Stimulus saving jobs

The Obama administration says stimulus spending has created or saved 250,000 teaching or other education jobs nationwide this year.

According to a White House report, money from the $787 billion stimulus package has helped states fill budget gaps that would have cost educators their jobs in school districts and public universities across the country.

Putting a value on art

The nonprofit Center for Arts Education reports that New York City high schools with the highest graduation rates also offered students the most access to arts education.

The center analyzed data collected by the city's Education Department from more than 200 schools over a two-year period. It found that schools ranked in the top third by graduation rates offered students the most access to arts education and resources; schools in the bottom third offered the least access and fewest resources.

The full report is at www.caenyc.org.

Counting on schools

The U.S. Census Bureau has teamed up with Scholastic Inc., to create a "Census in the Schools" program to encourage full participation in the upcoming 2010 Census.

The program will provide educators with resources to teach students about the importance of the census — including its impact on school budgets and federal aid — so students can deliver the message to their families.

Go to www.census.gov/schools/ for details.

Look for the union label

The savvy shopper who wants to support union brothers and sisters in the clothing industry has two fine options to turn to on the Web.

"All American Clothing" can be reached at www.allamericanclothing.com or at 888-937-8009.

"Justice Clothing" can be found online at www.justiceclothing.com.

Their clothing is made by members of the United Food and Commercial Workers, the Graphics Communication International Union and UNITE.