted-when-combined-with-aspirin
Cisplatin Side Effects Blunted When Combined with Aspirin
UGA researchers combined the two in Platin-A to reduce inflammation.
Posted by Rebecca McCarthy (Editor)
Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new prodrug that promises to reduce many of the negative side effects caused by cisplatin, a commonly prescribed chemotherapy treatment.
www.albanyherald.com
http://www.albanyherald.com/news/2014/jan/12/beige-fat-catches-eye-of-uga-researchers/
Beige fat catches eye of UGA researchers
Rates of obesity rising in much of the world
By Hyacinth Empinado
White cells store globs of fat and make bellies jiggle. Brown cells burn fat and keep mice slim. In between is a type of fat called “beige,” which may be a key to fighting the bulge. This prospect is so trendy that a beige-fat expert was featured in November during the nation’s largest meeting of obesity experts and bariatric surgeons. And though “beiging” is not widely studied as yet, it has caught the attention of researchers at the University of Georgia.
www.albanyherald.com
http://www.albanyherald.com/news/2014/jan/12/doctors-also-doing-phd-research-at-uga/
Doctors also doing Ph.D. research at UGA
More physicians straddling the world of science and medicine
By Julianne Wyrick
ATHENS — Sam Dolezal is one of five future doctors who are also doing Ph.D. research at UGA. Moving new discoveries from the science lab to the doctor’s office can take decades and cost hundreds of millions of dollars. And although it is not possible to eliminate this process, people who straddle the worlds of science and medicine may be able to speed it up. …Dolezal is one of five future doctors who are also doing Ph.D. research at the University of Georgia. As Athens’ new medical school campus – the Georgia Regents University-University of Georgia (GRU-UGA) medical partnership – enters its fourth year of operation, possibilities exist for more dual-degree students.
www.livescience.com
http://www.livescience.com/42493-coral-reef-ecosystem-goby-coral-algae-nsf-ria.html
Tiny Neighbors Keep Coral Reefs Clean
Susan M. Reiss, National Science Foundation
This Research in Action article was provided to LiveScience in partnership with the National Science Foundation. Who do you call when your coral-reef neighborhood starts going downhill? The goby fish. These inch-long, biotic hedge trimmers enjoy nothing more than removing toxic algae from the knobby skyscraper villages erected by Acropora coral. Good thing, too. Without the gobies’ compulsive cleaning, the alga commonly known as turtleweed can severely damage a coral reef through bleaching… “The gobies are very defensive about their territory. They live in this coral their entire lives and feel like this is their house,” says Mark Hay, a Georgia Institute of Technology biologist who studies the unique relationship shared by the gobies, algae and coral.
www.blogs.edweek.org
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/inside-school-research/2014/01/minority_female_participation_.html
Minority, Female Participation a Problem for AP Computer Science, Study Finds
By Sarah D. Sparks
Cross-posted from Liana Heitin at Curriculum Matters. A new analysis of test-taking data finds that in Mississippi and Montana, no female, African American, or Hispanic students took the Advanced Placement exam in computer science. In fact, no African-American students took the exam in a total of 11 states, and no Hispanic students took it in eight states, according to state comparisons of College Board data compiled by Barbara Ericson, the director of computing outreach and a senior research scientist at Georgia Tech.
www.blogs.voanews.com
Robots Test Healthcare Waters in Japan, US
Aida Akl
Decades ago, the notion of robots assisting people was mostly the stuff of science fiction stories – harbingers of things to come. Well, that day is here. Robots have been in use in auto manufacturing, rescue and demining operations for some time. But they are now beginning to be utilized the healthcare sector in the United States and Japan… VGo is not the only robot in town. Others include Toyota’s Partner Robot, and El-E – the Elevated Engagement robot developed at Georgia Tech’s Center for Healthcare Robotics in Atlanta. And Williams envisions a day when robots will be just another appliance in the smart homes of the future.
www.globalatlanta.com
http://www.globalatlanta.com/print/26697/
Airport Cities at Home and Abroad Offer Lessons for Atlanta
Garrett Hyer of TSW, the Atlanta-based community development and architectural firm, offers insights from study of eight global airport areas
Airport areas fascinate me. As globalization continues to strengthen, we often find ourselves traveling for business and pleasure, but we rarely stop to think about these portals that take us to new worlds and draw investment to their local communities. That’s why this past year I conducted research with the Georgia Institute of Technology on airport-area planning and development. For Atlanta, home of the world’s busiest airport, the stakes couldn’t be higher for getting this right.
www.chronicle.augusta.com
http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2014-01-09/old-savannah-vaults-didnt-house-slaves-researchers-find
Old Savannah vaults didn’t house slaves, researchers find
Tales were spun by tour guides, city leaders told
By Eric Curl
Morris News Service
SAVANNAH, Ga. — The uses of the historic vaults along Factors Walk remains a mystery after the completion of an archaeological study last year. Savannah Research Library and Municipal Archives Director Luciana Spracher presented the Savannah City Council with some findings discovered through the partnership with Georgia Southern University during a workshop Thursday.
