Author name: Becca Connors

In Amy Troiano’s sophomore honors biology class last week at Westbrook High School, students wore bright-colored goggles, poured various substances – including blended liver – in and out of glass beakers, and recorded the results.

Amid the growing push to reinvent the nation’s public high schools, initiatives that connect students more directly to their individual interests—and tap into their innate motivations—are gaining popularity.

The National Association of Biology Teachers named David Upegui, Central Falls High School teacher, the 2014 recipient of the Evolution Education Award. This award recognizes “innovative classroom teaching and community education” in biological evolution.

South Burlington High School students can now tap into a formal partnership with the University of Vermont aimed at helping more teens earn college credits.

Fred Bramante, a former chairman of the state Board of Education, said yesterday the Pittsfield School District is pioneering the future of education with its focus on extending learning opportunities outside the standard classroom setting.

At the NEASS annual Fall Conference Virginia M. Barry, Ph.D. was awarded the President’s Award, presented this year by Nate Greenberg, President, New England Association of School Superintendents.

Starting in the 2015-16 school year, students in freshman English classes at Winnacunnet High School will no longer be separated into different proficiency levels such as basic or honors.