Tuesday, May 15
Charter Schools
Bill Broadens Options for Charter School Students
A new South Carolina law, H.B. 3241, will authorize colleges and universities to start charter schools, open the way for single-gender charters, and implement fines for districts that don't release funds to charter schools on time. The law also will make it possible for students at charters to participate in extracurricular activities at the school they're zoned for if it's not offered at the charter school. (Greenville News, 05/14/12)
College Costs
Slowly, as Student Debt Rises, Colleges Confront Costs
With the balance of student debt topping $1 trillion, college presidents are recognizing that they must handle the costs of education through methods other than tuition increases. Many college leaders are stepping up private fund-raising, privatizing services, cutting staff, eliminating departments, and even saving millions of dollars by standardizing things like expense forms. (New York Times, 05/14/12)
Education Advocacy
New Advocacy Groups Shaking Up Education Field
A new generation of education advocacy groups has emerged to play a formidable political role in states and communities and they are shaping policy through aggressive lobbying and campaign activity. Many are pushing for such policies as rigorous teacher evaluations, increased access to high-quality charter schools, and higher academic standards for schools and students. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 05/14/12)
Foster Youth
Monitoring of Foster Kids' Schoolwork Tightens
The Florida Department of Children and Families is rolling out new score cards intended to ensure children in the state's care excel in school while in foster care. The state will use information to figure out whether kids are succeeding in school and graduating, and community agencies will be able to exchange data and determine whether programs need to be changed or added. (Palm Beach Post, 05/14/12)
Teacher Evaluations
Student Surveys for Children as Young as 5 Years Old May Help Rate Teachers
Under a new pilot program, kindergartners could help put Georgia at the forefront of a growing movement to make student surveys part of how teachers are rated. Students in every grade will participate in the program, and, depending on its results, the state may incorporate the feedback into teacher evaluations as early as next year, when it will join other measures such as student test scores. (Washington Post, 05/13/12)
Monday, May 14
Accountability
Alabama Governor to See Bill Setting Up School Rating System
A bill to establish a comprehensive system to grade the performance of schools and districts is on its way to Alabama Governor Robert Bentley. Under H.B. 588, schools would be given a grade of A, B, C, D, or F. The state superintendent would set up an evaluation system based on several indicators such as state-created assessments, achievement gap, college and career readiness, and learning gains. (Montgomery Advertiser, 05/10/12)
English-language Learners
Study: Most ELLs Are in Districts That Fall Short of Federal Goals
Most of the nation's English-language learners were enrolled in districts that failed to reach all of the No Child Left Behind accountability goals for that group of students in the 2008-09 school year, according to an evaluation of the federal program that supports English-language-acquisition services. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 05/11/12)
High School Exams
State Board of Education Favors Reducing Graduate Requirement Tests
With $23.2 million already invested in developing mandatory tests for high school graduation, the Pennsylvania board of education voted to recommend changes to their original plan that called for developing ten exams and require students to be proficient in six of them. The board now favors reducing the number of exams required for graduation to five. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 05/11/12)
Science Standards
Public Gets Glimpse of Science Standards
An ambitious effort to refocus science education enters a new phase with the release of the first public draft of voluntary, "next generation" science standards. Twenty-six states are lead state partners in the effort and have worked on the draft in collaboration with a range of educators and experts. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 05/11/12)
Undocumented Students
Kansas House Defeats Immigrant Tuition Repeal
The Kansas House has rejected an effort to repeal a 2004 law allowing some illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. The law permits illegal immigrants who meet certain rules, such as graduating from a Kansas high school, to pay the lower tuition Kansas charges to residents of the state. The board of regents says about 500 students participate in the program. (Lawrence Journal World, 05/10/12)
Friday, May 11
Accountability
State Board of Education Changes School-grading System
The Florida board of education approved a plan to count students learning English, students with disabilities, and special education centers in the state's school grading system. Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson said the changes were necessary to qualify for a No Child Left Behind waiver and to comply with a state law that holds neighborhood schools accountable for students in alternative schools. (Miami Herald, 05/10/12)
Early Literacy/Education Reforms
Ohio Senate Approves of Changes to Education Reforms Despite Gov. Kasich's Objections
The Ohio Senate approved an education reform bill, S.B. 316, but made several changes to the original proposal from Governor John Kasich. The Senate lowered the reading level that could result in 3rd-graders being held back, created new pathways for struggling students to advance to 4th grade, and delayed some of the requirements. The bill also revamps teacher evaluation and sets up a task force to overhaul school report cards. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 05/09/12)
Financial Aid/Completion
State Student-Aid Grants Should Focus on Completion, Not Just Merit, Report Says
States will have to use student-aid grants more efficiently to get the most value from that spending and increase the number of college graduates, recommends a new report. Instead of giving out state aid based only on financial need or academic achievement, grants should be awarded to students who have some need and who are likely to succeed because of that financial incentive. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 05/08/12)
NCLB Waivers/Accountability
NCLB Waiver Plans Push School Grading Systems
More states are assigning letter grades, stars, and other ratings to schools as part of their NCLB waiver applications, but the ratings would mean different things in different states. States plan to use complex formulas with different weights assigned to different factors that are intended to give officials a more complete portrait of their schools and what their improvement strategies should focus on. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 05/09/12)
Thursday, May 10
Charter School Leaders
Charter Sector Starts to Grow Its Own Leaders
With the need for charter school administrators increasing, the sector is developing its own leadership-training programs, many of which are as diverse as the schools themselves. But questions remain about whether those programs are growing quickly enough to meet the demand for charter leaders and whether the programs are turning out leaders of high quality. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 05/09/12)
College Remediation
Remediation for Remedial Math
Texas community colleges have endorsed a project designed to change remedial math. Under the Mathways system, remedial students who intend on majoring in STEM fields will still take an algebra-based developmental course. But other students might take classes, such as statistics, that are more relevant to their careers and present less of a barrier to emerging from remedial education. (Inside Higher Ed, 05/09/12)
Common Core
Universities, Districts to Partner on Common-Core Secondary Math
Universities, community colleges, and K-12 districts in 30 states announced plans to work together on redesigning secondary math teacher preparation to align to the Common Core State Standards. The Mathematics Teacher Education Partnership will build consensus on guiding principles of preparing math teachers, promote partnerships between K-12 and higher education, and develop a research agenda. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 05/08/12)
Education Reforms
House, Senate OK Compromise Education Reform Bill
The Iowa legislature approved S.F. 2284 that allows for teacher peer reviews and 11th-graders to take an Iowa skills assessment test. The bill also creates annual reading assessments for students in kindergarten through 3rd grade. Parents will be able decide whether a 3rd-grader should be held back or attend an intensive summer school reading program to catch up. (Quad-City Times, 05/08/12)
NAEP Results
Most 8th Graders Fall Short in NAEP Science Test
Fewer than one-third of American 8th graders are proficient in science, according to results from the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) test. But most students are improving, and achievement gaps are closing between students who are black or Hispanic and their white peers. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 05/10/12)
Wednesday, May 9
Childhood Disabilities
Youth Disabilities Shift from Physical to Mental, Testing Resources
Unprecedented numbers of American children are being identified with special medical and educational needs, and over the past several decades the types of predominant childhood disabilities have shifted from physical disorders to mental health disorders, according to the Future of Children journal. The report says that ADHD is about three times more likely than asthma to contribute to reported childhood disability. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 05/08/12)
College Costs
What Will $10,000 Get Me?
Several Texas universities have set up programs to meet Governor Rick Perry's $10,000-degree challenge, but experts question whether the programs are subsidized by fellow students who pay more. Many of the programs don't address the costs of educating students and can't be broadly replicated, experts also contend. (Inside Higher Ed, 05/09/12)
College Readiness
Colleges Offer Incoming Freshmen a Summer 'Bridge'
To prepare more at-risk students for the rigors of college, institutions are providing early classes — such as summer bridge programs — and support services. Despite the success students have had with such programs, as well as research underscoring that success, many institutions are struggling to secure funding for the services. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 05/09/12)
Common Core
School-Standards Pushback
The Common Core math and reading standards are coming under attack from some quarters as a federal intrusion into state education matters. Conservative lawmakers and governors in at least five states have been pushing to back out, or slow down implementation, of Common Core. The American Legislative Exchange Council board, a conservative-leaning membership group, is set to vote on a resolution to formally oppose the standards. (Wall Street Journal, 05/08/12)
Education Overhaul
House Unanimously Passes Education Reform Bill
The Connecticut legislature passed a sweeping school reform bill that increases funding to needy districts; spells out a process to turn around low-performing schools; strengthens teacher performance and preparation; increases preschool slots; and creates a pilot program to enhance early literacy. It also calls for a pilot program of a new teacher evaluation system that eventually will be tied to tenure. (Hartford Courant, 05/09/12)
Tuesday, May 8
College Credits
College Credit without College
The national college completion push and the expanding adult student market are driving a growth in the practice of granting college credit for prior learning and knowledge gained outside the traditional academic setting. Two national organizations, and early adopters, of the practice may soon be even bigger players in determining what counts for college credit. (Inside Higher Ed, 05/07/12)
College Remediation
Bill Would Cut College Remedial Classes
The Connecticut legislature approved a bill, S.B. 40, that will require colleges to have remedial support imbedded into beginning math and composition courses along with a boot-camp like readiness program by 2014. Colleges also will have had to work with high schools to make sure students leave ready for college level work. The goal is to eliminate non-credit remedial courses. See ECS’ Getting Past Go project on remediation. (Connecticut Post, 05/06/12)
International Comparisons
Individual U.S. Schools Take Part in PISA Pilot
More than 100 U.S. schools are participating in a pilot project in which 15-year-olds take a test based on a high-profile global assessment best known by the acronym PISA. The results will be comparable to those of dozens of nations that take part in the testing program, including some of America’s top economic competitors. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 05/04/12)
Principal Evaluations
New Guide Released for Creating Principal Evaluations
The National Comprehensive Center for Teacher Quality released a practical guide designed to help states and districts create meaningful principal evaluation systems. The guide takes its readers through eight steps, from creating goals for an evaluation system, to selecting the measures that will be used, to evaluating the system after it has been put in place. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 05/07/12)
STEM Programs
Iowa Governor Announces Science, Technology Hubs
Governor Terry Branstad announced the location of six college centers geared toward improving STEM education in Iowa. The colleges will develop classes and encourage students to enroll in STEM programs. The colleges also will work with local businesses, nonprofit organizations and other community groups to determine what kind of skills should be taught. (Muscatine Journal, 05/07/12)
Monday, May 7
College Access/Completion
Gains in Access, Less in Success
The Access to Success Initiative includes 22 two-year and four-year postsecondary systems committed to increasing their attainment levels, in large part by closing the gaps in performance between underrepresented students and their peers. A new report finds mixed results for how the initiative as a whole and the individual systems have fared at roughly the midpoint of the project. (Inside Higher Ed, 05/04/12)
Education Governance
Cabinet-level Position Gives Governors a Stake in Education
Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin signed a bill that moves the education system directly under the governor's control. House Bill 440 created a new cabinet position for the secretary of education who will report to the governor. Under previous law, the commissioner answered to the state board of education which also set policy for the state agency. (VTDigger.org, 05/03/12)
Kindergarten Enrollment
Are 4-year-olds Too Young for Kindergarten? Michigan Senate Votes to Change Enrollment Guidelines
Some Michigan children would have to wait a year longer before heading off to kindergarten under S.B. 315 that cleared the Senate. State law allows children to start kindergarten in the fall if they turn 5 by December 1 of that year. The bill gradually pushes the date up to September 1. See ECS's summary on kindergarten entrance ages. (Mlive.org, 05/03/12)
Race to the Top
Feds Keep Hawaii on High Risk Status for Failing to Carry Out Race to the Top Reforms
The Department of Education said it would keep Hawaii on "high risk" status for failing to carry out reforms it promised under a Race to the Top grant. The designation means Hawaii may still lose the grant money if it doesn't do a better job of implementing reforms, including setting up new teacher evaluations that reflect student achievement and tying teacher compensation to their performance. (The Republic, 05/04/12)
Teacher Layoffs
House Says Performance, not Seniority, Should Govern Teacher Layoffs
Under H.B. 1526, which was passed by the Missouri House, teacher layoff decisions will no longer would be based on seniority. Instead, a teacher's performance — including evidence of increased student achievement — would be the most heavily weighted factor in the decision. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 05/03/12)
Friday, May 4
Charter Schools
Senate OKs Charter Schools Bill
The Alabama Senate pushed through legislation that would allow districts in the state's largest cities to create charter schools to replace failing schools, while allowing other areas flexibility in addressing their needs. Senate Bill 513 also allows districts to apply for waivers from certain state regulations and authorizes the state superintendent to take over persistently low-performing schools. (Montgomery Advertiser, 05/03/12)
Common Core
Researchers See Potential for Common Core to Boost Learning
A new research paper offers a defense of the Common Core State Standards in math, making the case that the standards are consistent with those in high-achieving countries and suggesting their faithful implementation holds considerable promise to improve student learning. The paper looked at the achievement of states whose prior math standards most closely aligned to the common core.
(Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 05/03/12)
Higher Ed Accountability
Pennsylvania Community Colleges Adopt National Accountability System
Pennsylvania community colleges have become the first statewide system in the country to adopt the Voluntary Framework of Accountability created by the American Association of Community Colleges. The framework will allow the state's 14 community colleges to collect and report on a variety of measures of student progress and success, and career and technical-education programs.
(Chronicle of Higher Education, 05/03/12)
School Accountability
Arizona Prodding Schools to Focus on Struggling Students
Arizona's new way of rating schools, assigning them letter grades A through F, is intended partly to push them to make their lagging students a top priority. For example, a school in which a high percentage of students pass the state test may still get a B or C if the scores of its bottom 25% don't improve enough. (Arizona Republic, 05/01/12)
Teacher Layoffs
Dayton Vetoes Overhaul of Teacher Tenure Rules, a Top GOP Priority
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton vetoed legislation, H.F. 1870, that would have ended the "last-in, first-out" seniority-based system of layoffs that governs teachers whose local contracts do not already allow consideration of other issues such as teacher effectiveness. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 05/03/12)
Thursday, May 3
Compulsory Attendance
Lawmakers OK Bill Lowering Age to Begin School
This coming school year, Alabama children must begin attending school at age 6 instead of 7 if Governor Robert Bentley signs a bill on his desk. Currently in Alabama, children must begin school at age 7. House Bill 6 would allow a parent to write to the school board requesting an exemption. See ECS' summary of compulsory attendance policies. (Montgomery Advertiser, 05/02/12)
NCLB Waivers/Common Core
Ed. Department Offers States Feedback on Waivers
The second round of states that applied for No Child Left Behind waivers got feedback on their requests. An Education Week analysis found that many states need to better explain how they'll train educators to implement the Common Core standards and how they would make the standards accessible for English-language learners and students in special education. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 05/01/12)
Online Courses
Harvard and MIT Put $60 Million into New Platform for Free Online Courses
Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced a partnership that will host online courses from both institutions free of charge. The venture builds on MIT's free online course platform called MITx. Students who complete the courses on the new edX platform will not receive university credit, although they could earn certificates. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 05/02/12)
Student Bullying
Missouri House Endorses School Bullying Policies
The Missouri House endorsed H.B. 1049 requiring districts to develop procedures for reporting bullying, investigating significant cases, and responding. Schools would need to post policies for dealing with bullying and give annual notice to students, parents, and staff members. District employees also would be required to report bullying and students would be encouraged to do so. (Columbia Missourian, 05/03/12)
Teacher Evaluations
Michigan Lawmakers Say Teacher Evaluation Recommendation Is Expensive, but Might Be Needed To Do Job Correctly
Some Michigan lawmakers said they might have to spend a recommended $6 million to sample teacher evaluation systems to get the job done right. The Michigan Council on Educator Effectiveness is calling for a year of a pilot program that looks at several ways of evaluating teachers in rural and urban districts before settling on a plan that could be used statewide. (Michiganlive.com, 05/01/12)
Wednesday, May 2
Digital Learning
Virtual School to Expand Services
Florida Governor Rick Scott signed into law an expansion of virtual-school offerings that will allow children as young as kindergartners to take online classes and still attend a traditional school. House Bill 7063 also will require the Florida Virtual School to provide services for exceptional student education and to provide the English for Speakers of Other Languages program. (Tallahassee.com, 05/01/12)
Financial Aid
States Seek Ways to Trim Scholarships
The majority of states that followed Georgia's lead in creating lottery-funded state scholarships now are coming up with policies to deal with increasing demand and declining revenues. Over the last several years, all the states have implemented some limit on years or credit hours to address the revenue-versus-demand problem. (Chattanooga Times Free Press, 05/01/12)
Special Ed/Common Core
Standards Open the Door for Best Practices from Special Ed.
Some instructional approaches associated with special education are gaining traction as more states and districts look to them as tools to implement the Common Core State Standards. In particular, two strategies—universal design for learning and response to intervention—are being cited by states in requests for NCLB waivers they relate to implementing the standards. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/25/12)
Teacher Layoffs
Minnesota Senate Sends Teacher-layoffs Bill to Dayton
A bill that would base teacher layoffs on performance rather than seniority in Minnesota is now on its way to Governor Mark Dayton, a strong critic of the proposal. Proponents argue that the practice of seniority-based layoffs doesn't always keep the best teachers in the classroom. Opponents say H.B. 1870 is being rushed through, linked to a new teacher evaluation that is still being developed. (St. Paul Pioneer Press, 04/28/12)
Unaccredited Districts/Student Transfers
Judge Says 'No' to Student Transfers from St. Louis
The Missouri law that could have triggered the exodus of thousands of children from failing St. Louis schools is unconstitutional and unenforceable, a Circuit Court judge ruled. The decision means students from unaccredited districts would not have the right to transfer to better school systems at the expense of their home district. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 05/02/12)
Tuesday, May 1
College Completion
New Web Tool Helps Track Community-College Progress
The College Board and MPR Associates released a new web-based resource that aggregates and explains the available data used to measure community-college students' progress and success. The Completion Arch provides more than 500 indicators that help track the trajectories of community-college students. Among the indicators are enrollment, work-force preparation, and placement. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 04/30/12)
Ed Reform Task Force
A Blueprint for Improving Schools
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the members of the New York Education Reform Commission and tasked the panel with building a blueprint for making the state's system a national, and even global, model. The commission will have a broad mandate to explore solutions to debates surrounding teacher retention and evaluation, support of high- and low-needs schools, parent engagement, and more. (Albany Times Union, 04/30/12)
High School Tests
Gov. Christie Introduces New N.J. High School Testing Program
New Jersey high school students will need to pass as many as 12 end-of-year tests to earn their diplomas under a plan unveiled by Governor Chris Christie. The plan is designed to ensure a high school diploma is a meaningful measure of college and career readiness. Districts will be required to offer remediation to students who don't pass parts of the tests. The current graduation tests will be phased out. (Newark Star-Ledger, 04/30/12)
Teacher Training/Autism
Bill Would Pay to Train Teachers of Students with Autism
A bill introduced in the U.S. House would create a pilot program for districts to partner with universities or nonprofit organizations to create training programs for general education teachers who have in their classes many high-functioning students with autism. The program also would work on parental involvement and retaining skilled teachers. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/30/12)
Tuition/Higher Ed Investments
Gov. Rick Scott Vetoes Tuition 'Pre-eminence' Bill
Florida Governor Rick Scott vetoed a bill that would have allowed unlimited tuition hikes at top Florida universities. Instead, he's now calling on higher education leaders to review how each of the state's public universities fits into the system as a whole and how each spends its money. Scott also will initiate a further review of the universities, with the goal of understanding "the return on an increased investment." (Tampa Bay Times, 04/28/12)
Monday, April 30
Charter Schools
State House OKs Bill to Boost Number of Cyber Charter Schools and Allow More Students to Attend
The number of cyber charter schools in Michigan could expand from two to as many as 15 under legislation passed by the House. Senate Bill 619 also would allow the number of students who can enroll in each cyber charter to expand to as many as 10,000 each. Currently, state law caps enrollment at the two cyber charters in the first year to 400 and a maximum of 1,000 in subsequent years. (Detroit Free Press, 04/27/12)
College Attainment
More College Grads Could Mean Billions for U.S.
If the U.S. doesn’t meet a 60% college-attainment target by 2025, it could cost the country $600 billion in lost tax revenue and increased spending on Medicaid and prisons, according to a new report. Reaching the goal will require the federal government to maintain support for programs such as Pell Grants and states to invest more in higher education and better track which postsecondary sectors are most successful in producing grads. (Stateline.org, 04/27/12)
Student Bullying
Bill Paving Way for Statewide Cyberbullying Policy Gets OK
The Delaware Senate passed a bill that paves the way for a statewide education policy to address cyberbullying. Senate Bill 193 directs the Department of Education to work with the Department of Justice to create a policy that districts would then adopt. A separate House bill would create new reporting requirements for bullying. (Wilmington News Journal, 04/27/12)
Veteran Education Benefits
Obama to Crack Down on Deceptive Practices by Colleges that Recruit Veterans
President Obama issued an executive order that is designed to protect veterans, service members, and their families from deceptive marketing practices by colleges that target them for their federal education benefits. The executive order contains new rules for how institutions receiving military and veteran education benefits recruit students, disclose financial information, and track student outcomes. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 04/27/12)
Friday, April 27
Career and Technical
Tech Prep Aims for Job Skills
Tech prep partners are working to make sure students can get skills needed in the workforce. Funding cuts have forced those helping in this effort to consolidate and streamline services. The cuts come as schools face increased requirements. The end game remains the same: making sure high school tech prep programs meet state requirements, and giving students an opportunity to continue their education beyond high school. (Marion Star, 04/27/12)
Career and Technical
New Diplomas Will Not Lower Standards, Regents Chancellor Says
Merryl Tisch, chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents, made the case that a proposed career and technical high school diploma would not be easier to obtain than the current Regents diploma. Tisch was responding to the news that the Board of Regents is considering offering two new diplomas — the Career and Technical Education Regents diploma and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, or STEM, Regents diploma. These would be in addition to the current one-size-fits-all Regents diploma, which this year requires passing five subject matter tests. (New York Times, 04/25/12)
Economic Development, Postsecondary Completion
Education Slowdown Threatens U.S.
