The Daily Report Card: Grade Inflation, Online Resources, And Creation Science

In The Classroom Today

Ball State in the middle of grade-inflation debate | The Star Press | thestarpress.com A grade-inflation study published by Ball State University faculty last year is grabbing the attention of university administrators and state lawmakers. Senate Bill 392, which calls for an interim study committee on the grading practices at Ball State, Indiana State, Indiana and Purdue universities and at Ivy Tech Community College and the University of Southern Indiana, passed the Committee on Education and Career Development and was scheduled for debate on the floor of the Senate Tuesday night. (The Star-Press | Muncie, IN)

Indiana Education Department challenges teachers to use online resources in February | The Republic The Indiana Department of Education is challenging teachers to instruct their students digitally. The state agency said Monday it’s hosting a “29-Day Web 2.0 Challenge” in which it will feature an online resource with educator tutorials and tips for each day in February. It says teachers will be challenged to explore the online tool and share ways in which it enhances learning or helps them teach more effectively. (therepublic.com)

Creation science bill clears the Indiana Senate | Get On The Bus | The Indianapolis Star | IndyStar.com The Indiana Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would allow creationism to be taught in the classroom — an idea that, if it becomes law, could likely end up in a courtroom. Senate Bill 89, authored by Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, would allow schools to teach religion-based views on the origin of creation — be they Muslim, Jewish, Scientology or Christian — alongside the theory of evolution in public school science classes. Schools, however, would not be required to do so, and an Indiana Department of Education spokesman said the state would not develop any such curriculum or guidelines for teaching creationism. (blogs.indystar.com)