Education Trends to Expect in 2011

I’m amazed that 2010 is over. 2011 is here and it feels so surreal. I suppose I’m not the only one who feels this way. To sit here and think about it, I could have sworn that last New Year’s Eve was such a short time ago! Time really does fly and so much changes throughout the years. This next year is sure to bring plenty of exciting things and probably some not-so-exciting things as well. Keep an eye out for the following education trends that made the news in 2010 and are sure to stir up more interest in 2011.
Better school lunches. Proper nutrition for our children was a hot button issue this year, and the improvements will only continue to spread.
Bill Needed to Put Free Water on the California Lunch Menu
Should Kids with Food Allergies be Forced to Homeschool
Whole Foods Campaigns to Put Salad Bars in Schools
D.C. Removes Chocolate Milk From Public School Lunches
Pennsylvania School District Combats Childhood Obesity

Technology in the classroom. Technology continues to become a necessity in our lives, but what is often thought of as a time waster for children is now making the classroom a more connected and educational place.
Colleges Reaching Students Through Every Social Media Angle
Clickers on the Rise in Lecture Halls
Florida Schools Trade Textbooks for Kindles
California Schools Swap Textbooks for iPads
Educationals Apps for the iPad, iTouch and iPhone
Rising tuition costs. The changes were not all positive in 2010, and the rising cost of college tuition is sure to continue to be an issue this year.
Public College Tuition Jumps Nearly Eight Percent
Tuition Hike Sparks Riot in London
New Haven Schools Offer to Pay College Tuition for Students
UPromise Offers a Way to Pay for College
Student Debt – Who is to Blame?
The DREAM Act, education reform and minority education. Immigration issues have crept into the education system, and it’s polarizing effect will continue to effect it.
DREAM Act Stalls in the Senate
DREAM Act Approved by House, Awaits Vote by Senate
Miami Dade College Celebrates 50 Years as a Model of Education for Hispanics
Minority and Community Colleges Helped by Education Reform Act
Low Graduation for Community College Students has Many Asking for Reform
Campus and student safety. There was a surplus of student suicides this year, many are blaming on cyber bullying and homophobia. Tolerance and acceptance will be a much needed focus in 2011.

The 10 Most Dangerous College Campuses
Student Commits Suicide because of Being Bullied
Mom Sent Son to School with Gun to Ward off Bullies
Safety or Freedom: Face Coverings at a Massachusetts College
Homeschool Student gets Suspended for Bringing Shotgun Shell to School
Gay and lesbian rights. Issues like “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and gay marriage have led to many campus demonstrations and student speaking out.
Gay Pride Flag Burned at Michigan College
Celebrities Speak Out Against Anti-LGBTQ Bullying
Constance McMillen Wins $35K from Homophobic School Board
LGBT-Friendly Colleges are Recruiting High School Seniors
College Professor Uses Bible to Insult Homosexuals