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 This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: state policy, state legislatures, state superintendents, and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.
States
Judge Tosses Out Anti-Common-Core Lawsuit from Gov. Jindal, Legislators
On March 30, District Court Judge Tim Kelley dismissed a lawsuit that alleged the state school board violated Louisiana law in adopting the common core.
States
N.Y. Budget Deal Boosts K-12 Aid, Alters Tenure; Evaluation Changes Loom
Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared victory in linking controversial K-12 policy changes to the New York state budget. What are the general details of the agreement?
States
Smarter Balanced Delays Spur Headaches in Wisconsin, Montana, and Elsewhere
In addition to a delay, Wisconsin had to eliminate certain questions from its Smarter Balanced exam, after opting not to use the adaptive testing feature of the test.
Law & Courts
Tenn. Accused of Inadequate School Funding in Districts' Lawsuit
The districts allege that the state underestimated the cost of teachers' salaries by about $532 million and that the districts face yearly shortfalls in the classroom amounting to about $134 million
States
Following Swift Change to State Law, Ark. Picks Former Senator as New Chief
Johnny Key, who did not meet earlier prerequisites for the commissioner's job, served in the state legislature from 2003 to 2013 and at one time led the state Senate education committee
States
A-F School Accountability Over in Virginia After Gov. Terry McAuliffe Signs Bill
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican, signed A-F into law two years ago, but the bill ending it came from a fellow Republican in the state Senate.
Standards & Accountability
Arne Duncan Urges Leadership From State Chiefs on Common Core, Equity, Testing
The U.S. Secretary of Education told members of the Council of Chief State School Officers that states could take the lead on issues like overtesting and early education.
Standards & Accountability
Common Core and White Privilege: The Claim With a Long Internet Life
Close to a year ago, one of the common core's authors made a remark about his race when talking about the standards. How have his remarks been discussed and publicized?
School Choice & Charters
Open Enrollment, Easier Path for National Charter Operators Considered in Fla. Bill
A wide-reaching bill from a Florida senator who previously backed a parent-trigger law would affect open-enrollment and charter school policies.
States
Mich. Picks Local Superintendent With Lobbying Background as Next State Chief
Brian Whiston, the head of Dearborn public schools, will replace Mike Flanagan, the longest-serving state superintendent in the nation.
States
Bill Allowing Charter Schools Passes in Alabama, Awaits Gov. Bentley's Signature
If Gov. Robert Bentley signs the legislation allowing charter schools, the number of states not allowing charters will drop to seven.
States
La. Gov. Bobby Jindal's Latest Common-Core Repeal Plan Mirrors Okla. Template
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal announced legislation to upend the Common Core State Standards and aligned tests in that state, and give lawmakers ultimate power over replacement standards.
States
Texas Senate Votes to Exempt Some Students From Testing Requirements
If Texas Gov. Greg Abbott were to sign the bill, it would be the second time in two legislative sessions that Texas lawmakers have reduced the mandatory testing burden on students.
States
Kansas Lawmakers OK Shift to Block-Grant Funding, But Court Fight Looms
The Kansas Legislature has approved a plan to switch K-12 spending from a formula to block grants, but the state's legal system might not approve of the change.