: News

Pr. George's Schools Leader Promises New 'Middle' College

Play associated audio

By Jessica Gould

Despite a budget crunch, educators in Prince George's County, Md., say they have big plans in mind for the area's high schools.

William Hite is superintendent of Prince George's County Public Schools. He says a tight budget isn't going to stop the system from improving high schools. For instance, Hite says his proposed budget calls for the creation of a new "middle" college.

That's a program that's going to be operated in conjunction with the community college, where after four years students will not only finish with a high school diploma but a two-year associate degree in the health sciences field.

He says despite reductions to middle school sports and support staff, his proposal does not cut advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses.

The public will have a chance to review the budget and comment on its priorities at a series of hearings in January and February.

NPR

Fictional 'Mothers' Reveal Facts Of A Painful Adoption Process

After years trying to conceive, novelist Jennifer Gilmore and her husband decided to adopt. What they thought would be a relatively simple process was instead a long and painful one. In her latest novel, Gilmore channels these autobiographical experiences into fiction.
NPR

How Genomics Solved The Mystery Of Ireland's Great Famine

Although scientists have known that a funguslike organism caused the potato blight that triggered the Great Famine in Ireland in the 1840s, they didn't know which strain was the culprit. But they do now, thanks to the genes in some 19th century potato samples.
NPR

Oregon's Cash-Strapped Counties Reject Public Safety Levies

Two Oregon counties have reportedly rejected property tax increases that would have funded law enforcement and public safety services. The counties once received federal timber subsidies, but those days are over — and now they're scrambling to pay for essential services.
NPR

How That 'Nigerian Email Scam' Got Started

You've probably seen it in your inbox before: Someone who claims to have come into a fortune needs your help. You can share in the profits — if you send along a deposit or your bank account number. Boston Globe correspondent Finn Brunton talks about the history of the "Nigerian prince" or "419" scam, which actually got its start long before email.

Leave a Comment

Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.