Friday, March 1
College Readiness/Transfers
College-Ready in California
High school achievement tests can be good predictors of how students will fare in community college and whether they require remedial education, according to a new study. But the research found that Latino and black students are less likely than their Asian and white peers to take and pass transfer-level college courses. That gap occurs even among students who performed well on their high school tests. (Inside Higher Ed, 02/27/13)
Digital Gap
Survey Finds Gap in Internet Access Between Rich, Poor Students
Technology has become essential to middle school and high school learning, but a gap in access to the Internet between the rich and poor is leading to troubling disparities in education, according to a Pew survey of teachers. Half of all students in higher income families have access to the Internet at home. The figure drops to 20% for middle income children and just 3% of students from poor homes.
(Washington Post, 02/27/13)
Education Innovation
Education Innovator Wins $1 Million TED Prize
The winner of the first $1 million TED Prize for education innovation is Sugata Mitra for his plan to start the "School in the Cloud," which is essentially a computer lab where children in Indian can learn in a student-driven environment. His plan is to engage communities, parents, schools, and afterschool programs worldwide, to transform the way kids learn. (Washington Post, 02/27/13)
ELLs/Common Core
Push Is On for Common Ways to Identify ELLs
The Common Core standards and assessments could bring a more uniform process for identifying which students are English-learners and when they reach proficiency in the language. Policy officials and ELL experts say that such an agreement will allow true comparability among states for how well they are teaching English-learners and more confidence that ELLs are served equitably. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/27/13)
School Vouchers
Gov. Scott Walker Backs Report Cards for Voucher Schools
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker indicated a willingness to compromise on his proposal to expand private school voucher programs to districts beyond Milwaukee and said that voucher schools should also have to participate in the new school report card system. The report card system for schools places them into one of five categories related to an A-F grade. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 02/28/13)
Thursday, February 28
Achievement Gaps
Black Students' Learning Gaps Start Early, Report Says
African American students in Los Angeles County demonstrate significant learning gaps by 2nd grade; those gaps widen with age and lead to the highest school dropout rate among all races, according to an Education Trust report. Black students are far less likely to take the rigorous college preparatory classes and miss more school days because of suspensions than their white counterparts. (Los Angeles, 02/26/13)
College Readiness
Utah Senate Passes Bill to Test High School Juniors for College Readiness
The Utah Senate passed S.B. 175 that would require schools to give a college readiness test, such as the ACT, to all high school juniors and could require schools to give other tests in earlier grades geared toward predicting success in higher education. The bill also would require schools to offer students access to an online program to help them prepare to take the readiness test. (Salt Lake Tribune, 02/27/13)
Common Core
Teachers Say They Are Unprepared for Common Core
Even as the Common Core State Standards are being put into practice across most of the country, nearly half of teachers feel unprepared to teach them, especially to disadvantaged students, according to a new survey. More than two-thirds said they were not well enough prepared to teach the standards to English-language learners or students with disabilities. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/27/13)
Ed Entrepreneurship
Universities Create Ed. Entrepreneur Programs
Efforts to promote an evolving area of study—entrepreneurship in education—are taking hold in graduate schools across the country. Universities are crafting programs and courses focused on cultivating school leaders and private-sector developers capable of bringing new ideas, and possibly new products and technologies, to schools. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/27/13)
SAT Tests
College Board Plans an 'Improved' SAT
The College Board's new president has hinted that change is coming to the SAT. While offering few details, David Coleman said the group would better connect elementary and secondary schools with colleges and universities by developing "a more innovative assessment that sharply focuses on a core set of knowledge and skills that are essential for readiness, access, and success." (Chronicle of Higher Education, 02/26/13)
Wednesday, February 27
Charter Schools
KIPP Schools Boost Academic Performance, Study Finds
A new report finds that students in KIPP charter schools experience significantly greater learning gains in math, reading, science, and social studies than do their peers in traditional public schools. For example, the Mathematica Policy Research study concludes that KIPP students, over a three-year period, gained an additional 11 months of learning in math and eight additional months in reading. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/27/13)
College Completion
Only Half of First-Time College Students Graduate in 6 Years
A new National Student Clearinghouse Research Center report digs deeper into college graduation rates. It finds that of the 1.9 million students enrolled for the first time in all degree-granting institutions in fall 2006, 54% had graduated within six years. Another 16.1% were still enrolled in some sort of postsecondary program after six years, and 29.8% had dropped out altogether. (New York Times, 02/26/13)
Full-day Kindergarten
All Chicago Public Schools Will Offer Full-day Kindergarten
All Chicago Public Schools will provide full-day kindergarten under an initiative announced by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett. Currently, schools have the option of offering full-day kindergarten—rather than the minimum half-day required by state law—and most do. The change will make full-day kindergarten available to 30,700 children next fall—4,200 more than this year. (Chicago Sun-Times, 02/25/13)
Pre-K Programs
States Size Up Obama Pre-K Proposal
More than a dozen states—including some that have had no state-financed preschool programs in the past—are eyeing proposals to launch or expand early education. Leaders in those states say that they're interested in President Obama's still-evolving early learning proposals. But some say they don't want any federal money that could come with cumbersome requirements. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/27/13)
Teaching Credentials
Bill Would Open the Door to Undergraduate Teaching Credentials
For the first time in decades, aspiring teachers in California would be able to major in education as undergraduates and get both a preliminary teaching credential and a baccalaureate degree in four years if S.B. 5 becomes law. Distinct among the states, students wishing to become teachers in California are required to major in subjects other than education, then must go through a lengthy process to obtain a teaching credential. (EdSource, 02/25/13)
Tuesday, February 26
Accountability
Virginia Lawmakers Seek to Simplify School Ratings with A to F Grades
To simplify an ever-growing list of school rankings, Virginia lawmakers have approved H.B. 1999 that will rate schools using A to F letter grades. Gov. Robert F. McDonnell championed the A to F scale as a simple way to bolster accountability. The grading formula will use a combination of existing state and federal rating systems based on test scores and measures of a school's improvement over time.
(Washington Post, 02/23/13)
Ed Governance
Deal Suspends Six of Nine DeKalb School Board Members
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal suspended two-thirds of DeKalb County's school board, plunging the state's third-largest district deeper into a leadership limbo as it faces a threat to its accreditation. Now he will attempt to put the board back together again while dodging legal complications, opposition from some ousted members, and the likelihood that the board could be unable to make key decisions for weeks. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 02/25/13)
Federal Ed Funding
White House Estimates Impact of Across-the-Board Cuts by State
The White House released state-by-state reports that detail how many teachers and teacher aides could potentially lose their jobs if the federal sequester cuts go through. The report also looks at the number of children who could potentially be shut out of Head Start and Early Head Start programs. It also highlights cuts to other federal services for children, such as vaccine funding. Also see a map of teacher layoffs. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/24/13)
STEM Councils
State Councils Propel STEM Education
As STEM education gains ever more prominence, statewide organizations are springing up to advance and better coordinate the cause. They typically bring to the table a diverse set of players in the state. A national coalition called STEMx counts 16 member state networks, but the numbers go well beyond that, including with the Governor's STEM Advisory Council in Iowa. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/27/13)
Teachers Unions
More Mergers for NEA, AFT Affiliates
North Dakota has become the fifth state in which the branches of the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers have united. The movement is notable not only as the latest sign of attempts by the teachers' unions to marshal their forces during a period of uncertainty in the profession and, indeed, the labor movement, but also for the different contexts in which the mergers are occurring. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/21/13)
Monday, February 25
Education Reforms
School Turnarounds, Teacher Training Next 'Mission' for Louisiana
Louisiana superintendent John White laid out a reform plan that he said would be the second stage of the state's education mission. Louisiana Believes would create pilot networks to educate all 4-year-olds and train teachers, help prepare schools for the Common Core State Standards, overhaul the Career Diploma track, and match funds for new partnerships to turn around low-performing schools. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/21/13)
Graduation Rates
Some States on Pace to Hit 90% High School Grad. Rate by 2020
A 90% high school graduation rate by 2020 was a lofty goal set by the Grad Nation campaign in 2010. But the latest report from the coalition of education organizations shows that, with a 78.2% graduation rate in 2010, the pace of improvement is picking up—putting some states on track to meet that goal if the progress continues. Still, significant disparities remain between white and minority students. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/25/13)
Online Courses
Who Benefits From Online Ed?
