The Atlas of True Names: the etymology of place names

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

For those interested in etymology (the study of where words come from), this is a fantastic resource. At first glance it may look like a standard atlas, but take a closer look at the names of places and youll see that the map doesnt show the modern-day names, but the ...

Candlelight vigil planned for teen found dead on UTPA campus

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

The skies are grey and rain is falling from the skies but UTPA students are planning to hold candlelight vigil for a teenage girl found dead on their campus.Based on preliminary autopsy results, authorities believe 18-year-old Brenda Dominguez died in an apparent suicide.Construction workers found the Edinburg North High School ...

S.B. Ekanayake S.B. – USAID Request for Proposals: Innovations in Education Data

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), and World Vision (collectively referred to as the “Founding Partners”) are seeking game-changing innovations with the potential to dramatically improve reading skills and low literacy rates among primary grade children. Through ...

Anglish – English without all the borrowed words

Sunday, January 15th, 2012

The English language has historically borrowed words heavily from other tongues (known as loanwords), and is part of the reason why we have such a rich vocabulary compared with every other language on the planet. England had cultural contact with many other races and tribes throughout its history for ...

Chaotic scene for parents following Cummings Middle School shooting

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

The scene outside Cummings Middle School in Brownsville was chaotic earlier wednesday morning after reports of a fatal shooting on campus.Police blocked roads and parents desperately trying to figure out what was happening and if their children were ok.But inside the classroom, many students tell us their experienced teachers helped ...

Joel Naatus – We Need More Teacher-Centered Solutions in ICT for Literacy

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

I’m not convinced that the challenge of promoting literacy ICT is a market failure, a human constraint, or a technological constraint. It’s a bit more nuanced than that. The tech capabilities are there, teachers will use good literacy tools, and the market exists. But what is lacking is the ...