Rural New Mexico school connectivity problems bigger than solutions

In rural districts like Quemado, a perfect storm of regulatory loopholes and no telecom competition make Internet connectivity nearly impossible.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 23, 2015

As goes PARCC for Massachusetts, so goes the nation?

Massachusetts, long considered a leader in education policy and reform, might solidify a national trend away from Common Core.

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

Report: 24.5M US students gain access to 'sufficient' school Internet

EducationSuperHighway's State of the States report shows schools making progress toward faster Internet, but there's still a long way to go.

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

OECD partners with Northwest Evaluation Association for 2016 exam

With the new partnership, the two organizations are joining forces to help countries around the world continue to assess student performance.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 18, 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

Minecraft-themed coding tutorial unveiled ahead of Hour of Code

The free guide for students ages six and up aims to make learning the fundamentals of coding fun.

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

Pearson partnership includes students in digital curriculum design

A small team of New Jersey elementary students will give the ed giant feedback on what does or doesn't work in its SuccessMaker curriculum. 

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 18, 2015

Districts seek better results with DIY tech approach

With some new software and system tools too expensive or unwieldy, some districts are now turning to in-house solutions.

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

zSpace expands 3D augmented reality STEM software for classrooms

The ed tech provider's expansion includes hundreds of new lesson plans.

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

Viral cell phone videos inspire dialogue over regulation

How and when students can use cell phones in schools varies, but are more guidelines needed as BYOD programs expand?

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 16, 2015

OER called 'mixed blessing' for game-based learning

Will schools pay for digital games and learning if they can get Open Educational Resources for free?

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