Ian Whitaker
LasVegasSun.com
Las Vegas, NV, United States
Contact Ian
Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.
| Recent: |
|
| Past: |
|
Past articles by Ian:
The world of the wash: Ancient waters protect and enhance the valley
The Las Vegas Wash has been a part of Southern Nevada for millions of years and serves a vital role, though many of us don’t even know what it is or what purpose it serves. In five minutes, we’ll make you an expert on the history of the wash and the ways in which it makes the valley livable. → Read More
Public school advocates rally around bill to update funding formula
SB178 would establish “weights,” simple multipliers that increase the money spent by the state on students who meet certain criteria, such as those still learning English, students with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds. Research shows that individuals who have to overcome such obstacles to learn need more attention and resources in the classroom. → Read More
Lithium: How a mineral found in Nevada could power our future
The price of a ton of lithium carbonate has more than tripled since 2015, and some projections have global demand doubling in the next decade. That’s because lithium-ion power will be key to renewable energy storage, electric vehicles and the devices that permeate our lives ... → Read More
Nevada State College to offer bachelor’s in deaf studies
Beginning this year, Nevada State College will be the first institution of higher education in the state to offer a bachelor’s degree in deaf studies ... → Read More
New data on school vouchers highlights negative outcomes
Studies on the early phases of switching to private school through vouchers show a drop in student performance in English and math and on standardized tests. → Read More
‘It’s just beautiful’: Celebration marks Fremont Middle School’s 60th year
Dozens of people turned out for to celebrate as one of Las Vegas' oldest schools, Fremont Middle School, turned 60. "This school has a history of a lot of goodness ... → Read More
Graduates launch website to support embattled UNLV mascot
Two UNLV graduates are pushing back against claims by a group of students that the university’s mascot, Hey Reb!, is a racist symbol. James Kaikas and David Rapoport, who graduated in 2010 and 2011, respectively, launched the website www.keepheyreb.com on Wednesday, a day after a group of students called for ... → Read More
UNLV students to Jessup: Hey Reb! mascot a symbol of racism
The future of UNLV's mascot may be in question after an anti-racism rally Tuesday on campus. After fielding complaints from students that the mascot projected a racially insensitive image, UNLV President Len Jessup said he would consider ... → Read More
Tuning out turmoil, groups try to build support for Nevada’s school choice program
As lawyers duke it out over the constitutionality of Nevada’s landmark education savings account program and state officials iron out much-needed regulations, a major question facing ESAs has been ... → Read More
School Board’s decision perplexes some on sex ed advisory panel
The Clark County School Board recently voted to give itself the ability to review the proposed changes to sex ed standards before ... → Read More
Reorganizing CCSD: Why Moapa Valley’s proposal would be bombshell
A plan from Moapa Valley on reorganizing the Clark County School District is a bold rewrite of the way CCSD currently does things. There's no guarantee it will ... → Read More
School Board signals it is willing to buck parents on expanding sex ed
Despite loud opposition from a group of parents, the Clark County School Board voted Thursday night to consider expanding middle and high school sex education to include topics like ... → Read More
Analysis: Nevada’s student progress is better than test scores suggest
Nevada got a bit of bad news on its report card recently. Students in the Silver State haven’t really improved that much in reading and math since 2013, according to ... → Read More
Sex ed: See how CCSD’s approach compares to other top U.S. districts
A new report sheds light on how states are teaching sex education. So how does the Clark County School District stack up? Here's a look at how Las Vegas schools compare to ... → Read More
Data: Majority of Nevadans seeking school vouchers live in upscale suburbs
New data provide the first glimpse into who's applying for the state's voucher-like education program. The applicants tend to be wealthy parents of young children, living in ... → Read More
Nevada students continue to struggle on national report card
Nevada students are still below the national average when it comes to reading and math, but they’re doing better after factoring in the state’s diversity. That’s according to ... → Read More
Voucher battle brewing: Private-school parents say they deserve state funds
The new bill that provides state funding for parents to spend on private-school tuition and tutoring for their children has its share of fans. But another group of parents isn't ... → Read More
UNLV has designs on a more collegiate feel
Head to the Arizona State University campus in Tempe and stroll down Mill Avenue. Chances are you’ll see throngs of students crowding wide pedestrian walkways, filing in and out of bars and restaurants, and enjoying the vibrant, college-town atmosphere. It’s radically different from the environment at UNLV and ... → Read More
Desert Oasis High tests new approach to resolving disciplinary problems
Instead of being in isolation at home, the students are kept on campus in a special classroom. They’re still punished, but most important ... → Read More
Money could flow to Education Savings Accounts in February
State Treasurer Dan Schwartz today announced proposed changes to Nevada’s Education Savings Account program that would allow more parents to qualify for subsidies to send their children to private schools. Schwartz proposed exempting kindergartners and ... → Read More