NGSS early adopters embrace new standards in California

About 200,000 students attend K-8 schools that signed on as early adopters of the Next Generation Science Standards, which will be the basis of state tests starting in 2019.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 20, 2017

What does leading the nation on NGSS look like?

Washington was a lead state in developing the Next Generation Science Standards, and now it is ahead of other states in developing a comprehensive, summative assessment.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 19, 2017

Obama administration won't finalize fiercely controversial ESSA regulation

The “supplement not supplant” regulation would have required school districts to prove they spend at least as much local money on Title I schools as non-Title I schools.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 19, 2017

An Inauguration Day look at the Trump presidency's projected impact on K-12

As thousands gather in Washington for the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as 45th President of the United States, a look at what the next four years may hold for education. 

By Autumn A. Arnett • Jan. 19, 2017

More than $4B in E-Rate funds available for districts in FY 2017

The FCC sets aside $3.9 billion annually, and with $200 million rolling over from 2016, districts will have access to a good deal of money for connectivity upgrades.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 19, 2017

DeVos doesn't commit to preserve public ed funding in confirmation hearing

The nominee to head the U.S. Department of Education also seemed unfamiliar with schools' requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 18, 2017

California to debut new way of presenting test performance

The state's board of education approved a new performance measure last week that will report how schools and individual grades perform compared to state proficiency levels.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 17, 2017

Ideological shift a guarantee for Trump Ed Dept

The U.S. Department of Education under Obama has operated under the belief that the federal government has an important role to play in educational equity, but its successors do not.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 17, 2017

DeVos could be an ed tech champion as education secretary

The Michigan billionaire, whose confirmation hearing is scheduled for today, has invested in tech and supported its use in education, though there's concern public schools won't see the benefits.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 17, 2017

Districts share lessons learned from 1:1 device initiatives

Strong network infrastructure and careful app selection and management have contributed to successful 1:1 device programs in Illinois, California and North Carolina.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 13, 2017

Arguments before SCOTUS in special ed case focus on terminology

Justices heard arguments this week in a case that might redefine what special education students are entitled to as part of their free public education.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 13, 2017

NASBE journal edition tackles state ed boards' role in charter schooling

The latest edition of The State Education Standard offers a comprehensive look at how state boards can develop a vision and accountability system for the sector.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 10, 2017

DeVos hearing rescheduled for next week

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will delay a hearing on the prospective U.S. Secretary of Education until January 17.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 10, 2017

SCOTUS to hear arguments about learning requirements of special ed law

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments this week in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School Board, a case that could change the definition for special education services for the first time since 1982.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 10, 2017

Districts using E-Rate funds must filter internet access for students

In allowing districts to use public money to upgrade school connectivity, the federal government requires the use of content filters, activity monitoring and safety training for students.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 10, 2017

In exit interview, King urges his successor to 'protect kids'

Secretary of Education John King Jr., in an interview with NPR, emphasized the civil rights foundation of the U.S. Department of Education.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 10, 2017

Democrats highlight ethics concerns for DeVos confirmation ahead of hearings

U.S. Secretary of Education nominee Betsy DeVos, a Michigan billionaire, has a long history of political donations to many of the same elected officials who will decide whether she can have the job.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 9, 2017

Administrators to watch and fake news: The week's most-read education news

Stay ahead of the class with the latest on fiction's role in social-emotional learning and more here.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 6, 2017

Economists recognize limits of free markets when it comes to education

Susan Dynarski, a professor of education, public policy and economics at the University of Michigan, writes many economists count education as a sector in need of government intervention.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 6, 2017

King details Obama administration legacy in exit memo

The outgoing secretary of education discusses the promise of education, progress made under the last eight years and what needs to be done moving forward.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 6, 2017

Compare & Connect K-12 lets districts compare broadband pricing

The free tool from EducationSuperHighway can help districts stretch their existing broadband budgets.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 5, 2017

Senate to consider Betsy DeVos for ed secretary next week

With Congress back in session and the presidential inauguration just a couple weeks away, lawmakers are set to begin discussing the merits of President-elect Trump's nominee.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 5, 2017

Incoming DC schools chancellor has reputation for reducing suspensions

Antwan Wilson, who will take over on Feb. 1, became known in Oakland for improving graduation rates and lowering suspensions.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 5, 2017

New Mexico lawmaker calls for moratorium on new charter schools

State Rep. Christine Trujillo has introduced a bill into the New Mexico legislature that would prohibit any new charter schools from being approved between June 1, 2017 and Jan. 1, 2020.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 4, 2017

Ed Dept civil rights guidance covers IDEA, Rehabilitation Act

The U.S. Department of Education has released three new guidance documents outlining civil rights protections for students with disabilities at public and charter schools under two key laws.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 4, 2017