Daily Headlines: April 5, 2012
Charter Schools Plan Altered
Montgomery Advertiser, AL, April 5, 2012
GOP legislators Wednesday introduced a scaled-back version of a charter schools bill that would limit the number of charter schools in the state and the areas in which they could go.
Charter Schools
Times Daily, AL, April 5, 2012
The Alabama Legislature is closer to approving charter schools despite concerns from education professionals that the state cannot afford them. In their debate over whether to adopt charter schools, Alabama legislators can draw from a sea of knowledgeable sources.
Charting A Course: State Legislature Is Wisely Going Slow On Charter Schools
Anniston Star, AL, April 5, 2012
Alabama lawmakers pushing charter schools for the state were wise to tap the brakes Wednesday, allowing proponents to weigh the valid concerns raised over the bill. We applaud this go-slow approach; the proper establishment of these alternative public schools is too important to be passed in haste.
House Bill 369 Is In Play On The Capitol Courts
Juneau Empire, AK, April 5, 2012
The House Education Committee on Wednesday advanced a bill that would allow students who attend alternative schools to participate in public school activities, like sports.
Brewer Kills School-Voucher Bill
Arizona Republic, AZ, April 4, 2012
Gov. Jan Brewer on Wednesday vetoed a bill that would have expanded the use of public-education money to pay for the private education of more Arizona students.
Charter Cold To Egan-Blach Offer
Los Altos Town Crier, CA, April 4, 2012
Los Altos School District officials submitted their final facilities offer for 2012-2013 to Bullis Charter School last weekend, prompting charter school representatives to rally for a response likely to come in court.
No Wonder Teachers Protect This Deal
The Day, CT, April 5, 2012
In the April 1 edition of The Day, “State Sen. Stillman defends revisions in education reform package,” Andrea Stillman defended the watered-down version of Gov. Malloy’s education reform plan. Anyone surprised? I’m not. But, I am surprised that Malloy, a Democrat, put forth such a level-headed, conservative leaning plan and, for that, I applaud him!
State Board Criticizes Revised Education Reform Bill
The Connecticut Mirror, CT, April 4, 2012
State Board of Education members angrily criticized lawmakers’ attempts to scale back a major education reform bill, saying Wednesday that the watered-down bill could stall the effort to fix the state’s worst schools.
D.C. Area Schools Turn To Parents For More Funding As Budgets Are Squeezed
Washington Post, DC, April 4, 2012
The District’s Ben W. Murch Elementary School found the cash to save its guidance counselor’s job this year. McLean’s Kent Gardens Elementary shelled out for a new science curriculum. And Oak View Elementary, in Silver Spring, paid for printer cartridges and after-school buses.
Taking On Teachers Unions
Washington Post, DC, April 4, 2012
Bravo to the Democratic mayors who, like Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, are taking on public-sector and teachers unions. Ironically, The Post ran articles on both these subjects on the same day [“Democratic mayors clash with teachers,” front page; “ Wisconsin governor will face recall election June 5,” news article, March 31].
Charter Schools Must Be Accountable
Florida Times Union, FL, April 5, 2012
So Florida gets a B for the unfettered way in which it allows its charter schools to operate. It’s too bad that the performance of those schools isn’t above average as well.
Charter Schools Must Be Accountable
Florida Times Union, FL, April 5, 2012
So Florida gets a B for the unfettered way in which it allows its charter schools to operate. It’s too bad that the performance of those schools isn’t above average as well.
Hernando School Board Signs Off On Charter School
Tampa Bay Times, FL, April 5, 2012
Hernando County’s lone charter school is now officially under contract to replicate itself.
Fulton County Schools Makes Charter Pitch To State Board
Atlanta Journal Constitution, GA, April 4, 2012
Officials from Fulton County Public Schools presented their plan to become a charter school system during a committee meeting held by state Board of Education members Wednesday.
Charter School Amendment Misleading
Athens Banner Herald, GA, April 5, 2012
The 2012 General Assembly ended its session, and not a minute too soon. Sometimes called the most dangerous 40 days of the year, referring to the period of time the General Assembly is in session, this year’s gathering had a number of ups and downs.
A Report Card For Teachers
Chicago Tribune, IL, April 5, 2012
For decades, there wasn’t much suspense built into a Chicago public school teacher’s performance review. The odds were overwhelming that he or she would be rated satisfactory or better. Only .3 percent — note the decimal point — were rated unsatisfactory.
Teachers Helping Teachers
SW Iowa News. IA, April 4, 2012
First year teachers step into the classroom with years of education behind them, student teaching experience and a degree. But if you ask any first year teacher, there is always something new and unexpected thrown at them, and that is where the Iowa Mentoring Program comes into play.
Louisiana Senate Votes To Expand Vouchers, Public Charter Schools
Times Picayune, LA, April 4, 2012
The Louisiana Senate handed Gov. Bobby Jindal sweeping victories Wednesday, giving him comfortable margins for his wide-ranging proposals to restructure primary and secondary education in Louisiana .
Education Measures Pass
The Advocate, LA, April 5, 2012
Gov. Bobby Jindal’s two key proposals to ignite sweeping changes in public schools won state Senate approval late Wednesday.
The Targets In A Debate
The Advocate, LA, April 5, 2012
In the debate at the State Capitol, the slogans and the reality of education reformers don’t always fit together seamlessly.
