April 1, 2009
Education Week, Vol. 28, Issue 27
Federal
TAP: More Than Performance Pay
TAP, which is likely to expand with federal stimulus funds, emphasizes building a collaborative workplace culture to improve instruction.
Federal
Stimulus Patching Budgets
Local officials are crying ‘foul’ as a growing number of governors make a play for federal economic-stimulus aid for schools.
Federal
Nanotechnology Slips Into Schools
A handful of teachers around the country have fashioned curriculum and lessons around the fast-emerging science of nanotechnology.
Early Childhood
Stimulus Providing Big Funding Boost for Early Childhood
Advocates are betting that the billions of dollars for programs like Head Start are just a “down payment” on future expansion.
Law & Courts
Two Voucher Programs Struck Down in Arizona
The Arizona Supreme Court struck down two specialized voucher programs, ruling that they violate the state constitution’s prohibition on providing state aid to private religious and secular schools.
School & District Management
Louisiana School Boards Resist Push to Trim Powers
The state schools chief would like to clip their wings—and a lawmaker is proposing a similar plan.
School & District Management
U.S. Must Learn From International Peers, Report Says
To advance national standards, group advocates increasing participation in global policy research, testing efforts.
Federal
Students See Schools Inhibiting Their Use of New Technologies
A national survey finds most high school students do not believe they are being well prepared for the technology demands of the 21st century.
School & District Management
Accountability Model Proposed for Voucher Schools
A Washington think tank argues that private schools that accept students under voucher programs have a responsibility to be transparent.
Law & Courts
Kentucky Tests Tied to Tougher Standards
At the cutting edge of the 1990s’ push for test-based accountability, Kentucky is revamping its standards and assessments.
Federal
Sour Economy Places Athletics in Jeopardy
To spare individual sports from elimination, some districts are raising student fees, while others are paring back the number of games and events.
Federal
Study of Charters in 8 States Finds Mixed Effects
Researchers discerned little evidence of better test scores in charters, but cited some differences in graduation and college-going rates.