The first-ever national evaluation of National History Day suggests that students who participate in the yearlong academic program and competition perform better on standardized tests, are better writers, and are more confident and capable researchers.

They came with creativity, a few hand tools, and little time to solve problems normally addressed by engineers. Altogether, about 90 high school students from Wisconsin, Illinois and North Dakota participated in a Construction Challenge on Saturday, sponsored by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and held at the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

The recent spate of resignations by heads of school districts in Chicago, Washington and New York City who advocate the so-called business model of school reform has predictably been followed by new appointees as ill-prepared for the challenge of improving student performance as their predecessors.

Tom Croft, executive director of the Steel Valley Authority, says state funding to help save jobs is $750 per job saved. But he estimates a jobless person costs taxpayers $25,000 in employment taxes, lost taxes and other costs.