Education Reform Is a Vote for the Economy
Huffington Post, March 5, 2012
Super Tuesday is upon us, and voters are likely nearing the selection of a GOP candidate to oppose President Obama in November. As people go to the polls in ten states on Tuesday, what should they be looking at in choosing their candidates?
NATIONAL
Can Teachers Unions Do Education Reform?
Wall Street Journal, March 5, 2012
California charter-school leader Steve Barr thinks so. But skeptics say unions exist only to protect jobs.
HOLLAND: Want to withdraw from Obama Ed?
Washington Times, DC, March 5, 2012
Well before the March 10, 2010, release of the national Common Core (CC) standards for K-12 math and English, the Obama administration was pressuring states to commit to them if they wanted to compete for a share of $4.35 billion in Race to the Top funds set aside from the federal stimulus.
FROM THE STATES
Teachers Union Leads in Record Year of Lobbying Lawmakers
Los Angeles Times, CA, March 6, 2012
Labor group spent $6.5 million, part of a $286.6-million effort by lobbyists to court legislators. The economy and a new Democratic governor after seven years of a business-friendly Republican are key factors.
Cinnabar Elementary Becomes Charter School
Petaluma Argus Courier, CA, March 5, 2012
One of Petaluma’s oldest schools is taking a bold step into the future while still trying to retain the traditions of its past. Cinnabar Elementary School is the only school in a one-school district. It opened a new chapter in its nearly 150-year history this fall when it became a charter school.
Orcutt Union Wants ‘Equal Rights’ For Charter Teachers
Santa Maria Times, CA, March 6, 2012
Members of the Orcutt Educators Association will begin a big push today to let parents, teachers and community members know that contract negotiations with the Orcutt Union School District are at a standstill until the district grants equal employment rights to charter teachers.
Are Charter Schools Cherry-Picking Their Students?
Connecticut Mirror, CT, March 5, 2012
As students from the highly regarded Jumoke Academy Charter School filed into the gymnasium for a mid-afternoon assembly last week, onlooker Gov. Dannel P. Malloy pointed out that at first glance these students seem to mirror those attending the neighborhood public schools.
Parent Trigger: School Tests California Law That Allows Takeover Via Petition
Washington Post, DC, February 6, 2012
The national battle over the best way to fix failing schools is ripping through this desert town like a sandstorm, tearing apart a community that is testing a radical new approach: the parent takeover.
Opposition Mounts Against Parent Empowerment Act
Tallahassee Democrat, FL, March 6, 2012
The Florida PTA and other parent groups representing about 500,000 voters are hoping they successfully swayed the opinions of enough senators to get a negative vote today on the Parent Empowerment Act that would allow parents to take charge of a failing school and turn it over to a private company.
Public Schools’ Success Measured In Letter Grades, Under Bill
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, GA, March 5, 2012
Georgia’s public schools would face new accountability standards under a bill passed Monday by the state Senate, despite concerns from the state’s top education chief over its mandate to give schools letter grades.
Morgans Campaign For School Choice
Marietta Daily Journal, GA, March 6, 2012
Two elected Democrats in Austell who say they share a passion for education also share an address. But who are David and Alisha Thomas Morgan? Alisha, a state representative, and David, a member of the Cobb school board, will both be up for re-election this year.
New Attendance Plan Calls For Closing 13 APS Schools
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, GA, March 5, 2012
Atlanta Public Schools would close 13 schools for a savings of about $6.5 million under a redistricting plan released Monday by Superintendent Erroll Davis.
Charter Cap Removal Clears Tough Hurdle, But One Remains
Idaho Reporter, ID, March 5, 2012
For the past few years, Idaho senators have stood in the way of removing a statewide cap on the number of charter schools created each year.
Study: Discipline Harsher on African-American Students in Chicago
Chicago Tribune, IL, March 6, 2012
African-American students, who make up slightly less than half of those enrolled in Chicago Public Schools, face harsher discipline than their white and Latino classmates but have better access to quality education than minority students in other large, urban districts, according to a study to be released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Education.
