December 9, 2009
Education Week, Vol. 29, Issue 14
Standards & Accountability
Opinion
The Hole in 'Race to the Top'
By focusing on the very worst schools, the initiative misses an opportunity to help good urban districts become great, writes Richard Whitmire.
Early Childhood
Unproved Early-Reading Program Likely to Prevail
Congress continues to finance the Early Reading First program, and it's in both chambers' versions of a comprehensive literacy bill.
School & District Management
Study Eyes Effect of Extra Learning Time on Scores
An analysis of a new national database finds a possible association between more time for learning and higher scores on state tests.
School & District Management
Opinion
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.
Federal
Is Education News Falling Off Front Pages?
Education stories made up just 1.4 percent of all top national news across media platforms in the first nine months of this year, a report finds.
School & District Management
News in Brief
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.
Families & the Community
Opinion
Families: The Key to Ending 'College Mismatch'
One factor often ignored in efforts to improve college-graduation rates is the role of families in helping their children navigate the search process, writes Eileen Gale Kugler.
School & District Management
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.
School & District Management
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.
Federal
Stimulus Aid’s State-Level Impact Seen Mixed
A new report finds that most states are struggling to carry out stimulus-related improvements to education, despite some progress.
Federal
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.
School & District Management
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.
School & District Management
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.
School & District Management
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.
Federal
Duncan Aims to Make Incentives Key Element of ESEA
The education secretary wants a reauthorized law to reward high-performing schools, districts, and states.