Teachers

Recent news about teacher policies, quality, assessment, and practices.

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

Wis. Legislature Passes Education Reform Bill

November 6, 2009, AP

Commentary

Teacher Incentives, or Teaching Incentives?

“In our current zeal to reward ‘excellent’ teachers, are we jeopardizing truly excellent teaching?” asks Patrick R. Riccards, the chief executive officer of Exemplar Strategic Communications and the author of the education reform blog Eduflack. November 4, 2009

Paper Calls for Focus on High School Teachers

If more students are to be ready for college and careers, says the Alliance for Excellent Education, secondary teachers must be better prepared. Updated: November 6, 2009

National Panel Urges Upgrades to Teacher Workforce

The recommendations for states and districts from a high-powered task force are drawing fire from the American Federation of Teachers. November 4, 2009

News Briefs

Parents of Pupils With Disabilities Sue Tenn. District Over Restraints

The parents of five students with disabilities have filed lawsuits against the Sumner County, Tenn., board of education and a special education teacher charged with child abuse. November 3, 2009

R.I. Chief Launches Effort to Soften Seniority's Grip

Deborah A. Gist has told districts to work to eliminate teacher-assignment practices based on seniority when their collective bargaining agreements come up for renewal this year. November 2, 2009

Teacher Quality

Efforts to improve teacher quality, especially in districts serving the poorest students, will continue to be undermined without a shift in teaching's fundamental nature. October 27, 2009

Teacher Learning

A New York City program that enlists middle and high school science teachers to spend two summers working in university research laboratories leads to better passing rates on state exams for students, a study says. October 20, 2009

Pa. Teachers on Strike

Teachers in an eastern Pennsylvania district are on strike for the second time in two years. October 20, 2009

District of Columbia Union Sues Over Layoffs of Nearly 400 Staff

The Washington D.C. teachers Union is taking the district to court after hundreds of layoffs. October 13, 2009

More News Briefs

'Model' Teacher Contract: Is Praise Overblown?

November 3, 2009

Wis. Teachers Couldn't Be Fired Over Test Scores

November 2, 2009, AP

Commentary

When Teachers Are the Experts

Professional development by lecture is doomed, writes Ross Hunefeld, and should be replaced by teacher-led learning communities. November 2, 2009

Policies Target Teacher-Student Cyber Talk

Addressing an issue facing schools nationwide, Louisiana is requiring educators to document certain types of electronic contact with students. November 2, 2009

Court Says Hawaii's Substitute Teachers Underpaid

November 2, 2009, AP

Licensing Debate Pits Indiana Chief vs. Teacher Colleges

November 2, 2009, AP

Hawaii Looking to Reopen Schools

November 2, 2009, AP

School Sued for Punishing Teens Over MySpace Pictures

October 30, 2009, AP

Hawaii Copes With Disruption From School Furloughs

The money-saving school closures have begun amid legal challenges, parent protests, and general uncertainty. October 30, 2009

Ore. Teachers Renew Legal Fight With Sizemore

October 30, 2009, AP