Daily Headlines for August 23, 2011
Shortchanged by the Bell
New York Times, NY, August 23, 2011
After a summer of budget cuts in Washington and state capitals, we have only to look to our schools, when classes begin in the next few weeks, to see who will pay the price.
The Year of School Choice
Washington Times, DC, August 22, 2011
We’re used to hearing bad news from the education front: poor test scores, falling literacy, slipping standards. But the new academic year brings a welcome change: School-choice programs have expanded significantly in recent months. Indeed, the Wall Street Journal has already dubbed 2011 the Year of School Choice.
What Works To Close The Education Gap
National Public Radio, August 22, 2011
It’s a persistent and troubling problem: the gap between white students and students of color in academic achievement. There are many theories about how to resolve these disparities, from interventions with parents, increased accountability for teachers, school programs and testing, and others.
FROM THE STATES
CALIFORNIA
California Charter School Association Gets $15-Million Grant
Los Angeles Times, CA, August 23, 2011
The grant is the largest yet to the California charter schools group and the biggest of its kind from the nonprofit set up by the founders of the Wal-Mart Corp.
DELAWARE
Charter School Revision Ensures Future Progress
News Journal, DE, August 22, 2011
The state’s newly revised law on charter schools is part of one big learning curve when it comes to education reform.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Feds’ Role In Schools Re-Emerges As ’12 Issue
Washington Times, DC, August 22, 2011
Republican presidential candidates are increasingly using the federal Department of Education as a punching bag, citing it as yet another example of big government’s heavy hand in local affairs.
D.C. Charter Schools Have A ‘Voice At The Table’
Washington Post, DC, August 22, 2011
Principal Zoe Duskin unlocked the front door just after 6 a.m. Monday. The seven classrooms at the Inspired Teaching Demonstration School, a new public charter school in Northeast Washington, were in perfect order. But she lingered over the last details, policing bits of dust from the floors with tissue paper and making sure each room had a doorstop.
New Year, New Hopes for D.C. Schools
Washington Post, DC, August 22, 2011
It’s been five years since the District upended its dysfunctional system of education, abolishing the old school board and making schools the mayor’s responsibility.
ILLINOIS
Talks Between CPS, Teachers Hit Snag
Chicago Tribune, IL, August 22, 2011
School officials refuse to consider requests union made in exchange for forgoing across-the-board raises
Ruling Favors KC District In Money Battle With Charters
Kansas City Star, MO, August 22, 2011
A long-running attempt by area charter schools to wrest more funding from the Kansas City School District may have backfired, at a potential cost of $9 million.
PENNSYLVANIA
Acting Philly Schools Chief Nunery Facing Tough Path Forward
Philadelphia Inquirer, PA, August 23, 2011
The new leader of the Philadelphia school system – at least for now, and perhaps permanently – is known for molding consensus and moving forward.
Head of Philadelphia Schools Leaves Post Early
Wall Street Journal, August 22, 2011
Philadelphia’s schools chief Arlene Ackerman stepped down unexpectedly Monday with three years remaining on her contract, ending an embattled tenure marked by improved graduation rates, a widening budget deficit and clashes with officials.
Ackerman Is Ousted, So What’s Next?
Philadelphia Inquirer, PA, August 23, 2011
It’s a shame that it had to end this way – with Philadelphia schools Superintendent Arlene C. Ackerman being unceremoniously shown the door – but to a large extent the educator’s demise was self-inflicted.
RHODE ISLAND
Providence School Board Endorses Mayoral Academy
Providence Journal, RI, August 22, 2011
Contrary to the Cranston School Committee’s unanimous opposition in June, Providence’s School Board Monday night chose to unanimously endorse a proposed mayoral academy for the two cities’ students.
TENNESSEE
Veil Of Silence Shrouds School-Merger Talks
Commercial Appeal, TN, August 23, 2011
Secretive efforts to settle the school-merger lawsuit continued Monday, and it remained unclear whether U.S. Dist. Judge Samuel “Hardy” Mays oversaw any progress because a gag order has prevented details from leaking out in a case where legal costs now exceed $1million.