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The clock is ticking in California

In the wake of our administrative action, the U.S. DOE has leveled an ultimatum:

In an unprecedented move, Spellings has given California six weeks to come up with a plan that would allow students in failing schools throughout the state to transfer to a better school this fall.

If the state does not submit a plan that Spellings deems adequate, Doherty says the education secretary will withhold part of the $700 million California is due to receive this fall in federal Title I funds, which are earmarked for high-poverty schools. And that, department officials say, is no empty threat.

California officials told NPR that what the U.S. Department of Education is asking for is going to be a logistical nightmare: Every failing school — and every school district — where parents have tried, unsuccessfully, to transfer their children out now faces a six-week deadline to make sure those students find a new school.

California officials said lawyers for the state will likely examine the letter from Washington to see whether they can challenge the Aug. 15 deadline, because under No Child Left Behind, there is supposed to be a process in place that gives states time to review and appeal any complaint or lawsuit. This process now appears to be out the window.

Read the whole thing–in typical NPR style, it’s a lengthy story, including quotes from Clint and LAUSD superintendent Roy Romer.  Audio for the story will be up at 7:30 p.m. ET.