Notes in the Margins: Grading software, faculty pay and tighter security

How grading software fails students Having a program grade papers would apparently free teachers to do other things, but I think it would be a mistake. Why? As a teacher, I may begin to understand students by their conversation or how they respond in class, but when they actually have to put their thoughts on paper, I can learn a huge amount in a relatively brief time. (CNN)

Faculty Pay Survey Shows Growing Gap Between Public, Private Colleges The average pay for all types of professors, instructors and lecturers is $84,303 for the academic year 2012-13, but the report noted a big difference between public and private colleges. At public institutions, the average is $80,578, while at private schools, it's $99,771. (The Huffington Post)

Smaller Share of High School Grads Going to College The recession convinced many young American high-school graduates to take refuge in college instead of try their luck in a lousy job market. New research indicates that trend may be unwinding. (The Wall Street Journal via NAICU)

Virginia Tech, other colleges tightening security Colleges and universities are tightening security around the country for big weekend sporting and other events in the wake of Monday's deadly bombings at the Boston Marathon. The precautions are part of broader efforts being made in cities around the country to tighten security at places where people congregate. (The Washington Post)

ACT survey finds gap on college readiness Heads up, high schools: Your graduates may not be as ready for college as you think they are. (The Washington Post)

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