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 This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: state policy, state legislatures, state superintendents, and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
Brian Whiston, Michigan State Schools Chief, Dies at 56
Brian Whiston, who was hired in 2015, set ambitious goals for the state and helped create its accountability plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Education
Advocacy Groups Keep Tabs on School Choice, Data Legislation
As state legislatures continue to wrap up business for the year, the Data Quality Campaign and EdChoice take a look at how data and school choice issues were faring among lawmakers.
Education
With $80 Million Fix, Kansas School Funding Heads Back to Court
Kansas will offer up $534 million more this fall to its public schools, an amount it will tell the state's supreme court in the coming weeks is enough to provide students with an "adequate" education.
Education
Memphis' Turnaround Chief Tapped to Lead Statewide Improvement Effort
Sharon Griffin will oversee Tennessee's state turnaround effort under its Achievement School District, which has been plagued by charter school pullouts, layoffs and leadership changes.
Education
Alabama Board Taps Superintendents' Group Leader As Next State Chief
The state's last superintendent resigned under pressure after he attempted to take over Montgomery's school system and figure out a way to grade the state's schools.
Education
Amid Walkouts, Charter Fight, Kentucky Commissioner Forced to Resign
The state's education department is in the process of upending its school governance model, implementing a new accountability system, and considering how to expand charter schools.
Education
Arizona Governor Reverses Course, Says 20 Percent Teacher Pay Raise Possible
Teachers, who have threatened to strike, remain skeptical about the promised raise since Gov. Doug Ducey hasn't described in detail how he'll pay for it and lawmakers still must sign off.
Education
Kentucky Governor Vetoes Education Budget, Signs Pension Changes
Teachers plan to converge on the state's Capitol this Friday to urge the state's legislature to override the governor's veto, a move that will likely shutter a large portion of the state's schools.
States
Kansas Legislature Approves $534 Million Tax Increase
The state's supreme court said last year the state's legislature must come up with more money for its school system by the end of this month. Many predict $534 million won't be enough.
States
Vermont State Chief Resigns Amid Ambitious District Consolidation Effort
State Education Secretary Rebecca Holcombe has been officiating over the state's politically thorny district consolidation process, and many are asking for it to be placed on hold until the state board replaces her.
Education
New York Leap-Frogs ESSA With Its Own Financial Transparency Rule
New York will require some districts next year to have their school-by-school spending amounts approved by the state, an effort to assure that state funds are being distributed as intended.
Education
Teachers' Request for 20 Percent Raise Not Gonna Happen, Ariz. Gov. Ducey Says
The state's teachers demanded during an electrifying rally Wednesday that they will strike if the state's political leaders don't provide them with a 20 percent raise this fall.
Education
At Electrifying Rally, Arizona Teachers Demand Better Pay, Threaten Strike
Thousands who gathered at the state capitol said they want a 20 percent pay increase and a $1 billion investment in public education or else they'll go on strike.
States
Michigan State Superintendent Takes Sick Leave After Cancer Diagnosis
Brian Whiston since 2015 has led the state's education department while it put together its plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act and took control of the state's school takeover district.