Editorials/Columns/Opinions
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/opinion/2014-01-10/editors-desk-lawmakers-must-learn-education-critical-economic-development
The Editor’s Desk: Lawmakers must learn education is critical to economic development
By JIM THOMPSON
Memo to members of the Georgia General Assembly: Public education is not a political tool for use of the Republicans who dominate your ranks to play to the cheap seats with blather about vouchers, charter schools and such. Public education is a key to desirable and sustainable economic development that deserves serious attention. Take a moment to read this excerpt of a recent Georgia Public Broadcasting story on the promising 2014 economic forecast for the state:
www.myajc.com
http://www.myajc.com/weblogs/get-schooled/2014/jan/10/top-10-education-issues-watch-2014/
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
Top 10 Georgia education issues to watch in 2014
I am at the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education media forum today, which serves as a great preview for the legislative session that opens next week. The event brings many of the key players in Georgia education to the table, including state Superintendent John Barge and the chairs of the Senate and House education committees. I will be updating this blog during the day from the forum. First up this morning is the Partnership’s policy and research director Dana Rickman on the 10 issues to watch this year. Here are the 10 issues that she says come out of research-based nonpartisan analysis.
www.myajc.com
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/opinion/back-to-business/ncjnF/
Back to business
Monday’s resumption of the General Assembly promises to begin a speedy session. Lawmakers’ rush should not preclude commonsense, effective governance or good solutions for Georgia’s needs.
BY ANDRE JACKSON
The overarching theme of the Georgia General Assembly’s 2014 session may well prove to be speed. The rush is a byproduct of an election year and an early primary that’re likely to motivate lawmakers to quickly move through the basics and little more so that they can return to campaigning as soon as possible. A fast-moving session may not be a bad thing. It leaves less time for grandstanding, gamesmanship and fire-up-the-base antics.
www.myajc.com
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/opinion/ga-schoolscut-to-boneby-legislature/nchfL/
Ga. schools cut to bone by Legislature
BY JAY BOOKMAN – THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION
“If it is the state leadership’s secret plan to slowly choke the life out of public education by reducing funding, the plan may very well be succeeding,” state School Superintendent John Barge wrote in a blistering letter released Monday. “You can slowly cut the flow of funds so that teachers lose their jobs, class sizes grow larger, and programs are cut to the point that student achievement no longer increases, but begins to decrease,” warned Barge. “Then, you can shout that our public school systems are failing and they must be privatized, but you will be doing this state and our society a tremendous disservice.” Yup, that does seem to be the plan.
www.myajc.com
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/opinion/funding-k-12-education-formula-is-top-general-asse/ncgj3/
Funding k-12 education formula is top General Assembly priority
BY ALAN ESSIG
Georgia’s leaders are talking about increasing spending on public schools for the first time since the Great Recession forced drastic state budget cuts. Those cuts continue to prompt local districts to furlough teachers, increase class sizes and shorten school calendars. Some news reports in advance of this month’s convening of the Georgia General Assembly say increased spending for education will be offered as money to cover a salary increase for teachers. I hope state lawmakers will resist that temptation. For the greatest impact on students, any additional education dollars should be used to guarantee that every child in Georgia attends school for the required 180 days.
www.gainesvilletimes.com
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/227/article/94056/
Our Views: The 40-day sprint begins
State lawmakers have a lot on their plates before they can begin re-election campaigns
Times Editorial Board
For those whose trust in government has dropped as low as recent temperatures, the arrival of this year’s session of the Georgia General Assembly is welcome as an annual trip to the dentist. Georgia lawmakers in recent years haven’t always dazzled during their 40-day Gold Dome gathering. Yet in their defense, the recession didn’t allow much wiggle room for innovative government. And despite those fiscal restraints, last year’s session produced good first-step reforms on ethics, juvenile justice reform and tougher BUI and boating safety laws. Just don’t expect quite as much substance, and a good deal more style, out of this year’s session.
