Industry News
Deal, Lawmakers Meet on Atlanta Schools’ Probation (GA)
January 20, 2011
Gov. Nathan Deal said he is hopeful Atlanta’s school system will not permanently lose its accreditation after being placed on probation, and he sees legislative action as a "last resort" to resolve the issue that could jeopardize the futures of thousands of high school students. Deal met Wednesday with Georgia House and Senate members who […]
Teacher Salary System Decried (MA)
January 19, 2011
As Boston delves into contentious negotiations with its teachers union, the Boston Foundation yesterday released an analysis critical of the longstanding system of boosting teacher pay for longevity and coursework, instead of for bettering the academic performance of students. The analysis instantly angered officials of the teachers union and emboldened School Department leaders, who are […]
Major Cuts to Education Proposed (TX)
January 19, 2011
Republicans have said they don’t want to raise taxes but when it comes to balancing a budget that has a shortfall between $15 and $27 billion – major cuts are being proposed to the tune of $14 billion. Some of the biggest cuts are to education totally nearly $5 billion. In the first draft of […]
Eye on Health: School Lunches Makeover (US)
January 19, 2011
The school lunch line is about to get a long-awaited makeover. The United States Department of Agriculture is calling on school cafeterias to add more fruit, and cut back on starchy staples like french fries. "We have to keep in mind that the students have to eat the food, and so making it tasty and […]
Christie Says 23 Schools Get Charters (NJ)
January 19, 2011
Following through on his promise for more charter schools, Gov. Chris Christie announced Tuesday the approval of 23 new charter schools across New Jersey, including ones with single-sex classes or an emphasis on online learning or character-building. Seventeen of the new schools, as well as seven previously approved, are scheduled to open in September, bringing […]
$10 Million to Provide Extra Help in Schools (NY)
January 19, 2011
The city announced on Tuesday that it had set aside $10 million to give extra help to tens of thousands of students who failed standardized exams last year after the state raised the standards for passing. The money will be distributed among 532 schools and will benefit nearly 50,000 fourth through eighth graders. The amount […]
VA Gov Touts K-12 Merit-Pay, Corporate Tax Credits (VA)
January 19, 2011
Districts that have underperforming schools would be able to compete for $3 million to fund teacher performance-pay awards under a proposal advanced by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell. McDonnell said at a news conference Tuesday that the pilot program, part of his budget amendments, would award incentives of up to $5,000 to teachers in about 190 […]
Bill Would Wipe Out Many Ohio Education Plans (OH)
January 18, 2011
Legislation is in the works to overturn many aspects of former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland’s plan for public education, including a mandate that districts offer all-day kindergarten for free. The Columbus Dispatch reports the bill also would do away with plans for smaller class sizes and requirements that schools create family and civic engagement councils […]
In Florida, Virtual Classrooms With No Teachers (FL)
January 18, 2011
On the first day of her senior year at North Miami Beach Senior High School, Naomi Baptiste expected to be greeted by a teacher when she walked into her precalculus class. “All there were were computers in the class,” said Naomi, who walked into a room of confused students. “We found out that over the […]
The New Special Education: Classroom Integration Enhances Skills (MN)
January 18, 2011
Years ago, special education needs weren’t targeted as much as they are today. Students were often taken out of the classroom for individualized attention, leaving them out of the loop when it comes to core instruction. The Detroit Lakes School District Special Education program is constantly developing as more research now guides educators on how […]