Education News

2013-05-22: Headlines

ed.gov: Applications Now Available to Improve Education and Employment Outcomes for Low-Income Children with Disabilities 2013-05-22

Today, the U.S. Department of Education published a Notice in the Federal Register inviting applications for a new competitive grant program, Promoting Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE).

ed.gov: 5 Things to Consider When Taking Out Student Loans 2013-05-22

Federal student loans can be a great way to help pay for college or career school. W

ed.gov: Statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on the Tragedy in Oklahoma 2013-05-22

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today issued the following statement on the tragic loss of life in Oklahoma:

Charleston: No Child Left Behind waiver will bring major changes to schools 2013-05-22

They might not be immediately noticeable to students, but major changes are coming to education in West Virginia. | On Monday, the federal Department of Education granted West Virginia's request for a waiver that will free them from much of the federal education law known as No Child Left Behind. The result is an overhaul of the state's method of appraising schools' success and failure.

HispanicBusiness.com: California Must Comply With No Child Left Behind 2013-05-22

Hispanic Business: The point was made as the U.S. Department of Education announced that it granted three more states waivers to No Child Left Behind , the bipartisan legislation that is closely associated with the administration of George W. Bush. No Child Left Behind...

Washington Post: Has anybody told Obama about the problems his education policies have caused? 2013-05-22

White House officials say they didn't tell President Obama about an impending IRS scandal, and nobody told him the Justice Department secretly subpoenaed reporters' phone records, and exactly what he knew when about the Benghazi controversy is unclear.

New York Times: African-Americans See Debt Reduction as Top Priority 2013-05-22

While educational debt generally is becoming a cause for concern, it's an issue of particular concern among African-Americans . College- educated African-Americans are twice as likely to have student loan debt, compared with all college- educated Americans...

Carlsbad Current Argus: Schools hope to continue bilingual education efforts 2013-05-22

At today's Board of Education meeting, board members will vote to accept the applications for a continued bilingual multicultural education program in the district to be sent to the New Mexico Public Education Department's Bilingual Education Bureau.

Maui News: Hawaii nets approval for federal NCLB law waiver 2013-05-22

The Obama administration on Monday approved Hawaii's request for a waiver from provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind education law. | Critics of NCLB call it a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach to education. | Hawaii is calling its redesigned plan Strive HI Performance System.

Vanderbilt University News: New Vanderbilt Poll surveys voting Tennesseans on education, health care, more 2013-05-22

Economic status likewise influenced how many Tennesseans felt about the use of college scholarship money derived from the sale of state lottery tickets. | Sixty-four percent of those surveyed approved of lottery scholarship money going to €œstudents from low-income and middle-income families who maintain a certain GPA,€ Geer said.

Education Week News: Hawaii gets approval for education law waiver 2013-05-22

Keywords: €” The Obama administration on Monday approved Hawaii's request for a waiver from provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind education law. | Critics of No Child Left Behind call it a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach to education. | Hawaii is calling their redesigned plan, Strive HI Performance System.

San Bernardino Sun: California won't try again for No Child Left Behind waiver 2013-05-22

California lost its bid in 2012 to get a waiver from the No Child Left Behind Law because it was unwilling to tie student test scores to teacher evaluations, a requirement of the law. A statement issued Monday by California's education leaders indicated they expected that would again be a stumbling block if they submitted the appplication.

Charleston: Here's to a new chance for public education 2013-05-22

In 2001, former President George W. Bush proposed an educational reform bill that passed both houses of Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. | The No Child Left Behind Act was an appropriate expression of horror over the failure of American public education to serve all kinds of students. | In practice, it didn't work. | All students were to take the same standardized tests. All schools were to make "adequate yearly progress."

WVVA TV: WV Gets Reprieve From No Child Left Behind Law 2013-05-22

West Virginia has won some limited freedom from the federal education law known as No Child Left Behind.

Martins Ferry Times Leader: W.Va. gets reprieve from No Child Left Behind law 2013-05-22

Keywords: €” West Virginia won limited freedom Monday from the federal education law known as No Child Left Behind, gaining approval of its own method for identifying struggling schools and then devoting resources to improve them. | "This means the federally mandated, one-size-fits-all approach to academic success will no longer hinder our schools' performance and our students' achievement,"

Cherokee Tribune: Education expert says students not blueberries 2013-05-22

Dear Public School Teachers in Georgia: It looks as if you have survived another year of underwhelming support from state legislators, many of whom would kiss a tree toad if so instructed by the anti-public education crowd. I know it is frustrating but as my daddy used to say, consider the source. One reader harrumphed recently that I should make my bias about public school teachers more evident and let it be known that I have four in my family.

