December 2, 2009
Education Week, Vol. 29, Issue 13
Federal
Stimulus Rules on 'Turnarounds' Shift
The guidelines for addressing low-performing schools allow states and districts to use a turnaround approach that many educators favor: providing professional development and coaching for a school’s current staff, and making changes to curriculum and instruction.
Special Education
GAO Probes Access of Students With Disabilities to Sports
Ensuring that all students have access to physical education and sports may be the final frontier for inclusion, advocates say.
School & District Management
Opinion
Racing to Aid Students Already at the Top
Focusing on failing students at the expense of the gifted and talented will ultimately result in long-term negative consequences for our nation, writes Ann Robinson.
Federal
States Said to Be Progressing on Data Systems
A new report finds that 44 states, up from 21 in 2005, have built systems that can track students’ progress over time.
Federal
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.
Law & Courts
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.
Assessment
Opinion
Cellphones in Schools: Flip ’Em Open
With online cheating growing and the use of mobile devices a way of life for students, schools cannot continue to operate as if nothing is changing, writes Matt Levinson.
Federal
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.
Federal
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.
Federal
Winners Named for Gates Teacher Grants
Three districts and a charter school consortium will receive a share of $500 million to improve teacher effectiveness.
School Climate & Safety
Anti-Violence Program Targets Chicago Boys
Two community groups will offer counseling and sports while University of Chicago researchers study whether this approach helps curb violence.
Special Education
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.
Federal
Half of States Now Offer Online-Learning Programs
A report shows steep growth both in state e-learning initiatives and in the numbers of K-12 students taking advantage of them.
Education
Opinion
On Serving The Wrong Masters
Recently, I've been caught in a real bind. No matter where I turn, I'm being told what a lousy educator I am. As a college professor (one of my jobs), I am being told by the Holmes Group that my courses aren't "authentic" enough.