Hune Targets Conflicts of Interest
Livingston Daily Press & Argus, MI, April 5, 2012
State Sen. Joe Hune is convinced conflicts of interest on school boards continue to go unchecked, his office said.
DPS To Move 10 High Schools Into New ‘Self-Governing’ System This Fall
Detroit News, MI, April 5, 2012
Detroit Public Schools is creating a hybrid system within the district this fall by converting 10 high schools into “self-governing” buildings, with a five-member board controlling the schools’ budget, operations and hiring.
Three Charter Schools Plan To Open In Flint Area, One In Powers Catholic Building
Flint Journal, MI, April 4, 2012
Three new charter schools are planning to open in the Flint area next year, with one planning to use the Powers Catholic High School building when Powers moves.
Charter Schools: Process Worked
Jackson Clarion Ledger, MS, April 4, 2012
Jackson ClA special legislation session to consider charter schools would be a waste of effort – the legislative process already made its decision and it worked.
Death of Charter School Bill Leaves Lingering Questions
The Commercial Dispatch, MS, April 4, 2012
Today’s death of the bill to authorize more charter schools in Mississippi means opponents of charter schools may win this year’s battle. But, to win the war over education, these opponents must offer a plan to improve public schools in Mississippi. If not, it’s only a matter of time before a charter school will be in a school district near them.
Accountability Elusive Goal In Public Schools
Portsmouth Herald, NH, April 5, 2012
The most recent results of the New England Common Assessment Program tests provided both an opportunity to congratulate Portsmouth schools and to assess the tests themselves.
Grade For New Jersey’s Charter School System Slips, According To National Report
Press of Atlantic City, NJ, April 4, 2012
New Jersey’s charter schools remain underfunded and too highly regulated by the state Department of Education, according to an annual report on education reform.
N.J. Education Department To Consider 32 Charter School Applications
Star-Ledger, NJ, April 4, 2012
The state Department of Education will consider 32 applications to open new charter schools across the state including proposals focused on science, fashion and performing arts instruction, a department spokesman said Tuesday.
APS: Get Ready for Lower Grad Rates
Albuquerque Journal, NM, April 5, 2012
Albuquerque Public Schools’ already low graduation rate could drop even lower under a new formula being implemented by the state.
Mayor’s Work On Schools Gets a Backer
Wall Street Journal, April 4, 2012
Some of the most recognizable names in New York City education—including former schools Chancellor Joel Klein and educator Geoffrey Canada—have formed a group that will work to sustain Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s school-reform efforts after he leaves office.
Judge Again Vacates Amani School Charter In Mount Vernon
The Journal News, NY, April 5, 2012
A beleaguered charter school is fighting for its survival after a state judge yanked its certification for a second time.
School Lottery Strains Parents’ Nerves
WIVB, NY, April 4, 2012
Getting into a good school often depends on the luck of the draw in Buffalo, where parents have to win a lottery to make the grade for their kids.
Bob Luddy Offers Wake County Another School Choice
News & Observer, NC, April 5, 2012
Businessman and education entrepreneur Bob Luddy in mid-July will open another private school, which he’s calling a useful addition to the K-12 education marketplace in Wake County.
Charters Worried About Surviving New School Ratings
StateImpact NPR, April 5, 2012
Starting this year, Ohio is planning to toughen the way public schools are evaluated. Most schools are expected to drop a few grades under the new system.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Teachers Union Make Progress On School Reforms Plan But Don’t Reach Final Deal
Cleveland Plain Dealer, OH, April 5, 2012
The Cleveland Teachers Union and Mayor Frank Jackson met for more than seven hours in a last-minute negotiation session Wednesday night trying to reach agreement on the last two disputed points in Jackson’s school improvement plan.
Legislators Propose Cleveland Schools Overhaul
Columbus Dispatch, OH, April 5, 2012
A major policy revamp proposed by the Cleveland mayor and aimed at overhauling the long-troubled Cleveland school district was introduced in the state House and Senate yesterday by two bipartisan pairings.
Court Affirms That Phila. School District Illegally Capped Charter’s Enrollment
Philadelphia Inquirer, PA, April 5, 2012
In a ruling that could have financial ramifications for school districts across the state, Commonwealth Court has affirmed the state education secretary’s decision that the School District of Philadelphia illegally capped enrollment at a city charter school.
Pick Up The Pace To Right-Size School District
Philadelphia Inquirer, PA, April 5, 2012
The School Reform Commission took an important step when it voted to close eight city schools, but bigger strides are needed.
State Says 17 Charter Schools Can Open In Memphis This Fall
Commercial Appeal, TN, April 4, 2012
Seventeen charter schools, waiting in limbo for months, got a green light Wednesday to open from the state treasurer who said they pose no significant financial threat to the public school systems here.
VIRTUAL EDUCATION
Real Debate Over Virtual Learning
Orlando Sentinel, FL, April 4, 2012
Since 1997, Florida Virtual School has grown from a class of 77 students to more than 122,000 students learning online during the 2010-2011 school year.
Online Schools Protest New Evaluation System
WKSU, OH, April 4, 2012
Public schools throughout Ohio are voicing concern over proposed changes in the way the state grades districts. Now online schools are saying they are worried too. And they say the new evaluation system could hurt them the most.
Online School Will Host Info Sessions
Albany Democrat Herald, OR, April 4, 2012
The K-12 Oregon Connections Academy, an online public charter school based in Scio, is starting enrollment for the 2012-2013 school year and will host a series of information sessions for families interested in learning more.