Milli-arcsecond--scale Spectral Properties and Jet Motions in M87

We have combined high resolution VLBI Space Observatory Programme (VSOP) data at 1.6 and 4.8 GHz with Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) data at higher frequencies and with similar resolutions to study the spectral properties of the core of M87 with milliarcsecond resolution. The VSOP data allow a more accurate measurement of the turn-over frequency, and hence more reliable determination of associated physical parameters of the source. Comparison of the images with previously published images yields no evidence for significant motion of components in the parsec-scale jet. In addition, the brightness temperatures obtained from model-fits to the core are well below the inverse Compton limit, suggesting the radio emission we are observing is not strongly Doppler boosted. Colour version on http://www.vsop.isas.jaxa.jp/survey/publications/m87.ps.gzComment: To appear in PASJ VSOP special issue. Minor correction

The Vela Pulsar Wind Nebula at 6cm

Observations using the Australia Telescope Compact Array at a wavelength of 6 cm have uncovered the radio counterpart to the compact X-ray nebula surrounding the Vela pulsar. Two lobes were found oriented about the spin axis of the pulsar, starting at the edge of X-ray emission, they extend to three times the size. The northern lobe has a bright, defined edge and an integrated flux of 0.14 Jy, while the southern lobe of 0.12 Jy is more diffuse.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures. To appear in "Neutron Stars in Supernova Remnants" (ASP Conference Proceedings), eds P. O. Slane and B. M. Gaensle

An Analysis of Principal Perceptions of the Primary Teaching Evaluation System Used in Eight U.S. States

This research examines how public school principals in eight U.S. states perceive their teacher evaluation systems which are based on Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching (FfT).  States were selected to represent high, middle, and low scorers in the annual Education Week “Quality Counts” report (Education Week, 2016).  1,142 out of over 8,100 working principals in the eight states responded to an online survey, yielding a response rate of over 14%.  Most principals were not satisfied with FfT and found implementing the system too cumbersome.  Responses suggested an average of two changes to FfT desired by each principal; few wanted to keep their FfT as is.  Targets for improvement included overhauling software used to enter teacher evaluations; eliminating student growth goals and student test scores (VAMs) as part of evaluations; reducing the time and paperwork required; and wanting more training for administrators and teachers on the use of FfT.  Some states’ principals wanted to return control over teacher evaluation systems to local school districts.  Most respondents agreed that their version of FfT has improved their school’s instructional program, and they prefer the new instrument over their previous evaluation instrument

(Ultra) Precise Astrometry today and tomorrow, with Next-generation Observatories

High precision astrometry provides the foundation to resolve many fundamental problems in astrophysics. The application of astrometric studies spans a wide range of fields, and has undergone enormous growth in recent years. This is as a consequence of the increasing measurement precision and wide applicability, which is due in turn to the development of new techniques. Forthcoming next generation observatories have the potential to further increase the astrometric precision, providing there is a matching improvement in the methods to correct for systematic errors. The EVN and other observatories are providing demonstrations of these and are acting as pathfinders for next-generation telescopes such as the SKA and ngVLA. We will review the perspectives for the coming facilities and examples of the current state-of-the-art for astrometry.Comment: ADS reference 2018evn..confE..54R from conference https://pos.sissa.it/34