Throughout American history, almost every generation has had substantially more education than that of its parents. That is no longer true. When baby boomers born in 1955 reached age 30, they had about two years more schooling than their parents, according to Harvard University economists Claudia Goldin and Lawrence Katz, who have calculated the average years of schooling for native-born Americans back to 1876. In contrast, when Americans born in 1980 turned 30 in 2010, they averaged about eight months more schooling than their parents. (Wall Street Journal,04/26/12)
School Readiness
Detroit Study Highlights Savings Related To Kindergarten Readiness
Detroit's One-Child School Readiness Dividend study was commissioned by the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation in partnership with more than 20 organizations. The conclusions support prior research that showed evidence that children — particularly low-income children — who attend early education programs that prepare them are less likely to depend on taxpayer-funded services. (Detroit Free Press, 04/25/12)
Vouchers/Tax Credits
Louisiana Legislature Passes Private School Tax Incentives
The Associated Press reported that under a measure passed Tuesday by the Louisiana legislature, the state is "creating a new tax break program that will give rebates for donations to voucher programs that provide tuition for students to attend private schools." Gov. Bobby Jindal "said it will give children in failing public schools more opportunities to get an improved education. Opponents said the tax break program will damage public education in the state by siphoning off children to private schools and taking dollars away from public schools." (Bastropenterprise.com, 04/25/12)
Just for fun
1962 Laurelhurst Elementary Students Predict the Future
In 1962, The Seattle Times asked a third-grade classroom what the future would hold in the year 2000. Fifty years later, in March of 2012, reporter Jack Broom revisited with some of the same students and had them reflect on their predictions. Watch the video. (Seattle Times 04.17.12)
Thursday, April 26
Finance—Property Tax Breaks
Vermont Lawmakers, Governor Explore Property Tax Breaks
Lawmakers and the Shumlin administration agree they want to give property taxpayers financial relief if general tax revenues begin to recover, but they have yet to settle on how. The budget bill the Senate Appropriations Committee presented to the full Senate on Wednesday proposed sending homeowners checks — $30 per household — in late summer or fall of 2013. (Burlington Free Press 4/25/12)
Postsecondary
One Month into the Job, UMS Chancellor Says Maine's Universities Have Catching Up to Do
University of Maine System Chancellor James Page believes the system has been too slow to react to the changing worlds of education and economics, and he plans on pushing it to get caught up. To help boost the business and economic infrastructure in the state, he said, the system's universities will need to build Maine's "intellectual property" and partner with businesses to develop technology and create jobs. Page also stressed the importance of distance learning and online course work to the future of the university system. ( Bangor Daily News 4/25/12)
Sex Education
Most Utahns Support Governor's Veto of Sex Ed Bill
Most Utah voters agree that Gov. Gary Herbert did the right thing by vetoing a bill that would have scaled back sex education, according to a new Salt Lake Tribune poll. Statewide, 69% of registered voters polled said they supported Herbert's recent veto of "legislation that would have allowed school districts to drop sex education and would have required those that kept it to offer abstinence-only instruction." The support crossed religious, party and gender lines. About 64% of Republicans supported the veto, as did 63% of Mormons. Men and women were equally supportive at 69%. (Salt Lake Tribune 4/20/12) (Click here for ECS state policy tracking on sex education).
Teacher Leaders
Partnership Aims to Create New School Leaders for Russellville
A partnership between Arkansas Tech University and the Russellville School District aims to create new administrative leaders for the district. Alene Bynum, assistant superintendent of personnel, curriculum and instruction for Russellville schools, said there is a shortage of "building-level administrators" in her district, and the Partnership for Leadership Development Program is a means of not only filling that void but training teachers to become leaders outside the classroom. (Arkansas Online 4/26/12)
Wednesday, April 25
Common Core
Concern Abounds Over Teachers' Preparedness for Standards
A quiet fear is brewing among supporters of the Common Core State Standards initiative: that the standards will die the slow death of poor implementation in K-12 classrooms. A Center on Education Policy survey issued earlier this year found that fewer than half of districts had planned professional development aligned to the standards this school year. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/23/12)
Digital Textbooks
States Move Slowly Toward Digital Textbooks
For all the noise nationally, digital textbooks still account for only a small fraction of overall textbook sales at the state and district levels. Still, several states have enacted changes in recent years to make it easier for districts to go digital and use free material in the classroom that's available digitally. (Stateline.org, 04/23/12)
NCLB Waivers
Accountability Moving Beyond Math, Reading Tests
As states seek No Child Left Behind waivers, one effect may be to chip away at the dominance reading and math have had when it comes to school accountability. Seven of the 11 states that won waivers in the first round intend to do so, and about a dozen of those that applied in the second round have the same intent. Science is the most popular choice, followed by writing and social studies. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/24/12)
Education Overhaul
Senate Leader Berger Proposes Changes to Teacher Employment Rules
North Carolina teachers would no longer receive tenure, the school year would be five days longer, and 3rd graders who don’t read well would go to a summer literacy camp. Those are some of the sweeping changes included in the Excellent Public Schools Act that would make changes to teacher employment rules, teacher training and student academic requirements. (Raleigh News and Observer, 04/23/12)
Teacher Evaluations
Struggle Over How to Evaluate Special Ed Teachers
Several states are trying to create teacher evaluations that take into account factors such as a student's prior performance, socio-economic background and English language skills. Creating those measurements are especially challenging for special education teachers, as officials try to find a way to evaluate growth that often can't be measured on a test. (Boston Globe, 04/24/12)
Tuesday, April 24
Community Colleges
Community Colleges Not Up to 21st-Century Mission, Their Own Report Says
An American Association of Community Colleges report acknowledges the sector's historic growth and success but also argues that even so, far too many community-college students do not graduate. The study also found employment preparation inadequately connected to the needs of the job market, and a need for two-year colleges to work more closely with high schools and baccalaureate institutions. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 04/21/12)
Early Algebra
Studies Question Value of Early-Algebra Lessons
Mastering algebra is widely considered the gateway to higher math and college readiness. But studies in California and North Carolina suggest that placing struggling middle school students in algebra class does not improve their test performance on state math tests, and significantly hurts their grade point averages and the likelihood of their taking and passing higher math courses in high school. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/20/12)
School Accountability
Bill Passes Setting Up Rating System for Schools
The Alabama House has passed a bill, H.B. 588, which would establish a comprehensive system to grade the performance of schools and districts. Schools would be given a grade of A, B, C, D, or F just like students receive on their report cards. The grading system is similar to one used in Florida. (Montgomery Advertiser, 04/20/12)
School Superintendent
Delaware Schools Chief Appointed Maryland Superintendent
Delaware’s education secretary was named the next superintendent of Maryland public schools. As the schools chief in Delaware, starting in 2009, Lillian M. Lowery oversaw an application that made the state one of the first to win a Race to the Top grant. Lowery begins her new job July 1, according to a press release. (Washington Post, 04/20/12)
Monday, April 23
College Graduate Employment
1 in 2 New Graduates Are Jobless or Underemployed
A weak labor market already has left half of young college graduates either jobless or underemployed in positions that don't fully use their skills and knowledge, and many face loan debt. While there's strong demand in science, education and health fields, arts and humanities flounder. Median wages for those with bachelor's degrees are down from 2000. (Boston Globe, 04/23/12)
Common Core
Advocates Worry Implementation Could Derail Common Core
The Common Core standards face what experts say is their biggest challenge yet: translation from expectations to instruction in classrooms. To some critics, they represent a step down from some states' top-notch standards, or an overemphasis on skills at the expense of content. The standards' backers see them as a distillation of what students need to master to thrive in college and work, and as a way to improve teaching. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/23/12)
Early Learning
Raising the Bar at Ohio Pre-K's
Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill, S.B. 316, to reduce learning gaps between poor youngsters and their peers by requiring all tax-funded preschool and childcare programs to participate in a rating system to help guide parents and ensure high standards. Programs would be rated under Ohio's Step Up to Quality system based on teacher qualifications, class sizes, and educational offerings. (Columbus Dispatch, 04/20/12)
Financial Aid/Technical Ed
Education Dept. Proposes Reforms in Vocational-Education Programs
The Department of Education released a blueprint outlining reforms it would like to see enacted when the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act is reauthorized. The plan lists four ways the Obama administration wants to reform the Perkins programs in order to encourage technical training. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 04/19/12)
Low-performing Districts
Missouri Senate Passes Education Overhaul Legislation
Struggling districts in Missouri could see significant changes under two pieces of education legislation passed by the Senate. One measure would allow for an expansion of charter schools in lagging districts, while the other would let the state intervene more quickly and make changes in districts that have lost their state accreditation. (Columbian Missourian, 04/19/12)
Friday, April 20
College Remediation
Combining Remedial Coursework with Credit Classes Helps Students Succeed, Report Says
Developmental education is a dead end for the nearly two million students who enroll in remedial courses every year, says a report by Complete College America. The report states that many unprepared students could succeed in college-level courses if their remedial coursework were provided more as a "co-requisite" rather than a prerequisite to their full-credit classes. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 04/18/12)
Early Learning
Louisiana Takes Big Steps to Improve Early-Childhood Education
Louisiana preschoolers should have a better chance of being ready for kindergarten under legislation signed by Governor Bobby Jindal. Senate Bill 581 requires the state education board to create an early-childhood-education-and-care network that would be governed by performance standards for kindergarten readiness. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/19/12)
Extended Learning Time
States' Waivers Weak on Extended Learning Time, Report Says
Most of the dozen states that have received flexibility under No Child Left Behind don't have very good plans in place when it comes to a key piece of the Department of Education's requirements for turning around low-performing schools: extending learning time, according to a report by the Center for American Progress. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/18/12)
Math Standards
Education Panel Mulls New Math Standards; Critics Say They Don't Measure Up
As almost every other state signed on to the Common Core math standards, Texas opted to go it alone. When outside analyses found Texas' math standards to be lagging behind the Common Core Standards, the state got to work on closing that gap and the state board soon could vote on updated version of the math standards. Texas business leaders, however, say the new standards are still problematic. (Austin American-Statesman, 04/19/12)
Online Courses
Pacing Themselves
Pearson announced a partnership with Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana to provide online, self-paced courses that the company says will help Ivy Tech deal with student demand and overcrowding issues in required general education courses. The partnership allows Ivy Tech to offer courses that it does not currently offer and does not have to create itself. (Inside Higher Ed, 04/19/12)
Thursday, April 19
Education Disparities
Study Links Zoning to Education Disparities
A new Brookings Institution report links housing prices and zoning practices to effectively depriving low-income students of high-quality schools. The study illuminates some stark test-score differences between public schools in low-income neighborhoods and those in pricier, more-exclusive enclaves. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/19/12)
Education Reforms
D.C. Chancellor Announces New 5-year Education Plan, Warns of Closures
D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced a new five-year plan, A Capital Commitment, that calls for higher-achieving schools with longer days and better graduation rates. But she also warned that paying for improvements will require closing some campuses. (Washington Post, 04/18/12)
Higher Ed Funding
Colleges to Prove Worth for State Funds
The nation's colleges and universities are facing new scrutiny from legislators and governors who want assurances that scarce tax dollars aren't being wasted. In response, several states have adopted or considering performance-based funding policies. Missouri recently laid the groundwork for performance funding, while Illinois is in the first year of its initiative. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 04/17/12)
Rural Education/Economic Development
Duncan Outlines Four Rural Education Priority Areas
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said that his rural education agenda centers on four priorities: teachers, capacity, technology, and college access. Duncan's remarks came during the Summit on the Role of Education in Economic Development in Rural America, which was co-hosted by the White House Rural Council and ECS. See the recommendations from last year's summit. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/18/12)
Pay for Performance
Hawaii Board of Education Approves Plan to Tie Teacher, Principal Pay to Performance
The Hawaii Board of Education voted in favor of a plan that would tie teachers' and principals' pay to their performance, as well as develop evaluation criteria at Hawaii's 250 public schools. Hawaii promised to institute these policies as part of reforms it's pursuing with a Race to the Top grant. But the state has struggled to put them in place amid objections from the teachers union. (The Republic, 04/18/12)
Wednesday, April 18
Financial Aid
Vote Could Make It Harder to Get Scholarship in Tennessee
Despite a scholarship reserve fund of nearly $400 million, the Tennessee Senate approved a measure, S.B. 2514, that will make it more difficult for students to win a full $4,000-a-year Hope Scholarship if the lottery doesn't produce record proceeds. Students would have to achieve both — not either — a 21 ACT test score and at least a 3.0 high school grade-point average to receive the full scholarship. (Memphis Commercial Appeal, 04/16/12)
Online Courses
Elite Universities' Online Play
Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor have teamed up with a for-profit company to offer free versions of their coveted courses to online audiences. They join a growing group of top-tier universities that are embracing massively open online courses, or MOOCs, as an extension of higher education in an increasingly online, global landscape. (Inside Higher Ed, 04/18/12)
Teacher Effectiveness
Studies Give Nuanced Look at Teacher Effectiveness
The Measures of Effective Teaching Project is finding that teacher assessments similar to those used in value-added systems aren't good at showing which differences are important between the most and least effective educators. Yet the project's latest findings suggest more nuanced teacher tests, multiple classroom observations and student feedback can help identify what effective teaching looks like. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/17/12)
Teaching Reading
Separate Reading Exams Await Elementary Teachers
A handful of states are adopting licensing tests that measure aspiring elementary teachers' ability to master aspects of what's arguably their most important task: teaching students to read. Historically, a candidate could do poorly in the crucial area of teaching reading but answer enough questions on elementary-licensure exams correctly overall to earn a license. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/17/12)
Tuesday, April 17
Physical Education
Virginia Legislation Calls for School PE Guidelines
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is expected to sign legislation, H.B. 1092, that would require the state board of education to develop guidelines to incorporate physical education in elementary and middle schools, a small step in a wider attempt to combat the childhood obesity epidemic. It's expected to pass both chambers and become law. (Richmond Times-Dispatch, 04/15/12)
Race to the Top
Sluggish Pace for Race to Top Spending
Almost two years into the Race to the Top program, states are spending their shares of the $4 billion prize at a snail's pace — a reflection of the challenges they face in getting ambitious improvement plans off the ground. Through the end of March, the 11 states and the District of Columbia had spent just 14% of their funding, according to federal spending reports. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/17/12)
School Improvement Grants
School Turnaround Push Still a Work in Progress
The federal School Improvement Grant program providing $3 billion to help states and districts close or remake some of their worst-performing schools remains a work in progress, with more than 1,200 turnaround efforts under way but still no definitive verdict on its effectiveness. Education Week and other news outlets examined how the program is being used to revitalize low-performing schools. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/17/12)
Student Bullying
Assembly Bill Would Punish Those Who Bully Online
In trying to keep up with evolving trends in online bullying, the California Assembly passed a bill that would give schools broader authority to punish students who harass their classmates on social networking sites. Assembly Bill 1732 would allow schools to suspend or expel students who create online profiles impersonating classmates or set up "burn pages" filled with material intended to harm others. (San Francisco Chronicle, 04/16/12)
Monday, April 16
Curriculum/Bible Course
AZ Senate OK Sends Bill for Bible Course to Brewer
A bill to make the Bible and its role in Western culture the subject of an elective high school course is headed to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. House Bill 2563 directs the state education board to design a course that schools could offer as an elective if they choose. At least five other states have passed legislation similar to the Arizona proposal. (Arizona Daily Sun, 04/12/12)
Financial Aid
Legislature Passes Scholarship Bill
The Alaska legislature has passed a bill establishing a long-term funding source for student merit scholarships. The bill, H.B. 140, splits funding between Alaska Performance scholarships and a program that provides aid for students with financial needs. (Anchorage Daily News, 04/16/12)
Race to the Top
Is Hawaii One Step Closer to Losing Race to Top Grant?