Texas Tribune: Achievement School District Bill Struggles in House 2013-05-22

A last-ditch effort to pass education reform this session failed in the Texas House Tuesday as Democratic lawmakers blocked it on procedural grounds. | Dutton said current law allows for so few interventions in struggling schools that they can deteriorate until the state closes them, devastating local communities.

Alaskajournal.com: Education Dept. gives Alaska, two more states NCLB waivers 2013-05-22

WASHINGTON (AP) — Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced on Monday that three more states would join the ranks of those given permission to ignore parts of the federal No Child Left Behind law in favor of their own school improvement plans.

The Epoch Times: Field Tests Amplify Opposition to High-Stakes Student Testing 2013-05-22

New York City students already face rigorous testing, and now, come the first week of June, schools will administer additional field testing.

The Nation.: Why I Opted Out of APPR 2013-05-22

Campus-oriented news, first-person reports from student activists and journalists about their campus. | In February 2012, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, after a lengthy feud with the state teachers' union, came to an agreement over a comprehensive teacher evaluation system for the state.

Caffeinated Thoughts: Mike Huckabee Is Wrong on Common Core 2013-05-22

He then criticized the Republican National Committee for their resolution citing opposition to the Common Core State Standards. €œIt€™s disturbing to me that there have been criticisms directed by the RNC. I think that€™s very short-sighted,€ Huckabee said. | I€™ve received numerous emails from conservatives, in particular social conservatives, who are perplexed and dismayed by the Governor€™s position on this.

Gettysburg Times: The Keystone Exams and Common Core 2013-05-22

The Common Core is a set of standards for what some presume every student should learn, regardless of where they live in the United States or what vocational path they may take.

News Observer: Vouchers are good/vouchers are bad 2013-05-22

Debate over the House bill that would offer vouchers to public school students to attend private school turned into a real back and forth Tuesday as people for and against took turns arguing their positions. | The committee heard introductory remarks from the bill sponsors and public comment. Committee members didn't debate the bill, and there was no vote.

2013-05-21: Headlines

ed.gov: Celebrating the National Language Teacher of the Year and Foreign Language Partnerships 2013-05-21

As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, Secretary Arne Duncan recognized Mr. Noah Geisel as the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) National Language Teacher of the Year. Mr.

ed.gov: Obama Administration Approves Three More NCLB Flexibility Requests—37 States and DC Now Approved for Waivers 2013-05-21

The Obama administration today approved three more requests for waivers from No Child Left Behind (NCLB), in exchange for state-developed plans to prepare all students for college and career, focus aid on the neediest students, and support effective teaching and leadership. The approved states include Alaska, Hawaii and West Virginia.

ed.gov: Join the Conversation to Improve Transition from School to Work for Youth with Disabilities 2013-05-21

Today’s young people must graduate from high school with the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century global economy. And that certainly includes youth with disabilities. To that end, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the U.S.

ed.gov: U.S. Department of Education Announces Arizona Will Receive $10.4 Million to Continue Efforts to Turn Around Its Lowest-Performing Schools 2013-05-21

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that Arizona will receive $10.4 million to continue efforts to turn around its persistently lowest-achieving schools through the Department's School Improvement Grants (SIG) program.

Alaska Public Radio Network: Anchorage Schools React To 'No Child Left Behind' Waiver 2013-05-21

Vernon Campbell. Photo from ASD. | Anchorage School District administrators are reacting to the U.S. Department of Education's announcement that Alaska will receive a waiver from the 'No Child Left Behind' (NCLB) law. | Vernon Campbell is Executive Director of Federal Programs for the ASD.

Charleston: W.Va. gets waiver from No Child Left Behind 2013-05-21

West Virginia schools are now free to ignore much of the federal education law known as No Child Left Behind . The U.S. Department of Education granted West Virginia's request for a flexibility waiver Monday, accepting instead a state-developed plan...

KTVA CBS 11 News Alaska: Alaska Receives No Child Left Behind Waiver 2013-05-21

ANCHORAGE - Alaska is the 37th state to be granted a waiver from the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act from the U.S. Department of Education . To get the waiver, the state agreed to have schools adopt certain standards for English and math that prepare...

