Educators raise questions about focus on new tests
Leaders of two key education groups in Iowa say Governor Branstad's "blueprint" for education reform focuses too much on having students and teachers take more tests. Iowa State Education Association executive director Mary Jane Cobb says testing is the "wrong driver" for the transformation that's needed. "We think teachers need more time to spend together, to collaborate, to help each other critique their practice and to improve," Cobb says. "That's not addressed in the plan." Tom Downs, … [Read More...]
U-I pianos saved from 2008 flood are damaged by water leak
When record flooding hit the University of Iowa in 2008, several pianos from Hancher Auditorium and the School of Music were quickly moved to buildings on higher ground. This week, six of those rescued pianos were badly damaged -- by a water leak. U-I spokesman Tom Moore says it's not clear yet if all six pianos will have to be junked. "We're going to bring in a restoration specialist to take a look at the gem of the group, the 1979 Model D Steinway, nine-foot long concert grand piano," … [Read More...]
Supreme Court will hear Atlantic High School strip search case
The Iowa Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal of the case involving the strip search of female students at Atlantic High School. The high court will review an October decision from the Iowa Court of Appeals, which ruled 2-1 that the Atlantic Community School District did not have to release the type of discipline taken against an assistant principal and guidance counselor responsible for improperly strip-searching the teenage girls. The Appeals Court ruling said discipline cases were … [Read More...]
Autopsy planned on body of Lockridge man
An autopsy is planned on the remains of a southeast Iowa man who had been missing a little over two weeks. The body of a 62-year-old Lockridge man was found Thursday near his home. Duane Hinkle was found by members of a search party northeast of his home upstream along the edge of a creek. Hinkle was last seen on January 10th and the last time anyone heard from him was a voice mail during the morning of January 11th. Officials say Hinkle failed to show up for a meeting with his cousin who … [Read More...]
Changes made to nuclear plant bill, opponents say risk remains
A three-member panel has made changes to a bill that would put in place the regulatory framework for construction of a new nuclear power plant in Iowa, but critics say there's still too much risk for consumers. Anthony Carroll of the AARP says his group doesn't oppose nuclear power, but believes the bill is a bad deal for rate-payers. "This is a game changer, an expensive raw deal for consumers," he says. Environmentalists complain the bill doesn't properly resolve questions about nuclear … [Read More...]