Online education is often held out as a way to increase access to higher education, especially for those who have historically been underrepresented in college. A new Columbia University study suggests that some of the students most often targeted in online learning's access mission are less likely than their peers to benefit from—and may in fact be hurt by—digital as opposed to face-to-face instruction. (Inside Higher Ed, 02/25/13)
Student Well Being
Bill Requiring School Seminars on Bullying Headed to Governor
The Utah Senate approved H.B. 298, which requires districts to host annual parent seminars on substance abuse, bullying, mental health, and Internet safety. The bill does, however, allow districts to opt out if the local school board determines the seminar unnecessary. (Salt Lake Tribune, 02/22/13)
Undocumented Students
Colorado Senate Gives First OK to In-state tuition for Illegal Immigrants
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle kept the Colorado Senate spellbound with testimonials of support for a bill allowing illegal immigrants to attend public colleges at the in-state tuition rate. The Senate gave initial approval to S.B. 33, which would allow students who graduate from high school and have attended a Colorado school for at least three years would be eligible for the in-state tuition rate. (Denver Post, 02/22/13)
Friday, February 22
Dual Enrollment
Colorado High Schoolers Who Are Enrolled in College Classes up 15 Percent
About 19% of Colorado high schoolers participated in dual enrollment programs— up by more than 15% from a year earlier, according to the state’s annual report. Overall, about 85% of dual-enrollment students go on to college, with analyses showing the participants are likely to have higher grade-point averages and to stay in school beyond their freshman year. (Denver Post, 02/21/13)
Low-performing Schools
Bill to Allow Takeover of Failing Schools Heads to McDonnell
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s bid to take over struggling schools is headed to his desk, but the proposal depends on available funding. Senate Bill 1324 would create a statewide school division, run by a board of state lawmakers and gubernatorial appointees, that could take over schools that have been denied accreditation or are in their third year of warning. (Richmond Times-Dispatch, 02/21/13)
NAEP Analysis
5 Largest States Rival or Lag Nation on NAEP Results
The nation’s largest states matched or fell below recent nationwide averages on the National Assessment of Educational Progress in reading, math, and science, a new study says. The first-time examination of NAEP scores from 2009 and 2011 for students in California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas reveals that Texas alone beat the national average more than once in any of the three subjects. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/21/13)
School Finance
Senate Approves Constitutional Amendment to Remove Courts from School Finance Decisions
The Kansas Senate approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would remove the courts from school finance decisions and give exclusive power to the legislature on how much state funding schools receive. The proposal must be approved by the House. The action comes as the state is dealing with a ruling that the legislature has failed its constitutional duty to adequately fund schools. (Lawrence Journal World, 02/20/13)
Transfer and Articulation
California Community Colleges Now Offer More Transfer Degrees, but Still Far to Go
California community colleges now offer more than 550 associate degrees that guarantee admission to California State University campuses but that is about one-third of the goal set by college leaders. The transfer arrangement stems from legislation that requires two-year colleges to develop associate degrees that guarantee students admission with junior standing into similar bachelor’s programs at the Cal State schools. (Los Angeles Times, 02/20/13)
Thursday, February 21
AP Courses/Exams
Student Performance on AP Exams Improves
Nearly one in five public high school graduates in the class of 2012 passed an Advanced Placement exam, reflecting a steady increase in performance over the past decade, new data by the College Board show. The AP program is expanding, as well. Still, many more students could succeed on an AP course but fail to sign up, especially Latino and African-American students. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/20/13)
College Remediation
Many Students Don't Need Remediation, Studies Say
Recent research findings from Columbia University and Harvard suggest a significant portion of students who test into college remedial classes don't actually need them. The studies conclude that more comprehensive measures beyond single test scores should be used to gauge students' college readiness. The problem is coming to the fore as states move to align their standards with the Common Core. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/20/13)
Common Core
Bennett: Fla. Needs 'Plan B' for FCAT Replacement
A "Plan B" is needed in case the anticipated replacement for the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or FCAT, fails to materialize or is delayed, said Education Commissioner Tony Bennett. The new test is being developed by the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for Colleges or Careers (PARCC) in conjunction with the adoption of Common Core State Standards. (Miami Herald, 02/18/13)
Funding Formulas
Sen. Mike Johnston Unveils Bill to Revamp School Finance in Colorado
Colorado's first major school finance bill in nearly 20 years would trigger new ways to calculate how state and local money pays for education and—if voters approve—add additional revenue for items like full-day kindergarten for all and preschool for at-risk kids. The draft bill also includes extensive measures to ensure transparency in the way districts spend their money. (Denver Post, 02/19/13)
High School Diplomas
Bill to Overhaul High School Requirements Advances
The Texas Senate education committee approved S.B. 3 that would replace the three-tiered diploma tracks with one program and reduce the number of math and science credits required of all students. Students also would choose from four tracks: business and industry; arts and humanities; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); or distinguished. (San Antonia Express-News, 02/19/13)
Teacher/Principal Survey
Teacher Job Satisfaction at 25-year Low
Job satisfaction among principals and teachers has decreased in the past five years, with teacher satisfaction reaching its lowest levels in 25 years, according to the MetLife Survey of the American Teacher. According to the survey, only 39% of teachers reported being very satisfied in their job. The findings come at a time when most states have revised academic standards and implemented new teacher evaluation systems. The survey also found that three-quarters of principals said that their job was too complex. (Hechinger Report, 02/21/13)
Wednesday, February 20
College Readiness
Redefining College-Ready
Two community colleges have learned that better collaboration with local high schools may be the best way to dramatically reduce the number of students who fall into the quagmire of remedial coursework. Long Beach City College is using high school grades to help determine whether incoming students have remedial needs, while South Texas College has a dual-enrollment program in place. (Inside Higher Ed, 02/19/13)
Compulsory Attendance
Mandatory School Age Bill in Washington State Contains Loopholes
Washington and Pennsylvania are the only states that don't require kids to start their formal educations before turning eight. A measure, H.B. 1283, gaining traction in the Washington legislature would push that age to six, but a loophole would exempt kids whose parents say they are homeschooled. See ECS' summary of compulsory attendance ages. (Huffington Post, 02/16/13)
Early Assessments
Federal Grant Prospect Reignites Kindergarten-Assessment Debate
A Department of Education grant program in the works to help states jump-start kindergarten-entry assessments is renewing debate among early-childhood educators about the benefits and pitfalls of evaluating young children. The department aims to distribute $9.2 million for the readiness-to-learn initiative through an existing grant program intended to help states devise better tests at all grade levels. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/20/13)
Education Equity
Federal Commission Urges Bold Steps to Boost Education Equity
A federally appointed education-equity commission is proposing a five-pronged agenda for states and the federal government to help the 22% of children living in poverty and eliminate the achievement gap. The agenda includes: equitable school finance; improved teachers, leaders, and curricula; expanding high-quality early education; mitigating poverty's effects; and tackling accountability and governance. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/20/13)
School Choice
Scott Walker Proposes Expanding Voucher School Program, Raising Taxpayer Support
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is proposing to increase by at least 9% the taxpayer funding provided to private and religious voucher schools—an increase many times larger in percentage terms than the increase in state tax money he's seeking for public schools. The governor's education funding proposals set the stage for an unprecedented expansion of private voucher schools and charter schools.
(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 02/18/13)
Tuesday, February 19
College Completion
New Online Degree Program for College Dropouts
The University of Louisiana System has a new two-year online bachelor's degree program for adults who left college about half-way through, with 60 credit hours and at least a solid C average. People with fewer than 60 credit hours to start with can take tests to earn credits or get assessments of skills learned on the job. Each school will offer a different specialty. (Shreveport Times, 02/18/13)
Financial Aid
Pell Grant Commitment in 9th Grade Could Aid College Planning
Imagine that as early as 9th grade students know how much they can count on in federal grants to pay for college. Giving students a "Pell Promise" that would guarantee the amount of federal money available after high school graduation is among the policy consideration unveiled by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/15/13)
Online Courses
States Struggle to Keep Online Schools Accountable
More than six times as many students enrolled in online K-12 courses now as compared to a decade ago, according to Department of Education data. But the rapid growth of online education is raising concerns—especially as more for-profit companies launch programs. In response, many states are considering ratcheting up their oversight of online educators. (Stateline.org, 02/15/13)
Pre-K Programs
Pre-K Bill Passes House
