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 This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: state policy, state legislatures, state superintendents, and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
Civil Rights Groups Mobilize to Block Florida's ESSA Waiver Request
Advocates fear that, if Florida's waiver request is approved, other states will attempt to break free from the law's intended efforts to close the nation's stagnant achievement gap.
Education
Felony Charges Dropped Against Oklahoma State Superintendent
Oklahoma education chief Joy Hoffmeister was charged last year with illegally funneling campaign funds to pay for attack ads against her opponent, then-incumbent superintendent Janet Barresi.
Education
Just Weeks Before School Starts, Illinois Gov. Vetoes Funding Formula
While there's consensus that the school funding formula needs reform, Gov. Bruce Rauner has balked at a provision providing more state money to pay off Chicago's ballooning teachers' pension fund.
Every Student Succeeds Act
In Response to Federal Feedback, N.J. Seeks Testing Waiver From ESSA
The state wants to test its middle school students in the mathematics courses in which they're enrolled, rather than with the state tests created for that each student's particular grade.
Every Student Succeeds Act
Without Legislative Action, Michigan Scraps A-F Grading System
Michigan's legislature failed this year to create a statewide A-F accountability system, allowing for the state department to create its own dashboard.
Education
Alabama Issues Draft ESSA Plan Amid Tensions Between State Chief, Board
Michael Sentance, who would oversee ESSA implementation as state superintendent, is less than a year into the job and under fire by the state board for his communication and leadership style.
Education
Wisconsin Education Chief Tony Evers Files to Run for Governor
Tony Evers, Wisconsin's outspoken and longstanding education chief, filed paperwork last week to run for governor, a sign that education policy could play a key role in the 2018 gubernatorial race.
States
Which States Face Enrollment Boom or Bust?
Public schools in the District of Columbia and North Dakota poised to get more students, while student populations in New Hampshire and Connecticut are predicted to shrink over the next decade.
Education
K-12 Issues to Watch in Texas Lawmakers' Special Session
The state's school funding formula, teacher pay, school choice and the rights of transgender students all are on the agenda as the Texas legislature meets for 30-day special session.
Education
Louisiana Governor Says State Superintendent in Job Illegally
Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a radio interview that his office is trying to figure out whether state Superintendent John White must be reappointed by the state senate.
Education
Kansas High Court Judges Skeptical of New Funding Formula
Kansas' supreme court judges will decide in the coming weeks whether the state legislature's new funding formula provides enough money to help more of its public students meet basic academic standards.
Every Student Succeeds Act
ESSA's 'Ineffective Teacher' Requirement Gives Calif. Board Member 'Heartburn'
California's education department wants to define "ineffective teachers" under the Every Student Succeeds Act as those who are improperly assigned or don't have full credentials.
Education
Washington State's New Funding Formula Props Up State Powers
While districts have more flexibility to set teacher pay, Washington's education department will more heavily scrutinize district spending to assure that it aligns with the state legislature's priorities.
Law & Courts
What Kansas' New School Funding Formula Means for School Accountability
If the new funding formula passes muster with the state's supreme court, Kansas schools will soon get $285 million more in state aid, but with new strings attached.