National

Duncan Presses NEA on Merit Pay, Tenure

The education secretary tells the nation's largest teachers' union that 'inflexible' policies on pay for performance and job protections must change. July 2, 2009

NRC Urges Greater Focus on Preschool Math

The National Research Council says early-childhood education needs to build a better foundation for children’s mathematical success. July 2, 2009

Authors Share Tips on How to Hook Boys on Books

Children’s authors offered teachers and librarians advice on getting boys to love reading, including featuring more humorous books. July 2, 2009

States Without Budgets as Key Deadline Passes

July 2, 2009, AP

Expert Panels Named in Common-Standards Push

One group will draft standards for the initiative being led by governors and state schools chiefs, and the other will critique their work. July 1, 2009

News Briefs

School Facilities Bill Stuck in Senate Limbo

The measure would set aside $32.4 billion for environmentally friendly school modernization, repair, and renovation. June 11, 2009

Budget Outlook For States: Grim

State spending is predicted to fall again in fiscal 2010 despite the federal economic-stimulus package, likely meaning more cuts for K-12. June 11, 2009

Florida Official to Direct Staff Of Governing Board for NAEP

Cornelia Smith Orr, a top education official in Florida, has been named the executive director of the board that sets policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress. June 9, 2009

Advocate for Gay Students Named to Federal School Safety Office

Kevin Jennings, a former history teacher and a national advocate for gay and lesbian students, has been named the assistant deputy secretary for the U.S. Department of Education’s office of safe and drug-free schools. June 9, 2009

Inauguration Trip Focus of Lawsuit

A lawsuit was filed in federal court last week on behalf of more than 15,000 students who paid to attend inauguration but reportedly were left out in the cold. May 18, 2009

Population Growth of Hispanics, Asians Slowing, Census Says

Deterred by immigration laws and the lackluster economy, the population growth of Hispanics and Asians in the United States has slowed unexpectedly. May 18, 2009

More News Briefs

SREB Urges Greater Focus on Middle Grades in South

The Southern Regional Education Board says many states set standards too low and need to better prepare students for high school. June 30, 2009

States, Districts in Delicate Dance on Stimulus

Striking the right balance on use of federal education aid requires accommodation on both sides—and produces some friction. Updated: July 2, 2009

Court Won't Get Involved in Bible Club Question

June 30, 2009, AP

Stimulus Boosts Spec. Ed. Program for Infants, Toddlers

Advocates say economic-stimulus funds will let states keep paying for services for youngest children with disabilities and their families. June 29, 2009

For Modest Earners, Relief Repaying Student Loans

June 29, 2009, AP

Chief Justice: High Court Not Setting School Rules

June 29, 2009, AP

Supreme Court Orders Fresh Look at Arizona ELL Case

The justices ruled that the lower courts didn't fairly consider "changed circumstances" that had occurred since parents in Nogales sued. June 25, 2009

Supreme Court Limits Strip-Searches of Students

Arizona officials violated a student’s Fourth Amendment rights, but can’t be sued in this case, the high court ruled. June 25, 2009

Supreme Court Eases Oversight of Ariz. English Program

June 25, 2009, AP

Obama Wants to Trim Complex College Aid Form

June 24, 2009, AP

Mock Graduation Takes Place on Behalf of DREAM Act

June 24, 2009

Obama Wants to Trim Complex College Aid Form

June 24, 2009, AP

Bullying Top Issue for School Safety Chief

June 23, 2009