www.thebrunswicknews.com
http://www.thebrunswicknews.com/story/printer/EDIT-SAT-011114
Editorial
Harder requirements are good for students
If you’re a student in middle school or high school in Georgia or the parent of a student, please take note: qualifying for the lottery-funded HOPE scholarship just got a tad bit harder. More is being demanded of those who plan to apply for free college tuition beginning with this year’s high school juniors who are on track to graduate in 2015. New rules went into effect Jan. 1. The purpose, of course, is to take pressure off HOPE funds, the victim of double whammy – the recession of 2008 and a steady flow of applicants. Legislators, some near panic, made certain changes to ensure the fund is around for years to come. There’s nothing overly complicated or impossible about the new rules. Students will still need a “B” average – 3.0 grade point average – or better to apply for HOPE and they will still need to maintain at least a “B” to sustain it through college.
www.redandblack.com
http://www.redandblack.com/views/our-take-differing-elc-uses-defeats-purpose-of-uniformity/article_11f85c90-7bcb-11e3-9cf2-0019bb30f31a.html
Our take: Differing eLC uses defeats purpose of uniformity
There are few things more frustrating than a system made to help simplify academic responsibilities, but instead gives everyone yet another inbox to check and discussion board to contribute to. eLearningCommons, more commonly referred to as eLC, is an online tool for students where the entirety of their class schedules, syllabi, assignments and responsibilities are housed. Although it may sound like the answer to organizational problems for the average university student, the revamping of the site over the last few years has left students out in the cyber cold. After UGA presented three different versions of eLC over the last three years, both students and faculty struggled to discern the differences from one eLC to another, and thus shied away from the system and any assistance it can provide.
www.chronicle.com
http://chronicle.com/article/How-Should-Graduate-School/143945/?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en
How Should Graduate School Change?
A dean discusses the future of doctoral-education reform
By Leonard Cassuto
I talk a lot in this column about how graduate programs might be run differently. The graduate enterprise faces a lot of problems, so there’s plenty to talk about. But I don’t run a graduate program, and we don’t hear enough from the people who do. There’s a reason for that. Administrators can’t dissociate themselves from their institutions when they speak. As any administrator will tell you, even the most casual remark can become the object of Kremlinological scrutiny and speculation.
www.nytimes.com
How to Help College Students Graduate
By DAVID L. KIRP
AMERICAN students are enrolling in college in record numbers, but they’re also dropping out in droves. Barely half of those who start four-year colleges, and only a third of community college students, graduate. That’s one of the worst records among developed nations, and it’s a substantial drain on the economy. The American Institutes for Research estimates the cost of those dropouts, measured in lost earnings and taxes, at $4.5 billion. Incalculable are the lost opportunities for social mobility and the stillborn professional careers. There’s a remedy at hand, though, and it’s pretty straightforward. Nationwide, universities need to give undergraduates the care and attention akin to what’s lavished on students at elite institutions.
www.insidehighered.com
http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2014/01/13/essay-looks-how-early-warning-systems-can-better-boost-retention#ixzz2qHyDZVYa
Tech Alone Won’t Cut It
By Melinda Mechur Karp
The news that Purdue University likely overstated the impact of its early warning system, Course Signals, has cast doubt about the efficacy of a host of technology products intended to improve student retention and completion. In a commentary published in Inside Higher Ed, Mark Milliron responded by arguing that “next-generation” early warning systems use more robust analytics and will be likely to get better results. We contend that even with extremely robust and appropriate analytics, programs like Course Signals may still fall short if their adoption ignores the most pressing piece of electronic advising systems — their use on the front end, by advisers, faculty and students.
www.chronicle.com
http://chronicle.com/article/Borderline-Ignorance/143865/?cid=cr
Borderline Ignorance
Why have efforts to internationalize the curriculum stalled?
