Artwork stating 'Education Destroys Barriers', 'We Demand Treatment', and 'I Need A Chance'

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 988 results  for your search.  View and Refine Your Search Terms

  • Mapping murders: this new data tool is helping cities understand violent crime

    A new online tool developed by researchers at New York University offers more current data on homicides for the 80 largest cities in the United States than annual reports by the FBI. The tool offers a more realistic picture of crime that could blunt widespread fear and curtail moves by policymakers to pass legislation rapidly based on inaccurate data. However its growth and success is dependent on data produced by city governments.

    Read More

  • To curb chronic absence, schools treat parents as partners

    To shift away from a punitive approach to truancy and emphasize the importance of attendance for student learning, schools across the United States are testing methods of communicating the importance with parents in new ways, including "carefully crafted" letters, texts, and even games. Results from different schools have showed up to a 20% reduction in absenteeism, but educators acknowledge that these solutions affect the simple changes and have yet to provide a comprehensive approach to barriers to attending school.

    Read More

  • This makeup company is using its supply chain to revitalize the rainforest

    Much of Guatemala's lands have been degraded due to a consistently burgeoning industrial market for palm oil and cattle farming. As a company that makes makeup using a variety of plants, beauty corporation Lush has committed to investing in natural plant production by buying land that would otherwise be at threat of deforestation. The Sustainable Lush Fund then works with on-the-ground organizations and farmers to sustainably utilize the land and increase the diversity of crops all while supporting local agriculture.

    Read More

  • In Boerne, a Youth Suicide Prevention Effort that May Actually Work

    Going above and beyond state-mandated minimums for suicide prevention training in schools reduces teen suicides. In Boerne, Texas, the Boerne Independent School District enrolls teachers, students, staff, and mental health professionals in its suicide prevention program. Boerne ISD developed an aggressive plan, including yearly training, suicide prevention curricula, and a database to help identify and track high-risk teens.

    Read More

  • Cities Sic the Taxman on Vacant ‘Ghost Homes'

    Vancouver is one city that has shown benefits of a tax on “ghost homes,” or units that sit empty for a certain period of time. The idea is to encourage development and ensure there is ample housing stock for newcomers to the city. San Francisco is considering implementing this system, but it is still in the very early stages of such a shift. However, in Vancouver, the tax has generated millions in taxes which will fund housing initiatives, while decreasing the vacancy rate significantly.

    Read More

  • How a Scrappy California Crime Lab Learned to Crack More Gun Cases

    The Contra Costa Police Department crime lab has accelerated processing ballistics evidence through a national database that works like fingerprints for guns. The result has been connecting gun violence incidents more quickly and getting dangerous offenders off the streets. The lab’s director was able to do this without extra funding or staff by implementing new protocols and cross-training staff.

    Read More

  • The Case For and Against Salary Transparency

    Whole Foods, SumAll, and Buffer are three companies practicing salary transparency. Research shows that salary transparency is associated with higher employee productivity and collaboration, and it might be helpful in reducing gender pay inequality, though it this research is still in its early stages. Others worry transparency could increase competition and tension. Still, more and more proponents are slowly willing to try out this innovative practice with the hopes of creating more trust and equality at workplaces.

    Read More

  • Closing the ‘Perception Gap': With 3 in 5 Teachers Saying Students Are Not at Grade Level on First Day of School, New Digital Tool Offers Parents a ‘Readiness Check'

    A new "readiness check" digital tool, available in English and Spanish, gives parents realtime feedback about whether their child is prepared to enter the next grade level and provides resources and activities to practice if a child is behind in English or math subjects. By offering a concrete, standardized assessment, the tool gives parents the data they need to advocate on behalf of their child and ensure teachers are aware of areas where a child may need extra support before they even enter the teacher's classroom on the first day of school.

    Read More

  • Anti-poverty crusaders fight to cut taxes for mobile-home owners

    For low-income people living in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, the Honey Brook Food Pantry does more than provide food aid; it's also a hub to get assistance applying for food stamps, and perhaps most uniquely, a place to learn about property taxes on mobile homes. The owners of the food bank have also helped their clients find out if they're overpaying property taxes on their mobile home, an adjustment that can massively help them save.

    Read More

  • How one Canadian food court eliminated 117 bags of garbage a day

    A food court in Toronto was generating 120 bags of trash per day due to serving their fast food varietals in non-recyclable containers. After changing the way they serve food and how they market the feasibility of recycling and composting to food court customers, they have seen their garbage output reduced to only three bags per day.

    Read More