13 more states considering citizenship exams as graduation requirement

Over-testing is chief among the concerns associated with the proposals, but the tests are arguably a valuable classroom resource.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 29, 2015

Do higher teacher prep honors rates denote lack of rigor?

"Easy A’s and What’s Behind Them,” a report from the National Council on Teacher Quality, asserts that education majors graduate with honors at a higher rate than their peers studying other subjects.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 29, 2015

Congress hears NCLB testimony from Seattle teacher, U of Washington researcher

The hearing comes as lawmakers begin considering revisions for a reauthorization of the Bush-era education law.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 28, 2015

Rising turnover marks shifting climate for state school chiefs

Research shows that the tenure of a state superintendent has dipped from six years to three years since 2008.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 28, 2015

Common Core facing backlash from Washington state Democrats

Members of the state's Democratic Party approved a proposal that says the state was unfairly pressured into adopting the national standards.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 28, 2015

Innovation, marketing more important for public districts in era of school choice

To attract families, districts must now embrace social media, new types of programming, and direct outreach to families.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 27, 2015

Alexander talks NCLB with Time

The interview came weeks after the Senate education committee chairman released a 400-page draft bill for the re-authorization of No Child Left Behind.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 27, 2015

Virginia bill would further limit high-stakes testing

If passed, the bill would cut the required number of tests in grades three through eight to 14.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 27, 2015

Connecticut working to reduce school arrests

School arrests in the state were down about 250 from the previous year as the state's courts are pushing back against petty crimes and minor offenses referred to juvenile courts.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 27, 2015

Minnesota may require mandatory PE tests

State Sen. Susan Kent's bill follows a Minnesota Department of Education report that says students aren't getting the federally recommended amount of exercise.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 27, 2015

Indiana district considers new program to lower suspension rate

At the core of 'Teaching the Teen Brain' is the acknowledgment that teens are wired differently than adults.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 26, 2015

What are states doing to recruit and retain good teachers?

Earlier this month, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley revealed a $6.9 billion initiative to recruit and retain teachers, but what are other states doing?

By Allie Gross • Jan. 26, 2015

Teacher training under the microscope in Missouri

The state is working to revamp its teacher certification methods with additional rigor.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 26, 2015

Khan Academy and SOTU: The week's most read education news

Catch up on the benefits of Obama's tax plan for higher ed, Mississippi's decision to drop the PARCC, and more right here!

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 23, 2015

Wisconsin Gov. Walker suggests alternative teaching certificates

If his proposal is accepted, people with certain work experience could soon be allowed to take a state competency test for teacher certification.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 23, 2015

Google finally endorses privacy pledge

In October, a number of big ed tech providers — including Microsoft, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Amplify — signed the voluntary pledge, but Google was noticeably missing.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 23, 2015

House committee chairman stands behind yearly tests

Rep. John Kline says annual assessments help families and lawmakers better understand how students, schools, and demographics are doing.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 23, 2015

New AZ schools chief decries Common Core-aligned test

Diane Douglas wants to do away with a new exam adopted in November, as well as the standards themselves.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 22, 2015

Cuomo reveals aggressive reform plan

The New York governor laid out his plans for education during his fifth State of the State address Wednesday.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 22, 2015

Imagine Schools ordered to pay $1M in 'self-dealing' scheme

The charter school operator is in hot water over a lease negotiated between a school it managed and a property it owned.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 22, 2015

Study: School systems should be assessed by more than just test scores

Researchers looked at 24 indicators in six categories to measure the educational opportunities of nine countries.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 22, 2015

Top state analyst calls Maryland charter study 'incomplete'

A study ordered by the state's legislature recommends a charter expansion, but its findings are allegedly flawed.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 21, 2015

Indiana senators want 'off the shelf' standardized test

The push by three Republican state senators for a 'nationally recognized' set of exams comes within a year of the state's decision to move away from the Common Core standards.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 21, 2015

Will new Pennsylvania ed chief's Philly ties benefit cash-strapped district?

Given the number of financially strapped districts in the state, some education advocates hope Pedro Rivera's background will help bring some much need leadership to Pennsylvania's schools.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 21, 2015

U.S. Ed Dept warns Louisiana of issues with special ed law

A state law passed in July allows families and teachers to create alternative routes for special education students to obtain traditional high school diplomas.

By Allie Gross • Jan. 20, 2015