National

Study Finds NCLB Law Lifted Math Scores

Researchers found large gains in math scores for 4th graders and moderate ones for 8th graders, but no similar evidence for reading achievement. November 20, 2009

Sex Education Looms in Health-Care Overhaul

Advocates on both sides are watching to see whether Congress will come down on paying for "abstinence-only" or "comprehensive" programs. November 20, 2009

Lawmakers Send Few Minorities to U.S. Military Academies

November 20, 2009, AP

Tighter Tracking Vowed on Stimulus Jobs Impact

Obama administration officials concede reporting errors, but tell skeptics in Congress the program is creating and saving many jobs. November 19, 2009

Changes Urged in Rules for Federal Innovation Aid

Philanthropies question a draft plan to require matching funds from applicants for the Education Department’s $650 million “i3” program. November 19, 2009

News Briefs

Health Officials Set Swine-Flu Toll On U.S. Children at 540 Deaths

Government health officials say swine flu has sickened about 22 million Americans since April, and about 4,000 have died, including 540 children. November 17, 2009

Work Groups Picked for K-12 Standards

The members of the "work groups" for developing K-12 standards in English-language arts and mathematics were announced last week. November 17, 2009

Comprehensive Sex Ed. Programs Effective, Panel Finds

A panel of experts has concluded that comprehensive sex education programs help reduce teenagers' risky sexual behavior. November 13, 2009

9th Grade Bulge

Over the 2004-05 school year, more than 90,000 students from six states repeated 9th grade, according to a new report that is aimed at getting a statistical handle on what researchers call the "9th grade bulge." November 10, 2009

Lead and Learning

At least 25 percent of students in Detroit’s public schools tested positive for elevated blood-lead levels between birth and age 5, possibly leading to a significant impact on their education achievement. November 10, 2009

K-12 Common Standards Expected To Be Released in December

The second part of a draft of common, multistate standards is expected to be unveiled in mid-December, an official involved in the planning process said last week. November 10, 2009

More News Briefs

Winners Named for Gates Teacher Grants

Three districts and a charter school consortium will receive a share of $500 million to improve teacher effectiveness. November 19, 2009

U.N. Says More Children in School and Fewer Dying

November 19, 2009, AP

Police Hold Off on Ruling in Michael Scott's Death

Scott owned the gun found under his body and tests showed he had gun residue on his left hand from firing a weapon, firming up what police believe was a suicide. November 19, 2009, MCT

Michael Scott's Use of Board Credit Card Probed

In recent weeks, the Chicago school board president was facing scrutiny for using his board credit card to pay for a trip to Copenhagen to lobby for the city's Olympics bid. November 19, 2009, MCT

NAEP Plan for Testing Special Groups Gets Public Airing

At issue is how students with disabilities and English-language learners take part in the National Assessment of Educational Progress. November 17, 2009

Prospect of Health-Plan Tax Draws Union Opposition

Labor leaders and analysts warn that costs would be passed on to workers in the form of higher premiums—or curtailed benefits. November 17, 2009

Test Scores Rise for Students With Disabilities

A new study shows gains for 4th graders on state tests used for accountability purposes under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. November 17, 2009

Michelle Obama Talks Tests, Mentoring to Students

November 16, 2009, AP

Role of NAEP Could Change With Common Assessments

As a push for common state standards and tests moves forward, questions are arising about the future of “the nation’s report card.” November 16, 2009

Rules Set for $4 Billion Race to Top Contest

November 16, 2009

Commentary

The New War Against Ed Schools