I had a few hours to read, so I pulled out the folder into which I cram all of the things that catch my eye and might make good material for a column. Here’s what I read recently:

According to the Council of the Great City Schools' annual Beating the Odds report, fourth and eighth graders are doing better in reading and math, both on state standardized tests and the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP). The report compared test scores from 2002 through 2005 in 66 urban districts. While urban school achievement remains below national averages in math, the percentage of fourth and eighth graders in these schools who scored at or above proficient levels has risen each year since 2002. Reading achievement is also improving in urban schools, particularly among fourth graders: 54.4 percent of urban fourth graders scored at or above proficient level in reading, up more than 11 percentage points from 2002. In addition, race-based achievement gaps appear to be narrowing in reading and math.

Kidango inspires all children and their families by promoting their potential and diversity through quality education and nurturing relationships.

The philosophy of Kidango is based on the belief that each child deserves an opportunity for total development. Each child comes to the program with certain strengths that should be expanded upon and reinforced. These strengths are based on the learning and teaching styles of their home, which are influenced by the structure and cultural background of the child's family. Those responsible for the program are challenged to create a multi-lingual, cross cultural environment, which will foster the physical, mental, emotional, and social development of all children

The mission of the National Association of Elementary School Principals is to lead in the advocacy and support for elementary and middle level principals and other education leaders in their commitment to all children.

Looking for a resource to help you get more involved in your child's early elementary school education? Laura Weiss reviews What Every Parent Needs to Know About 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Grades: An Essential Guide to Your Child's Education.

The mission of the Center for Prevention of Learning Difficulties is to identify, assess, and remediate learning difficulties for children 4 months to 5 years using parent and teacher participation in developmental testing. For ages 6 and up psychoeducational testing yields an individually designed program, using multimodal approaches, to enhance success, regardless of learning, social, emotional or other neurological difficulties.

The fifth annual Council of the Great City Schools' annual Beating the Odds report compared 2002, 2003, and 2004 test scores in urban districts from 38 states, and found improvements in both fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math. In fourth-grade reading, 51 percent of urban school students scored at or above proficient level, a 7.9 percentage point increase from 2002. Fourth-graders scoring at or above proficient level in math went from 44.1 percent to 55.3 percent, an 11.2 percent increase from 2002. When it came to achievement gaps, 63.8 percent of all grades tested narrowed the gap between white and black students in reading, and 57.5 percent closed the gap in math. Similarly, 53.2 percent of all grades narrowed the size of the gap between white and Hispanic students in reading, and 54.7 percent in math. The findings are preliminary.

That's the word from a new study of eight high-performing Kentucky elementary schools with large numbers of poor children, conducted by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. The review focused on eight elementary schools that had 50 percent or more low-income students, moderately high state test scores that had improved over time, and a slim -- fewer than 15 points -- difference in achievement levels between white and African-American students, and between low- and middle-income students. Auditors witnessed caring and respectful relationships between adults and students, and principals and faculty collaborated on decisions.

Where in the world is the U.S. Department of Education's rural education task force? Announced by then-Secretary of Education Rod Paige with some fanfare in 2003, the task force has accomplished little in the eyes of rural education policy advocates. EdWeek has the scoop.

At age 13, Becca Robison dreams of becoming an astronaut. In the meantime, she's sharing her dream with hundreds of young girls in Utah. Connect for Kids intern Abigail Holt explains.