Daily News Roundup—July 2, 2010

EEP NEWS

EEP Co-Chair and NYC Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, responds to an appeals court judge’s order to keep 19 failing schools open in the city with an op-ed in the Daily News "We all wish all our schools would succeed but, unfortunately, that isn't always the case. So, as a last resort - but an essential last resort - we have closed failing schools and will continue to do so."

National

The Obama administration issued a statement opposing the Obey amendment, threatening to veto any legislation that includes cuts to education reform.  

Despite the best efforts of education reform groups and the threat of a Presidential veto, EdWeek reports that the House of Representatives passed the Edujobs bill with the Obey-led Race to the Top Cut.  The bill now moves to the Senate, so there is still hope that they will be able to find other ways to pay for the jobs package.  Additional coverage from Businessweek , Politico, and the New York Times here.

Jonathan Alter writes in Newsweek on the politics that underlie Obey bill, and how it is “asphyxiating the careers of the terrific young teachers who the country needs most.”

EduWonk provides a summary of the Obey amendment and analysis of its larger meaning for education reform.

The National Journal also provides an analysis of the Obey Bill and the many oppositional voices (EEP's loudly included here!), stating that "the education jobs bill to avert hundreds of thousands teacher layoffs has descended into an ugly battle pitting lawmakers, the Education Department, unions, and education reform groups against one another."

Eric Hanushek of the Hoover Institute (and an EEP signatory) has a succinct piece in Education Next that gets to the heart of the education reform debate:  When push comes to shove, it is appears that it is not about the kids–it is about the adults.

The American Public Media features an interview with Chris Farrell, economic correspondent, who explains why we should focus on resolving the education crisis in the United States.

EdWeek reports that both Rhode Island and Mississippi have adopted the Common Core standards, increasing the number of states that have adopted the Common Core standards to a total of 20 states.

Education News reports that demand is far outpacing resources for the $650 million federal Investing in Innovation (i3) Fund. The $12.8 billion worth of grant proposals can be found on this extremely user-friendly site created by the Department of Education.

EdWeek reports that re-upping the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) may be a long shot this year, but that hasn't stopped the drumbeat from rural schools to overhaul the way federal Title I funds for disadvantaged students are allocated.

From the States

California

The Los Angeles Times reports that the District is inviting bidders to run poorly performing schools and new campuses encompassing 35,000 students. More than 80 groups submitted letters of intent for new or low-achieving schools for fall 2011.

Illinois

The New York Times reports in Chicago’s public schools, where 258 students were shot last school year, there is a program which places advocates with youths at risk of falling victim to violence.

Louisiana

Edweek reports that the Louisiana teachers union challenged a new law pushed by Gov. Bobby Jindal that will let public schools waive certain state education regulations. Jindal says the waivers can help troubled schools improve by giving them the same flexibility allowed in charter schools.

New York

The New York Times reports that a state appellate court ruled unanimously on Thursday that New York City must keep open 19 schools it wanted to close for poor performance, blocking one of the Bloomberg administration’s signature efforts to improve the educational system.

The Wall Street Journal tells the tale of two Brooklyn schools who share the same building, but have vastly different academic results.

Washington, D.C.

The Washington Post reports that in an effort to cut the annual $280 million cost of sending special education students to private schools, the Mayor's office said Thursday that it will study several options to return as many as possible to the city's public schools.

PUBLIC SCHEDULE OF U.S. EDUCATION SECRETARY ARNE DUNCAN

THE WEEK AHEAD: Monday, July 5 - Saturday, July 11

Monday, July 5

No public events scheduled.

Tuesday, July 6

No public events scheduled.

Wednesday, July 7

Noon-12:30 p.m.

The Secretary will participate in the Department’s “Let’s Read! Let’s Move” summer reading initiative. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood is scheduled to attend.

U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W. (on the plaza), Washington, D.C.

Thursday, July 8

No public events scheduled.

Friday, July 9

2:10 to 3:20 p.m. PDT

The Secretary will travel to Seattle, Wash., to meet with community partners, education stakeholders, as well as students at Aviation High School, for a discussion on innovation in education. Sen. Patty Murray will join him.

Aviation High School, 615 South 200th St., Des Moines, Wash.

Saturday, July 10

No public events scheduled.

Sunday, July 11

No public events scheduled.

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Categories: Daily News RoundUp