Perceptions of libraries

OCLC's newest membership report, a sequel to the 2005 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, is now available. The new report provides updated information and new insights into information consumers and their online habits, preferences, and perceptions. Particular attention was paid to how the current economic downturn has affected the information-seeking behaviors and how those changes are reflected in the use and perception of libraries.
OCLC. (2011). Perceptions of Libraries. http://www.oclc.org/reports/2010perceptions.htm

California teachers find science lessons lacking

In California, elementary-school teachers say they have less time to teach science because of an increased focus on students' achievement in reading and math, according to a recent survey. About 10% of elementary students routinely engage in hands-on science lessons, and teachers reported they lack resources and training to teach the course. The result, officials say, has been lower scores on standardized science exams.
Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning. (2011). High Hopes – Few Opportunities: The Status of Elementary Science Education in California.
http://www.cftl.org/documents/2011/StrengtheningScience_full.pdf

Literacy perceptions

A national survey of literacy coaches found little curriculum integration, and mixed perceptions about integration obstacles and curricular definition of ICT. Finding noted the extent that ICT is being integrated into literacy instruction, and suggest factors to increase that practice and more broadly define literacy.
Hutchison, A., & Reinking, D. (2011). Teachers' perceptions of integrating information and communication technologies in literacy instruction. Reading Research Quarterly, 46(4), 312-333.

Inequities in student performance

Examines disparities in performance between public schools attended by white or Asian students and those attended by African-American, Latino, or Native American students. Analyzes how disadvantaged children are assigned to high-poverty and urban schools.
Logan, John R. (2010). Whose Schools Are Failing? US2010 Project.
http://www.s4.brown.edu/us2010/Data/Report/report5.pdf

School funding report

Examines differences in per-pupil school funding among states, inequities among districts within states, and their implications. Calls for a progressive fiscal equity measure that would encourage state school financing reform.
Epstein, Diana. (2011). Measuring Inequity in School Funding. Center for American Progress.
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/08/pdf/funding_equity.pdf

Adult use of mobile services

More than a quarter (28%) of all American adults use mobile or social location-based services of some kind. This includes anyone who takes part in one or more of the following activities:
28% of cell owners use phones to get directions or recommendations based on their current location—that works out to 23% of all adults.
A much smaller number (5% of cell owners, equaling 4% of all adults) use their phones to check in to locations using geosocial services such as Foursquare or Gowalla. Smartphone owners are especially likely to use these services on their phones.
9% of internet users set up social media services such as Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn so that their location is automatically included in their posts on those services. That works out to 7% of all adults.
Taken together, 28% of U.S. adults do at least one of these activities either on a computer or using their mobile phones—and many users do several of them.
Pew Internet & American Life Project. (2011). 28% of American adults use mobile and social location-based services. Washington, DC: Author.
http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2011/Location.aspx

Report on information sources used

A new survey finds there is a richer and more nuanced ecosystem of community news and information than researchers have previously identified. Americans turn to a wide range of platforms to get local news and information, and where they turn varies depending on the subject matter and their age. The report includes an interactive graphic that explores which sources Americans use the most for 16 topics of interest.
Pew Research Center. (2011). How People Learn About Their Local Community. Washington, DC: Author.
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/2105/local-news-television-internet-radio-newspapers?src=prc-newsletter

Writing study

Examines whether classroom-based formative writing assessment — designed to provide students with feedback and modified instruction as needed — improves student writing and how teachers can improve such assessment. Suggests best practices.
Graham, Steve; Karen Harris; Michael Hebert. (2010). Informing Writing: The Benefits of Formative Assessment. Alliance for Excellent Education
http://www.all4ed.org/files/InformingWriting.pdf