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 This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: state policy, state legislatures, state superintendents, and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
Two Schools of Thought on a State Commissioner's Authority
New Jersey's education community is split on the question of Commissioner of Education Christopher Cerf ability to implement major policy changes through regulatory authority.
Standards & Accountability
Preview of Common Core Assessments Now Available
Two state consortia working on tests based on the Common Core State Standards have released sample items intended to test whether students can show a deep understanding of material.
States
13 States Adopt 3rd Grade Reading Policies, But Details Vary
In 2013, 13 states passed laws related to 3rd-grade reading proficiency, but there remains a diverse set of interventions and consequences for students struggling with literacy.
States
Kentucky Follows Colorado's Lead in Creating Nonprofit Partner
The Kentucky Board of Education approved the creation of a nonprofit organization to fund education innovation in the state on Aug. 9.
States
Missouri OKs 'Right to Pray' Initiative, and Other State Ballot News
Missouri voters approved a "right to pray" ballot initiative in schools on Aug. 7, while there is also ballot news in Nevada and South Dakota.
States
Rudy Crew Dissatisfied With Districts' Goals in Oregon
Oregon Chief Education Officer Rudy Crew said he is dissatisfied with the goals set in school districts' "achievement compacts" with the state.
States
Wyoming Ditches State Test, Despite Feds' Preference
Wyoming lawmakers took another step in discontinuing an exam for high school juniors in favor of the ACT, despite a request from Washington that the state keep it in place.
States
Advocates Allege Harsher Discipline for Black Students in Five Fla. Districts
The complaints claim that black students—who do not constitute a majority in any of the five counties—represent a disproportionate number of students who are suspended, expelled, placed in alternative settings, and arrested at school.
Budget & Finance
State Budgets Appear Stable, but Concerns About 'Uncertainty' Remain
State budgets heading into fiscal 2013 appear stable for the most part but are still vulnerable, according to a new report from the National Conference of State Legislatures.
States
Ohio Superintendent Resigns Following Ethics Report
Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction Stan Heffner announced Aug. 4 that he would step down from his position following a report from the state inspector general's office revealing misconduct by Heffner related to outside employment and the use of department resources.
States
New Jersey 'Takeover' Plan: Devious or Clear-Cut?
A school advocacy group in New Jersey says the state has a below-the-radar plan to take over schools and eliminate union contracts, but officials deny the charges of secrecy.
States
Investigation Reveals Ethics Problems for Ohio Superintendent
An investigation by the Ohio inspector general's office has revealed misconduct by Superintendent of Public Instruction Stan W. Heffner related to a conflict of interest.
Budget & Finance
Public Skeptical of LIFO and Online Learning, Fordham Survey Finds
A report published by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute based on a survey found that the public opposes laying off teachers based on seniority, but is skeptical of online learning.
Student Achievement
Florida Education Commissioner Robinson Resigns
Florida Commissioner of Education Gerard Robinson informed Gov. Rick Scott (R) that he would resign from his position on Aug. 31, after serving as the state's schools chief for roughly a year.