Head down to the library

CASTLETON LIBRARY, Tang Museum Traveling Program, Wednesday, August 1st @ 1 PM.

What are you doing this weekend?

See the full calendar here

A high school diploma with the click of the mouse?

Gregg Weinlein is a retired English teacher. He lives in East Greenbush. greggw97@aol.com

Read his article about credit recover program on the opinion page of the Times Union.

East Greenbush Superintendent Angela Nagle asserted credit recovery is used "sparingly." Yet, this very article suggests nearly 10 percent of the graduating class was involved in credit recovery. Is that "sparingly?"

It's certainly suspicious that students cannot pass classes taught by a certified teacher, despite the typical remedial assistance available in schools, yet suddenly, and often in a very short period of "screen" time, earn the failed credit in an online class. Several states are investigating the utilization of online classes for credit recovery and the connection between inflated graduation rates and this industry. Credit recovery accounted for an estimated $500 million of the $2 billion online education industry in 2010.

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Emergency Severe Weather Watch

Governor Cuomo has activated the State Emergency Operations Center in anticipation of today's severe weather. Taryn Kane-WTEN will have live reports at 4, 5 and 6pm. 

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News in a Nutshell

Headlines that caught my eye

Colonie Center - Man shoots himself while in dressing room

Man shoots himself in leg at Colonie Center

Colonie Police said Robert Talbot of Ballston Spa was in the changing room in the men's department just before 8:30 p.m. when his personal .22-caliber revolver went off.

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"George Jefferson" dies at 74

 Sherman Hemsley Dead: 'The Jeffersons' Actor Dies At 74 

The Philadelphia born and raised sitcom actor was also an accomplished singer, recording the 1989 single "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" and releasing his R&B album, "Dance," in 1992.

Before becoming a household name, Hemsley served in the Air Force for four years -- dropping out of high school to do so -- before going on to work for the post office for eight 

years. 

 .........

He made Honky funny! 

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Death Penalty for Penn State

Corrective and punitive measures against Penn State.

NCAA Hits Penn State With $60 Million Fine, Postseason Ban, Loss Of Scholarships And Wins

On Monday, Emmert presided over a press conference in Indianapolis and revealed sanctions, including a hefty fine, a postseason ban, and loss of scholarships and previous wins.

"Football will never again be placed ahead of educating, nurturing and protecting young people," Emmert said during a press conference that lasted approximately 45 minutes.

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