Figuring out what to write in your admissions essay is a daunting task. Female Science Professor makes it a little easier (or perhaps harder) by explaining what she does not want to see in an admissions essay. In this Chronicle of Higher Education article she writes, “Some students seem to view the statements as a creative-writing exercise and spend more time sharing how they feel about science than describing their scholarly experiences and interests.” The argument is not meant to invalidate applicants’ feelings but to point out that such creative essays often say nothing of relevance to the application.

To write a helpful essay, first consider its purpose. Then consider its structure, how to organize the essay. Finally consider the dos and don’ts of writing a graduate admissions essay.

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Leaders from the Tucson and Phoenix areas took part in a frank conversation Thursday about how to reinvent Arizona’s education system.

The event, sponsored by Arizona State University, was held at the Doubletree Hotel Tucson at Reid Park. ASU President Michael Crow served as the moderator.

“Educationally we are under heavy stress,” Crow said. “We’re underperforming, as are all of the other high-growth, highly diverse states. But the system isn’t broken – it doesn’t have to be fixed. It has to be reinvented and innovated at the highest possible rate.”

Based on that premise, much of the conversation revolved around the importance of having high-quality teachers in the classroom who not only are committed to educating every child, but also are knowledgeable in their content areas and able to build relationships with students and parents.

There also was discussion about the need for strong leadership, accountability and resources for success.

Though the panelists had different views of how to improve the system, all agreed that more respect needs to be shown to those in the education field and that the state and the public must be willing to invest in the system.

The panelists included:

• John Huppenthal, Arizona superintendent of public instruction.

• Paul Luna, president and chief executive officer of the Helios Education Foundation.

• Linda Arzoumanian, Pima County school superintendent.

• Vicki Balentine, superintendent of Amphitheater Public Schools.

• John Pedicone, superintendent of the Tucson Unified School District.

• Mari Koerner, dean of the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.

• Michael L. Block, co-CEO of BASIS Educational Group.

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I’m sitting in my hotel room in Tampa gathering my thoughts for a Merritt Island girls soccer 4A state championship preview. But before I can move forward, I find myself looking back — at Thursday’s 2-0 state semifinal win against Ponte Vedra. What a truly tremendous effort that was by the Mustangs.

Merritt Island coach Scott Carswell and assistant coach Richard Chisholm came in with a solid game plan. And the players executed it to perfection. The Mustangs’ defense smothered the Sharks once they came into their zone. On offense, Merritt Island was patient, but used its speed at key moments to win the match. It really was impressive to watch.

Just a third-year school, Ponte Vedra is a talented team with one heck of a coach. The Sharks won the 4A state title in 2009, and their coach — Dave Silverberg — previously won four state championships as the head coach at Nease.

Can the Mustangs dial it up one more time? Can they come out Saturday morning at 11 at the University of Tampa’s Pepin-Rood Stadium and beat Steinbrenner to claim their second straight state championship? I can’t wait to find out.

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FORT LAUDERDALE — Some days, Marcia Pinder can barely make her way through the Dillard gym.

It seems wherever the veteran girls basketball coach goes, someone is hoping to catch her attention.

Over here, a longtime fan offers a handshake and some congratulations.

Not far, a former student stops her to say thanks and receive a warm hug.
Nearby, her players head into the locker room to prepare for another game.

It can be hectic and harried, but for the woman who earlier this season became Florida’s winningest basketball coach, this is routine.

And Pinder, 59, Broward County’s longest tenured basketball coach, wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I guess I must be doing something right and people want to be a part of it,” she says. “But the fan support has always been here for both the girls and the boys. And you want to work hard not to let them down.”

It’s tough to be disappointed with Pinder as the Panthers begin their quest for their sixth state title Thursday when they play Dwyer in a regional quarterfinal at home.

In her 34 years as coach, Pinder has led Dillard to five state championships, the most recent of which came last season.

There have been county championships, district titles and a total of 774 career victories compared to just 171 losses.

She spends countless hours scouting, discussing strategies and preparing. But Pinder credits a solid support system and her faith for her longevity.

“The man above is the captain of my ship and he’ll let me know when it’s time to stop,” Pinder said. “I’m still enjoying this, getting the girls in school, seeing them through school, everything.”

No basketball coach in Florida history—male or female—has won more games, but those who know Pinder best say her success on the court isn’t what makes her special.

A local legend

It’s her dedication to players, students and the Dillard community that have made Pinder a local legend.

Last month, she was even honored by the City of Fort Lauderdale which issued a proclamation after she broke the state record for career victories.

“I’ve always called her ‘Miss Pinder’ because she’s always been more than just a coach,” said first-year Deerfield Beach coach Mistoria Brown, who played at Dillard from 1998-2002. “She’s a confidant, a mother, a friend. She’s always had an impact on me. She’s the focal point of where I am today and why I decided to go into coaching.”

All but one member of Pinder’s coaching staff once played for her. She’s helped dozens of girls go to college and current players giggle when describing Pinder’s personality in practice and in the classroom.

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Arizona schools chief John Huppenthal has extended a 60-day “cure period” to allow for a more thorough investigation into TUSD’s Mexican American Studies program.

The program had been declared in violation of state law by former Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, who called for eliminating the program hours before his term ended.

In a letter to TUSD Superintendent John Pedicone, Huppenthal said he would give the district an additional 45 days because the finding was issued before he took office.

“This extension is a good thing,” Pedicone said. “We are grateful for it because we need to understand better what the state needs us to do, and it provides an opportunity to have conversations outside of the hearing process to make sure all parties get what they need.

“Mr. Huppenthal is a thorough guy, and he is always interested in doing his own research. This gives his office time to do its own investigation.”

Pedicone went on to say that he’s had at least two conversations with Huppenthal, and the elimination of the program – as suggested by Horne – has never been discussed. Instead, Huppenthal has said he’d like to make his own determination on how to best remedy the situation.

However, Huppenthal has made statements since he took office that the TUSD program is not in compliance.

The law that TUSD has been found in violation of prohibits courses that:

• Promote the overthrow of the U.S. government.

• Promote resentment toward a race or class of people.

• Are designed primarily for pupils of a particular ethnic group.

• Advocate ethnic solidarity instead of the treatment of pupils as individuals.

Any school district found to be out of compliance will have state aid withheld at the end of the “cure period.”

The Tucson Unified School District contends it is in compliance with the law and has requested a hearing to appeal the decision, but that has not yet been scheduled.

Horne’s battle against TUSD’s Mexican American Studies began in 2006 after a visit from activist Dolores Huerta to Tucson High Magnet School, in which she made a comment that Republicans hate Latinos.

Rather than put an end to controversial speakers at public schools, Horne brought Margaret Dugan, a Latina Republican on his staff, to the school to show the other side.

While Dugan spoke, students stood up, turned their backs to her and put their fists in the air.

Horne and Dugan, who was defeated in her run to replace Horne in the primary election, called the students behavior disrespectful and blamed their classroom instruction.

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