The best of the web on education from kindergarten to postsecondary, as chosen by Globe and Mail education editor Simona Chiose.
Oxford college sued for "selecting by wealth"
A 26-year-old student is suing a college at Oxford for what he calls "selecting by wealth," because the college asks for proof that those accepted have access to £21,000 before beginning studies, rather than taking into account the money they may earn during their studies. The college does not dispute the policy but argues that it requires the financial guarantee to ensure that students are able to finish their courses. On Monday, the student explained his reasons for taking legal action.
Quebec faculty question administration salaries
Contention is increasing in Quebec ahead of the province's education summit at the end of February. University presidents argued last week that their institutions are under-financed compared to the rest of Canada. Now, a new survey conducted by Quebec's faculty union found that the salaries of university presidents, vice-presidents and directors grew by over 150 per cent over the last 12 years, reaching salaries that are from three to five times those of university professors.
Less literature, more non-fiction in American schools
Elementary and high-school students across the United States will see many more non-fiction texts in their English classes and fewer novels under the Common Core standards. The initiative was adopted as a way to prepare students for the type of reading they are most likely to encounter in the workplace. Teachers are concerned, however, that the classics are precisely what will equip their students for life after school – as one comments here, the "angst" and morality of Hamlet could not be more appropriate for high school.
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