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What We’re Reading – January 8, 2013

With the start of a new year, 32 educators are talking on the blog at GettingSmart.com about what they’re most excited about in the future of...

With the start of a new year, 32 educators are talking on the blog at GettingSmart.com about what they’re most excited about in the future of education. Dr. Kerry Ann Moll, Program Director for the Bush Institute’s Alliance to Reform Education Leadership (AREL), says she’s excited about “emerging technologies to support teaching and learning that are well-designed and well-integrated – it’s a revolution that can’t be ignored, it’s unavoidable.”

Reuters recently wrote on the rising violence against women in Afghanistan, an issue Mrs. Bush has been vocal about for some time. The head of Afghanistan’s human rights commission said last weekend that violent crime against women was on the rise and became increasingly brutal in 2013, and many fear conditions will worsen and hard-won gains will be lost as troops draw down this year. In November, Mrs. Bush addressed the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council and said, “As we draw down our troops, there is a threat that the attention [of Americans] will shift from Afghanistan.  We cannot let that happen.” Americans must stay engaged to ensure dignity and opportunity are secured for Afghan women and children. The Bush Institute’s Afghan Women’s Project highlights stories of Afghan women and offers resources for Americans to help support them and stay involved.

A recent article in The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review looks at “vetrepreneurs,” U.S. military veterans who return home and start a business or invent products. “Nearly one in 10 post-9/11 vets was jobless [in 2013] — twice the rate of civilians in their age group, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisors.” The piece looks at three veterans in particular who, in light of dim job prospects after deployment, turned to entrepreneurism. Employment continues to be one of many issues facing our Nation’s returning warriors. Through research, resources, and programs, the Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative is committed to effectively support post-9/11 service members, veterans and their families in a variety of areas, including jobs. The program will hold a conference this year to convene leaders from the private and public sectors and look at ways to improve post-9/11 veterans’ well-being and unleash their potential.