This blog covered state education policy, tracking governors, legislatures, state schools chiefs, and political developments. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: state policy, state legislatures, state superintendents, and governors.
Education
Some State Leaders Urge Betsy DeVos to Reject Their Own States' ESSA Plans
Having failed to shape their states' Every Student Succeeds Act plans to their liking, elected officials in a a few places want the U.S. secretary of education to send the plans back or turn them down.
Education
Irritated Kansas Legislators Head Back to Drawing Board on School Funding
Monday's decision extends for another year a decades-long battle over school funding in the ultra-conservative state and further sours a relationship between the lawmakers and the judicial branch.
Education
Kansas Supreme Court Strikes Down State's Latest K-12 Funding Formula
The state's highest court said a proposed new funding formula failed to meet the Kansas constitution's mandate that public schools provide an adequate and equitable education.
Every Student Succeeds Act
Why Did So Many States Choose to Use These Two ESSA Indicators?
Roughly two thirds of states included either chronic absenteeism or college and career readiness in their ESSA plans, pointing to the limits in states' ability to collect and report accurate and reliable data.
Education
Florida Folds Waiver Requests Into ESSA Plan, Infuriating Civil Rights Activists
The plan, which violates ESSA in several areas, has infuriated the state's civil rights community which said in a widely-circulated petition that the plan will harm the state's large ELL population.
Education
Not Everyone Likes Their State's ESSA Plan. Here's Why That Matters.
The Every Student Succeeds Act has led to state-level shakeups and power shifts among policymakers and discord among advocates. This will matter when it comes to implementation.
Education
Alabama State Chief Quits Just Days Before ESSA Plan Due
Michael Sentance abruptly resigns less than a year after being hired to oversee Alabama's schools and as board members were preparing to decide his fate after a brutal evaluation.
Education
New York Plans to Seek ESSA Waivers on Testing
New York, which has had a politically contentious history assessing its students, will seek three waivers from how the Every Student Succeeds Act requires states to test students.
Education
Facing Federal Deadline, More ESSA Plans Head to Governors' Desks
Governors have 30 days to review state accountability plans under the federal K-12 law and some governors have already taken issue with portions of their states' plans.
Education
In 'Historic' Compromise, Illinois Lawmakers Pass School Funding Formula
The compromise approved by the state Senate and expected to be signed by the governor provides for $350 million more in state school funding, along with tax credit scholarships.
States
Divided Board Hands Glowing Review to Controversial State Chief
Louisiana's Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is split between members appointed by former Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal and current Democratic Gov. John Bel White.
Education
Texas School Finance Reform Effort Fails in Special Session
The state's legislature has been trying to overhaul its funding formula after the supreme court said it's not the court's role to determine how the legislature should spend the state's money.
States
Illinois Senate Overrides Governor's Veto of School Funding Formula
The state's House of Representatives now needs to also override the veto in order for the funding formula to go into effect and for the state's schools to receive millions of held up funds.
Education
Embattled Alabama State Chief Defends Record, Asks For Time to Fix Schools
State superintendent Michael Sentance, who is under attack by district superintendents and some board members for his leadership style and policy direction, said he needs time to show impact.