Some of Indiana's poorest children would have a chance to go to preschool under a proposed Indiana bill. House Bill 1004 creates a pilot program to make early childhood education available to four-year-old children in five counties. Scholarships of up to $6,800 would be made available to students in low-income families, with the state's initial obligation in the pilot project capped at $7 million. (Indianapolis Star, 02/18/13)
Teacher Preparation
Overhaul of Teacher-Prep Standards Targets Recruitment, Performance
A set of proposed standards for teacher-preparation programs by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation are leaner, more specific, and more outcomes-focused than any prior set in the 60-year history of national teacher-college accreditation. The standards would for the first time require accredited programs to adhere to a prescribed minimum-admissions standard. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/15/13)
Friday, February 15
Education Goals
Oregon Education Czar Demands Another, Tougher Set of Education Goals
Oregon Chief Education Officer Rudy Crew and his board approved ambitious performance targets. By 2015, for instance, 15% more 3rd-graders will read at grade level, 65% of high school students will graduate with at least nine college credits, and 10% more minority and low-income students will enroll in college. They also pledge a 20% increase in children prepared for kindergarten and that half of low-income and minority parents will be meaningfully involved in their child's education. (Oregonian, 02/12/13)
ELL Assessments/Common Core
California Drops Out of ELL Assessment Consortium
California has dropped out of a consortium of states that had organized to develop a new English-language proficiency assessment that will measure the language demands of the Common Core State Standards. California recently adopted new English-language development standards, but under an assessment consortium agreement all member states would have to adopt the same standards. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/13/13)
English-language Learners
Dayton Wants to Boost Funding for English Language Learning
In hopes of boosting student achievement, Gov. Mark Dayton wants to boost funding for Minnesota's English language learning programs by about $4.5 million a year, a 12% increase over current levels. English learners make up 8% of the state's total K-12 enrollment, but their numbers are increasing. (Minnesota Public Radio, 02/15/13)
Federal Ed Budgets
Duncan: Sequestration Cuts Could Take a Major Toll on Higher Ed
Calling it a case of "educational malpractice, economically foolish, and morally indefensible," Secretary of Education Arne Duncan pleaded with a Senate committee to stave off the 10% across-the-board cuts set to take place throughout the federal government on March 1. In his testimony, Duncan said the cuts would be particularly harmful to the neediest students at the pre-K-12 and higher education levels. (Diverse Issues in Higher Education, 02/14/13)
Financial Aid
Aid System Could Better Serve Latino Students, Says Report Calling for Reforms
The federal student-aid system does not serve Latino and other post-traditional students as well as it could, according to a report by Excelencia in Education. The report, commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, calls for changes in the formula used to determine family need and for increased spending on college preparation and work-study programs. It also suggests making the Pell Grant an entitlement. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 02/13/13)
Pre-K Programs
Obama Promotes Preschool Education in Georgia Visit
President Obama unveiled more details for providing high-quality preschool programs for "every child in America." The White House proposal includes a federal-state partnership to provide preschool funding for any 4-year-old whose family income is 200% or less of the federal poverty level. Obama also is proposing an Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership program to serve children 3 years and younger. (USA Today, 02/14/13)
Thursday, February 14
College Scorecard
With New 'Scorecard,' Obama Seeks to Give Students a Tool for Comparing Colleges
The Obama administration released a College Scorecard to assist students and families find institutions that will give them "the most bang for your educational buck." The online interactive tool is designed to help students gather information about individual colleges and compare them to similar institutions by providing data on costs, potential earnings, and average student-loan debt. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 02/13/13)
Financial Aid
Pell Grant Restrictions Hurt Enrollment at Community Colleges in the South, Study Finds
Community colleges have seen lower enrollments this year for a number of reasons, including a recovering economy and budget cuts that have led to fee increases and fewer course offerings. A new study argues that in the Deep South, where state student-aid programs are less substantial, two-year institutions also have been hard hit by changes in Pell Grant eligibility that took effect last year. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 02/12/13)
Kindergarten Readiness
Students Must Learn More Words, Say Studies
Children who enter kindergarten with a small vocabulary don't get taught enough words—particularly, sophisticated academic words—to close the gap, according to the latest in a series of studies by Michigan early-learning experts. The findings suggest many districts could be at a disadvantage in meeting the increased requirements for vocabulary learning from the Common Core State Standards. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/12/13)
NCLB Waivers
NCLB Waivers Weaken Graduation Rate Accountability
Many states granted waivers from No Child Left Behind are relaxing or ignoring federal regulations designed to hold schools accountable for the number of students who graduate from high school on time, according to an Alliance for Excellent Education study. The waivers are potentially allowing low-performing students to fall through the cracks once again, the report says. (Huffington Post, 02/13/13)
School Vouchers
Milwaukee Public Schools Outperform Voucher Schools in Program, Report Says
A new report has found that the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, which enrolls about 25,000 students in private schools through the state's voucher program, has similar demographics and poverty levels as Milwaukee Public Schools. But students in the voucher program perform slightly worse on standardized tests in math and reading. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/13/13)
Wednesday, February 13
Accountability
Utah Schools Get New Accountability System
Utah educators are hard at work implementing a new program they've named the Utah Comprehensive Accountability System (UCAS). Under UCAS, each school will be graded based on a 600-point system—next year they hope to nix the point system and offer a letter grade—based primarily on two categories: growth and achievement. (Salt Lake Tribune, 02/12/13)
Federal Ed Proposals
Obama Urges Big Preschool Expansion in State of the Union Speech
President Barack Obama called on Congress in his State of the Union address to significantly expand access to preschool to all 4-year-olds from moderate- and low-income families, and to create a new Race to the Top program aimed at pushing high schools to adopt curricula that better prepare students for the jobs of the future. The proposal also would entice states to offer full-day kindergarten. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/12/13)
Federal Ed Proposals
On Notice, Again
In his State of the Union address and accompanying documents, President Obama called on Congress to either require accreditors to take college prices and educational value into account or to create an alternative system based on performance and results. Either could mark a significant shift in how the federal government judges higher education quality and eligibility for financial aid programs. (Inside Higher Ed, 02/13/13)
Race to the Top
Hawaii Gets Partway Out of Race to Top Doghouse
The Education Department has removed part of Hawaii's $75 million Race to the Top grant from "high-risk status" after the state showed progress hitting milestones in two areas: standards and assessments, and data systems. Meanwhile, Hawaii still keeps the status for four other parts of its grant: teachers and leaders, low-performing schools, STEM, and state success factors. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/11/13)
Undocumented Students/Tuition
Gov. John Kitzhaber, Business Leaders Throw Support Behind Tuition Equity Bill
Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber and several business leaders threw their support behind a tuition equity bill, H.B. 2787, that would grant in-state university tuition rates for undocumented high school graduates who meet certain criteria. (Oregonian, 02/11/13)
Tuesday, February 12
Common Core
Georgia Students Struggle on Test Tied to Common Core Math Course
Judging from students' initial experience in a new math course, Georgia's move to a Common Core won't be painless. Less than 59% of students did not meet the standard set for an end-of-course test after they took a new algebra course tied to the Common Core. The test was the first student-performance measure since the state moved to Common Core curriculum. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 02/11/13)
Early Learning Programs
Louisiana Launches Preschool Pilot Program
The Louisiana Department of Education announced it is launching a pilot program that would allow districts and other organizations to create a seamless birth-to-5 early-education system. The request for applications says that up to five pilot networks will be chosen. The state says that these pilot networks are meant to address the fact that only 54% of 5-year-olds enter school ready to learn. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/08/13)
Education Priorities
School Reform Shifts to Students
The South Dakota education department has outlined the primary focus areas for its reform agenda: ensuring reading proficiency by grade 4 and math by grade 9, improving college and career readiness for high schoolers, and closing the Native American achievement gap. The state also is pursuing ways to tie together teacher quality and student data. Meanwhile, the state is implementing the Common Core Standards, along with new computer-based tests. (Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 02/09/13)
Financial Aid
With Financial Aid, Colleges Should Be Accountable to Taxpayers and Students, Paper Argues
The gap in college attainment between children of high- and low-income families casts a shadow over both our national economy and the American dream. Improving the financial-aid system won't close that gap, but could certainly narrow it. Those are the premises of a new white paper that is part of a series sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 02/12/13)
Performance Funding
Should Community Colleges Be Paid Only for Students Who Complete Courses?
