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 This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: state policy, state legislatures, state superintendents, and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 Funding
New California Lawsuit Alleges State Has Manipulated Education Funding
The suit, filed Sept. 22, alleges that California has failed to properly calculate the minimum amount of state funding for education under the state constitution.
States
Kentucky Picks Achieve's Stephen Pruitt to Take Over as State Chief
At Achieve, Pruitt oversaw the development of the Next Generation Science Standards, which have been adopted by 15 states and the District of Columbia.
Standards & Accountability
Texas Adopted Tougher Math Standards, Then Test Scores Went Up. What Happened?
Anticipate lower proficiency rates on standardized tests. That's what happens, people say, when you adopt tough new standards and tests. Well it's not what happened in Texas.
Education Funding
Colo. Supreme Court Upholds Lawmakers' Cuts to School Funding
The Dwyer v. Colorado ruling is the state Supreme Court's second major decision regarding K-12 finance in the past two years.
Federal
With Poll Numbers Close to Zero, Gov. Walker Steps Away from 2016 Race
The governor becomes the second Republican to effectively exit the contest after former Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
States
Dispute Over Validity of Common-Core Exam Ignites New Florida Testing Fight
There's a new political dispute over assessments in Florida. This one involves a study about the common-core test given to students earlier this year.
Standards & Accountability
Preliminary Illinois PARCC Scores: Fewer than 4 in 10 Students Reach Proficiency
Proficiency rates hovered at about one-third for English/language arts, and were a bit lower in math, ranging from 17 percent proficiency on the high school math exam to 36 percent in 3rd grade math.
Federal
Federal Judge Rejects La. Gov. Bobby Jindal's Bid to Block Common Core
In a 33-page ruling, Judge Shelly Dick comprehensively rejected the Republican governor's arguments and denied his quest for a preliminary injunction.
Standards & Accountability
One Set of PARCC Test Results, Two Different Descriptions in Ohio
The preliminary results from the Buckeye State also reveal how Ohio and PARCC will describe the results differently.
Education Funding
No Special Session to Save Washington State Charters, Gov. Inslee Says
Gov. Jay Inslee says he will focus on improving traditional public schools instead of charters, which were struck down by a Sept. 4 state supreme court ruling.
States
A 'Tremendous Teacher Shortage' in Okla. Confronts First-Year Chief
To help battle Oklahoma's teacher shortage, state chief Joy Hofmeister is calling for a $5,000 increase in base pay for teacher salaries over the next five years.
Standards & Accountability
Less Than Half of Students Achieve Proficiency on Calif. Common-Core Exams
California students performed better on the English/language arts section of the Smarter Balanced exam than in math, according to scores released by the department Sept. 9.
States
Indiana Poised to Cut Length of State Test by Three Hours After Uproar
Last February, the Indiana education department sent shock waves throughout the state when it announced that its exam for grades 3-8 would take 12 hours for students to complete.
Student Achievement
Testing Opt-Outs Cost Disqualify New York Schools From Blue Ribbon
State officials inform 11 schools that they don't qualify for the national Blue Ribbon program because their test-participation rates fell short of the required 95 percent.