By Stanley N. Katz
Today we are sending a growing number of students to study abroad. We are setting up branch campuses in other countries. We are seeking foreign students to fill our seats (and budgets). So why am I worried that the internationalization of our curricula has stalled? We often use the terms “international” and “global” interchangeably, but they should not be confused. Crudely, “global” means “concerning the whole world.” Global phenomena are those not limited to particular places. Most important, they affect the entire world—climate change is probably the most obvious example. “International” means just what the compound word implies—something that transcends the nation-state, existing or occurring across borders. Trade, for example.
www.chronicle.com
http://chronicle.com/blogs/players/ncaa-governance-proposal-prompts-mix-of-reactions/34099?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en
NCAA Governance Proposal Prompts Mix of Reactions
By Brad Wolverton
How much change is coming to the NCAA? A 14-page document the association distributed on Thursday provides a peek at some of the ways its Division I governance system could look different one day. We’ve heard many of the ideas before, including a push to give the wealthiest five leagues more autonomy and provide athletic directors throughout Division I more voice in governing the system. But the document describes some of those changes in more detail than I’ve seen before, offering a window into the NCAA’s governance dialogue that has taken center stage in recent months.
Education News
www.albanyherald.com
http://www.albanyherald.com/news/2014/jan/09/georgia-ranks-17th-nationally-in-k-12-achievement/
Georgia ranks 17th nationally in K-12 achievement
The K-12 Achievement Index is one indicator in the Quality Counts report that measures key education outcomes
Staff Reports
ATLANTA — Georgia’s K-12 Achievement ranks 17th in the nation, according to an Education Week report released Thursday. The K-12 Achievement Index is one indicator in the Quality Counts report that measures key education outcomes and provides ranks and grades for each state based on their commitment to improve educational policies and practices. In previous years, the Quality Counts report gave states an overall ranking (Georgia ranked 7th in the nation for the past two years) but it does not compile overall state rankings this year. States are only ranked on the six individual indicators.
www.mdjonline.com
http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/24356559/article-Governor-details-plan-to-help-tech-school-students?instance=secondary_story_bullets_left_column
Governor details plan to help tech school students
by Christina A. Cassidy, Associated Press
ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal said Wednesday he will propose the state establish a separate scholarship within the HOPE grant program to provide full tuition for technical college students with a 3.5 grade-point average. Deal, in an interview, said the new Zell Miller Scholarship in the HOPE grant program will help train the state’s workforce to meet critical employer needs. His office estimates about 16,000 technical college students would immediately qualify. Deal outlined a handful of his higher education proposals in an interview with The Associated Press in advance of the legislative session, which is set to begin Monday.
www.41nbc.com
http://www.41nbc.com/news/local-news/31095-cgtc-will-soon-offer-nursing-and-engineering-programs
CGTC Will Soon Offer Nursing and Engineering Programs
Written by Elaine Rackley on Friday, January 10, 2014 08:11 PM. Posted in Local
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Central Georgia Technical College will soon be adding two new programs. The college’s president, Ivan Allen, announced the school will add nursing and engineering programs during a Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce meeting, Friday.
www.times-herald.com
http://www.times-herald.com/local/20140111-Mark-Butler-Rotary
Butler Addresses Need For Soft Skills On Job
by CLAY NEELY
Sixty-nine percent of first-time hires are likely to lose their jobs due to a lack of soft skills, according to Mark Butler, state labor commissioner. “We also polled potential employers, posing the question, ‘If you were looking hiring a new person but with either one skill set, which one would you prefer?’ The employers overwhelmingly picked soft skills over technical by 81 percent,” said Butler. “That’s astonishing.”
www.diverseeeducation.com
http://diverseeducation.com/article/60071/?utm_campaign=Diverse%20Newsletter%203&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=a0c967fe152d44b59a5e9e7a0d3c16fa&elqCampaignId=173
“Reverse Transfer” Program to Benefit Community College Students
By Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—State higher education officials are hoping to boost college graduation rates in Tennessee by helping students who transfer from community colleges to four-year institutions get the associate degrees they may still lack. The state currently doesn’t have a system for students who transfer from community colleges to receive an associate degree after they arrive at their new four-year school. But The Tennessean reports a so-called “reverse transfer” program would allow students to collect that degree credential when requirements are met in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.
www.chronicle.com
http://chronicle.com/blogs/headcount/young-people-with-mentors-go-to-college-at-higher-rates-survey-finds/37523?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en
At-Risk Young Adults With Mentors Go to College at Higher Rates
At-risk young people who had a mentor aspired to attend college and enrolled at higher rates than did their peers without mentors. That’s according to a survey commissioned by the National Mentoring Partnership that was scheduled for release on Monday. About three-quarters of at-risk young adults (ages 18 to 21) with a mentor reported that they had always planned to go to and graduate from college, compared with 56 percent of those who didn’t have a mentor.