California Gov. Jerry Brown has rekindled a debate about whether the state's community college funding formula should be based instead on how many students actually complete their courses. His budget plan is proposing that such a shift be phased in over five years. The plan would redirect whatever money is lost in a college's base funding into targeted funds to be spent on student support services. (Venture County Star, 02/10/13)
Monday, February 11
Financial Aid
Deal Proposes HOPE Changes for Technical Colleges
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal backed a proposal that gives technical college students a better chance at earning the lottery-funded HOPE Grant. Students will be eligible if they maintain a 2.0 GPA. This is down from the current 3.0 GPA rule and returns to the same standard that existed before lawmakers tightened eligibility requirements and reduced awards in 2011 to prevent the scholarship program from going broke. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 02/07/13)
High School Diplomas
McCrory-backed High School Bill Passes NC Senate
The North Carolina Senate approved legislation supported by Gov. Pat McCrory to create new kinds of high school diplomas and course plans that emphasize vocational or career paths that don't require four-year college degrees. Senate Bill 14 requires the state board to develop diplomas that carry new seals endorsing graduates as "career ready," “college ready" or both, depending on their courses. (Winston-Salem Journal, 02/07/13)
Immigrants' Children Performance
Success of Immigrants’ Children Measured
Americans who were born to immigrant parents, many of them the adult children of a wave of immigrants who began arriving in the 1960s, are doing better than the foreign born on important measures of socioeconomic success, and in at least one area—education—have outperformed the population as a whole. Those were among the findings in a new report by the Pew Research Center. (New York Times, 02/07/13)
Performance Funding
Budget Links Ohio College Graduation Rates to Funding
Ohio Colleges and universities with higher graduation rates will be rewarded with more state money under a new funding formula included in Gov. John Kasich's latest budget proposal. Under the formula, half of the state's higher-education funding for each four-year school would be tied to its average graduation or degree-completion rate from the previous three years. (Columbus Dispatch, 02/09/13)
Special Education
Public Schools Special Education Overhaul Proposed by State
Only 29% of special education students in Louisiana are graduating from high school, and how the state supports them needs to be overhauled, state superintendent John White said. He unveiled his plan to the Special Education Advisory Panel, which advises the state board. The new rules would link state aid to: specific disabilities, where and how the student is educated, and academic performance. (Baton Rouge Advocate, 02/09/13)
Friday, February 8
District Takeovers
State Takeover of KC Schools Advances
Missouri is one step closer to a potential takeover of Kansas City Public Schools. The Senate unanimously approved legislation eliminating a two-year waiting period for the state to intervene in an unaccredited school district. Now the debate moves to the House, where passage is far from guaranteed. (Kansas City Star, 02/07/13)
Early College Credit
Oregon Bill Would Require College Credit in High School
A proposed Oregon bill, S.B. 222, would require college credit for six of the 24 high-school classes necessary to earn a diploma, starting with the class of 2020. The move would increase the number of students going to college, make their degrees more affordable, and encourage students not considering college to continue in higher education, said the sponsor. (Diverse Issues in Higher Education, 02/06/13)
NCLB Waivers
No Child Left Behind Hearing Features Waiver Attack By Obama Ally
The Obama administration has been under fire for watering down No Child Left Behind by granting waivers that exempt states from its stringent test-based annual goals. A new Education Trust report raised several concerns about the waivers and said schools can get good ratings under NCLB, despite low performance for some groups. (Huffington Post, 02/07/13)
NCLB Waivers
Waivers and ESEA Renewal Get Hard Look from Senators
The Obama administration has issued more than 30 waivers to help states get relief from parts of No Child Left Behind. The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee held a hearing on the waivers yesterday. Committee members debated whether Congress should move forward on the long-overdue reauthorization of the law, or step back and allow waivers to take hold in states, and then learn from them. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/07/13)
Online Courses
American Council on Education Recommends 5 MOOCs for Credit
In what could be a major step toward bridging the gap between massive open online courses and the credentialing system that they are supposed to disrupt, the American Council on Education endorsed five MOOCs for credit from three top universities. If a course passes muster, ACE advises its member colleges that they can be comfortable conferring credit on students who have passed that course. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 02/07/13)
Thursday, February 7
Common Core
States Move Ahead to Implement Common Core
With assessments only two years away, states are moving toward putting the Common Core State Standards into practice. Most have completed plans in three key areas: professional development for teachers, developing instructional materials, and devising teacher-evaluation systems linked to the new standards, a new study found. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/04/13)
Course Credit
R.I. Students Gaining 'Badges,' Credits Outside School
Many schools encourage students to get real-world experience outside school walls. But very few offer course credit and digital "badges"—virtual records of skills and achievements—for those experiences. Now, the Providence, R.I., school district initiative appears to be breaking new ground in giving academic credit and recognizing skills and achievements out of school. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/05/13)
Dual Enrollment
Lawmakers Advance Bill to Charge Teens Fees for Concurrent Enrollment
The Utah Senate Education Committee passed S.B.162, which modifies a law passed last year allowing colleges to charge high school students to take concurrent enrollment classes for college credit. This year's bill seeks to narrow the number of exemptions to students having to pay fees that made administration of the law overly difficult. (Salt Lake Tribune, 02/06/13)
Opinions on Higher Ed
Americans Value Higher Education but Question Its Quality, National Survey Finds
Americans overwhelmingly view a higher education as essential to landing a good job and achieving financial security, but they have doubts about its quality and affordability, according to a new report from Lumina Foundation and Gallup. And a majority of respondents to a survey underlying the report said they support awarding credit for prior learning and skills acquired outside the classroom. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 02/05/13)
Preschool Programs
Center for American Progress Proposes Preschool-for-All Plan
A new Center for American Progress report provides a road map for how the Obama administration could move forward with pre-kindergarten programs for all 3- and 4-year-olds. For families with younger children, federal subsidies for child care would increase to an average $7,200 per child and the number of students in Early Head Start programs would double. (Huffington Post, 02/07/13)
Wednesday, February 6
P-20 Funding Proposals
Performance Funding Adds Millions to Higher Education
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon rolled out his education funding proposals, which included $34 million in performance funding for the state's two- and four-year public higher education institutions. Schools that achieved their five performance goals got the maximum allotment allowed, which is 4.3% of their core funding from the state. (St. Joseph News Press, 02/02/13)
Principal Quality
States Lack Data on Principals, Study Says
While principals increasingly are moving to center stage in debates over school improvement, a new study finds most states have little or no information about how their principals are prepared, licensed, supported, and evaluated. The George W. Bush Institute's report finds that even states with otherwise comprehensive data systems collect limited information about principals. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/04/13)
School Choice
Two Reports Take Deeper Look into School Choice
A recent Friedman Foundation report offers a nationwide overview of the various private school choice programs in play in the states. A second report by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute explored the effect of government regulations on the participation of private schools in school choice programs such as vouchers and tax-credit scholarships. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/31/13)
School Vouchers
Voucher Program for Schools Would Grow Under Indiana Legislature Bill
Indiana's voucher program would be greatly expanded if H.B. 1003 were to move forward. The biggest change eliminates the need for students seeking vouchers to first attend a public school for at least two semesters. The bill also would extend eligibility for vouchers to children of active duty military personnel, students with disabilities, and children in foster care. (Indianapolis Star, 02/05/13)
Teacher Evaluations
Teachers' Ratings Still High Despite New Measures
The first results trickling out from states' new systems to measure teacher effectiveness paint a picture of a K-12 system that remains hesitant to differentiate between the best and the weakest performers—as well as among all those in the middle doing a solid job who still have room to improve. The observation components of the systems tended to produce the highest scores. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/05/13)
Tuesday, February 5
College Costs/Tuition
Gov. Rick Scott Pushes “Finish in Four” Tuition Plan to Save College Students Money
Florida Gov. Rick Scott's budget proposal includes a call for tuition to be held steady for four years for students entering a state university this fall or afterward. A summary packet makes the case for "Finish in Four," which alludes to the hopes that the tuition guarantee will encourage students to finish their degree in four years. Scott has also challenged state colleges to offer at least one degree for $10,000. (Miami Herald, 02/02/13)
Condition of Youth
In First Annual Report, Raise D.C. Offers Snapshot of D.C. Youth
Only four in 10 3rd-graders in the District of Columbia can read proficiently, and only about four out of 10 young adults in the city have a full-time job, according to a new report. A coalition has assembled baseline data in five targeted areas: kindergarten readiness; high school graduation; college completion; full-time employment; and reconnection with either education or job-training opportunities after dropping out of school. (Washington Post, 02/03/13)
Educational Leadership
Leaders To Learn From
In the first of what will be an annual report, Education Week’s Leaders To Learn From spotlights 16 district-level leaders from across the country who seized on creative but practical approaches to improving their school systems and put those ideas to work. The leaders were chosen from nominees submitted by readers, education reporters, school administrator groups, and experts. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/04/13)
Math Courses/Common Core
California Abandons Algebra Requirement for Eighth-graders
By falling in line with other states, California's state board voted last month to shift away from a 15-year policy of expecting 8th-graders to take Algebra I. The state will allow them to take either Algebra I or an alternate course that includes some algebra. New state standardized tests will focus on the alternate course—the same one adopted under the Common Core. (San Jose Mercury News, 02/04/13)
School Finance Litigation
Judge: Texas School Finance Plan Unconstitutional
The system Texas uses to fund public schools violates the state's constitution by not providing enough money to school districts and failing to distribute it fairly, a district judge ruled in a landmark decision that could force the legislature to overhaul the way it pays for education. Several lawsuits were consolidated as Fort Bend ISD v. Texas Education Agency. (Houston Chronicle, 02/04/13)
Monday, February 4
Charter Schools
Report: 2012 Brought Political Victories, New Laws for Charters
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools' latest report ranking states against the organization's model charter law found the top-rated states were Minnesota, Maine, Washington, Colorado, and Florida. Overall, 2012 will be remembered by charter advocates for having brought political victories, in some cases after years of setbacks, said NAPCS' president. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/30/13)
College Degrees/Reverse Transfer
Transfer Students to Get Boost in Finishing AA Degrees
As a way to increase the number of students earning associate degrees, the Credit When It's Due program targets students who transferred from community colleges to state universities, without receiving an associate degree. Ten Florida state colleges and four state universities are taking part in the program, funded by Lumina Foundation. Scale-up efforts will be supported in 12 states. (South Florida Times, 01/31/13)
Common Core
Pressure Mounts in Some States Against Common Core
Opponents of the Common Core State Standards are ramping up legislative pressure and public relations efforts aimed at getting states to scale back—or even abandon—the high-profile initiative, even as implementation proceeds and tests aligned with the standards loom. Critics of the common core are targeting several states, including Alabama, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, and Utah. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/04/13)