With the fate of Hawaii's Race to the Top grant hanging in the balance, it appears that a bill, S.B. 2789, to create teacher performance evaluations – something the state promised to do in its application – has died. Within the next few weeks the U.S. Department of Education is expected to update the state about Hawaii's high-risk status. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/12/12)
School Calendar
House Passes Bill to Set Summer Break for Schools
The Alabama House passed H.B. 360 that would require that schools not start earlier than 14 days before Labor Day or end later than the Friday before Memorial Day. Instead of a 180-day school year, districts would be required to have a 1,080-hour school year. That change would allow them to slightly extend school days and have fewer days each year. See ECS' summary on school calendar policies. (Mobile Press-Register, 04/13/12)
Friday, April 13
College Attainment
Report Addresses College Graduation Rates for Latinos
Experts say that closing the gap in college graduation rates between Latinos and Anglos in Texas will be critical to ensuring that the state has an educated workforce. A new report shows that 17% of Latino adults have an associate's degree or higher, compared with 34% of all Texas adults. The graduation rate for Latino college students is about 10 percentage points lower than that of white students. (Texas Tribune, 04/10/12)
Dropout Prevention
How ‘Early Warning Systems’ Are Keeping Kids in School
Recently passed D.C. City Council legislation will create an early-warning system pilot project in four schools to track how students in grades 4 through 9 are progressing toward high school and college.
Such early warning systems designed to prevent students from dropping out are cropping up all over the country, and some are showing promising results. See ECS' summary of state early warning policies. (Washington Post, 04/10/12)
Education Policy/Elections
Education Issues Factor into Governors' Races
In a year when a dozen states have gubernatorial elections, K-12 education is playing a variety of roles in the individual campaigns, in ways that sometimes seem to defy easy political categories. Incumbent and aspiring governors could gain momentum from the national appetite for more focus on education in general. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/11/12)
School Improvement Grants
GAO Criticizes Ed. Dept. On School Improvement Grant Program
The Department of Education needs to do a better job of making sure that the performance of contractors hired through the School Improvement Grant program is reviewed, and of making sure states have the information they need to make grant renewal decisions, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/11/12)
Teacher Preparation
Deadlocked Negotiators Fail to Reach Consensus on Teacher-Prep Rules
After negotiations on new teacher preparation accountability rules broke down, the Department of Education declined to extend the process any further, meaning it will craft the rules on its own. The final wedge issue ended up being student-achievement outcomes. Several negotiators said they didn't feel that such measures as "value added" were ready to be used to judge program quality. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/12/12)
Thursday, April 12
Completion Rates
Last Rites for Graduation Rate
A long-held wish of many community colleges is on the verge of becoming reality: the Education Department has announced its plans to change how student success is measured in higher education, taking into account students who transfer, part-time students, and students who are not attending college for the first time. (Inside Higher Ed, 04/12/12)
Graduation Rates
High School Graduation Rate Falls Under New Calculation
Georgia’s high school graduation rate has fallen to 67% based a new federally mandated calculation. Under the old calculation, the graduation rate topped 80%, but officials say that number wasn’t an accurate picture of how many students actually finish high school in Georgia. (Athens Banner-Herald, 04/10/12)
School Vouchers
School Vouchers Gain Ground
Louisiana is poised to establish the nation's most expansive system of school choice. Legislation would allow vouchers to be used by students to pay for apprenticeships, as well as college courses and private online classes, while they are still in public schools. Nineteen states and Washington, D.C. have voucher or tax credit programs that help pay for students to attend private school. (Wall Street Journal, 04/12/12)
Special Ed Funding
Feds Back Off on Easing Special Ed. Funding Restriction
The Department of Education took back an offer it made to districts that would have let them cut special education spending permanently, with only a one-time penalty, and for reasons other than existing exemptions in federal disability education law. The offer had applied to the federal “maintenance of effort” clause. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/11/12)
Wednesday, April 11
College Tuition
Out-of-state Tuition Waiver Signed
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed H.B. 1095 that allows universities to waive out-of-state tuition to attract students from Alabama, Tennessee, and Louisiana, among other states. The flexibility of the law's language will allow each institution to structure a plan conducive to its needs. (Jackson Clarion-Ledger, 04/09/12)
Educator Evaluations
Bill Over Evaluation of Maine Teachers, Principals Approved
Maine lawmakers approved L.D. 1858 that directs the state education department to develop guidelines for teacher and principal evaluation systems that are based on clear standards, and use multiple measures of effectiveness, including students' achievement and growth. The systems themselves will be adopted at the local level. (Portland Press Herald, 04/07/12)
Evolution/Scientific Theories
Gov. Haslam Allows Evolution Bill to Become TN Law
A bill that encourages classroom debate over evolution will become law in Tennessee. Governor Bill Haslam said that he will allow H.B. 368/S.B. 893 to become law without his signature, a symbolic move that signals his opposition but allows the measure to be added to the state code. (Tennessean, 04/11/12)
High School Options
High School, Only Shorter
A handful of states — Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Utah, South Dakota, and Utah — give scholarships as an incentive to accelerate high school diplomas, often cutting public school costs. Twenty-four other states explicitly allow early diplomas for students who earn required credits. Others are expanding ways students can earn college credit in high school, or high-school credit in middle school or junior high. (Wall Street Journal, 04/11/12)
Rural Achievement
Rural Achievement Mostly Better than 40 Years Ago
Rural Americans have improved their educational attainment during the past 40 years, but the gap between rural and urban areas for residents with college degrees is growing, according to a new analysis. Rural areas also are seeing an increasing percentage of residents who only have a high school diploma, while the rest of the country is seeing a decrease in that percentage. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/10/12)
Tuesday, April 10
College/Career Readiness
Oregon High School Seniors Required to Pass Tests
Under Oregon board of education rules, students must show on state assessments that they can read at a level that will serve them in college and on the job. In 2013, graduating seniors will have to show both reading and writing proficiency, and the 2014 graduating class also must pass a math test demonstrating that they won't need remediation classes when they hit the university. (Salem Statesman Journal, 04/08/12)
Pre-K Funding
Study Points to Drop in Per-Pupil Spending for Pre-K
Enrollment in state-funded preschool programs has more than doubled over the last decade, according to a new national report. An accompanying slide in per-child spending in many states, however, is threatening the quality of early-childhood programs designed to serve poor children. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/10/12)
Race to the Top
New $133 Million Available for Race to Top Early Learning Grants
The five states that narrowly missed winning a slice of the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Fund will get a chance to compete for $133 million in new money, the Department of Education announced. Eligible for this round: Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Oregon and Wisconsin. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/09/12)
State Assessments
Fewer Students Would Pass State’s Tougher Exams
If Ohio students had already taken the new, tougher state tests, only about 4 in 10 would have passed math or reading. The Ohio education department plans to publish predictions of how districts might fare on the exams on this year’s report cards. Ohio also is moving to implement the Common Core Standards and the corresponding new assessments. (Columbus Dispatch, 04/07/12)
Vouchers/Tax Credits
Political, Legal Fights Over School Vouchers' Fate
Fights about using tax dollars to help make private schools more affordable through vouchers and tax credits are popping up around the country. Legislation to expand choice recently passed in Florida, Louisiana and Virginia, and choice programs have been debated in several other states. But school choice supporters also have faced political roadblocks and court challenges. (Boston Globe, 04/08/12)
Monday, April 9
Differentiated Tuition
Tuition Model Quietly Spreading
Many colleges have begun charging more for high-cost courses and academic programs like engineering and health sciences. Differential rates are on the books at more than half of flagship public universities, a recent survey found. But as Santa Monica College has discovered, creating a two-tiered pricing system for the same popular general education courses is a far tougher pill to swallow. (Inside Higher Ed, 04/09/12)
Education Overhaul
Legislature Gives Final Approval to Package of Bills to Remake Education in Louisiana
Louisiana lawmakers gave final approval to an overhaul of public schools as part of Governor Bobby Jindal's reform agenda. Under H.B. 974 and H.B. 976, Louisiana will curtail teacher tenure protection; tie instructors' compensation and superintendents' job security to student performance; shift hiring and firing power from school boards to superintendents; expand charter schools; and establish a voucher program. (New Orleans Times-Picayune, 04/05/12)
Graduation Requirements
Virginia's New High School Graduation Requirement: One Online Course
Governor Robert F. McDonnell signed into law H.B. 1061 that will require Virginia high school students to take at least one virtual course to graduate with a standard or advanced diploma. The new law also requires candidates for a standard diploma to earn a credential in career and technical education, such as an industry certification or state license. (Washington Post, 04/06/12)
Teacher Tenure
Missouri Lawmakers Back Tenure, School Transfer Bills
The Missouri Senate gave initial approval to S.B. 806 that would require teachers to spend a decade in a district before they would become tenured — that's twice as long as the current requirement. Senators considered abolishing teacher tenure but stepped back after an amendment would have kept tenure in place while a special task force examined teacher pay and effectiveness. (Columbia Missourian, 04/05/12)
Friday, April 6
Common Core
Common-Core-Test Group Gives Higher Ed. Voting Rights
The governing board of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, or PARCC , voted to give members of its advisory committee on college readiness voting power on four issues: 1) How to describe the expected performance levels on the tests; 2) Who will set the cutoff scores; 3) What evidence will be used to decide the cutoff scores; and 4) What the cutoff scores will be. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/05/12)
Compulsory Attendance
Maryland Poised to Raise High School Dropout Age
Maryland lawmakers have approved legislation that would require students to turn 18 before they can drop out of school. The current minimum dropout age is 16. The bills would increase the dropout age initially to 17 and ultimately to 18. Some national experts say the schedule allows Maryland more flexibility with implementation and can make the bill more palatable to state legislators. See ECS summary of compulsory attendance. (Washington Post, 04/06/12)
Graduation Rates
In D.C. Schools, 59% of Students Get Diploma on Time
Less than 60% of D.C. high school students graduated on time in 2011, according to a new and more rigorous calculation of completion rates. The 58.6% graduation rate is a nearly 15% decline over the 73% rate reported for 2010. In addition, eight in 10 charter school seniors received diplomas last year, compared with slightly more than half of those in traditional schools. (Washington Post, 04/05/12)
STEM Education
Governors Urged to Tap into 'Informal' Science Education
In a new issue brief, the National Governors Association identifies science learning outside the classroom — often called informal science education — as a frequently overlooked vehicle for helping states advance their STEM goals. The document urges governors to explicitly include such educational practices in their agendas to improve STEM learning. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/04/12)
Thursday, April 5
Accountability
Ga. Proposes 'Financial Efficiency' Category for School Scoring
Georgia lawmakers passed S.B. 410 that would require the state education department to come up with a new scoring system for schools and districts. The indicators would deal with the quality of learning by students, financial efficiency and the climate of schools and districts as measured by parent surveys and student health and behavioral data. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/02/12)
College Access/Completion
Completion at What Price?
