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

6 K-12 administrators to watch in 2017

These school and district leaders represent a solid sample of the issues schools and districts face and the efforts to guide them into the 21st century.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 3, 2017

Indiana school voucher program may provide clues for Trump administration plans

Vice President-elect Mike Pence contributed to a rapid expansion of Indiana’s school voucher program, which now serves 32,000 children, more than half of whom have never attended a public school.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 3, 2017

Maryland's largest school system considers start time reversal

Montgomery County shifted its school start times later two years ago to accommodate the needs of high schoolers, but ripple effects may lead board members to change their minds.

By Tara García Mathewson • Jan. 3, 2017

What's on the horizon for K-12 ed tech in 2017?

Four school and district tech chiefs weigh in with their predictions and concerns for the coming year.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 26, 2016

Teacher survey finds Common Core improvement, stubborn challenges

The third survey by the Education Week Research Center since 2012 found more teachers are familiar with the Common Core State Standards and a growing portion feel prepared to teach them.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 23, 2016

Feds say no to California science pilot, state appeals

State officials want to administer a pilot of a new science test this spring and conduct a longer field test next year, but the U.S. Department of Education says they must use the old test.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 23, 2016

Iowa, Illinois grapple with school funding equity

An Iowa lawsuit aims to equalize the funding formula for public schools, while Illinois lawmakers are debating what will have to be in a bill the legislature can pass to overhaul its own formula.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 22, 2016

Could after-school programs take a hit under the Trump administration?

Andre Perry, a former dean and charter school network CEO, says President-elect Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Education nominee Besty DeVos have been quiet on the programs so far.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 22, 2016

Majority-white city aims to leave majority-black district in Alabama

The Jefferson County Schools have been under monitoring by federal courts since a 1971 ruling that they tended toward segregating students, and the latest attempt has to be approved by a judge.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 21, 2016

New Alabama ed chief admits inflated grad rate

State Superintendent of Education Michael Sentance said high schools have “misstated student records” and the education department failed to provide proper oversight.

By Tara García Mathewson • Dec. 20, 2016