Community Colleges
Community Colleges Make Case for Greater Public Investment
Going to a community college is a bargain. For students, tuition is a fraction of what is compared to private or public four-year schools. For the government, the return on investment is substantial as graduates pay more in tax dollars because they make more money. A new policy brief chronicles how more education translates into higher earnings and, therefore, higher taxes paid. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/30/13)
Ed Funding/Vouchers
Education Reform Aims to Expand Voucher Program, Reduce Funding Gaps
Ohio Gov. John Kasich's school-funding plan attempts to reduce the wide gaps in spending among poor and wealthy districts while calling for a sweeping expansion of the state’s voucher program for low-income students. The proposal would provide districts with grants to improve teaching and learning. It also will provide schools with early literacy tutoring and intervention services. (Columbus Dispatch, 01/31/13)
Ed Research/Federal Grants
Ed. Dept. Raises Evidence, Research Ante in Grant Awards
The Education Department plans to make research and evidence far more important factors as it awards competitive grants. The goal is twofold: to reward projects that already have established a research-based track record of success and to encourage grant winners to produce rigorous evidence detailing the extent to which their project does—or does not—work. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/30/13)
Friday, February 1
Charter Schools
Charters' Path to Success or Failure Set Early, Study Finds
Charter schools' academic success or failure during their first year is a strong predictor of whether they will excel or struggle in later years, a new study finds. The study also concludes that significant improvements in charter school performance over time is rare among middle and high schools, though it occurs more often in elementary schools. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/30/13)
Financial Aid
Colleges' Aid Eligibility Should Be Tied to Students' Backgrounds, Report Says
The latest in a series of proposals for restructuring the federal financial-aid system recommends evaluating institutional performance based on the backgrounds of students enrolled and redefining institutional eligibility for some federal aid programs. The report presents ideas to balance admissions selectivity, increase access to higher education, and improve completion rates. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 01/30/13)
Low-performing Schools
Governor Proposes Plan for Failing Schools
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is proposing legislation to create a statewide school division that would take over management of chronically low-performing schools. A new board would determine how to operate the schools so they obtain full accreditation, which could include turning it into a charter school or college laboratory partnership school. (Richmond Times-Dispatch, 01/31/13)
Pre-K Programs
New Pre-kindergarten Bill Moves Quickly in Mississippi
Mississippi is one step closer to funding state-wide pre-kindergarten after a bill passed the Senate Education Committee. Senate Bill 2395 would phase in a pre-k program, and mandate early childhood programs in underperforming districts. Mississippi is the only state in the south, and one of 11 in the nation that does not currently fund pre-k. (Hechinger Report, 01/31/13)
Race to the Top
Race to Top Winners Make Progress, Face Challenges, Ed. Dept. Reports
At the midway point of the Race to the Top program, the list of accomplishments for the 11 winning states and the District of Columbia is getting longer, but the challenges are getting more formidable, according to an Education Department report. The report reveals that the majority of winners are struggling to implement teacher- and principal-evaluations, and building and upgrading data systems. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 02/01/13)
Thursday, January 31
Financial Aid
Report on Student-Aid Reform Calls for Making Pell Grants an Entitlement
Expanding the Pell Grant program, reducing student-loan debt, and eliminating tuition tax breaks are necessary steps toward improving the federal financial-aid system, according to a new report. The report proposes specific policy changes that would reorganize several hundreds of billions of dollars in spending to deal with what the authors say are inefficiencies in postsecondary financial aid. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 01/29/13)
Higher Ed Funding
State Higher Ed. Funding Shows Signs of Improvement
State financial support for higher education declined just 0.4% from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013, according to the most recent Grapevine survey. The previous year, average state cuts were 7.6%, which translated into $6 billion less for salaries, course offerings, and other expenses. Compared to five years ago, total fiscal support for public higher education is 10.8% lower on average in states. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/28/13)
Noncogntive Learning
Rethinking the Notion of 'Noncognitive' (Commentary)
David T. Conley suggests that in elevating content-cognitive knowledge above noncognitive attitudes and beliefs we miss a richer, more nuanced view of learning that includes all learning processes and behaviors. Gaining insight into noncognitive issues "would enable educators to teach students how to learn, as well as what to learn," he writes, advocating for the term metacognition instead of noncognitive. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/23/13) Note: This article appeared in the January 30 e-Connection, but we have provided a more accessible link.
Principal Evaluations
Hawaii Principals to Be Evaluated on Student Growth
Hawaii has announced that half of a principal's evaluation will be based on growth in student performance. The other half will be based on principal leadership practice, which consists of professional growth and learning, school planning and progress, school culture, professional qualities and instructional leadership, and stakeholder support and engagement. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/29/13)
STEM Interest
STEM Interest on Rise Among High Schoolers, Report Finds
High school students are increasingly interested in pursuing STEM majors and careers, a new report finds, with about 1 in 4 now stating such an inclination. But a longstanding gender gap is widening, with fewer females than males signaling STEM interest. Overall, STEM interest has climbed by 21% among high schoolers when comparing the class of 2004 with the class of 2013. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/30/13)
Wednesday, January 30
College Costs
Gov. Scott Gets All of Florida's Four-year Colleges to Embrace $10K Challenge
Governor Rick Scott announced that all 23 of Florida's colleges that offer bachelor's degrees have embraced his call for making available a $10,000 degree program. The cut-rate programs will be limited to specific areas of study at most of the colleges. (Palm Beach Post, 01/28/13)
College Readiness
High Schools May Have to Pay for Unprepared Graduates
Mississippi and Maine are the latest states to question whether districts should be held financially responsible when students arrive at college unprepared. Advocates say colleges should not be held responsible for the failings of high schools and that the increased accountability could prompt K-12 systems to improve. Others say the real issue is a lack of alignment and cooperation between high schools and higher education. (Hechinger Report, 01/28/13)
Early Learning Budgets
Governors Tackling Early-Childhood Education in Budget Proposals
Governors around the country—including in Indiana, Massachusetts, and Michigan—are outlining their priorities for the next budget year, and for several of those states early-childhood education is at or near the top of the list. Early childhood expansions also have been proposed in Vermont and Hawaii. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/29/13)
Education Governance
Wyoming Gov. Mead Signs Superintendent Bill into Law
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead signed into law the most dramatic changes to the duties and powers of a statewide elected official in decades, and Superintendent Cindy Hill answered with a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the changes made to her office. Senate File 104 replaces the state superintendent as head of the education department with a director appointed by the governor. (Casper Star-Tribune, 01/29/13)
Education Initiatives
Haslam Touts Education Initiatives
In his State of the State address, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam called for spending increases for higher education and buying more computers and technology for K-12 schools. The governor also endorsed a "limited" school voucher program. Haslam announced a plan to partner with Western Governors University to establish an online university to increase degree attainment rates. See ECS' summary of state of state addresses. (Tennessean, 01/28/13)
Tuesday, January 29
Assessment
Issue to Watch: School Testing
At least four governors are looking to join more than a dozen other states that have passed laws requiring 3rd-grade students to demonstrate that they can read at grade level before entering 4th grade. While a couple of states are questioning whether there is already too much testing, other governors are pushing schools to be graded on an A to F scale based on student performance. And more than 30 states have made test results a factor in measuring teacher performance. (Stateline.org, 01/25/13)
College Degrees/Workforce Demands
Millions of Graduates Hold Jobs that Don't Require a College Degree, Report Says
Millions of college graduates over all—not just recent ones—suffer a mismatch between education and employment, holding jobs that don't require a college degree, according to a new report. Out of 41.7 million working college graduates in 2010, 48%—more than 20 million people—held jobs that required less than a bachelor's degree. Thirty-seven percent held jobs that required no more than a high-school diploma. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 01/28/13)
Early Learning Budgets
Early Childhood Ed. Gets Boost from Dayton's Budget Proposal
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton's budget proposal includes an additional $92 million in support for early learning, including scholarships, and other help for families to afford high quality childcare. The governor's proposal also includes $40 million to help pay for all-day every day kindergarten. Right now the state only pays for half-day kindergarten. (Minnesota Public Radio, 01/28/13)
Financial Aid/Completion
Fewer Bucks, More Bangs
The Colorado Commission on Higher Education approved a new state policy that will increase financial aid awards when students meet certain credit milestones and eventually decrease awards if students do not graduate in a timely manner. The policy shifts the aim of state aid programs from making college affordable to motivating students to complete credits and institutions to help students get there. (Inside Higher Ed, 01/29/13)
School Improvement
D.C. Council Members Fear Schools Near Tipping Point as Students Flee System
The District's traditional public school system is in danger of shrinking significantly unless officials make changes that persuade parents to stop fleeing to public charter schools, D.C. Council members said. Charter schools have grown quickly in the past 15 years and now enroll more than 40% of the city's students. (Washington Post, 01/23/13)
Monday, January 28
College Readiness/Financial Aid
Indiana Legislature Bill Aims to Boost College Readiness by Tying Financial Aid to State Exams
Students who fall behind in high school will have to brush up their skills if they want state financial aid to attend college under a bill passed by the Indiana's House Education Committee. House Bill 1005 aims to reduce the number of students who start college in remedial classes and direct them into free programs sponsored by the state. (Indianapolis Star, 01/24/13)
Common Core/School Improvement
Calif. Districts Team Up to Push School Improvements
Frustrated by their own state's pace and direction of school improvement, eight California districts have banded together to move ahead on rolling out the Common Core State Standards and designing new teacher evaluations based in part on student performance. The districts, which include Los Angeles and San Francisco, also are mounting a major breakaway from California in seeking their own NCLB waiver. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/23/13)
Financial Aid
Report Suggests Replacing Pell Grants with a Federal-State Matching Grant
Pell Grants and other non-loan federal student aid should be replaced with a single federal-state matching grant, according to a report from the Committee for Economic Development. The report, commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, also proposes eliminating federal tax credits for higher education, and suggests streamlining the process of applying for student aid and repaying loans. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 01/24/13)
Student Athletics
Students with Disabilities Have Right to Play School Sports: Obama Administration
The Education Department's Office of Civil Rights is sending districts a guidance document that spells out the rights of students with disabilities to participate in school athletics. The guidance document outlines five principles with specific examples for enforcement of the law. (Huffington Post, 01/25/13)
Teaching Quality
NCTQ Gives States D-plus on Teacher Preparation Policies
The National Council on Teacher Quality released the latest edition of its State Teacher Policy Yearbook report. Although a number of states improved their showing from last year, the states still only averaged a D-plus on the full set of their policies. Only four states—Alabama, Florida, Indiana, and Tennessee—received the report's highest grade of a B-minus. (Educationnews.org, 01/25/13)
Friday, January 25
Charter Schools
Miss. House OKs Charter School Bill
