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 This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: state policy, state legislatures, state superintendents, and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
S.C. State Chief Candidate Quits Race After Revelations of Felony Record, Fake Degree
The Democratic candidate, Israel Romero, withdrew from the race just a few weeks before South Carolina voters decide whether to make the elected position of state schools chief an appointed one.
Education
Lame-Duck Indiana Chief Complains About Two Accountability Systems, Governance
As the state rolls out a new school accountability system and a separate federal accountability system, disputes have flared between the state department and school board over which underperforming schools should get extra federal money.
Education
If Cuomo Wins Third Term as Governor, N.Y. Districts Could See More Fiscal Scrutiny
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who won his primary in a landslide, pledged to make sure districts are efficiently and effectively spending the money the state gives them.
Education
As Florida Submits Fourth ESSA Draft, Governor Urges Fair Treatment From Feds
The state has fought with the federal government and civil rights activists over how it holds schools accountable for some groups of students. Florida is the only state still without a federally approved plan.
Education
Controversial Arizona Chief Who Sparred With State Board Loses Primary
Republican Diane Douglas originally ran on a platform of getting rid of the state's common core standards, but ended up in a legally fraught relationship with the state's board of education.
Education
State Supreme Court Ruling Jolts Arizona Midterm Election
The ruling last week blocking a ballot measure that would have pumped $690 million more into schools has lit a match under an already combustible midterm election.
Education
Candidates for California's State Superintendent Face Off in Forum
Tony Thurmond and Marshall Tuck differed sharply on issues such as how to improve teacher quality and how to get more money for California's schools.
Education
Tuesday Primary Results Make It Clear K-12 Funding Will Be a Wedge Issue This Fall
Republican and Democratic candidates for governor in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and elsewhere are clashing over how (or whether) to shore up school districts' budgets.
Education
Teacher Who Said Student Beat Him Up for Being White Loses in Appeals Court
John Ekblad, a high school teacher in Minnesota, had sued his school district and later claimed that discipline guidance under President Barack Obama left teachers vulnerable to unsafe conditions.
School Choice & Charters
DFER Says Its Causes are 'Progressive,' Is Pouring $4 Million Into State Races
Democrats for Education Reform, which advocates for school choice and stringent school accountability policies, has had a difficult time pushing its agenda with traditional Democratic forces.
Education
New Jersey Revamps Funding Formula In Response to Demographic Shifts
The state's 33-year-old funding formula hasn't kept pace with dramatic population shifts, leaving some school districts with money to spare and others falling short.
Education
In District Consolidations, States Leave Poor Residents Adrift, Study Says
As wealthy, white communities split their schools off from their poor, black and Latino neighbors, few states have legal recourse to intervene, the advocacy group EdBuild says.
Education
Florida Risks Losing $1.1 Billion in Federal Funds Over ESSA Spat
Advocacy groups have gawked as Florida officials have remained mum over a months-long negotiation process that could result in Florida losing funds for failure to comply with key components of ESSA.
Budget & Finance
New Mexico School Finance Ruling Throws Wrench Into Gubernatorial Race
New Mexico is one of many states this year where candidates for state office are at odds over how the state should provide schools with more money.