Los Angeles Times: California won't get relief from No Child Left Behind law 2013-05-21

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan during a 2011 visit to a Los Angeles campus. He rejected California's request for relief from sanctions affecting schools. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times / March 22, 2011) | The federal government made it clear again Monday that California will get no relief from education mandates that officials across the country consider a burden. | The point was made as the U.S.

ecns: Bilingual education boosts Xinjiang's development 2013-05-21

With a total of 47 ethnic nationalities in Northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Uygur language is one of the most widely spoken there. Ethnic minorities make up 60 percent of the region's population, and preserving their mother tongue is important to them. But in recent years, teaching children, both in their mother tongue and the Chinese mandarin has been given a boost.

my.hsj.org: Thomas Courier: No more bubbles, please! 2013-05-21

4, 2004). In 2002, President George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, making it a law. This law is a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It includes funding changes, an emphasis on reading, necessary teacher...

Rapid City Journal: Education Department gives 3 more states waivers 2013-05-21

Lee Enterprises: WASHINGTON Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced on Monday that three more states would join the ranks of those given permission to ignore parts of the federal No Child Left Behind law in favor of their own school improvement plans.

Macon Telegraph: YARBROUGH: Education expert says students aren't blueberries 2013-05-21

It looks as if you have survived another year of underwhelming support from state legislators, many of whom would kiss a tree toad if so instructed by the anti-public education crowd. I know it is frustrating, but as my daddy used to say, consider the source. | One reader harrumphed recently that I should make my bias about public school teachers more evident and let it be known that I have four in my family.

MyFOX Providence WNAC: Teachers blast Gist at public forum 2013-05-21

Gist's crowning achievement since coming the state was helping Rhode Island win $75 million in federal Race to the Top funds to help further education reform initiatives, but her tenure has been marred by clashed teachers unions and students who disagree...

Cumberland Times-News: West Virginia gets reprieve from No Child Left Behind law 2013-05-21

West Virginia won limited freedom Monday from the federal education law known as No Child Left Behind, gaining approval of its own method for identifying struggling schools and then devoting resources to improve them.

Daytona Beach News-Journal: Local educators embrace Common Core standards 2013-05-21

Teacher Shirley Anderson helps first-grader Jerica Johnson as she gives her report at Westside Elementary School in Daytona Beach on Thursday. The class was working on lessons related to the new Common Core academic standards. | News-Journal/JIM TILLER By Annie Martin EDUCATION WRITER Published: Monday, May 20, 2013 at 6:02 p.m.

Coosa Valley News: Rome TEA Party Hosting Educational Event 2013-05-21

First accepted some two years ago under the administrations of Governor Sonny Perdue and State School Superintendent Kathy Cox as part of the Federal Race To The Top initiative, CCGPS is becoming a controversial issue as its implementation schedule...

NewsLI: Op Ed: A Smarter, Better Education System 2013-05-21

A legislative column by Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-19th District) | If you€™ve read or watched the news in the past few weeks, you€™ve seen the mixed response to the changes in school curriculum and the discussion as to whether or not these changes are actually helping to prepare our children for the future.

Thegardenisland.com: Hawaii gets approval for education law waiver 2013-05-21

Keywords: €” The Obama administration on Monday approved Hawaii's request for a waiver from provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind education law. | Critics of No Child Left Behind call it a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach to education. | Hawaii is calling their redesigned plan, Strive HI Performance System.

Alaska Public Radio Network: Alaska Gets Relief From No Child Left Behind 2013-05-21

More than 30 states across the country have gotten waivers from No Child Left Behind. That lets them judge schools with their own measures instead of the federal standards. Today, Alaska joined that group.

GoLocalProv: Jean Ann Guliano: What Gist's Supporters Are Forgetting—Students 2013-05-21

However, with all of these accomplishments, the one thing that has not improved is the outcomes for our most vulnerable students. The original goals of both No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top were not about turning schools into businesses or testing companies into a cottage industry.

The Statehouse File: Pence: Stats show vouchers are not hurting students in public schools 2013-05-21

Gov. Mike Pence told a gathering of school choice advocates on Monday in Washington D.C. that recent graduation rates and standardized test scores prove Indiana€™s private school voucher system is not hurting public schools. | Pence used statistics released in just the past few months €“ data from only the first year of the two-year old voucher program €“ to say that competition among schools makes the public system stronger.