Technology and cost-cutting won’t fix the capacity crisis at community colleges, which is freezing out hundreds of thousands of students, warned the first report from a new faculty think tank. The report focused on California, where a state task force has successfully pushed for the system to prioritize students who appear most likely to earn a credential. (Inside Higher Ed, 04/02/12)
NCLB Waivers
NCLB Waivers for Districts No Easy Sell with States
Even as districts clamor for flexibility under No Child Left Behind, state education chiefs have a clear message for Secretary of Education Arne Duncan: Any decision to seek a federal waiver should rest with them, not individual districts. The Department of Education is considering offering waivers to districts in states that choose not to seek NCLB flexibility. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/02/12)
School Vouchers
Brewer Vetoes Legislation to Expand Voucher-like Program for Private Schools
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer vetoed an expansion of a voucher program, saying the move goes too far. A year-old law allows parents of students identified as disabled to get a voucher to send the child to a private school. Under H.B. 2626, the program would cover any child whose school or district has been assigned a D or F by the state education department. (East Valley Tribune, 04/04/12)
Wednesday, April 4
Affirmative Action
Court Upholds California Affirmative Action Ban
Affirmative action proponents took a hit as a federal appeals court panel upheld California's ban on using race, ethnicity and gender in admitting students to public colleges and universities. The ruling marked the second time the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals turned back a challenge to the state's landmark voter initiative, Proposition 209, which was passed in 1996. (Sacramento Bee, 04/02/12)
Arts Education
Arts Instruction Still Widely Available, but Disparities Persist
Over the past decade, the availability of music and visual arts instruction has changed little, and remains high, according to a new federal report. Dance and theater, however, are fast becoming endangered species at the elementary level. At the same time, disparities persist in access to arts instruction for high-poverty schools. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/02/12)
College Remediation
How to End Remediation
Connecticut lawmakers are considering legislation, S.B. 40, that would require the state's public institutions to eliminate non-credit stand-alone remedial classes by the fall of 2014. Students who need remediation would be placed into entry-level, credit-bearing courses and receive embedded remedial support. They also would be required to take a college readiness program before the semester's start. (Inside Higher Ed, 04/04/12)
Early Literacy/Teacher Evaluations
Governor Signs Bill to Set Rules on Reading Tests, Teacher Evaluations
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed an education reform bill that creates the Read to Lead Development Council in the governor's office and includes provisions such as a new early literacy screening test for use in kindergarten and early grades. Senate Bill 461 also requires teacher performance evaluations be based half on student test scores. (Wausau Daily Herald, 04/03/12)
Tuesday, April 3
College Completion
Colleges Turn to Degree Guarantees
To improve graduation rates, some universities are promising students a four-year roadmap in exchange for a commitment they'll stay on track. The University at Buffalo is among the latest institutions to launch such a program. If students uphold their end of the bargain but still can't graduate in four years, the university will pay the tuition for remaining work. (Albany Times Union, 04/01/12)
Federal/State Policymaking
Federal Dysfunction Sets Stiff Challenge for State K-12 Chiefs
With Congress seemingly deadlocked on reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, many of the state school leaders gathered at a Council of Chief State School Officers meeting have gladly stepped into the power vacuum left by Washington. Still, federal budget decisions with major ramifications for education funding loom, and those ramifications could hit states next year. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/02/12)
Graduation Rates
States Gird to Report Revised Graduation Rates
States are grappling with a federal requirement that is forcing them to use a new, more uniform method of calculating high school graduation rates. In some states, this method is lowering graduation rates by 20%. States were required to use a four-year "cohort" rate, beginning in 2010-11, and to use that number to determine whether schools are making adequate progress under NCLB. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 04/03/12)
School Turnarounds
Denver Public Schools Can Better Improve through Charter Schools, Study Says
Denver Public Schools may be able to more quickly improve performance through charter schools than by using federal turnaround strategies for the entire system, according to a Donnell-Kay Foundation report. The report suggests DPS should set higher and more specific expectations for new schools so there is a way to measure success, and to end turnaround strategies that don't seem to be working. (Denver Post, 04/02/12)
Monday, April 2
Arts Education
Federal Research Shows Higher Academic Achievement for At-Risk Youth Engaged in the Arts
Low-income students who are involved in arts activities have higher academic achievement and are more likely to go to college, according to a new study. The report also found that students who have access to the arts tend to have better workforce goals and opportunities and more civic engagement, such as voting and volunteering. (Washington Post, 03/30/12)
Education Reforms
Gov. Jindal-backed Education Bills Near the Final Bell in Louisiana Legislature
A vast expansion of charter schools, an overhaul of teacher tenure and establishment of a statewide program to pay private school tuition with public dollars moved within one step of final passage as the Louisiana Senate education committee endorsed the headliner components of Governor Bobby Jindal's education agenda. See ECS' summary of governors' state of the state addresses. (New Orleans Times-Picayune, 03/29/12)
For-profit Colleges
Bill Creating For-Profit College Oversight Panel Heads to Beshear
The Kentucky legislature gave final approval to bill that creates an independent commission to strengthen oversight of for-profit colleges. House Bill 308 calls for the new commission to replace the State Board for Proprietary Education and would create a student protection fund and strengthen the complaint process at such colleges. (Louisville Courier-Journal, 03/29/12)
Teacher Evaluations
TN Senate OKs Bill to Close Teacher Evaluation Data
The Tennessee Senate approved legislation, S.B. 1447, to close teacher evaluation records to parents and other members of the public. The sponsor said access to the data should be limited to school officials. Under recent changes to state law, half of a teacher’s assessment must derive from testing data, the rest from classroom observations. (Tennessean, 03/30/12)
Friday, March 30
Autism Rates
New Estimates Find 1 in 88 U.S. Children Has Autism
New estimates show that 1 in 88 American children has been identified as having autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, marking an increase of more than 20% since the last time such data were collected. But what isn't clear from the new estimates: just why the number of diagnoses are on the rise. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/29/12)
Charter Schools
Two States, Two Different Paths on Charter Schools
Legislators in Georgia voted recently to make it easier for the state to approve new charter schools, regardless of whether local authorities want them. Their measure awaits voter approval. In New Jersey, the legislature is considering a measure to slow down the state's approval of charters by requiring local endorsement of each charter application. (Stateline.org, 03/28/12)
College Attainment
Education Panel Says Higher Degrees Vital
The Indiana Education Roundtable endorsed a statewide plan designed to increase the Hoosier population with a two-year or four-year college degree from 33.2% to 60% by 2025. The plan would increase efforts to prepare more high school students for postsecondary education and make college entry for adults easier and based on career requirements. (Evansville Courier & Press, 03/28/12)
Compulsory Attendance
Senate Passes Bill Raising Required Education Age
The Alaska Senate approved a bill that would require children to attend school from ages 6 to 18. Current law requires attendance from ages 7 to 16. Senate Bill 9 now goes to the House for consideration. See ECS' summary of compulsory attendance policies. (Anchorage Daily News, 03/28/12)
School Improvement Grants
SIG Effort Posts Promising Early Results
A Department of Education analysis looked at 700 of the 850 schools that started carrying out a revised version of the School Improvement Grant program. A quarter of the schools have seen double-digit increases in math scores, and another fifth have seen double-digit increases in reading. The proportion of students who were proficient in math or reading on state tests went up in 60% of the schools. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/27/12)
Thursday, March 29
Achievement Compacts
Oregon's New Education Board Approves Achievement Gauges for Every Level of Schooling
Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber's new education board approved measurements that will be used to gauge achievement and success at every level of education in Oregon next year. The board approved achievement compacts for 197 school districts, 17 community colleges, seven universities and Oregon Health and Science University. (Oregonian, 03/27/12)
Competency-based Learning
'Competency' Approach Challenges Colorado District
Four years into a bold effort to adopt competency-based learning, a Colorado district is still working out the kinks. Instead of placing students in a grade based on their age, they work on academic material that match their developmental levels. Students move on only when they can demonstrate mastery of a particular academic skill. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/26/12)
Evolution/Scientific Theories
Evolution Bill Goes to Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam
A controversial bill, H.B. 368, that protects teachers who discuss with students "weaknesses" in evolution and other scientific theories is on its way to Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. The governor is under pressure from prominent scientists to veto it. (Tennessean, 03/26/12)
Teacher Evaluations
Access to Teacher Evaluations Divides Advocates
Supporters of tying teacher evaluations to student performance differ over whether individuals' results should be made public. Access to teachers' evaluation results is permissible under open-records laws in at least 18 states plus the District of Columbia. Only Florida and Michigan have policies requiring that parents be notified if their child's teacher repeatedly performs poorly on his or her evaluations. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/27/12)
Wednesday, March 28
Assessments/Cheating
Tighter Security for SAT, ACT in Wake of Cheating
Following the aftermath of a major cheating scandal on Long Island in New York, the millions of students who take the SAT or ACT each year will have to submit photos of themselves when they sign up for the college entrance exams under a host of new security measures. (USA Today, 03/27/12)
College Attainment
Outpacing IPEDS
