Local News/Quick Post - "Revamped Curriculums Come to D.C. Public Schools"

Chancellor Michelle Rhee recently announced that new specialty programs

ranging from the sciences and technology to arts and culture will be implemented in 13 of 120 D.C. Public Schools.

A competition - called the D.C. Catalyst Project - was held among the schools. Each school was free to submit an application. Various members from the community (parents, leaders, etc.) had to be a part of the process. They joined up with school administrators to compete for the prize, and were asked to submit a proposal that was thematically related to reconfiguration plans.

It's a smart way to entice families (the ones who have the luxury of choosing) to consider public school as an alternative in the District.

As everyone who lives in the District knows, DCPS faces tremendous competition - there are many first-class k-12 institutions effecting their enrollment figures. Education Matters will certainly follow the new program, and hopes that it's a success.

Local News/Quick Remarks - Public School Websites

I have been visiting websites for public schools, and most of them are in need of serious attention. That's putting it kindly.

There are others, however, that are aiming high and aware of the significance of social media and branding. Here's a exemplary website that could serve as a model for public schools interested in improving their online brand. It's in my area - the District of Columbia Public Schools. They let the visitor know that the site has been updated, and that automatically piques my interest as a viewer. (For comparison, go to the outdated Providence Rhode Island Public School's website).