Potential California accountability clash could be precursor for other states

The Every Student Succeeds Act has returned a good deal of power back to states, but as the federal government finishes rule-making, some may still see conflict. 

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 3, 2016

ACLU: California charters have exclusionary admissions policies

A report from the ACLU Foundation of Southern California and law firm Public Advocates says more than a fifth of the state's charters have admissions policies that keep some students out.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 2, 2016

What will happen to high opt-out schools under ESSA?

The feds have proposed sanctioning schools that do not get 95% participation in state standardized tests, and with a public comment period now closed, a decision is imminent.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 2, 2016

Report: $1B in federal investment has improved pre-K nationwide

New data from the US Department of Education shows federal funds helped 20 states assess and grade early childhood programs and get that information to families.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 2, 2016

Assessing with capstone projects, portfolios brings own share of pros, cons

Some schools use performance assessments to decide whether students have mastered the skills they need to graduate, absent passing scores on standardized tests.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 1, 2016

California bill proposes 'Seal of STEM' for high school grads

Legislation under consideration would create a special recognition for high school students who complete enough STEM courses to qualify.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 1, 2016

New Mexico superintendents criticize state grading system for schools

Four superintendents have come out in opposition, saying the value-added model is unclear and its results often do not make sense. 

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 1, 2016

Experts advise teaching finance basics as early as Pre-K

The National Finance Educators Council recommends pre-K finance lessons on decision-making, trading toys and consequences.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 1, 2016

Former Los Angeles schools chief focusing on alternative juvenile detention

Former Los Angeles Unified superintendent John Deasy is now working to reduce recidivism through alternative juvenile prisons that offer yoga, meditation, art, counseling and athletics. 

By Tara García Mathewson • July 29, 2016

FCC alleges AT&T violated E-Rate in overcharging Florida schools

The federal agency argues AT&T should have automatically charged Florida schools and libraries the lowest price for telecomm services, but it collected an extra $63,760.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 29, 2016

4 strategies for improving the principal pipeline

Woodrow Wilson Foundation COO Stephanie Hull identifies methods for supporting and developing high-quality principals who can lead school improvement.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 29, 2016

Measuring the Impact: Food insecurity hits schools nationwide, stretches into higher ed

The food safety net, while fairly extensive in supporting K-12 students, nearly disappears for college-goers — but even for the youngest students, the summer months are tough. 

By Tara García Mathewson • July 28, 2016

Learning Policy Institute stays out of political fray

The institute deals with politicians and policymakers across party lines in the name of educational improvement.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 28, 2016

Ed Dept guidance emphasizes need for homeless student supports

The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidance on the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth program, reauthorized in ESSA.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 28, 2016

On ADA anniversary, Ed Dept guidance reiterates rights of students with ADHD

The US Department of Education has released new guidance clarifying the responsibilities of school districts when serving students who have the disorder.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 27, 2016

California districts change pay scales to attract veteran teachers

A handful of districts have increased the cap on years of service or eliminated it entirely, while others have promised to match salaries of teachers transferring into their districts.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 27, 2016

Sexual harassment may be overlooked in K-12 schools

While the topic of sexual assault has been on the minds of college administrators nationwide, early cases of sexual harassment are too often ignored with K-12 students.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 26, 2016

NYC initiative aims to boost male teachers of color in schools

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has put $16 million into the NYC Men Teach initiative since announcing its announcement in 2015.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 26, 2016

Los Angeles Unified moves forward with single gender school

The Girls Academic Leadership Academy is the first single-gender school the district has developed in almost two decades, and it plans to follow up with an all-boys school in 2017.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 25, 2016

Can Clinton unite Democrats' opposing ed reform factions?

The presumptive Democratic nominee for president has tried to tread lightly among the split education community on the left, but the party’s platform reveals some discord.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 25, 2016

Assessment, higher ed crisis and Pokemon Go: The week's most-read education news

Stay ahead of the class with the latest on strategies for increasing budget appropriations and more right here!

By Roger Riddell • July 22, 2016

OCR probes Tennessee's Shelby County over immigrant ed

The Office of Civil Rights has confirmed it is investigating the school district over potential violations of Title VI, which protects against discrimination based on race or national origin.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 22, 2016

Rigorous high school courses may be less helpful for college success

A blog post for the Brookings Institution explores data showing high schools may be focusing on the wrong metrics when it comes to preparing students for college.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 22, 2016

More than 6M students labeled chronically absent

According to the US Department of Education, millions of students missed at least 15 days of school during the 2013-14 academic year, a predictor of low academic outcomes.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 22, 2016

Vouchers force special ed students to give up civil rights

When students use state vouchers to pay a portion of their private school tuition with public dollars, they are forced to waive their rights to services under federal special education law.

By Tara García Mathewson • July 21, 2016