What's new in Philanthropy

Articles of interest in philanthropy and nonprofits published in the last 10 days:

1. Gates Foundation study: annual teacher evaluations not enough; Reporternews.com, January 10, 2011
Brief Introduction: Once-a-year evaluations aren't enough to help teachers improve, says a report by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. And school districts using infrequent classroom observations to decide who are their best -- and their worst -- teachers could be making some big mistakes, according to the second part of a multi-year study from the foundation.

2. N.J. to test nonprofit- run schools in urban districts; The Chronicle of Philanthropy, January 13, 2012
Brief Introduction: Nonprofit organizations can apply to develop and run public schools in three New Jersey cities under a 10-year pilot program approved by this week. Gov. Chris Christie, who championed the Urban Hope Act, signed the bill on Thursday, three days after state legislators passed the measure. The act allows nonprofit groups to apply to the state to operate “renaissance” schools in Camden, Newark, and Trenton.

3. Cynicism and Philanthropy; The Wall Street Journal, January 12, 2012
Brief Introduction: The next time you’re inclined to donate lots of money to a good cause, consider this: Others might suspect a selfish motive. What’s more, the longer a do-gooder is in the spotlight for the deed, the more likely people are to assume motives of self-interest.