The United States appears to have made significant headway in 2011 toward the goal of increasing the number of college degrees and credentials awarded, according to a new tool that mines preliminary federal data to provide a much timelier picture than other studies offer. The data show, for example, that institutions awarded 6.5% more degrees and certificates in 2010-11 than they did the year before. (Inside Higher Ed, 03/27/12)
School Accountability
Creation of General Assembly Study Commission Gives Indiana Schools More Time to Bring Up Their Grades
New rules proposed by the Indiana state board would have changed the way schools are graded and likely put many more of them in jeopardy of a state takeover. But instead of approving those rules, the legislature created a commission to study the issue. One of the concerns was the flood of new schools that could face state takeover in a few short years. (Indianapolis Star, 03/26/12)
State Education Policymaking
Governors Push Hard on K-12 Agendas
As legislators push to wrap up business for their current sessions, governors in Louisiana, Maryland, South Dakota and other states have sunk significant political capital into signature legislative and policy initiatives on a range of education issues, including teacher tenure and evaluation, education funding and charter schools. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/27/12)
Student Bullying
N.J. Gov. Christie Signs Legislation Creating $1M Anti-Bullying Fund
With New Jersey facing a deadline to revise its anti-bullying law — considered the toughest in the nation — Governor Chris Christie signed A.B. 2709, which creates a $1 million fund to pay for training programs in schools. The law requires that districts seek free alternatives for anti-bullying training, provided by the state education department and other organizations, before they get the grants. (New Jersey Star-Ledger, 03/27/12)
Tuesday, March 27
Charter Schools
Gov. Otter Signs Bill to Lift Charter School Limit
Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter signed a bill to eliminate limits on how many charter schools can be created annually. House Bill 481 ends the cap of six new charter schools and allows more than one charter to open annually within the boundaries of a traditional school district. (Idaho Statesman, 03/23/12)
College Completion
Not Quite Complete
An annual Lumina Foundation report found that 38.3% of working-age adults held at least a two-year degree in 2010. At that pace, less than 47% of Americans will hold a degree by 2025, well below the foundation's goal of 60%. The report features completion rates for each state and the 100 largest metropolitan areas, the latter which could be linked to workforce needs of local economies. (Inside Higher Ed, 03/27/12)
Promotion/Retention
More States Retaining Struggling 3rd Graders
Oklahoma is one of several states that has adopted new reading policies that call for 3rd graders to be held back if they flunk a state standardized test. Other states are pursuing similar requirements. The plans appear to follow a Florida policy that also emphasizes early identification and intervention, as well as mechanisms to ensure retained students don't get the same experience twice. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/27/12)
Science Instruction/Tests
State to Boost Importance of Science Standardized Tests, though Critics Say Not Enough
In an attempt to increase the importance of science instruction, Connecticut plans to begin using the state science tests that students take in 5th, 8th and 10th grades to hold schools accountable when students fail to show improvement. A more rigorous science curriculum and the accountability measure also are part of the state's bid for a No Child Left Behind waiver. (Connecticut Mirror, 03/24/12)
Teacher Evaluations
Colorado Tests of New Teacher Evaluation System Raise Doubts
Though Colorado is more than a year away from implementing its new teacher-evaluation system, doubts have surfaced about the state's ability to launch such a sweeping initiative on time and with adequate resources for professional development. Educators from some of the 27 districts piloting the new system say that effort has turned out to be a complex and time-consuming task heaped upon demands of other education reforms. (Denver Post, 03/26/12)
Monday, March 26
High School Options
Early Education Bill Clears Idaho House
Idaho lawmakers voted to establish the "8 in 6 Program," which is aimed at students looking to finish junior high and high school classwork early by taking online courses so they can take dual enrollment classes for college credit. Under H.B. 426, students could complete two years of college by the time they graduate high school. The bill now heads to the governor's desk. (Idaho Statesman, 03/23/12)
NCLB Waivers
Latest NCLB Waiver Hopefuls Learned from First Round
In the latest round of No Child Left Behind waiver applications, states seem to have dodged pitfalls that triggered some big revisions from first-round states. The second-round applicants did a better job explaining how they will help English-learners and special education students succeed and adhering to disaggregated data requirements. Yet they still have a lot of work to do to create more sophisticated accountability systems. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/26/12)
School Prayer
Florida Gov. Rick Scott Signs School Prayer Bill
The burden is now on Florida districts to decide whether to allow students to pray or deliver "inspirational messages" during public events. Governor Rick Scott signed into law Senate Bill 98 that authorizes school prayer. (Tampa Bay Times, 03/24/12)
Teacher Tenure/School Choice
House Passes Gov. Jindal's Teacher Tenure Changes
A wide-ranging restructuring of teacher tenure and compensation rules is halfway to becoming law after the Louisiana House approved Governor Bobby Jindal's initiative. House Bill 974 now moves to the Senate, where it will join H.B. 976, which would expand charter schools and establish a statewide voucher program. The House already approved that measure. (New Orleans Times Picayune, 03/23/12)
Friday, March 23
Career Pathways
Career Mapping Eyed to Prepare Students for College
About half of all states mandate that schools help create individual or student learning plans, and most others have optional programs. The practice is picking up momentum with the increased emphasis on college completion, which research shows is more likely when students take rigorous courses and have a career goal. But these career maps take an investment in technology and training.
(Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/23/12)
College Completion
Completion and Quality at CUNY
Faculty groups at City University of New York (CUNY) filed a lawsuit to block a plan for a standardized core curriculum of 30 credits for the system's 23 campuses. System officials have touted the plan as an attempt to improve an internal transfer process and completion rates, but some faculty members think that academic rigor will suffer. (Inside Higher Ed, 03/22/12)
Early Learning
Senate Passes Jindal's Early Childhood Education Bill
The Louisiana Senate approved S.B. 581 that will give wide-ranging authority to the state education board for developing a regulatory structure to certify and measure the quality of early childhood programs. The board would be responsible for developing a definition of kindergarten readiness and establishing academic standards for young children. (New Orleans Times Picayune, 03/21/12)
Educator Evaluations
Committee Approves System for Evaluating Maine’s Teachers
Maine's education committee approved L.D. 1858 that creates an effectiveness rating system for teachers and administrators that includes markers for students' progress. Teachers who receive ineffective scores could have their contract canceled. The bill requires professional development opportunities for low-scoring teachers and sets more rigorous teaching qualifications. (Bangor Daily News, 03/21/12)
NAEP Data
Policymakers Weigh Gathering More Data for NAEP
The governing board for the National Assessment of Educational Progress program is exploring changes aimed at leveraging the achievement data to better inform education policy and practice. A report suggests that NAEP data could identify factors that may differentiate high-performing states and urban districts from low performers. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/14/12)
Thursday, March 22
Education Reforms
D.C. Council Approves Education Bills
The D.C. Council approved a package of education bills intended to address some of the city's most vexing issues. The Raising Expectations for Education Outcomes Act of 2012 includes an early-warning system to identify students at risk of dropping out and offer interventions; financial incentives for highly effective teachers; and a plan for high school students take the SAT or ACT and apply to a college. (Washington Post, 03/20/12)
Financial Aid
Fewer than 20 Percent of Alabama Seniors Completing College Financial Aid Applications
Fewer than 20% of Alabama high school seniors have completed their applications for federal financial aid, the U.S. Department of Education reports. The department unveiled an online tool that allows districts to monitor how many of their seniors are completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Research shows a strong correlation between FAFSA completion and college enrollment.
(Huntsville News, 03/21/12)
Kindergarten Funding
Indiana Gov. Daniels Signs Bill Boosting Kindergarten Spending
Governor Mitch Daniels signed legislation that nearly doubles the amount Indiana spends on full-day kindergarten, infusing an extra $80 million into schools that offer the program. Schools will receive $2,400 for each full-day kindergarten student, up from $1,220. That moves the state much closer to paying the full amount per kindergarten student that it does for other students. (Evansville Courier & Press, 03/20/12)
Low-performing Schools
School Reform, New Orleans-Style
A Louisiana nonprofit organization has created a guide for policymakers in other states who may be interested in creating a structure similar to the New Orleans Recovery School District to manage low-performing schools. The Recovery School District (RSD) took over most of New Orleans' schools and converted them to charters. Michigan and Tennessee officials have crafted plans based on the RSD. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/16/12)
Teacher Turnover/Student Achievement
Teacher Turnover Affects All Students' Achievement, Study Indicates
When teachers leave schools, overall morale appears to suffer enough that student achievement declines — both for those taught by the departed teachers and by students whose teachers stayed put, concludes a recent study. It is unclear whether a loss of collegiality, or perhaps a loss of institutional knowledge among the staff due to turnover, is the cause of the lower achievement. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/21/12)
Wednesday, March 21
Charter Schools
Charter-schools Amendment Headed to Georgia Voters
Georgians will vote this fall on whether the state should have the power to create charter schools over the objections of local school boards. The Senate approved a resolution to amend the state Constitution aimed at reversing a Georgia Supreme Court decision that essentially abolished "state-chartered" schools as an unconstitutional intrusion into local control of public education. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, 03/19/12)
Financial Aid
No Diploma, No GED, No Aid
Students who wanted to attend college but didn't have a high school diploma or GED used to be able to get federal grants and loans through a back door: either take a basic skills test to prove their "ability to benefit" from a college education, or successfully complete six credits. This year's federal budget shut off both routes and could shut out certain students. (Inside Higher Ed, 03/20/12)
Online Learning
States Take Legislative Actions to Expand Virtual Ed.
