The College Board announced this week that the number of high school students scoring 3 or higher on at least one AP exam has risen this year. "AP students are much more likely to earn a bachelor

I spoke with a teacher recently who told me that it's becoming more and more difficult to grade essays and other written work that his students turn in, as they tend to read like a long text message or IM. As it turns out, poor writing skills are making things more difficult for students as well when their job applications are graded by potential employers. Although there have been mass layoffs recently, there are companies that are still hiring. So who will get these jobs?

The next issue of brass will be arriving soon, and you

Next week, Barack Obama will be sworn in as our country's 44th president. No doubt you and your students will be keeping a watchful eye on the day's festivities.

I can't remember how many times I have heard or said, "I wish I had that when I was in school." I had that thought this morning as I read about a new trend starting in Portland, Oregon. They're called "Science Pubs" - people gather at local venues to listen to lectures on various scientific topics, while enjoying food and beverages. It's a relaxed atmosphere, with no chance of a pop quiz. The "pubs" are for college students and anyone else over 21, but there is an alternative for high school students called "Science Cafe" - same concept, no beer.

The US Treasury Department released the results of the National Financial Literacy Challenge this week. The 35 question challenge was taken by over 75,000 students, a dramatic increase from last year's 46,000 students. Recognition, medals and scholarships were awarded to the students who scored in the top 25th percentile and above.

In the 21st century classroom, it's the students who are doing the talking. The role of the teacher is evolving to become more of a facilitator. My teaching mentor always told me to talk less.

When teaching students how to budget, it is common to get them to create a list of their needs and wants and then have them determine what they can afford to spend. What if this concept applied to your computer? Microsoft is making news with their recent patent application for a "pay as you go" computer system. Under their plan, you buy a computer and then pay regular fees based on your usage and the performance level of the machine.

The last thing anyone expects to hear shouted in a third grade classroom is "(t x 4) + 2 = s!", but that is exactly what you'll hear if you visit Lebanon, OR elementary schools. Lebanon, a small Oregon town is starting students very early on Algebra. How early? As early as first grade. And starting students early is producing results. More than 80 percent of Lebanon 8th grade students passed the state math test. The closest any other district of a similar size came to matching that was 66 percent.

The brass crew would like to wish you and yours Happy Holidays!