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 This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: state policy, state legislatures, state superintendents, and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.
Standards & Accountability
The Five Stages of Common Core on the Standards' 5th Anniversary
Five years after it was unveiled in Suwanee, Ga., the common core has created two parallel channels of reaction: one among its cheerleaders, and another among its critics.
States
In Nod to Florida, Texas Lawmakers Approve A-F Grades for Schools
On May 31, Lone Star State lawmakers approved House Bill 2804, which would extend the state's current method of giving districts letter grades to individual schools.
School Choice & Charters
Choice Program Open to All Public School Parents Approved by Nevada Lawmakers
If signed into law by Gov. Brian Sandoval, who is a school choice proponent, parents will be able to use the per-pupil funding earmarked for their child toward nonpublic school expenses.
Federal
Indiana Chief Glenda Ritz to Run for Governor in 2016, Reports Say
Ritz has repeatedly clashed with members of the state school board, Republicans lawmakers who control the state legislature, as well as Gov. Mike Pence.
Standards & Accountability
Gov. Christie Repudiates Common Core, Wants 'New Jersey-Based' Standards
"It's time to have standards that are even higher," Gov. Chris Christie, a former common-core supporter, said in a May 28 speech.
States
Hello Again, McFly! Whatever Happened to Demands for a 'New Test System'?
A 1990 study from the National Commission on Testing and Public Policy found the system of tests in American public schools had become a "hostile gatekeeper" for many students.
Federal
Former N.Y. Gov. Pataki Will Seek White House; Focused on Charters, Choice
During his three terms at Empire State governor, George Pataki pushed to raise charter school caps, change funding, and create a tax-credit scholarship program.
States
Louisiana Common-Core Compromise Progresses, But Uncertainty Tags Along
Louisiana's compromise concerning the Common Core State Standards is moving ahead in the state legislature, but it hasn't crossed the finish line or cleared other hurdles.
States
Chiefs for Change Group Expands and Shifts Membership
The three new members are Chris Barbic, the head of the Tennessee Achievement School District; Dale Erquiaga, the Nevada state chief; and Mike Miles, the superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District.
Federal
Former Tampa Schools Boss MaryEllen Elia Named N.Y. K-12 Chief
The former superintendent of Florida's Hillsborough County schools is poised to become New York state's next K-12 commissioner, according to reports.
Standards & Accountability
Focus Group Responds to Question About Jeb Bush: 'Common Core, What Is That?'
What did a focus group of Iowa Republicans say when asked about the common core and prospective candidate Jeb Bush's support for it?
States
Minnesota Heads to Special Session Over Education Aid, Joining Washington St.
The Minnesota legislature is heading to a special session over education funding, after Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed a spending bill that he said was inadequate.
States
Ohio House Passes Bill to Cut PARCC Test; Plus, Md. and Ill. Testing News
The number of states curtailing or considering a review of their involvement with the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers exam has grown in recent weeks.
Federal
Rand Paul: National Tests OK, But Wants Silicon Valley Over Uncle Sam
"I'm not arguing against any kind of national communication or even national testing. I took national tests when I was a kid," Sen. Rand Paul said in a recent interview.