The Mississippi House passed H.B. 369, which would expand charter schools in the state. The House version differs from the Senate bill, limiting charters to 15 a year, giving school boards in districts rated A, B, or C a veto, and prohibiting students from crossing district lines. The Senate bill does not include these provisions. (Biloxi Sun-Herald, 01/23/13)
College Completion/Financial Aid
College Dropout Crisis Revealed in 'American Dream 2.0' Report
A group of college presidents, civil rights leaders, and advocates sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is highlighting what it calls a growing higher education dropout crisis and seeks to fix it in part by linking financial aid with successful graduation. The group's report, "The American Dream 2.0," said 46% of America's college students and 63% of African American students don't graduate college within six years. (Huffington Post, 02/24/13)
Common Core
Urban Districts Report Far-Reaching Changes for Common Core
Most urban districts plan to have fully implemented the Common Core State Standards by the 2014-15 school year, according to a report from the Council of the Great City Schools , and more than half of districts have already begun. Districts have adjusted professional development, assessments, curriculum, evaluation, and communications plans to account for the Common Core. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/23/13)
Teacher Recruitment
NM Gov. Susana Martinez Announces $2M Teacher Initiative Plan
New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez announced a $2 million initiative to hire math and sciences teachers in low income and rural schools. The plan will include a loan forgiveness program and pay incentives for teachers. The governor also proposes up to a $5,000 pay bonus for the best 125 highly effective math and science teachers who move to underserved schools. (Las Cruces Sun-News, 01/23/13)
Thursday, January 24
College Completion
College Chiefs Contemplate Completion
College leaders should embrace the goal of getting college degrees into the hands of more Americans, which may require changes in campus culture and more aggressive steps to improve graduation rates, a group of college presidents wrote in an open letter to their peers. The letter is the final report of the National Commission on Higher Education Attainment. (Inside Higher Ed, 01/24/13)
Education Governance
Bill to Demote Hill Moves to House Floor
The Wyoming House Appropriations Committee adopted Senate File 104 that would strip away many of the duties from the state superintendent of public instruction position. The bill proposes that a director appointed by the governor would run the department of education. The governor also appoints the state board. There still would be an elected state superintendent, but the duties would be scaled back. (Wyoming News, 01/23/13)
Online Courses
MOOCs for Credit
Georgia State University announced that it will start to review MOOCs—massive open online courses—for credit much like it reviews courses students have taken at other institutions. And Academic Partnerships, a company that works with public universities to put their degree programs online, announced an initiative in which the first course of these programs can become a MOOC and offered for credit. (Inside Higher Ed, 01/23/13)
School Efficiency
Kansas Lawmakers, Education Groups React with Caution to Efficiency Task Force Report
The final report from Kansas Governor Sam Brownback's School Efficiency Task Force issued recommendations, along with a list of proposed best practices intended to "get more money in the classroom and less in administration and overhead costs." One question, however, is how to define a classroom expense and a recommendation calls for forming a task force to establish a definition. (Lawrence Journal World, 01/22/13)
Undocumented Students
New Legislatures Revisit In-State Tuition for Immigrants
Long-bottled-up bills that address state policies on whether to offer in-state tuition to undocumented students could become law this year because of changes in party control of legislative chambers and changes in federal policy. The tuition issue is expected to be debated in several states, including Colorado, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Oregon. At least 12 states offer in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. (Governing, 01/22/13)
Wednesday, January 23
Community Colleges
Brown Seeks to Reshape California's Community Colleges
Governor Jerry Brown has placed a renewed focus on California's struggling community colleges with recommendations aimed at keeping community colleges affordable, keeping classes accessible, and moving students faster through the system to allow them to graduate or transfer to a four-year university at higher rates. For example, he is seeking to limit the number of credits students can accumulate. (Los Angeles Times, 01/20/13)
Education Reform Plans
Vermont Governor Launches Four-Point Ed. Initiative
Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin used his second inaugural address to outline an education reform plan that includes additional investments in early-childhood education, school meals for students from low-income families, and dual-enrollment courses. He also wants to create personal learning plans for K-12 students and a scholarship program for students who graduate with a degree in STEM fields. See ECS' summary of state of the state addresses. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/23/13)
Financial Aid
What Student Aid Research Shows
Two well-regarded researchers have scanned 50 years of financial aid practice and research to "review what is known and what is not known about how well various student aid programs work," they write. After outlining the history of financial aid and explaining the difficulty of evaluating which policies are effective and which aren't, their paper offers four major lessons. (Inside Higher Ed, 01/22/13)
School Finance Litigation
State Finance Lawsuits Roil K-12 Funding Landscape
As state budgets slowly recover from several years of economic contraction and stagnation, significant court battles continue to play a related yet distinct role in K-12 policy, even in states where the highest courts have already delivered rulings on the subject. School finance cases are at various stages in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Texas, and Washington. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/23/13)
Teacher Supply/Demand
Colleges Overproducing Elementary Teachers, Data Find
Data suggest that some states are producing far more new teachers at the elementary level than will be able to find jobs in their respective states—even as districts struggle to find enough recruits in other certification fields. Education Week examined data from states' own labor projections and from supply-and-demand analyses, then cross-checked them with federal data submitted by the states.
(Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/23/13)
Tuesday, January 22
Anti-Poverty Programs
Anti-Poverty Program Found to Yield Few Academic Gains
Ten to 15 years after leaving neighborhoods of concentrated poverty, children of the Moving to Opportunity program are in most ways no better off than their peers who stayed put. But new findings from the ongoing study suggest more comprehensive school-neighborhood improvement initiatives stand a better chance of breaking the cycle of poverty. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/16/13)
Community Colleges/Degrees
Evolution or Mission Creep?
Michigan gave its community colleges the legal authority to issue bachelor's degrees, becoming the 21st state to do so. But the practice remains controversial despite its rapid expansion. Four-year universities in Michigan argue the authorizing legislation will lead to duplication of degree programs and harm their collaboration with community colleges. (Inside Higher Ed, 01/22/13)
Federal Ed Policies
Crush of Education Laws Await Renewal in Congress
The new Congress faces a lengthy list of education policy legislation that is either overdue for renewal or will be soon in a political landscape that remains consumed with fiscal issues. The list of policies includes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and higher education and early child-care grants. Longtime Capitol Hill aides can't remember a time when Congress was this jammed up. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/18/13)
Governance/Ed Reforms
State Board of Education Sworn In, Begins Work on Reforms
Nevada's newly constituted board of education was sworn into office and got down to work on Governor Brian Sandoval's education reform agenda. Historically, Nevada voters chose the board's 10 members. Voters now elect four board members to join three appointed members and four nonvoting members. The governor now has the authority to appoint board members and the state superintendent, who previously was appointed by the board. (Las Vegas Review-Journal, 01/14/13)
Graduation Rates
National High School Graduation Rate Climbs
The national high school graduation rate has improved notably, with 78.2% of students receiving a diploma in 2009-10, up from 75.5% the year before, according to figures from the National Center for Education Statistics. There were 38 states with an increase of one percentage point or more in the most recent analysis. Still, one in five students are not getting a diploma. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/20/13)
Teacher Evaluations
L.A. Teachers Union Members OK New Evaluation Method
A landmark agreement to use student test scores in evaluating Los Angeles Unified teachers was approved by union members. But the agreement limits the value-added method to analyze a teacher's impact on student learning. Instead, teachers will be evaluated with such data as raw state test scores, district assessments, high school exit exams and rates of attendance, graduation, suspensions, and course completion. (Los Angeles Times, 01/19/13)
Friday, January 18
Charter Schools
Miss. Senate Approves Expanded Charter School Bill
A bill, S.B. 2189, to expand charter schools in Mississippi easily cleared the Senate. Mississippi has a charter school law that allows a small number of existing schools to convert to charters, but none have done so. The bill would give districts rated A or B a veto over whether charters can locate there, while C and lower-rated districts wouldn't get a veto. (Hattiesburg American, 01/16/13)
Common Core
Common Assessments Hold Promise, Face Challenges, Study Finds
Tests now being designed for the Common Core standards are likely to gauge deeper levels of learning and have a major impact on instruction, according to a new study. The report concludes that the assessments hold promise for improving teacher practice and student learning. But the authors caution that the test-making projects face key financial, technical, and political challenges that could affect their success. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/16/13)
Literacy/Retention
Social Promotion Still a Goal for Gov. Susana Martinez in Legislative Session
Nearly half of New Mexico's 3rd graders cannot read to grade level, according to standardized test results. Governor Susana Martinez and her Education Secretary-designate Hanna Skandera are expected to ask lawmakers for the third straight year to limit social promotion. But opponents say current law is working and doesn't need to be changed. See ECS' summary of literacy policies. (Alamogordo News, 01/12/13)
Post-graduate Earnings
New Pressure on Colleges to Disclose Grads' Earnings
Efforts to disclose the earnings potential of degrees in specific majors from colleges and universities are picking up steam, promising to bring competitive pressure to bear on institutions by steering students away from programs with lower market value and colleges whose graduates fare poorly. Wage information has been made available in several states and a bill in Congress would require every college to disclose such data. (Hechinger Report, 01/16/13)
School Leadership
D.C. Principals, Georgetown Launch Leadership Program
A group of 25 principals of D.C. schools began a master's-degree program at Georgetown University, part of an effort to improve the quality of leadership in the city's schools. D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson helped launch the program. The program mirrors Georgetown's Executive Master's in Leadership program in the McDonough School of Business. (Washington Post, 01/16/13)
Wednesday, January 16
Charter Schools
Michigan Home to High-Performing Charters, Study Finds
Charter school students in Michigan gained an additional two months of learning over the course of a single academic year in reading and math than their traditional school counterparts, according to study by Stanford University's Center for Research on Education Outcomes. The center has analyzed charter school performance in many states, including Indiana and New Jersey, and found similar results. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/14/13)
International Comparisons
Global-Achievement Study Casts U.S. Scores in Better Light
U.S. student achievement looks more favorable on the global stage when comparisons take into account the especially large share of American adolescents who come from disadvantaged social backgrounds, concludes a new study. The gap, for instance, between U.S. students and those from top-scoring nations on one global assessment would be cut in half in reading and by at least one-third in math. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/15/13)
Online Courses/College Costs
California State U. Will Experiment with Offering Credit for MOOCs
California universities are turning to low-cost online course options for students. San Jose State University announced a pilot project with Udacity, a for-profit provider of the massive open online courses, to jointly create three introductory math classes. The courses will be free online, but students can pay a reduced rate to earn credit. The California State University project began when Governor Jerry Brown contacted Udacity’s founder. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 01/15/13)
Teacher Evaluations
Should Students Grade their Teachers?
