From Wall Street Journal -- Although the biggest problem in the US seems to be the economic crisis, a persistently high dropout rate also increases the threat to the country's strength and prosperity.

“ The longstanding American dropout problem may be especially thorny now, with a looming recession. Cutting the number of dropouts in half would generate $45 billion annually in new tax revenue, according to America's Promise -- assuming there are ultimately enough jobs to accommodate the graduates. ”

From Newsweek --By firing bad teachers and paying good ones six-figure salaries, Michelle Rhee just might save D.C.'s schools.

“ Not long after Michelle Rhee took over as head of the Washington, D.C., public schools a year ago, she announced a plan to shut down almost two dozen schools in D.C.'s decrepit, shrinking, public-education system. ”

From The Long Beach Press Telegram --About 20 million people in the U.S. have Asthma, a problem caused partially by toxic air pollution.

“ It starts with a tickle in the throat. Then comes the coughing. And the wheezing.It feels like someone is pressing against your chest and back.More air is coming in than can be breathed out.Pressure builds and panic sets in.About 20 million people in the United States have asthma, nearly 4 million of them in California. ”

From American Psychological Association -- International research has shown school bullying to be a frequent and serious public health problem. Psychologists are now using this research to develop bullying prevention programs, that are being implemented in schools throughout the world.

“ Bullying with physical means is less common among girls who typically use more subtle and indirect ways of harassment such as excluding someone from the group, spreading of rumors, and manipulation of friendship relations. ”

From Metrowest Daily News -- After watching an anti-bullying video, one girl said "I would definitely stand up for my friend differently." Her classmates agreed, and the initiative seemed to be successful.

“ Most people are "bystanders" and have the power to stop bullying, the performers said. Their suggestions included standing up for friends and telling teachers about incidents. ”

From The Times -- A family sued Roseville College for school bullying towards both their daughters, which allegedly resulted in one of them cutting herself with a safety razor on the stomach and wrists.

“ The school is now suing the couple after they refused to pay about $20,000 in outstanding tuition fees and penalties. ”

From Fox 9 News -- Minnesota teens supported the Safe Schools for All bill.

“ In middle school, Matz's sexuality was a source of fear. "I was hit, kicked, people attempted to throw me down stairs," said Matz. ”