Federal

Stimulus Funding Reports Pose Puzzle for Watchdogs

The first quarterly reports on how aid for education was used offer plenty of information, but sharpening the picture can be tough. November 6, 2009

Too Few Youths Eligible for Military, Leaders Say

U.S. schools chief Arne Duncan joins retired generals in citing early-childhood education as one solution to high rates of ineligibility. November 6, 2009

Bill Would Replace Key Federal Literacy Programs

Congress will consider a proposal to spend $2.35 billion for K-12 reading initiatives once served by Reading First and other efforts. Updated: November 6, 2009

Wis. Legislature Passes Education Reform Bill

November 6, 2009, AP

Obama Coaxes States to Change With School Dollars

November 4, 2009, AP

News Briefs

Data Systems Lack Privacy Safeguards

As states go about building longitudinal-data systems, some have not taken adequate actions to safeguard sensitive information in student records, a new study concludes. November 3, 2009

Education Dept. Contract to Launch Resource Center on Charter Schools

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded a five-year contract to Learning Point Associates to conduct research and create a National Charter School Resource Center. October 27, 2009

Institute of Education Sciences to Open Three Research Centers

The Institute of Education Sciences has invited applicants to compete to run three new centers focused on different areas of education policy. October 20, 2009

House GOP Members Call for Resignation of Safe-Schools Chief

A group of 53 House Republicans has signed a letter to President Barack Obama calling for Kevin Jennings, the head of the office of safe and drug-free schools at the U.S. Department of Education, to resign. October 20, 2009

Spec. Ed. Official Confirmed

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Kansas education Commissioner Alexa Posny's appointment as assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services. October 13, 2009

Economic-Stimulus Funds

A report from the National Governors Association offers guidance for states on how to qualify for and make the best use of the federal aid they receive for education through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. October 13, 2009

More News Briefs

Schools Improve Certification for Free Lunches

November 4, 2009, AP

Obama Coaxes States to Change With School Dollars

November 4, 2009, AP

Questioning the Wisdom of New, Common Tests

November 3, 2009

Former Apple Executive to Lead U.S. Ed-Tech Office

The appointment draws praise from educational technology advocates, some of whom had worried whether the position would be filled. Updated: November 4, 2009

First Lady Launches White House Mentoring Program

November 3, 2009, AP

Commentary

Marking School Time

We shouldn't compel every child to stay in school for longer days or longer years just because some may need to, writes Peter Berger. November 2, 2009

Obama Community College Proposal May Not Be Enough

November 2, 2009, AP

Experts: H.S. Football Concussions Merit More Study

October 30, 2009, AP

'Funding Cliff' Looms Large for States

States and school districts already worry about how they’ll fill the budget gap once federal stimulus aid runs out. Updated: November 2, 2009

NCES Finds States Lowered 'Proficiency' Bar

Updated: November 2, 2009

Duncan: Preschool Key to Solving Education Crisis

October 26, 2009, AP

NCLB Suit Dismissal Stands as Appeals Court Deadlocks

October 26, 2009