One of the options available to New Jersey districts as they build teacher evaluation systems is including student surveys among the multiple measures of student achievement. The idea is gaining popularity, at least among policymakers. Several districts that are part of the pilot program testing evaluation models have included or plan to include student surveys, although not necessarily as part of a teacher’s grade. (Hechinger Report, 01/14/13)
Undocumented Students
Colorado Democrats Back in-state Tuition Break for Illegal Immigrants
Two Colorado lawmakers plan to push a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to attend public colleges and universities at the in-state rate of tuition. The move comes after two years of failed attempts to pass a compromise bill permitting illegal immigrants to pay tuition lower than out-of-state rates but higher than in-state rates. The 2013 proposal, S.B. 33, does not include the compromised tuition level. (Denver Post, 01/15/13)
Tuesday, January 15
College Applications/Recruitment
A Hidden Supply of High-Achieving, Low-Income Students in Non-Metro Areas
High-achieving, low-income students who don't live in major metropolitan areas are less likely to end up in highly selective colleges. The problem is not a dearth of these students, according to new research. Rather, the vast majority of those students don't ever apply because they lack information or the encouragement that their high-income, high-achieving counterparts have. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/14/13)
Education Overhaul
N.Y. Governor Unveils Education Agenda
Expanding the amount of learning time for students and creating a new class of higher-paid master teachers are among the major changes that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is proposing, along with opening more community schools that would provide health care and family-counseling services. Much of Cuomo's education agenda is based on a recent report from a state task force. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/14/13)
Education Reforms
$187 Million Education Reform Plan Focuses on Teacher Career Paths
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad unveiled his education proposal that calls for a complete overhaul of educator duties and compensation. The plan would create new career paths for teachers and calls for teacher and administrator evaluations to take student achievement into account. Other items include developing college-ready and career-ready diploma seals and expanding Iowa Learning Online. (Des Moines Register, 01/15/13)
Student Engagement
Gallup: Student Engagement Drops with Each Grade
With every year that passes between 5th and 12th grade, the number of students who are engaged in school declines steadily, according to a recent Gallup Student Poll. A majority of elementary school students—almost eight in 10—qualify as engaged. By middle school, however, that number drops to six in 10 students. And when students enter high school, it drops to four in 10. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/11/13)
Teacher Tenure/Quality
White: High Standards Limit Teacher Tenure
Relatively few public school teachers will earn tenure in the future because Louisiana's new standards are "uncompromisingly high," state Superintendent of Education John White said. Among White's proposed changes: teachers who finish in the 80th percentile would be rated as "highly effective" rather than the current requirement, which is the 90th percentile. (Baton Rouge Advocate, 01/15/13)
Monday, January 14
Higher Ed Governance
Connecticut's Reorganization
In 2011, Governor Dannel Malloy floated the idea of consolidating Connecticut's community college system and its state university system. The ideas were bold. The execution was quick. The result has left many people—faculty members, administrators, students, legislators, taxpayers—skeptical about the effectiveness, if not the underlying strategy, of Connecticut's higher education reorganization.
(Inside Higher Ed, 01/14/13)
School Climate
Schools Aim to Craft Environment for Learning
The 2013 edition of Education Week's Quality Counts report takes aim at an issue with emotional as well as policy implications: the impact of a school's social and disciplinary environment on students' ability to learn, and on the teachers and administrators tasked with guiding them. A growing consensus also recognizes that the elements that make up school climate play a crucial part in laying the groundwork for academic success. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/09/13)
School Finance Litigation
Court: State Must Increase Education Funding
A three-judge panel determined that the Kansas legislature is not meeting its K-12 school funding obligations under the state constitution. The decision said that the previously set $4,492 per-pupil base state aid funding floor established by the Kansas Supreme Court may not be lowered. State officials said it would take an additional $442 million to bring the state in line with the court's decision. (Topeka Capitol-Journal, 01/11/13)
Student Demographics
The Pupil Cliff
The country likely peaked at about 3.4 million high school graduates in 2011 and will see a modest decline over the next few years, according to a Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education report. While the total number of white students has declined, there has been a huge increase in the number of Hispanic and Asian-American/Pacific Islander students. The demographic change will force states and institutions to rethink how they serve new segments of the population. (Inside Higher Ed, 01/11/13)
Friday, January 11
Common Core
Testing Group Picks 'College Readiness' Exam
The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for Colleges and Careers, or PARCC, has decided that students' college readiness in math in 22 states and the District of Columbia will be determined by an end-of-course test in the last of a three-course sequence. College readiness will be determined by students' scores on the Algebra 2 or Math 3 exam, depending on their course sequence. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/09/13)
Higher Ed Funding
Study Links State Higher-Education Spending to Demographics and Economy
A new analysis of spending on higher education finds that states with a diverse economy, low unemployment, and a history of support for higher education are likely to maintain public spending on colleges. Conversely, states that do not have those characteristics have a hard time overcoming fiscal challenges to create a robust system of higher education. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 01/08/13)
Race to the Top/Teacher Evaluations
Nearly $40 Million in Race to Top Funds for Maryland in Jeopardy
A letter from the Education Department to Maryland placed several major conditions on $37.9 million of the state's $250 million Race to the Top grant. If the state doesn't make good on those conditions, it risks losing that part of its grant. Maryland, like most other Race to the Top states, is struggling to implement its teacher- and principal-evaluation system exactly as it promised. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/09/13)
Teacher Recruitment
New Program Seeks to Address Teacher Shortages in State’s Schools
University of Arkansas and state education department officials are encouraging college seniors who are interested in teaching to apply for fellowships under the new Arkansas Teacher Corps program, which seeks to address teacher shortages in high-need subject areas and economically disadvantaged districts. Fellows will receive a $5,000 stipend per year in addition to their teacher salary. (Arkansas News Bureau, 01/09/13)
Value of College
A Degree Still Helps
Amid much public discussion about whether college is a good investment for graduates, a Pew Economic Mobility Project report considers whether or not a degree still helps people find better jobs and earn more money. The simple answer is yes. And, as the study's main finding suggests, the impact of a college degree has not been affected by the recession nearly as much as some reports. (Inside Higher Ed, 01/10/13)
Thursday, January 10
College Completion/Technology
O'Malley Calls on Colleges to Use Technology to Boost Graduation Rates
Governor Martin O'Malley called on Maryland's higher education institutions to devise new ways to use technology to bolster graduation rates. O'Malley has called for 55%—up from 45%—of Maryland adults to have a college credential. O'Malley urged educators to explore "new ways to use the Internet, online learning, and course redesign" to broaden access to higher education. (Baltimore Sun, 01/08/13)
Common Science Standards
New Science-Standards Draft Includes Many Changes
A second and final public draft of common standards aimed at reshaping K-12 science education was released for comment. A final set of standards will be ready in March. Twenty-six states are "lead state partners" in crafting the standards. Although they are not bound to adopt them, all have pledged to give serious consideration to doing so. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/08/13)
Early Literacy/Retention
Gov. Susana Martinez Proposes $13.5M to Improve Reading for Children through 3rd Grade
New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez said she'll recommend the legislature provide $13.5 million to improve reading skills of K-3 students, an increase of $5 million over current spending. Martinez also will ask lawmakers to approve a measure requiring schools to retain 3rd graders who can't read proficiently, rather than promoting them to the next class. See ECS' report on early literacy. (The Republic, 01/08/12)
Online Courses
Paying for Proof
Coursera will offer a fee-based pathway with identity verification for students who want to earn a more meaningful certificate of completion, the company said in an announcement that also sheds light on an emerging business model for the largest massive open online course (MOOC) provider. The for-profit Coursera has enrolled more than 2.2 million students so far in its 213 free online courses.
