Leadership and Management

A collection of recent stories concerning school, district, state, and federal leaders and the administrative actions they take.

Commentary

Four Flawed Assumptions of School Reform

Many of the administration's education initiatives rely on ideas that have undermined past reform efforts, writes Thomas Hatch. December 4, 2009

Motives of 21st-Century-Skills Group Questioned

Critics charge that the Partnership for 21st Century Skills is a veiled attempt by technology companies to gain more influence over the classroom. December 4, 2009

Ohio Striving for More Federal Education Money

December 4, 2009, AP

Gates Foundation Commits $12.9M to College Tech

December 4, 2009, AP

Indiana Board Considers Giving Schools Letter Grades

December 3, 2009, AP

News Briefs

Final Rules Set for School Turnaround Grants

States and districts must choose among four models to win aid aimed at fixing the lowest-performing schools. December 4, 2009

Louisiana Audit Faults Vallas for Use of State-Owned Car

The superintendent of the Recovery School District misused his state-owned vehicle according to an audit released last week. December 1, 2009

Chicago Board President Remembered

Michael Scott, 60, the president of the Chicago board of education, was remembered at services last month for his lengthy record of community service. December 1, 2009

Gates Foundation to Help Charters With Bond Guarantees for Facilities

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation last week announced plans to help expand the Houston charter school sector. November 17, 2009

Cash Idea Crashes

Administrators in Goldsboro, N.C., have nixed a cash-for-grades fundraiser that was offering 20 test points to students in exchange for a $20 donation. 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

More News Briefs

Study Casts Doubt on Strength of Charter Managers

A report tinged with controversy raises questions about whether charter groups can 'scale up' schools as quickly as reformers are hoping. December 3, 2009

Nevada Faces Jan. Deadline for Education Funding

December 3, 2009, AP

State Complaint Filed Against Ind. Teachers' Union

December 2, 2009, AP

An Interview With Arne Duncan

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sat down with Education Week reporters on Nov. 30 for a wide-ranging interview. Carmel Martin, the assistant secretary for planning, evaluation, and policy development, also attended. December 2, 2009

Lure of 'Race to Top' Splits California Lawmakers

Some push policy changes to help secure up to $700 million in federal economic-stimulus cash, while others warn against hasty action. December 2, 2009

NAACP Files Complaint Against N.C. School District

December 2, 2009, AP

PTA Launches Campaign Backing Common Standards

With a $1 million grant from the Gates Foundation, the national group will organize parent support for the standards in four states. December 1, 2009

Commentary

What If Faculty Meetings Were Voluntary?

Thomas R. Hoerr counters five common myths about faculty meetings and tells how they might become production—and popular—gatherings. December 1, 2009

Broader Role Outlined for District Ed-Tech Leaders

A revised framework of essential skills for technology officers envisions them exercising a greater degree of academic leadership. December 1, 2009

Commentary

Cultivating Civility

December 1, 2009