No two states regulate online and blended learning the same. As a result, new legislation each year shifts the online learning landscape for states, putting some ahead of the pack in online opportunities for students while others provide just a bare-bones set of offerings. This article provides a summary of key trends and the actions states have taken. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/15/12)
Principal Certification
Indiana to Revamp Its School Principal Certification Exam
Indiana is poised to dramatically overhaul the way it determines whether educators are qualified to become principals. The state will abandon its mostly multiple-choice test to receive the administrator license. Instead, the new test will feature real practical and applicable scenarios. And starting this fall, all teachers will be observed at least four times a year by school administrators. (Indianapolis Star, 03/17/12)
School Improvement Grants
A School Improvement Grant Report Card from CEP
Two years into the implementation of the federal School Improvement Grant program, state officials are generally optimistic about its potential, but have a lot of ideas for perfecting it, according to a pair of reports by the Center on Education Policy. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/20/12)
Tuesday, March 20
Advanced Placement Exams
Cuts Threaten Access to College Placement Tests
Because of a federal budget cut, thousands of low-income students may not be able to afford the fees for their Advanced Placement exams this spring — exams that could save them thousands of dollars in college tuition. Subsequently, state education officials have been notifying students that they may no longer be eligible for fee waivers that have been in place for decades. (New York Times, 03/17/12)
Education Improvement
Education Woes Linked to National Security, Task Force Argues
The nation's security and economic prosperity are at risk if America's schools don't improve, warns a task force led by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Joel Klein, the former chancellor of New York City. The report cautions that far too many schools fail to adequately prepare students and makes three main recommendations, including to expand the common core initiative to include science, technology and foreign languages. (Boston Globe, 03/20/12)
Graduation Requirements
High School Math Might Get a Little Tougher
Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin and Education Commissioner Armando Vilaseca are proposing stiffer high-school graduation requirements that could make passing algebra II a requirement for a diploma. They also are proposing to mandate algebra I for 9th graders and geometry for 10th graders. See ECS’ new summary of high school math graduation requirements. (Burlington Free Press, 03/19/12)
Higher Ed Funding/Enrollment
Cal State Plans to Freeze Enrollment Next Spring at Most Campuses
California State University officials plan to freeze enrollment next spring at most campuses and wait-list all applicants the following fall pending the outcome of a proposed tax initiative on the November ballot. The university is moving to reduce enrollment to deal with $750 million in funding cuts made in 2011-12 and position itself for at least an additional $200-million cut next year if the tax proposal fails. (Los Angeles Times, 03/20/12)
Student Bullying
Legislature Enacts Anti-bullying Bill
Maine lawmakers gave final passage to legislation that requires the education commissioner to develop a model policy to address bullying and cyberbullying for use in schools. A copy of the policy must be sent to each district and posted on the publicly accessible portion of the department's web site, along with any training and instructional materials related to the policy. (Bangor Daily News, 03/17/12)
Monday, March 19
Graduation Rates
Report: US Makes Modest Gains in Graduation Rate
The national high school graduation rate increased a modest 3.5 percentage points to 75% from 2001 to 2009, according to a new report. Researchers also found that the number of "dropout factories" had dropped by more than 450 between 2002 and 2010, but that 1,550 remain. The increase in graduation rates was primarily because of growth in 12 states, but 10 states had declines. (Boston Globe, 03/19/12)
Higher Ed Funding
Higher Education Funds Begin Slow Recovery
As tax revenues have started to recover in many states, a number of governors are calling for increased higher education funding after lean years during the recession. In some cases, increased funds come with some strings attached through performance-based funding models. (Stateline.org, 03/16/12)
Performance Funding/Workforce Development
Tech College System to Link State Funds to Student Jobs
The Texas State Technical College System is working with the Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop a model that bases the system's entire state funding amount on the job placements and projected earnings of graduates. The details of the "returned-value model" are still being hammered out. Some observers question whether the available job data is capable of yielding accurate results. (Texas Tribune, 03/15/12)
Sex Education
Utah Governor Vetoes Sex-Ed Bill, Says It Constricts Parental Choice
Utah Governor Gary Herbert vetoed a bill that would have allowed districts to drop sex education and required abstinence-only instruction in those that kept it. In rejecting H.B. 363, Herbert said that he could not sign a bill that interfered with parents' ability to determine how their children are instructed. (Salt Lake Tribune, 03/16/12)
Virtual Schools
E-Schools Put Specific Measures for Success in Place
Virtual schools, particularly those that provide full-time services for students, are coming under increasing scrutiny over student achievement and accountability. Several recent reports have questioned everything from the transient nature of virtual student populations to the integrity of student work and the lack of comparisons between online and face-to-face learning. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/15/12)
Friday, March 16
Charter Schools
Governor Proposes Legalizing Alabama Charter Schools
A proposed Alabama bill would legalize charter schools and give existing public schools the option to get waivers from state regulations. House Bill 541 allows city and county school boards to approve applications for state-funded charter schools from non-profit, non-religious organizations. If a school board with low-performing schools rejects a charter application, the organization can appeal to a review council. (Montgomery Advertiser, 03/14/12)
For-profit Colleges
Colorado Attorney General Reaches Settlement with Westwood, $2.5 Million to Be Returned to Students
The Colorado Attorney General's office reached a $4.5 million settlement with for-profit Westwood College in which more than half will be given to students who were paying up to 18% on loans. The remaining funds will be paid to the state for penalties, restitution and attorneys fees. Westwood also will make a series of disclosures to prospective students. (Denver Post, 03/15/12)
Higher Ed Funding/Enrollment
State and Local Spending on Higher Education Reached a New 25-Year Low in 2011
State and local money for higher education fell to a quarter-century low for the second consecutive year, while enrollments continued their climb to record highs, according to an annual report by the State Higher Education Executive Officers. From 2007-08 through 2011, college enrollment increased nationally by 12.5%, but state and local appropriations have decreased by $1.3 billion. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 03/16/12)
Teacher Opinion Survey
Survey Finds Teachers Don't Trust Annual State Skills Tests
A new online survey by Scholastic of 10,000 U.S. teachers finds that only 16% believe linking student performance and teacher pay is "absolutely essential" or "very important" in retaining good teachers. That's down from 28% in 2010. In all, only 52% of teachers say it'll make any difference at all, down from 65% two years ago. (USA Today, 03/15/12)
Student Bullying
Idaho Senate Passes Anti-bullying Measure
The Idaho Senate approved S.B. 2012 that would require educators to undergo professional training on bullying and to intervene if they witness a student being harassed. The bill also would make schools responsible for monitoring and diffusing bullying at any school function and in cyberbullying cases that threaten a student's learning environment. (Idaho Statesman, 03/15/12)
Thursday, March 15
College Freshmen
45 Years of Survey Data Show First-Year Students' Financial Concerns Are on the Rise
Today's freshmen are more focused on the financial benefits of a college education than were their counterparts four decades ago, according to the annual Freshman Survey. The students are also more racially and ethnically diverse, harbor higher expectations for the college experience, and are increasingly interested in pursuing graduate degrees. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 03/13/12)
Early Literacy
Early Reading Skills Are Focus in More Than 100 Cities
More than 100 cities, towns and counties have pledged to improve literacy among their youngest citizens as part of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, which is being headed up by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Communities submitted detailed plans for how they will get children on track to be grade-level readers by the end of the 3rd grade. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/14/12)
Education Overhaul
Iowa House Passes GOP-backed School Reform Bill
Under H.F 2380 passed by the Iowa House, the education department would establish new procedures for evaluating teachers and administrators annually instead of the current three-year schedule. High school students would have to take new tests to determine if they're prepared for college or a career. And 3rd-graders who aren't reading at grade level would be held back from 4th grade. (Muscatine Journal, 03/14/12)
Low-performing Schools
15 Detroit Schools Chosen for New District this Fall
Fifteen Detroit Public Schools will be taken over by the state and become laboratories for Michigan's new recovery school system for low-performing schools. Governor Rick Snyder created the Education Achievement Authority to turn around failing schools. In addition to other changes, students will attend the schools for 210 days. (Detroit News, 03/13/12)
Teacher Licensing
New Teachers Getting Ready to Be Graded on Classroom Work
Anyone completing a teacher-education program and seeking a teaching license in Wisconsin will have to demonstrate their skills through the Teacher Performance Assessment, a portfolio-based assessment. Teaching candidates will have to submit lesson plans, reflections of their work and a video of their classroom interactions with students as part of the Web-based program. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 03/11/12)
Wednesday, March 14
Achievement Compacts
All Oregon School Districts Must Specify How Many Students It Aims to Graduate, Get to College
Every school board in Oregon must specify how much it aims to improve student performance in 100 areas next year as part of annual achievement compacts with the state's new overarching education board. Senate Bill 1581 required the development of the achievement compacts for school boards, community colleges and universities. (Oregonian, 03/13/12)
Community Colleges
Big Job, Big Problems
At the end of August, when Jack Scott steps down as chancellor of California's community college system, his successor will take on a budget with a hole of at least a half-billion dollars. The new chancellor will also arrive amid a debate over priorities as the system, which will turn away an estimated 200,000 students this year, wrestles with a bold plan to restrict access and give first dibs to students who are most likely to succeed. (Inside Higher Ed, 03/14/12)
Teacher Policy Reforms
Daugaard Signs Education Reform Bill
South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard signed his education reform bill into law that he says will improve teaching in the state. The measure, H.B. 1234, includes incentive pay for teachers, scholarships for teachers in training, bonuses for math and science teachers, a new evaluation system for educators and a gradual phase-out in teachers' continuing contract right. (Rapid City Journal, 03/13/12)
Virtual Schools
States Face Virtual School Financing Challenges
Many of the 40 state-sponsored virtual schools are grappling with funding structures that are often in flux as educators and lawmakers come to grips with an entity that sometimes looks like a public school and sometimes looks more like a business. Many are seeking sustainable methods of state support while anticipating significant growth; others say existing aid structures are hindering expansion. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/13/12)
Tuesday, March 13
Online Courses
State Considers Clearinghouse for Online Classes
Idaho high school students — starting with the class of 2016 — will have to take two online classes in order to graduate. In response, the House education committee advanced H.B. 626 that would create an online course clearinghouse with a list of state-approved classes. If approved, the state education department could spend up to $500,000 next year to create the system. (Twin Falls Times-News, 03/09/12)
Preschool Access
Two Approaches to Preschool Access
When it comes to preschool education, New Jersey and Connecticut are a tale of two states. In New Jersey, the courts mandated access to preschool for every child in the state's poorest districts. In Connecticut, Governor Dannel P. Malloy wants the state to get there on its own and is proposing an expansion of state-funded preschool. (Connecticut Mirror, 03/09/12)
State Superintendent
Texan Selected as Nevada Superintendent of Public Instruction
Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval announced that he has chosen James Guthrie, a senior fellow and director of education policy studies at the George W. Bush Institute, as the next state superintendent of public instruction. This is the first time a Nevada governor has named the superintendent. In the past, the state board made the selection. But legislation enacted in 2011 changed the law. (Las Vegas Sun, 03/12/12)
Student Discipline
Data Reveal Disparities in Schools' Use of Restraints
New federal data attempt to catalog how many times students were isolated or restrained by a school employee or with a device. The data show that, in many cases, the restraint techniques are applied disproportionately to students with disabilities, particularly black students with disabilities. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/13/12)
Monday, March 12
College Degrees/Latino Students
Texas Higher Ed Graduating Many Latino Students
Nine of the top 25 institutions in the nation for awarding associate's degrees to Latinos in 2009 and 2010 are in Texas, according to a new report, Finding Your Workforce. And only California matches Texas in the number of institutions that award bachelor's degrees to a large number of Latinos. Hispanics represented 12% to 13% of students enrolled at institutions nationwide in 2009-10, and they earned 10% of degrees and certificates. (Texas Tribune, 03/07/12)
Education Innovations
Innovation Offices Pop Up in State Education Agencies
Several states — including Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan and Oregon – have set up offices within their state education departments designed to spawn innovations. Those new approaches focus on turning around low-performing schools, improving teacher quality, expanding online learning, and other policy goals, many of which transcend the assigned duties of any single office or division. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/07/12)
Education Overhaul
Agreement Reached on Wyoming Education Reform Bill
The Wyoming legislature approved an education overhaul bill that details the tests students will be taking and sets up a process for measuring students' academic progress and whether they are ready for college and careers. Under Senate File 57, schools will be ranked on various measures and superintendents and principals would be held accountable for school performance. (Billings Gazette, 03/08/12)
Low-performing Schools
Parental 'Trigger' Bill Dies in Fla. Senate
A bill that would have let Florida parents trigger turnaround plans for failing schools through a petition drive died on the last day of the session in the Senate. The bill, S.B. 1718, failed for lack of a majority in a 20-20 vote. The plan would have applied only to schools — currently 18 — that received 'F' grades two years in a row as measured by FCAT scores. The House passed a similar bill last week. (Miami Herald, 03/12/12)
Promotion/Retention
Colorado Legislature, School Districts Debate Effectiveness of Having Struggling students Repeat a Grade
While some policies mandate retention of the lowest-performing students based on test scores, Colorado's H.B. 1238 would advise parents as early as their child's kindergarten year of looming literacy problems and offer remedial help — but also let them know that retention is on the table. If serious reading problems persist through 3rd grade, the district would have final say on promoting the student. (Denver Post, 03/09/12)
Friday, March 9
College Degrees
Indiana Places New Limits on College Credits
The Indiana legislature approved a plan to limit the college credits needed for graduation to 120 for a baccalaureate degree. Under H.B. 1220, universities will have to ask the state Commission on Higher Education for permission to require additional credits. Institutions can breach the limit for programs that require the extra credits for national accreditation. (Evansville Courier & Press, 03/07/12)
College Readiness
Maine Experts Agree with National Report that Says High School Isn't 'Tough Enough'
A national report calls for more rigor in high school programs to develop students' critical-thinking skills and to prepare them for college and careers. The report questions whether high school is "tough enough" and cites the high percentages of students who require college remediation and a dearth of high-level math courses in some 3,000 high schools as a major barrier to postsecondary success. (Bangor Daily News, 03/08/12)
Common Core
U.S. Ed Secretary: Utah in Control of School Standards
Despite Education Secretary Arne Duncan's assurance that Utah — not the federal government — is in charge of setting its own academic standards, the Senate passed a resolution, SCR 13, asking the state school board to "reconsider" its adoption of the common core standards. The legislature also passed S.B. 287, which outlines how Utah may exit any agreement that cedes control of its curriculum standards to any other entity. (Salt Lake Tribune, 03/07/12)
Teacher Evaluations
Test Scores Now Part of Teacher Evaluations
Washington Governor Chris Gregoire signed a measure that will add improvement in student test scores to the list of factors that principals use to evaluate teachers. Senate Bill 5895 also changes the way principals are evaluated, adding teacher feedback as an element of their reviews. The state will offer evaluation templates for districts to choose from. (The Olympian, 03/09/12)
Teacher Opinion Survey
Survey: Teacher Job Satisfaction Hits a Low Point
Teacher job satisfaction is at the lowest it's been in more than two decades, likely as a consequence — at least in part — of the economic downturn and resulting cuts to budgets, according to the MetLife Survey of the American Teacher. The survey finds that 44% of teachers are "very satisfied" with their jobs, down from 59% in 2009. And 29% of teachers say they are likely to leave the profession within the next five years — up from 17% in 2009. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/07/12)
Thursday, March 8
Awarding Academic Credits
States Loosening 'Seat Time' Requirements
States have established an array of policies to free schools from having to award academic credits based on "seat time," with the goal of making it easier for struggling students to catch up, exceptional students to race ahead, and students facing geographic and scheduling barriers to take the courses they need. A National Governors Association report summarizes many of these state policies. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/07/12)
Educator Evaluations/Performance Pay
Utah Legislature Passes Administrator Evaluation Bill
The Utah legislature passed a bill that would implement annual evaluations and performance-based pay for school administrators. Under S.B. 64, future salary increases for administrators would be tied to the evaluations until 15% of their salary is performance-based. Teachers also would be evaluated annually and would be ranked on a 1-4 scale for use in remediation, salary increases and termination.