CPS Chief Backs Federal Dollars ‘Following’ Students To Private Schools
Chicago Tribune, IL, March 6, 2012
Chicago Public Schools chief Jean-Claude Brizard voiced support Monday for public dollars “following” students to private schools. District spokeswoman later says Brizard doesn’t support voucher program.
Grace’s Charter Plans Garner Public Acclaim
The Journal Gazette, IN, March 6, 2012
Grace College officials heard nothing but positive feedback Monday during a public hearing on a proposed charter school they may authorize.
Tension Between IPS and School Takeover Groups Is Rising
Indianapolis Star, IN, March 6, 2012
One of the selling points of parental choice is that it forces schools to compete for students, a market force that some reformers believe leads to better schools.
Iowans Flock To House To Weigh In On School Reforms
Des Moines Register, IA, March 6, 2012
Parents and teachers, administrators and board members, labor leaders and business executives crowded into the Iowa House chamber Monday night to weigh in on proposals for sweeping K-12 education reform.
Senator: Jindal’s Plan Not Reform
The Advocate, LA, March 6, 2012
Gov. Bobby Jindal’s plan to expand state aid for low-income students to attend private and parochial schools is unworkable, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu said Monday.
John L. Ory Magnet School Applications Are Pouring In
Times Picayune, LA, March 5, 2012
Interest in John L. Ory Communication Arts Magnet School remains high as the deadline for applications for students for the 2012-13 school year approaches. About 300 students have applied so far to attend the kindergarten through eighth-grade school, Principal Teri Noel said. The deadline for applications is Friday at noon.
Deadline Limits Charter Schools Opening In Fall
Portland Press Herald, ME, March 6, 2012
That deadline leaves any group that plans to a start a school this September with only 60 days to recruit students, hire teachers and prepare classrooms.
No Child Waiver Would Free Up Money
WIC News, MD, March 6, 2012
Local educators expect Maryland will be granted a waiver from some of the most stringent rules of No Child Left Behind — a move they say will give them more control of how dollars are spent in their districts next year
How Do Washtenaw County’s Charter Schools Compare to Public Schools on the MEAP Test?
Heritage Newspapers, MI, March 5, 2012
Michigan’s public school academies, or charter schools, often complain that they’re not being evaluated fairly — that comparing them to public schools statewide misses the school’s reason for being, which is to serve educationally underserved areas.
The Good, the Bad, the Ugly of HB 1234
Aberdeen News, MS, March 6, 2012
Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s education bill, the recently passed HB 1234, has many in education up in arms. Let’s take a look at some of the complaints and analyze the good, the bad and the ugly of HB 1234.
Legislature, Like Court, Should Limit Itself In School Transfer Discussion
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, MO, March 6, 2012
The Missouri Legislature should shut down for a couple of days and send its members to the St. Louis County courtroom of Circuit Judge David Lee Vincent III.
Making a Sizable Exception to the Tenure Reform Bill
New Jersey Spotlight, NJ, March 6, 2012
A few critical words at the top of page 14 of the proposed tenure reform bill caused quite a stir yesterday at a Senate hearing on the measure.
Say No To Vouchers
Herald News, NJ, March 5, 2012
GOVERNOR Christie is feeling pretty good about school reform. First, he succeeded in demonizing teacher unions, then he got reasonable people to buy into his school voucher program. Now, he has made his nationwide pitch on “Morning Joe,” the popular MSNBC show that last Friday aired live from Fort Lee High School and devoted much attention to the sort of reforms Christie envisions for New Jersey .
Pleasantville Charter School Officials Vow To Fight State Order To Close
Press of Atlantic City, NJ, March 6, 2012
PleasanTech Academy Charter School administrators vowed to fight to keep the school open, despite a ruling Friday by the state education commissioner that the charter not be renewed and the school close in June.
Evaluation Process Should Be Improved
Cherry Hill Courier Post, NJ, March 5, 2012
The new teacher evaluation system will provide better tracking of performance. That is important, Cerf rightly points out, because teachers are the “single biggest in-school determinant of children’s success.” Making sure teachers are well-suited to the task requires tracking their performance with the best tools available.
