October 19, 2011
Education Week, Vol. 31, Issue 08
School & District Management
Broad Prize: Elite Club or Catalyst for Change?
Familiar names keep cropping up as finalists for the prestigious Broad Prize, causing some to wonder if the successful strategies of winning districts are spreading anywhere else.
Teaching Profession
Teacher Evaluation Scaled Back in Revised ESEA Draft
Only districts that participate in the Teacher Incentive Fund would have to craft evaluations under the latest revision, which drew bipartisan support but still faces civil rights groups' opposition.
School Climate & Safety
Settlement Reached in Alaska School Facilities Case
The long-running lawsuit, now ended, opened state coffers for more than $1.2 billion in school facilities aid for remote, rural districts.
Accountability
Letter to the Editor
Turnaround Article Was 'Unbalanced'
To the Editor:
I was disappointed to see what I consider to be unbalanced coverage in your article "Turnaround School Reaps Double-Digit Proficiency Gains" (Oct. 5, 2011). In a time when the mainstream media hails reform plans that include school closings and school turnarounds, we look to Education Week as a place to get an accurate picture of the success rates of such reforms.
I was disappointed to see what I consider to be unbalanced coverage in your article "Turnaround School Reaps Double-Digit Proficiency Gains" (Oct. 5, 2011). In a time when the mainstream media hails reform plans that include school closings and school turnarounds, we look to Education Week as a place to get an accurate picture of the success rates of such reforms.
Ed-Tech Policy
Letter to the Editor
It's Time to Reboot for Education System
To the Editor:
To quote from your recent Commentary: “Tech for all?” Yes! “Tablet PCs help kids thrive!” Yes. “Simple-minded thinking about what works and the obsession with scale have turned our penchant for educational technology into a national mania” ("Tech for All?," Oct. 5, 2011).
To quote from your recent Commentary: “Tech for all?” Yes! “Tablet PCs help kids thrive!” Yes. “Simple-minded thinking about what works and the obsession with scale have turned our penchant for educational technology into a national mania” ("Tech for All?," Oct. 5, 2011).
Education
Letter to the Editor
Writer Raises Questions About Catholic Ed. Essay
To the Editor:
As an honors graduate of a leading Catholic high school in Indiana and as a former teacher in public and private schools, I found Philip Robey’s Commentary on Catholic schools interesting ("What Catholic Schools Can Teach About Educating the Whole Child," Oct. 5, 2011). But several questions went begging.
As an honors graduate of a leading Catholic high school in Indiana and as a former teacher in public and private schools, I found Philip Robey’s Commentary on Catholic schools interesting ("What Catholic Schools Can Teach About Educating the Whole Child," Oct. 5, 2011). But several questions went begging.
Teaching Profession
Letter to the Editor
'Corridor Wit' Presents 'Childish' Viewpoint
To the Editor:
I was at first intrigued by the title of the Commentary "Corridor Wit—Talking Back to Our Teachers" (Sept. 28, 2011). After reading the essay, I realized, excluding very sporadic valid points, it was nothing more than a juvenile attempt to create snappy rebuttals.
I was at first intrigued by the title of the Commentary "Corridor Wit—Talking Back to Our Teachers" (Sept. 28, 2011). After reading the essay, I realized, excluding very sporadic valid points, it was nothing more than a juvenile attempt to create snappy rebuttals.
Law & Courts
Justice Thomas Holds Firm Views on Youths' Rights
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' opinions in youths'-rights cases reflect his 'originalist' thinking.
International
Opinion
Creating Education Success at Home
Although the United States spends more per student than any other country except Luxembourg, Marc Tucker explains why the U.S. K-12 education system doesn't add up.
International
International Education Entrepreneurs Look to U.S.-Style Models
Gaurav Singh, an Indian teacher planning to start up a network of free schools back home in Mumbai, is among a new group of education entrepreneurs looking to import teaching ideas from the United States.
Federal
Majority of States Say They'll Seek Waivers Under NCLB
Many states formally say they will apply for flexibility under the No Child Left Behind Act, but some remain on the fence.
School & District Management
Chicago Schools Slow to Embrace Longer School Days
Just 13 of Chicago's 482 elementary schools have signed on so far for Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to extend the school day by 90 minutes.
School & District Management
Opinion
Paying Forward the Legacy of Steve Jobs
Milton Chen considers Steve Jobs' vast contribution to the education landscape.