January 31, 2007
Education Week, Vol. 26, Issue 21
Education
Missouri Governor Seeks $214 Million Hike In School Aid
The plan would help underwrite initiatives in instructional technology, early-childhood education, and after-school programs.
Federal
PR Campaign for Better Schooling Keeps Low Profile Since Its Debut
Funds are currently going towards an interactive Web site, strategy, research, and "creative development."
Student Well-Being
Weight Problems Seen in High School Football
Forty-five percent of players in a recent study were classified as being overweight, including 9 percent who met adult standards of severe obesity.
Science
Computer Animation Being Used to Bring Science Concepts to Life
But evidence of learning gains remains sparse.
School & District Management
Select Group Wields Gavel on State Education Policy
Legislative committees invest broad authority in panels' top leadership.
School Climate & Safety
Justices Decline Case on Student’s Violent Writing
The student's family argued that the punishment imposed by the district violated his First Amendment right to freedom of speech.
Federal
KIPP Schools to be Studied for Long Haul
A $14.6 million grant from the Atlantic Philanthropies will fund the largest study to date of KIPP schools.
Teaching Profession
A National Roundup
Teachers in Fla. Charter Schools Vote to Join Local Union Affiliate
According to organizers for the AFT, the teachers are the first in a network of charter schools to unionize through a representation election.
School & District Management
Ousted Chicago Teachers Union President to Take On Her Successor
Former union President Deborah Lynch lost the last election by just over 500 votes.
Reading & Literacy
Inspector General Faults Handling of ‘Reading First’ in Ga.
Georgia education officials mismanaged several aspects of the federal Reading First program, says a report by the inspector general’s office of the U.S. Department of Education.
School & District Management
Public Gets to Vet Superintendent
The Minneapolis school board is asking the public to help it decide whether to keep its chief or search for a new one.
Education
Report Roundup
School Facilities
Public school buildings are often too big or too small for the number of students enrolled, a survey of principals concludes.
Education
Report Roundup
Lessons from Chicago
Strong curricula, better professional development for teachers, and shared leadership between parent councils, principals, and teachers are among the most important factors to improve student learning, a report drawing on the experience of the Chicago public schools argues.
Special Education
Report Roundup
Research Report: Charter Schools
Special education is one area in which charter schools could benefit from external assistance, a University of Maryland report concludes.
School & District Management
Rivera Bows Out; Boston to Open New Hunt
The reversal delays a transition that is already a year behind schedule.
Education
Report Roundup
Merit Pay Linked to Learning Gains
A merit-pay program for teachers in Arkansas’ largest school district appears to be spurring gains in student test scores, according to an analysis by researchers from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Federal
Opinion
No National Standards for Public Schools
Andrew J. Coulson, the director of the Cato Institute’s Center for Educational Freedom, argues against a recently introduced bill in Congress that calls for national standards in math and science and says the proposal is "more of the same, and the same isn’t working out."
Curriculum
Project on First Amendment Targets Students, Teachers
Channel One, the for-profit news network for schools, this month launched a three-year program to promote awareness of the First Amendment.
Curriculum
Interactive Expedition Focuses on Longevity
When a group of scientists, journalists, and explorers visits several remote Central American villages this week to investigate the inhabitants’ unusual longevity, students will be helping direct the multimedia expedition.
School & District Management
Districts Make Strides With Common Vision
With the help of outside partners, two rural school systems in California's Central Valley have improved their instruction and raised scores.
Early Childhood
Opinion
Evaluating Montessori
Jacqueline Cossentino, Montessori researcher and professor of education policy and leadership at the University of Maryland, explains why the recent positive research findings on Montessori schools matter more than you may think.
Federal
Tussle Over English-Language Learners
Officials call it unfair to require stricter reading test for some still working on skills.
Education
A State Capitals Roundup
N.J. Veto Is Expected on Holidays Measure
Gov. Jon Corzine of New Jersey has vowed to veto a legislative provision that would eliminate a requirement that K-12 schools hold commemorative ceremonies or instruction the day before certain holidays, such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Federal
Bush Offers ‘Blueprint’ for NCLB
Republicans and Democrats agree that the priority should be improving the nation’s lowest-achieving schools.
Federal
Spellings Hits Road, Stresses Charter Plan
The Bush administration's plan for NCLB renewal includes expanding the role of charter schools and revamping high school instruction.
Education
State of the States
New Governor Urges Patience on Full-Day-Kindergarten Push
Gov. Jim Gibbons said he wants to stick with the current pilot program instead of calling for statewide implementation.
Education
State of the States
Robotics, Technology Priorities in Hawaii
Gov. Linda Lingle said students need to be able to “compete with the best and the brightest from around the world.”
School & District Management
AFT No Longer a Major Player in Reform Arena
The focus of the union has changed with loss of leaders and shift in nation's political climate.
Education
Ohio Forces Spar Over Constitution
A coalition of state public school groups is seeking high-quality education via amendment.
