School boards seeing local control stripped in red states

Republican states are increasingly seeing districts taken over in the name of turning around failing schools.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 3, 2016

Ed Dept issues new guidance on scaling back standardized testing

The new guidance follows support for curbing over-testing in the Every Student Succeeds Act and from President Barack Obama.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 3, 2016

With district in disarray, Detroit emergency manager resigns

With things falling apart — in some cases literally — in Detroit schools, Darnell Earley has abruptly resigned from the state-appointed position four-and-a-half months early. 

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 3, 2016

Ed Dept CIO's ethics questioned amid poor agency cybersecurity performance

While officials have questioned CIO Danny Harris' conduct, the department earned negative scores in last year's 30-Day Cyber Sprint as well as a failing FITARA grade. 

By Justine Brown • Feb. 3, 2016

'Critical' early childhood ed shortage locks Los Angeles families in poverty

According to the Advancement Project, the organizers of the Early Learning Needs In L.A. County conference, the city faces a crucial deficit of pre-K options. 

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 2, 2016

Feds face another special ed suit from NYC public advocate

For the second time, Leticia James has filed suit against the U.S. Department of Education on behalf of students with disabilities. 

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 2, 2016

NYC program tackles desegregation by allocating seats for disadvantaged kids

A new pilot program in one public school is reserving space for low-income and English language learners.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 2, 2016

Atlanta superintendent presents plan to help 26 failing schools

Meria Carstarphen's turnaround proposal includes significant partnerships with private business.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 1, 2016

Teachers sue Detroit over educational, building quality

The Detroit Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of Teachers have teamed up to file suit against Detroit Public Schools.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 1, 2016

After yearlong talks, offer on table for Chicago Teachers Union

The union and Chicago Public Schools will vote on a possible agreement this week.  

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 1, 2016

Obama proposes $4B for computer science ed initiative

The president's proposed budget for 2017 suggests a significant boost for computer science in the nation's K-12 schools.

By Erin McIntyre • Feb. 1, 2016

Ed Dept threatens penalties for states with high opt-out rates

States with more than 5% of students opting out of standardized testing will face reductions in federal aid on top of various other penalties.

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 29, 2016

No more timed testing for New York students

Students in the state will now be allowed to progress on exams at their own pace.

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 29, 2016

Dismal performance by Idaho virtual charters result in 20% grad rate

The numbers are prompting concern from state lawmakers.

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 29, 2016

Career technical education is a booming $1.5B investment for California

State-funded programs focused on CTE have blossomed, letting high school students receive hands-on career prep training before graduation.

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 28, 2016

Toeing line on sex ed, districts must work with communities to keep kids healthy

A new book by New York University professor Jonathan Zimmerman argues that sex ed can't be taught in schools without community buy-in and help from social organizations.

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 28, 2016

Florida Senate panel votes in favor of SAT, ACT for annual testing

The state could be the next to allow school districts to make such a switch from using the Florida Standards Assessment to other options, like the SAT or ACT. 

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 28, 2016

Data-focused hiring practices help districts find new teachers

More districts are successfully turning to data and software programs to help refine searches for teaching candidates.

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 28, 2016

LAUSD Supt Michelle King talks segregation, iPads, and priorities

The city's new superintendent inherits a number of challenges in the nation's second-largest district.

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 27, 2016

Duke study: Charter school segregation worsens in North Carolina

Among the findings: Charter schools are increasingly divided up by race and class. 

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 26, 2016

In Virginia, report finds outdated funding formula hurts schools

Researchers say the state's school funding formula is outdated and underserves students. 

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 26, 2016

New ed secretary speaks out for school equity, need to desegregate

In his first weeks as acting U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. John B. King has stressed the importance of equity in education.

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 26, 2016

Mistakes made when NY linked student test scores to teacher performance

A letter sent to the state's district superintendents and obtained by the New York Times says some scores were miscalculated.

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 25, 2016

200 layoffs next for embattled Chicago Public Schools

In Chicago Public Schools, administrative employees will be laid off and another 180 vacant jobs will be eliminated in an attempt to reduce a deep budget deficit. 

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 25, 2016

Success Academy founder denies discrimination claims

Eva S. Moskowitz has spoken out to rebut claims that her network of charter schools discriminated against students with disabilities.

By Erin McIntyre • Jan. 25, 2016