The Cupcake Wars

This New York Times article describes the difficulties of fundraising in public schools.  For urban schools in areas that are gentrifying, resentment can develop on the part of both newcomers and residents who have long worked to keep schools together.  Class differences can cause difficulties as new comers with more means attempt to use their expertise to raise money for their children's schools, leaving long-time residents feeling discounted.

More and more school districts are turning to foundations and other fundraising methods to supplement shrinking public support for schools. And, in some places, this "solution" is creating different problems, some that may be more difficult to address than raising money.

Early Warning Systems

This article from Education Week explains how educators are learning to use leading indicators to better target resources and reach students who may be at risk for falling behind.

The connection between collaboration and innovation

Google was interested in learning if there was a connection between collaboration and innovation. So, they did a little research.  Turns out that there is a strong correlation between the two.  If 1 is an absolute correlation, and 0 is no correlation, the collaboration-innovation is pretty strong, .81.

Seems like no matter which way we look at it, relationships, teams, connection are required for success in today's world.