(Inside Higher Ed, 01/09/13)
State Ed Indicators/Policies
States Show Spotty Progress on Education Gauges
The 2013 edition of Education Week's Quality Counts continues the tradition of tracking key education indicators and grading the states on their policy efforts and outcomes. A majority of states fell near the middle of the overall grading curve, with 38 states earning grades between a C-minus and a C-plus. Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia earned the highest overall grades. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/10/13)
Wednesday, January 9
Common Core
Funds Lacking for Tougher Education Standards
Arizona leaders have called for tougher new education standards, but the cost to implement the Common Core standards has fallen primarily to districts, which have seen state funding drop by about 15% since 2008. A document from the state education department pegged the implementation cost over the next two years at $131 million. (Arizona Republic, 01/07/13)
Online Learning
Growth for Online Learning
More than 6.7 million, or roughly a third, of all students enrolled in postsecondary education took an online course for credit in fall 2011, according to an annual survey. The number of online enrollees represented the smallest percentage increase in the 10 years, but overall college enrollment also fell. For the first time, the survey asked institutional officials about their views of MOOCs -- massive open online courses. (Inside Higher Ed, 01/08/13)
Teacher Effectiveness
Combined Measures Better at Gauging Teacher Effectiveness, Study Finds
Student feedback, test-score growth calculations, and observations of practice appear to pick up different but complementary information that, combined, can provide an accurate picture of teacher performance, according to a study released by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This composite measure predicted fairly accurately how much high-performing teachers would boost their students' test scores. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/08/13)
Veterans Education
Do Veterans Graduate?
Relatively little is known about the academic performance of student veterans, a growing and politically important segment of American higher education. But graduation and retention rate data may be on the way, thanks to a new agreement between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Student Clearinghouse. (Inside Higher Ed, 01/08/13)
Video: Reading/Retention
Ohio Third Graders Face Retention Ultimatum: Learn to Read or Repeat the Year
Officials in Ohio elementary schools have hired reading specialists, engaged classroom teachers as one-on-one tutors, and recruited high-school volunteers to respond to a law requiring all 3rd-graders to read at grade level by or face retention. Ohio, where 30% of its 40,000 3rd-graders don't read at grade-level, is among 14 states that have passed such retention policies. See ECS' summary of literacy policies. (PBS/NewsHour, 01/04/13)
Tuesday, January 8
College Readiness/Remediation
Colleges Set Bar for Remedial Classes
Ohio’s public colleges and universities have agreed to minimum scores on placement exams that will guarantee students don’t have to take remedial courses. Previously, each school used its own means to determine whether students were ready for college work. About 41% of students who graduate from high school in Ohio take at least one remedial course when they enroll in public colleges. (Columbus Dispatch, 01/04/12)
Early Literacy
Brownback Wants to Focus on Improving Reading Scores of Kansas Fourth-grade Students
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback is preparing to lay out an agenda for the 2013 legislative session that includes putting more focus and perhaps resources into 4th-grade reading. The governor says improving reading scores also would help address childhood poverty, by preparing students with skills after high school. See ECS’ report on early literacy. (The Republic, 01/05/13)
Education Reforms
N.Y. Reform Commission Stresses Teacher Prep, More Learning Time
The New York Education Reform Commission released its report containing several recommendations for big changes to the state's K-12 schools that include setting a new, higher GPA for admissions to teacher and principal preparation programs, extending the school day, and using educational technology to overcome barriers between high school and higher education. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/07/13)
Ranking Ed Reforms
11 States Get Failing Grades on Public School Policies from Advocacy Group
StudentsFirst, the advocacy group led by Michelle A. Rhee, issued a report that ranks states based on how closely they follow the group's platform. The report examines policies related to teacher tenure and evaluations, school choice and parent empowerment, and spending funds wisely and governing well. No state received an A, two states earned B-minuses, and 11 states received an F. (New York Times, 01/07/12)
Teacher Evaluations
New Evaluation Pilot 'Skewed,' with Too Few Unsatisfactory Teachers, Officials Say
A pilot study of Georgia’s new teacher evaluation system showed only a tiny fraction of the state's teachers are ineffective. A report found that less than 1% of teachers classified as ineffective and one in five getting the top rating of exemplary. State officials say they expect more realistic outcomes as teachers and principals are better trained and have more time to adapt to the new evaluation system.
(Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 01/07/13)
Monday, January 7
College Remediation
Fewer Incoming College Students Need Remediation, Research Shows
A National Center for Education Statistics report sheds light on incoming college students who are taking remedial classes and how the landscape has changed in the past decade. The percentage of freshman who had to take remedial classes dropped from 1999-2000 to 2007-2008 from 26.3% to 20.4%. The report found lower percentages of white students taking remedial classes compared to black and Hispanic students. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/04/13)
Common Core
Consortium Releases Technology Guidelines for Common-Core Tests
The Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) released new guidance on the minimum technology standards states will need to meet to give the Common Core tests, beginning in 2014-15. The guidance is meant to provide direction to states and districts on the extent to which current technology meets testing standards, or whether upgrades will be required.
(Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 12/21/12)
Education Policy Priorities
Lawmakers Gear Up for Action on K-12 Issues
State lawmakers will attempt to tackle a range of issues in this year’s legislative sessions, from making common academic standards a reality and funding schools based on performance, to allowing armed teachers and staff members on school grounds. Their task may be complicated by the still small and spotty economic recovery, political polarization, and by federal education funding uncertainties. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 01/07/13)
Preschool Programs
Head Start Advantages Mostly Gone by 3rd Grade, Study Finds
While Head Start participation benefited children's learning and development during their time in the preschool program, those advantages had mostly vanished by the end of 3rd grade, a new federal study finds. The new findings are consistent with an earlier phase of the study which showed that many of the positive impacts of Head Start participation had faded by the end of 1st grade. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 12/21/12)
School Finance
Gov. Jerry Brown to Revisit Sweeping Plan to Alter School Funding
Governor Jerry Brown plans to pursue a sweeping overhaul of the way California schools are funded, changing the way money has been allocated for four decades. Brown wants to simplify funding streams, giving more local control to school boards and more money to districts with low-income students and those who don't speak English fluently. (San Jose Mercury News, 01/03/12)
Teacher Preparation
Missouri Raises the Bar on Teacher Preparation
Under a recently approved plan, Missouri will zero in on the effectiveness of teacher colleges. The plan includes more frequent report cards on the colleges’ performance, a more uniform evaluation of student teachers, and higher grade-point average requirements for those in the program. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 12/26/12)
Friday, December 21
College Participation/Completion
Why Do Academically Promising Students Not Choose College?
Students with the academic potential make very different choices about higher education based on the high school they attend, according to a set of analyses. One analysis found that 18% of these students enrolled in less-selective four-year colleges, two-year institutions, or no higher education at all. Moreover, students who chose less-selective colleges were less likely to earn a diploma. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 12/17/12)
College Remediation
Placement Tests Still Rule
Research released earlier this year found that commonly used placement tests fail to adequately determine whether incoming college students need remedial coursework. Yet most colleges rely exclusively on tests like the these exams, according to a National Assessment Governing Board study. The report found substantial variation in the cut scores that colleges used for course placement. (Inside Higher Ed, 12/21/12)
School Finance Litigation
State School Funds On Trial, Again
Overall, ten states have school finance challenges working their way through the courts, and four other states recently wrapped up legal challenges. But school-funding advocates have found that winning a lawsuit doesn't necessarily improve the quality of education--or even boost funding over the long term, as funding formula changes and budget cuts can eat into court-mandated increases. (Stateline.org, 12/21/12)
School Finance Litigation
State Supreme Court: Legislature Failing at Funding of Education
The Washington Supreme Court ruled that the legislature isn't making enough progress toward finding more money for K-12 education in answer to the court's decision in a school-funding lawsuit. In January, the court ruled the state isn't meeting its constitutional obligation to amply pay for basic education. The court determined that the legislature’s response to the decision was inadequate. (Seattle Times, 12/20/12)
STEM Teachers
STEM Teacher Fellowship Program Grows with New Jersey Plans
New Jersey has received a $9 million grant to recruit and prepare more top talent for teaching in the STEM disciplines. The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship program is intended to bolster the ranks of high-quality STEM teachers in high-need schools and transform teacher preparation programs. Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio already have established similar fellowship programs. (Education Week, premium article access compliments of edweek.org, 12/18/12)
Value of College Degree
Analysis Adds to Data Showing the Economic Benefits of a College Degree
A State Higher Education Executive Officers report offers further evidence of the value of a college degree in terms of future earnings potential. Americans who complete a bachelor’s degree have a median income of $50,360, compared with a median of $29,423 for people with only a high-school diploma. The report provides national and state-level data on the wage premiums associated with degree attainment. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 12/19/12)
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