Daily News Roundup—March 12, 2010

EEP News

EEP is helping to get the word out about a faith-based education event in New York City, sponsored by First Corinthian’s Baptist Church – “Write the Vision: Make It Clear” (March 27th, Teachers College, Columbia University). The event will feature a number of prominent leaders and EEP signatories including -- Peter Groff, President Obama’s appointed Director of the Center for Faith and Neighborhood Partnership for the US Department of Education, Harold Ford, and Tom Vander Ark.

Visit http://www.tc.edu/calendar/rsvp/writethevision.htm to register for this event. Please note space is limited, and lunch will be provided to those who RSVP.

National

The Associated Press reports that President Barack Obama plans to donate the $1.4 million from his Nobel Peace Prize to helping students, veterans' families and survivors of Haiti's earthquake, among others, drawing attention to organizations that "do extraordinary work." In addition, Obama plans to give $125,000 apiece to groups that help students go to college, which includes our partners in reform: College Summit and UNCF (United Negro College Fund).

David Brooks, op-ed columnist for the NY Times, attempts to understand who President Barack Obama truly is, calling him “the most determined education reformer in the modern presidency.”

In response to the recent New York Times Magazine cover story, “Building a Better Teacher,” Newsweek's Evan Thomas and The New York Times' Elizabeth Green discuss whether educators are born or made.

Secretary Duncan will address some 2,000 elected officials from small to mid-size cities attending the National League of Cities’ annual Congressional City Conference at 4pm EST, Monday, March 15, in Washington, D.C.

Check out this new EdWeek Sweet Sixteen Race to the Top finalist state map.

Andy Rotherham, the man behind EduWonk, references the recent open letter EEP and 17 other education, civil rights, and policy groups sent to the President, Secretary, and Congress with a set of recommendations for the reauthorization of ESEA. (If you missed it, read the full text here – http://www.edequality.com/press/archive/open_letter_to_the_president/)

From The States

Colorado

The Denver Post reports on the first meeting of the CO Governor’s Council on Educator Effectiveness, which will focus on education reform across the state.

Sheila Bugdanowitz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rose Community Foundation, and Stephen H. Shogan, M.D., board chair of Colorado Legacy Foundation, write about CO’s selection as a Race to the Top finalist, reminding their readers that it’s not only about the race: “Even if we do not receive a first-round award, for the first time Colorado has a comprehensive plan to improve our system of public education.” (The Denver Post)

Illinois

The NY Times reports on several IL school districts bracing for the worst in terms of waning state budgets and severe cuts in education funding.

Iowa

Quad-City Times reports that Secretary Arne Duncan is scheduled to participate in a round-table conversation at Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School this Sunday as a guest of Sen. Tom Harkin.

Kansas

Following up on the Kansas City school closure announcement yesterday, the NY Times reports on a “chaotic, almost nonfunctioning” school board that has put off making tough choices and even routine improvements for generations.

Michigan

Earlier today, a group of non-profits and community leaders proposed a top-to-bottom overhaul of the chronically underachieving Detroit Public Schools as part of a 20-year, $200 million plan.

The Detroit Free Press highlights the Detroit Edison Public School Academy, seen as a premier example of the kind of schools philanthropic leaders envision for the city.

North Carolina

NPR reports on a high school in Wayne County, N.C. that has a student population that is poor and 99% black.

Rhode Island

The Boston Globe reports on Central Falls Superintendent Frances Gallo appointing a mediator who will lead negotiations between teachers and Central Falls High School.

Virginia

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports on how the unlikely alliance between the Virginia Education Association (VEA) and the McDonnell administration around education reform has alienated some of VEA’s most loyal supporters.

Washington State

The Seattle Times reports on WA State lawmakers passing a bundle of major education reforms, including a plan that should help the state compete for the RTTT funds.

West Virginia

The Charleston Gazette reports on the state of West Virginia receiving $21.9 million from the federal government (via the School Improvement Grant program) to turn around its lowest-achieving schools.

Public Schedule of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

The Week Ahead: Friday, March 11 - Sunday, March 14

Information/Schedule Subject to Change

Friday, March 12

No public events scheduled.

Saturday, March 13

No public events scheduled.

Sunday, March 14

No public events scheduled.

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Categories: Daily News RoundUp