For some rural districts, E-rate program hugely successful

In districts like Mississippi's Calhoun County, the federal program has brought schools high-speed connections at significant discounts.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 23, 2015

3 bases to cover for accurate Native American lessons around Thanksgiving

Educators should avoid generalizations and provide context for consequences of colonialization.

By Roger Riddell • Nov. 23, 2015

California district offers annual $500 PD bonus

San Joaquin Valley superintendent Edward Gonzalez offers the professional development funding to teachers and select other district staff.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 23, 2015

Wyoming addressing teacher equity with new plan

A new multi-pronged plan aimed at improving access to good teachers has been approved by the US Department of Education.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 23, 2015

Minnesota apprenticeship program akin to German 'dual system'

State Sen. Terri Bonoff created a program that allows high school students to pick up job skills in part-time apprenticeship opportunities.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 23, 2015

Utah considers updates to charter school funding model

Recommendations from the state’s Charter School Funding Task Force would make charter funding more similar to district schools. 

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 20, 2015

Texas board votes 'no' to having academic experts fact-check textbooks

Despite growing scandal, the state board refuses to allow independent academic review of the textbooks it approves.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 20, 2015

ESEA rewrite passes conference committee

Will the full House and Senate usher in the end of No Child Left Behind with the Every Student Succeeds Act?

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 20, 2015

In 'historic' move, Seattle OKs later high school start time

All public high schools will begin first classes later, based on research that shows student benefits of better overall health and learning. 

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 20, 2015

Pennsylvania school property taxes remain as Senate delays vote

Concern over whether the new proposal would actually raise enough revenue to adequately support schools led to the delay.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 18, 2015

Massachusetts to use blend of PARCC, MCAS exams

In an 8-3 vote, the state's ed board approved an exam drawing from the MCAS, which hasn’t been updated in 20 years, and PARCC elements.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 18, 2015

First ESEA committee meeting dubbed 'love-fest' among legislators

The reconciliation of the Senate and House drafts is off to a blazing start using a pre-fab “framework” that outlines the new proposal. 

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 18, 2015

Texas ed board member suggests vote on independent textbook reviews

The move comes in the wake of a controversy in which a geography book approved by the conservative board referred to slaves as 'workers.'

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 18, 2015

Can California AG's new bureau clean up for-profit virtual schools?

A K12 Inc subpoena revealed in an SEC filing shows the Kamala Harris is collecting information about virtual charters in a wider investigation. 

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 18, 2015

Variety of new PARCC choices available for states in consortium

PARCC components and parcels will now be offered for individual sale.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 18, 2015

Virginia sees ongoing staff shortages, increased student need from 2008 cuts

A new Commonwealth Institute report says cuts stemming from the recession have left schools understaffed.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 16, 2015

Illinois looks to close discipline gap with new school punishment rules

A new advisory board and efforts to limit out-of-school suspensions are helping the state forge ahead with concrete plans for greater engagement.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 16, 2015

Can bond market benefit school construction projects in Florida?

A district is considering a borrowing plan that could exponentially speed up various renovations, but the proposal comes with as-yet-undisclosed risks.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 16, 2015

NJ school allows daily doses of marijuana, but who will administer it

 A  teen suffering from epilepsy and autism will be allowed daily doses of the drug which helps to limit the number of and lessens the severity of her seizures .    

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 15, 2015

WV fears replacement options too similar to Common Core

Educators voiced concerns about teaching to the test, and politicians are worried about policies coming back after the standards are repealed. 

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 15, 2015

MA judge orders disclosure of school names after records request

 A judge has ruled that the state has to turn over a list of 49 schools and districts where the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) test was administered in 2012.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 15, 2015

Ohio schools see 16% drop in athletic participation after charging student athletes

 The schools, which provided financial aid to some students, are reconsidering the pay-to-play program- and the state is, too.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 15, 2015

Ambitious plans to improve Native and indigenous ed meet skepticism

For years, the dismal math and reading levels of American Indian and Alaskan Native youth have remained stagnant. Can an overhaul of the Bureau of Indian Education change that?

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 15, 2015

MA considers MCAS update instead of PARCC overhaul for standardized testing

 The Education Commissioner of Massachusetts recommends a blended "MCAS 2.0" instead of the old standardized test or the new PARCC test. 

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 12, 2015

'Burdensome' state regulations prompt resignation of renowned AL teacher

 Alabama's 2014 Teacher of the Year quits after her certification to teach fifth grade is questioned. 

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 11, 2015