New York dems seek to diversify elite schools

Democrats in New York have introduced a $5 million package of initiatives to better prepare students of color for largely-white elite high school entrance exams.

By Erin McIntyre • March 10, 2016

Poll: Opting out of testing is a wealthy, white phenomenon

Some education experts argue the spreading opt-out phenomenon is hurting students of color.

By Erin McIntyre • March 10, 2016

Strong teacher induction programs key to educator, student success

Some experts are saying strengthening new teacher induction programs is the rising tide that will lift both the teacher retention and student achievement ships.

By Autumn A. Arnett • March 10, 2016

Examining UP Network's harsh discipline, high suspension rates

A controversial 'broken windows' theory of discipline is applied at UP Network charter schools, and it includes public shaming, strict rules and a sky-high rate of student suspensions.

By Erin McIntyre • March 10, 2016

What's in store for the future of teacher evaluations?

What will happen to teacher evaluations, now that ESSA has rolled back federal oversight and the Ed Dept. can no longer mandate certain performance assessments?

By Erin McIntyre • March 9, 2016

Civil rights leaders urge King to give ESSA rights protections

Civil rights leaders are calling for regulations to be part of Every Student Succeeds Act accountability mandates. 

By Erin McIntyre • March 9, 2016

Rhode Island launches statewide K-12 computer science program

In a public-private partnership with Code.org, Microsoft and other tech companies and educational institutions, the state of Rhode Island has launched an initiative called Computer Science for RI (CS4RI).

By Erin McIntyre • March 9, 2016

In Texas, English Language Learning lacks resources for success

Around 4 million American students don't speak English at home and that number is growing. 

By Erin McIntyre • March 8, 2016

Chicago teachers eye April 1 strike or 'day of action'

The strike is in response to the announcement of furlough days.

By Erin McIntyre • March 8, 2016

Reports: Voucher program may be failing Louisiana students

Four preliminary Technical Reports and a Policy Brief point to a likely failure to help student achievement, but more time is needed to weigh the program's results.

By Erin McIntyre • March 8, 2016

California considers bill allowing expulsion for sexting

The regulations would provide a framework for discipline that doesn't reach a criminal threshold, but is more detailed than current cyberbullying, revenge porn and child pornography laws in the state. 

By Erin McIntyre • March 8, 2016

Reconsidering middle and high school grade configurations

The founder of the charter school advocacy group Great School Choices blogs that data drawn from Oakland, CA charters signals that traditional grade level configurations should be upended.

By Erin McIntyre • March 7, 2016

Special ed teachers react to initiative to better identify and serve students of color

Two educators write op-ed pieces for the Department of Ed detailing their reactions to a new Obama initiative to address disparity in serving students of color with special ed.

By Erin McIntyre • March 7, 2016

After New York drops timed tests, more states consider the same

States and education experts are divided over whether the practice of timing standardized tests should be abandoned.

By Erin McIntyre • March 7, 2016

Tackling California's truancy crisis

Jill Habig, special counsel to Attorney General Kamala Harris, discusses the long-term impacts of chronic absences.

By Erin McIntyre • March 4, 2016

New Orleans school funding battle pits magnets v. charters

A new per-pupil funding formula for state aid in New Orleans that calls for tax revenue to be redistributed from gifted students to those with disabilities is under debate.

By Erin McIntyre • March 4, 2016

Nomination of King as ed sec provokes ire from activists

Based on his track record as ed commissioner in New York, some activists are saying that Dr. John B. King, Jr.'s nomination as secretary of education should be thwarted.

By Erin McIntyre • March 4, 2016

Accountability under ESSA still open to interpretation

Because of flexibility around accountability in the Every Student Succeeds Act, states like Florida and Kentucky are considering bills that might not meet federal standards.

By Erin McIntyre • March 4, 2016

Report: Special ed services in NYC schools severely lacking

Nearly 40% of students who need special education services are being failed by NYC schools, a new report says.

By Erin McIntyre • March 3, 2016

Cafeteria vulnerabilities highlight schools' need for emergency plan

Schools and districts should prepare students for situations in which they may not be able to be locked down in a classroom.

By Erin McIntyre • March 3, 2016

Proposal of teacher database creates contention, debate

On the heels of California's proposal to create a statewide teacher database to help address teacher shortages, a larger policy debate has emerged.

By Erin McIntyre • March 3, 2016

Using Universal Design for Learning to help diverse students

Under the new Every Student Succeeds Act, schools are encouraged to try out universal design for learning (UDL) in order to reach learners with diverse needs.

By Erin McIntyre • March 3, 2016

Chicago Public Schools cuts 62 positions, axing 17 teachers

After a round of layoffs left 17 teachers and a total of 62 school staff out in the cold, Chicago unions are threatening to strike over potential pension changes.

By Erin McIntyre • March 2, 2016

CA considers old proposal of creating statewide teacher database

Advocates in California say that the implementation of statewide teacher databases could help address the gaps that result from a teacher shortage.

By Erin McIntyre • March 2, 2016

Proposal to count coding as foreign language passes Florida Senate

Should the state's House and Gov. Rick Scott approve the bill, computer science classes will count for foreign language credits in the state.

By Erin McIntyre • March 1, 2016