For instance, the American Association of School Administrators, a national research and advocacy group, is projecting cuts of 227, 000 local education positions for the 2011-12 school year, a figure that includes teaching jobs as well as entry-level posts such as classroom support.

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The second group: students from kindergarten through grad school tapping Coverdell education savings accounts.

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The group's latest effort is the Brain Education School Project, which has kids using physical and cognitive exercises to supposedly improve their attention and confidence.

FORBES: On the Docket

Young girls from poor rural households are the least likely of any social group to be in school or to ever gain access to education.

UNESCO: Detailview | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Now the same day that Bernadette Reinking's group won control of the school board in Dover, Pennsylvania, the Kansas Board of Education made its own decision.

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Owing to the fact that participation in pre-school education is voluntary, ministers say they are now aiming to make sure 85% of youngsters in this age group take part in nursery education.

BBC: nursery