www.diverseeeducation.com
http://diverseeducation.com/article/60010/?utm_campaign=Diverse%20Newsletter%203&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=c2d1e05c228740c8ac6098ed682fa3c9&elqCampaignId=173#
Pa. Universities May Allow Guns on Campus
by Mark Scolforo, Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is hearing from supporters and opponents of a proposed policy to allow weapons in limited areas of its 14 campuses, but officials say they need more time to work on the plan.
www.diverseeducation.com
http://diverseeducation.com/article/60083/?utm_campaign=Diverse%20Newsletter%203&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=a0c967fe152d44b59a5e9e7a0d3c16fa&elqCampaignId=173
Florida University Sued Over Campus Gun Ban
by Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—A gun rights group is suing the University of Florida for banning guns in campus housing. The lawsuit comes on the heels of a similar suit against the University of North Florida’s ban on guns in cars. In early December, the 1st District Court of Appeal sided with a UNF student and gun rights group Florida Carry that challenged a rule banning students from storing guns in their cars. The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports UF officials said in a written statement they had been in talks with Florida Carry this week and were stunned by the lawsuit.
www.insidehighered.com
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/01/13/feedback-education-department-officials-received-administrations-college-ratings#ixzz2qHy0Aj3i
Feedback From the Field
By Michael Stratford
Since shortly after President Obama announced his plan to develop a federal ratings system for colleges last summer, the Education Department has been soliciting feedback on the plan from a wide range of constituents within higher education. Officials have held town hall sessions on college campuses, a handful of open hearings, and closed-door meetings with college presidents and student leaders, among others. The department has also been actively soliciting ideas about the ratings system electronically through its collegefeedback@ed.gov address.
www.chronicle.com
http://chronicle.com/article/Fixing-Graduate-Education-the/143955/?cid=at
To Fix Graduate Education, Johns Hopkins U. Grapples With Some Trade-Offs
The critiques of graduate education have been building in recent years: Too many programs, scholars warn, enroll too many people who struggle to make ends meet while in graduate school, take on too much debt, and outnumber the tenure-track jobs they are being trained to fill. At the Johns Hopkins University, administrators watching the shifting landscape have decided that the time has come to respond. The humanities and social-science programs in the university’s Krieger School of Arts and Sciences compete for top graduate students with fellowship packages that fall far short of those offered by rivals. Students who do enroll often find themselves in financial straits over the summer, when stipend money runs out.
www.chronicle.com
http://chronicle.com/article/MLA-Delegates-Approve/143985/?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en
MLA Delegates Narrowly Approve Controversial Resolution on Israel
By Jennifer Howard
Chicago
By a slim margin, the Modern Language Association’s Delegate Assembly approved a controversial resolution here on Saturday concerning Israel and academic freedom. The measure urges the U.S. State Department to challenge what the document says are travel restrictions imposed by Israel on some American academics, especially those of Palestinian descent, who want to teach or do research at Palestinian universities. Those “denials of entry” have impeded American scholars’ ability to work and travel, the resolution says. It passed, 60 to 53, after a charged and sometimes unruly debate.
www.insidehighered.com
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/01/13/mla-delegate-assembly-narrowly-votes-criticize-israel#ixzz2qHxrylsZ
Taking Israel to Task
By Scott Jaschik
Note: This is an expanded version of an article published Saturday.
CHICAGO — The Modern Language Association’s Delegate Assembly narrowly approved a resolution Saturday urging the U.S. State Department to express concern over what the measure calls restrictions on scholars’ ability to travel to Israel and the West Bank to work at Palestinian universities. The 60 to 53 vote followed hours of debate in which supporters of the measure framed their issue as a matter of human rights and academic freedom, while critics said that the association was singling out Israel based on faulty information and bias against the nation.
www.insidehighered.com
http://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2014/01/13/paper-universities-lose-money-research
Paper: Universities Lose Money on Research
Most universities lose money on research, according to an analysis published in the journal Technology and Innovation – Proceedings of the National Academy of Inventors. The study notes that universities seek (and receive) research grants from the federal government and other sources. But the study says that these grants cover such a small share of “indirect costs” of research — such as staffing, equipment and facilities — that typically institutions lose money.
www.insidehighered.com
http://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2014/01/13/50-million-gift-bioscience-southern-cal
$50 Million Gift for Bioscience at Southern Cal
The University of Southern California is today announcing a $50 million gift to create a center for “convergent bioscience.”