Redlands Daily Facts: California won't try again for No Child Left Behind waiver 2013-05-21

CORE has received feedback on its initial application and plans to submit a revised plan early next week. Officials hope to get word on the waiver in time for the 2013-14 school year.

Richmond Times Dispatch: Study: Suburban poverty outpacing cities' in Richmond region 2013-05-21

Since 2000, poverty in the Richmond area grew at a much higher rate in suburbs than in cities, according to a new analysis from The Brookings Institution.

2013-05-20: Headlines

Florida Today: Letter: 'Common Core' standards for schools questioned 2013-05-20

We developed technology to put a man on the moon, developed world communications and GPS navigation. We did this without the federal Department of Education , No Child Left Behind, Average Yearly Progress, Race To The Top or high-stakes state tests.

Pocono Record: No Child Left Behind gauge may end in Pennsylvania 2013-05-20

Adequate yearly progress has been the assessment measurement for schools and school districts in Pennsylvania since the enactment of the federal No Child Left Behind Law in January 2001. | But this standard, known as AYP, will disappear if an application for a waiver submitted by the state Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Education is granted.

Lehighvalleylive.com: LETTER: 'Common Core' will create tracking system for kids 2013-05-20

Forgot your username or password ? | Don't have an account? | No Child Left Behind? What a great idea! Who wants to leave a child behind academically? Nobody. However, if NCLB symbolizes an albatross around the neck of public education, Common Core is what will sink it. One of the biggest misconceptions regarding Common Core is that it originated with the states. It did not.

World Socialist Web Site: Buffalo, New York, students and teachers face attack 2013-05-20

World Socialist Web Site wsws.org Published by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI)

U-T San Diego: SYSTEM NEEDS REVAMPING 2013-05-20

Opponents of the bill slammed it for threatening to cut teachers out of the process and for imposing a broad formula that would override district-by-district bargaining. They insisted that districts can create a robust evaluation system, and that many do. Unfortunately, San Diego Unified School District is not one of those exceptional districts.

Bend Bulletin: In Obama's style, seeing a paradox 2013-05-20

President Barack Obama's professed ignorance of the targeting of conservatives by one government agency and his support of tracking journalists' sources by another highlight one of the great paradoxes of his presidency: Sometimes he uses his office as aggressively as anyone who's held it; other times he seems unacquainted with the work of his own administration.

Kingston Daily Freeman: LETTER: School vouchers are necessary 2013-05-20

Any volunteers interested in working on this project, let me know. | See inaccurate information in a story? Other feedback and/ or ideas for us to consider? Tell us here. | Ira Fusfeld's blog offers commentary about the newspaper business and whatever else is on his mind. | Managing Editor Tony Adamis explains why the Freeman does what it does -- both hits and misses -- with an eye on issues that puzzle and, yes, sometimes enrage readers.

Evening Observer: Rotten to the 'Core?' 2013-05-20

The crucial question: Why is the federal government meddling in classrooms when it is prohibited by law from federalizing the curriculum? Moreover, the 10th amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: "..."

2013-05-19: Headlines

Pocono Record: No Child Left Behind gauge may end in Pennsylvania 2013-05-19

Adequate yearly progress has been the assessment measurement for schools and school districts in Pennsylvania since the enactment of the federal No Child Left Behind Law in January 2001. | But this standard, known as AYP, will disappear if an application for a waiver submitted by the state Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Education is granted.

Lehighvalleylive.com: LETTER: 'Common Core' will create tracking system for kids 2013-05-19

Forgot your username or password ? | Don't have an account? | No Child Left Behind? What a great idea! Who wants to leave a child behind academically? Nobody. However, if NCLB symbolizes an albatross around the neck of public education, Common Core is what will sink it. One of the biggest misconceptions regarding Common Core is that it originated with the states. It did not.

U-T San Diego: Grading teachers: How valuable is student data? 2013-05-19

A strong evaluation system would look at both teachers and principals and provide a method for them to continually learn, refine and grow as professionals. A strong evaluation system would ensure an outstanding teacher is rated as superior rather than simply effective. A strong evaluation system would provide struggling teachers with the tools and support to improve their skills. A strong evaluation system would offer principals a tool...

Evening Observer: Rotten to the 'Core?' 2013-05-19

The crucial question: Why is the federal government meddling in classrooms when it is prohibited by law from federalizing the curriculum? Moreover, the 10th amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: "..."