New report examines state-by-state utilization of Race to the Top funds

The Department of Education says that $4.3 billion dollars was used largely to update state data systems and instructional resources for educators.

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

ESEA preliminary agreement reached between House, Senate

Lawmakers: This is a law that everyone wants fixed, and teachers, parents, and students are counting on us to succeed.

By Deborah Barrington • Nov. 13, 2015

Taylor Swift gave NYC students books, books, books

The pop culture icon partnered with Scholastic to help schools in need of resources. 

By Deborah Barrington • Nov. 13, 2015

Cost blocking many schools from high-speed internet

While progress has been made, the "E-rate and Infrastructure" report showed cost is still a barrier to high-speed internet access in many U.S. schools. 

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 12, 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

Ed-tech advocacy group explores 'micro-credentials' for teachers

By and large, the survey found that most teachers weren't familiar with micro-credentials, most were also open to trying them out.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 12, 2015

At iNACOL symposium, dialogue about achievement metrics for blended classrooms

At this year's conference in Florida, 3,000 attendees focused on how to make blended learning work best for students and educators alike.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 12, 2015

Under the spotlight, charter schools spur debate among experts

Opposing sides of the charter school debate engaged in an in-depth conversation that illuminated the advantages and drawbacks of charters.

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

New guidelines on teaching special ed focuses on results

Results-driven accountability can make or break a program, and a new framework offered by The Office of Special Education Programs aims to evaluate progress.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 11, 2015

With surplus of online information, student research requires vetting; wider focus

Students benefit most when they understand that research skills are life skills, and that problem-solving and discovery can happen offline and without Google.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 11, 2015

Will Dept of Ed renege on Ohio's $71 M charter grant?

A day after a strongly worded Dept of Ed letter outlined new requirements on the grant, Ohio superintendent Richard Ross announced his resignation.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 11, 2015

Cristo Rey school set to open in Baton Rouge

The network of Catholic schools with a 100% graduation rate offers low-income students an education when they work for corporate sponsors.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 11, 2015

Marijuana farmers in CO county foot bill for local scholarships

County officials say they think the measure is a first, but primarily they want to give more students access to higher education.

By Deborah Barrington • Nov. 11, 2015

With $32 million funding boost, Schoology poised to expand globally

The company plans to use the funds to take on competitors and grow beyond the 130 countries where it's currently utilized.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 10, 2015

Bilingual ed can bring economic advantages for students

Bilingual education can help the competitiveness of U.S. students in a global workforce, a concept that is converting traditional opponents to supporters.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 10, 2015

Turning one AL school around with interactive STEM education

One superintendent's embrace of STEM brought significant changes -- including a novel aquarium project -- to his district in under a year. 

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 10, 2015

New survey shows 'grim' reading levels and habits for students

Renaissance Learning's 2016 "What Kids Are Reading" report shows students in the U.S. aren't meeting the most basic college and career readiness reading standards.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 10, 2015

CO official says 'sexting' is prevalent in US schools

The investigation into Cañon County High School, Colorado students involves a sexting chain comprised of hundreds of images, some apparently taken on campus. 

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 10, 2015

VT Agency's Tom Alderman on mandated personalized learning plans for students

"The intention is to put students at the center of the construction of their own learning experience ..."  Alderman said.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 10, 2015

'Measuring Up' survey yields suggestions for low-performing urban districts

A new survey of 50 urban schools finds some districts are making headway.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 9, 2015

'Philosophical overhaul' of traditional principal role subject of new video

Texas elementary school principal Todd Nesloney talks about his job as "lead learner" and how it encourages staff and students.

By Erin McIntyre • Nov. 9, 2015