(Deseret News, 03/06/12)
Online Learning
Cal State's Online Plan
The California State University System released documents describing its plans for a centralized online learning hub, moving the system closer to its vision of a top-flight virtual campus. Cal State Online will serve as a gateway to all virtual courses offered by the system's 23 campuses. The goal is to increase capacity at California State, where massive budget cuts have coincided with a rising demand for degrees. (Inside Higher Ed, 03/05/12)
Poverty and Achievement
Growing Gaps Bring Focus on Poverty's Role in Schooling
A recently published collection of research strongly suggests that until policymakers and educators confront deepening economic and social disparities, poor children will increasingly miss out on finding a path to upward social mobility. The achievement gap between poor and rich children has grown and is now nearly twice as large as the black-white gap. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/07/12)
Teacher Evaluations
Teacher Evaluations Pose Test for States
Districts are only beginning to deal with the practical challenges of implementing new teacher evaluation systems that factor in student test scores. Rolling out systemwide tests and devising ways to measure educator effectiveness require additional spending for states and districts, many already low on cash. And some parents and teachers complain that the effort has translated into more student testing. (Wall Street Journal, 03/08/12)
Wednesday, March 7
Community College Reforms
More State Oversight Needed for Community Colleges, Report Finds
The California Community Colleges system must change its funding formula to reward students' progress toward credentials and give the chancellor more authority to oversee and coordinate the 112 colleges, argues a Little Hoover Commission report. The group also called for community colleges to take over adult basic education programs, the bulk of which are currently operated by K-12 districts. (California Watch, 03/05/12)
Online College Credentials
Beyond the College Degree, Online Educational Badges
With the advent of Massive Open Online Courses and other online programs offering informal credentials, the race is on for alternative forms of certification that would be widely accepted by employers. Mozilla, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and others are working to devise a system of online educational badges certifying exactly which skills had been learned. (New York Times, 03/04/12)
Student Discipline
Report: Minority Students Face Harsher Punishments
Hispanic and African-American students comprise nearly three quarters of students involved in school-related arrests or cases handed over to police, according to a Department of Education report. Black students are more than three times as likely as their white peers to be suspended or expelled, and a disproportionate number of black students with disabilities are strapped down or subjected to other restraints. (Boston Globe, 03/07/12)
Teacher Licensing
Ohio Puts Teachers on Notice
Come September, Ohio will likely be the only state to force thousands of teachers at low-performing schools to take special licensing tests. Schools ranked in the bottom 10% on the Performance Index will require teachers of core subjects to take the licensing exams. If a teacher fails the exams, the school or district can require more training, put them on probation or fire them. (Cincinnati Enquirer, 03/05/12)
Tuesday, March 6
College Completion
To Raise Completion Rates, States Dig Deeper for Data
The growing demand for improving college completion rates has led to a need for more information about just how well or poorly colleges and their students are performing on a variety of measures. In many states, such as Minnesota, the data are being used to revise policies to improve the number of students who finish their degrees. See the Chronicle’s college completion website. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 03/02/12)
School Leadership
Emanuel Announces Bonus Plan to Bring Top Principals to Chicago
Chicago will search the country for 50 new school principals this year and hand each of them a $25,000 bonus if they agree to come and take over a failing school, under a plan released by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The privately funded plan is intended to build on the merit-pay system for principals implemented last year. (Chicago Tribune, 03/03/12)
State Education Budgets
Restored Education Funds Fail to Make Up for Earlier Cutbacks
Florida Governor Rick Scott is one of several governors who called for funding increases for education in their 2012 State of the State addresses. Last year, 11 states, including Florida, cut funding for K-12 education, while seven others kept funding flat. But governors who want to replenish the education budget often have a lot of ground to make up, and the schools themselves have a lot of empty positions that need filling. (Stateline.org, 03/05/12)
Student Retention
Civil Rights Data Show Retention Disparities
New data collected by the Department of Education show that black students were nearly three times as likely as white students to be retained across the K-12 grades. Hispanic students were twice as likely to be held back. In the most extreme case, more than half of all 4th graders retained at the end of the 2009-10 academic year — 56% — were black. In 3rd grade, 49% of those held back were black. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/06/12)
Undocumented Students
Senate Votes to Ban Illegal Immigrants from Georgia's Public Colleges
Illegal immigrants would be barred from attending all of Georgia's 60 public colleges under a bill the Senate passed. If S.B. 458 becomes law, Georgia would join Alabama and South Carolina with such a law. State higher education officials said they have already taken steps to ensure that illegal immigrant students are not taking slots away from U.S. citizens and students legally in this country. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 03/05/12)
Monday, March 5
Common Core
Common Core Brings K-12, Higher Ed. Together
If college and university faculties do not embrace the common-core standards as solid indicators of college readiness, what do the standards mean? That was one of the big questions hovering over a national forum about how K-12 and higher education can work together to use the new standards as the basis for stronger curricula, instruction, teacher preparation and college success. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/01/12)
Early Learning/Child Care
Rating System for Child Care, Early Learning Shows Promise
The quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS) are designed to strengthen child care and early learning offer a road map to improvement but need a few tweaks to be truly effective, according to a new study. Researchers found that states use different approaches to implementing the ratings and recommended steps that policymakers can take to leverage the systems. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/01/12)
Education Overhaul
Gov. Bobby Jindal Education Overhaul Legislation Introduced
Governor Bobby Jindal's legislative allies unveiled details of the governor's ambitious overhaul of pre-K-12 education in Louisiana. The agenda is built around overhauling tenure protections for teachers, with an emphasis on student performance, expanding opportunities to open charter schools, expanding a voucher pilot program and setting school readiness goals. (New Orleans Times-Picayune, 03/03/12)
Low-performing Schools
Florida House Passes 'Parental Trigger' Bill
Parents could "trigger" a plan to turn around a failing school, including handing it over to a private management company under a bill that cleared the Florida House. The bill, H.B. 1191, next goes to the Senate where a similar measure is awaiting final committee action. A district would be required to implement a turnaround plan if a majority of a school's parents vote for it. (Miami Herald, 03/01/12)
Workforce Training
Where the Jobs Are, the Training May Not
As state funding has dwindled, public colleges have raised tuition and are now cutting training for jobs the economy needs most. Technical, engineering and health care expertise are among the few skills in huge demand even in today’s lackluster job market. They are also, unfortunately, some of the most expensive subjects to teach. (New York Times, 03/01/12)
Friday, March 2
Early College/Career Training
High Schools to Partner with High-tech Firms
Chicago has launched a partnership with high-tech companies through which students at five early college schools who complete a six-year program that focuses on technology and career skills will graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree from City Colleges of Chicago. They will be "first in line" for an interview at the company that partnered with their particular school. (Chicago Tribune, 02/28/12)
Early Literacy
Mile High United Way Funds Literacy Programs to Serve 24,000 More Kids Under Age 8
Eleven programs across Colorado are getting a boost of $2.5 million in Mile High United Way funds to help get more kids reading by 3rd grade. The effort has become part of Governor John Hickenlooper and Lt. Governor Joe Garcia's Literacy Plan that sets out five action items for the state, including increasing access to preschool, and improving early education quality and teacher preparation. (Denver Post, 03/01/12)
Principal Turnover
Study: Principal Turnover Bodes Poorly for Schools
About 20% of principals new to a school leave that posting within one or two years, leaving behind a school that generally continues on a downward academic slide after their departure, according to a new study. New principals were more likely to leave if test scores dipped in their first year. And when those schools hired a new principal, they usually continued to underperform in the following year. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 03/02/12)
Student Discipline
Maryland School Board Moves to Limit Student Suspensions
The Maryland State Board of Education issued a draft proposal to cut the number of students suspended from school, saying that such punishment is used too often for nonviolent offenses and that too much class time gets lost. Drawing a link to achievement gaps, the board also endorsed findings that out-of-school suspensions disproportionately affect minorities and special education students. (Washington Post, 02/28/12)
Teacher Evaluations
Wash. House Passes Teacher Evaluation Bill
The Washington state legislature approved a bill that uses improvement in student test scores as a factor in hiring, firing and tenure decisions for teachers. Senate Bill 5895 also sets some new guidelines for principals, including a requirement to use teacher feedback in principal evaluations. (Seattle Times, 02/29/12)
Thursday, March 1
Dual Enrollment/College Readiness
Bill Would Have Utah High School Students Pay for College Credit
Utah high school students and their families would have to pay for college-level credits, long offered for free, under a bill headed to the Senate floor. Another provision of S.B. 284 would require the Utah System of Higher Education to create a curriculum that can be delivered to high school students. (Salt Lake Tribune, 02/29/12)
NCLB Waivers
26 States Plus D.C. Apply for NCLB Waivers in Second Round
Twenty six more states, plus the District of Columbia, are applying for waivers under No Child Left Behind, which would free them from many of the core tenets of the law in exchange for adopting key reforms backed by the Obama administration. Already, 11 states have won this new flexibility. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/27/12)
Remedial Education
Standardized Tests that Fail
Large numbers of community college students are being placed into remedial courses they don't need, according to two new studies. The research found that up to one-third of students who entered into remedial classes on the basis of two commonly used placement tests could have passed college-level classes with a grade of B or better. (Inside Higher Ed, 02/29/12)
Teacher Tenure/Evaluation
State Senate Strikes Down Teacher Tenure
A bill to end the tenure system that protects older teachers and makes newer teachers the 'last hired, first fired' was passed by the Minnesota Senate. After the bill is reconciled with a similar House measure, it will go to Governor Mark Dayton for his signature or veto. The legislation would rely on a teacher evaluation system that is still being worked out and would go into effect in 2016-17. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 02/28/12) |