N.C. Students May Get Chance To Rate Teachers
Charlotte Observer, NC, March 6, 2012
Hey, kids: How good is your teacher? This spring, students in the Charlotte region will test-drive a survey that could eventually give them a voice in their teachers’ job evaluations.
Lifting Charter Cap Has Led To Successful Movement
Winston-Salem Journal, NC, March 6, 2012
Years of hard work paid off Thursday when the State Board of Education authorized the opening of nine new charter schools for North Carolina, three of them in counties that did not previously have a charter.
George Gund Foundation Awards $700,000 To Support Cleveland Schools Plan
Cleveland Plain Dealer, OH, March 5, 2012
The latest blueprint to improve the Cleveland schools got a $700,000 boost from the George Gund Foundation.
Knox Panel Expresses Concern With Charter School Location
Knoxville News Sentinel, TN, March 6, 2012
When it opens, the charger school will eventually house kindergarten through eighth grade and have an emphasis on the science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Knox County Superintendent Jim McIntyre has recommended the board approve the location, but with stipulations.
SCORE Gathers Feedback On Evaluations
Knoxville News Sentinel, TN, March 6, 2012
School officials from across East Tennessee gathered at the University of Tennessee to share what they believe to be the successes and challenges of the state’s new teacher evaluation model.
Higher Standards Alone Won’t Fix Schools
Jackson Sun, TN, March 5, 2012
Our concern, however, is about the huge gap between his vision for the future and the realty of today. Bridging that gap will take local school board and school system creativity, buy-in from teachers and administrators, parent and community support, and money.
Bill Seeks Transparency For Charter School Funding
Deseret News, UT, March 5, 2012
The Utah House voted unanimously Monday to advance a bill that would add greater transparency to public funding for charter schools.
Southern Vermont School Decision Could Have Ripple Effect
Vermont Public Radio, VT, March 5, 2012
The Flood Brook Union School District educates students in kindergarten through eighth grade from four rural mountain towns. Each of the towns, Londonderry, Weston, Landgrove and Peru , has its own school board and all are part of the Windsor Southwest Supervisory Union. One of the choices that will come before voters in those towns is whether to dissolve their individual boards, AND the Flood Brook Union District.
Teachers: Classroom Heroes
Richmond Times-Dispatch, VA, March 6, 2012
Great teachers inhabit memories. Retirees can remember teachers from childhood and adolescence. Teachers may be the ultimate role models. Their deportment imparts lessons regarding compassion and dignity. The Times-Dispatch admires them and wishes that overall budget conditions would allow for fattened paychecks. Disagreements over policy do not diminish our appreciation of teachers.
Emphasis Is On Attendance In Teacher Evaluation Legislation
Herald Reporter, WV, March 6, 2012
A heavy emphasis on school attendance and mentoring are contained in a Senate revision of a House teacher evaluation measure.
Assembly To Tackle School Vouchers
LaCrosse Tribune, WI, March 6, 2012
The state Assembly is scheduled to take up a handful of K-12 education bills today, including a controversial proposal to make private school vouchers available to special education students.
VIRTUAL LEARNING
Cyber Charter School To Change Name, Focus
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA, March 6, 2012
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s cyber charter school is changing its name and focus to put greater emphasis on relevant subjects.
Finn: All Students Could Access High-Quality Education
Richmond Times-Dispatch, VA, March 6, 2012
Virginia lawmakers are being asked today to consider legislation (SB 598) that severely restricts students’ access to a high-quality education. This legislation prohibits students from enrolling in an approved virtual school that is offered by a school division other than their own.
Oklahoma Board of Education Outlines Control of Online Classes For School Districts
The Oklahoman, OK, March 6, 2012
The Oklahoma Board of Education had a special meeting March 5 to discuss details about new state rules, including balance of control between the state and local school districts for online course offerings.
Lobbying in Capitol’s Hallways Is One Business Flourishing in Michigan
Bridge Magazine, MI, March 5, 2012
There are two essential aims to most lobbying. Pass legislation that is in your economic interest. Defeat legislation that isn’t. It helps if the cause being pushed matches the ideology of leader’s office. That’s why after persistent effort and backing from the Snyder administration, for-profit, online education firms are on the brink of a huge victory.