NCLB: Act II
NCLB: Act II covered federal developments affecting education. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: federal.
Education
Back from Vacation With Bits of News to Report
Contrary to my assertion that there was "nothing happening," I came back from vacation to find newsy tidbits in my inbox and on my RSS feed. None of them were better than a day at the beach, but they're worth listing here.
Education
With Nothing Happening, Blogger Goes to the Beach
The New York Times editorial board lauds the stand that civil rights groups have taken against a bill to halt NCLB's accountability. (Perhaps they saw this.)
Education
Review Questions Fordham Conclusions on High Achievers
Which students are improving fastest in the NCLB era: those at the top or the bottom of the achievement ladder?
Education
Castle Bill Seeks Consensus for NCLB's Future
With NCLB on the back burner until next year, Rep. Michael N. Castle, R-Del., has introduced a bill that could be the starting point for discussion in 2009.
Education
Time Reports Congress Could Make Quick Work of NCLB in '09
Time is reporting that NCLB is on track for a quick reauthorization in the next Congress. The Democratic Congress has done the background work for NCLB and children's health insurance. If the Dems add to their majority, as expected, they should be able to move both issues through the legislative process, the article says.
Education
NEA and Civil Rights Community Diverge on Accountability
NEA President Reg Weaver defends the Graves-Walz bill to freeze accountability in yesterday's Wall Street Journal. In a letter to the editor, Weaver writes the bill is a "common-sense, moderate approach to NCLB's current system of snapshot, multiple-choice tests." He adds that NEA is working with education, civil rights, and other organizations to change NCLB. He's referring to the Forum on Educational Accountability.
Education
Simmons Is Always on the Move; FIT Kids May Be Too
I know you all want to know about Richard Simmons on the Hill today.
Education
Richard Simmons Promises to Have Fun on the Hill
Richard Simmons is coming to Washington tomorrow. And the media frenzy has already started. He appeared on local news this morning, joking around but sounding serious when he talked about his mission to save PE. USA Today reports that the "fitness fireball" promises to be a combination of "Norma Rae and Johnny Appleseed" when he touts the FIT Kids Act to the House Education and Labor Committee tomorrow.
Education
Click Over to Campaign K-12 for Today's NCLB News
As the political season heats up, Campaign K-12 is becoming increasingly indispensable.
Education
Extra Time: Is It the Solution for Raising Achievement?
With the goal of dramatically improving student achievement, many people are asking: What can schools do?
Education
Essay Question: Will Next ESEA Be Harder or Easier on Schools?
I spoke (via Skype) to a class for future teachers at the University of Tennessee. My main point was that the federal government has gradually increased the amount of testing and prescription over the past 20 years.
Education
City Chiefs Lobby for Hot-Button Issues
Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., invited two mayors and the leaders of four urban districts to testify about the success their cities have had in improving student achievement.(Here's a link to the committee's page about the hearing.)
Education
Four Words the McCain Campaign Won't Say
In yesterday's big education speech, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., neglected to say the four words that have defined federal K-12 policy for the past six years. Asked why, his advisers didn't utter them either. (Hint: the first starts with an 'N,' the second starts with a 'C,' ... I think you know where this is going.)