Impact...

Shultz 'Teaches for America'

Former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz was one of many well-known figures who took part in Teach For America Week, Oct. 20-24. He spoke yesterday (Oct. 23) at Cesar Chavez Academy in East Palo Alto, Calif. Teach For America is the national teacher corps of outstanding recent college graduates who commit two years to teach in under-resourced urban and rural public schools.

Policy implications of brain research explored

More than 25 states are on tap to host statewide workshops about the implications brain research has on educational and societal practices and an estimated 750 people will grapple with the issue in Atlanta, Georgia, Oct. 27 at an "inforum" sponsored by the Education Commission of the States (ECS).

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board forming partnership with Penn State

While binge drinking, underage consumption, vandalism and noise plague college communities all across the country, officials at Penn State and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) announced last week they are joining forces to create an educational partnership to address the concerns of students, their parents and the communities that surround the university. "Educational programs do work and they are working at Penn State," said Graham B. Spanier, the university's president. "I think by combining what we are learning about how to curb excessive drinking with the extensive network of services and programs offered by the PLCB, we will create a powerful program for change."

UI researchers developing 'Chernobyl robot'

A team of University of Iowa College of Engineering researchers and students is developing a robot to be used next year to assess structural damage to Russia's ruined Chernobyl nuclear reactor. The Chernobyl reactor exploded 11 years ago, contributing to an estimated 30,000 deaths.The structure remains radioactive and the $2 million robotics project is part of a $350 million program to stabilize the structure.