Daily News Roundup—July 9, 2010

EEP News

At the National Journal, EEP reiterates our strong opposition to Chairman Obey’s proposal to cut $800M in key education reform funds to support the EduJobs bill; see our joint statement with DFER, Ed Trust, and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

Two EEP signatories – Baltimore schools CEO Andres Alonso and National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) President, Kate Walsh – appeared at an event sponsored by the Maryland ACLU to discuss NCTQ’s recent report – Building Teacher Quality in Baltimore City Public Schools (Baltimore Sun).

National

The Center for American Progress (Robin Chait and Cindy Brown) has penned a powerful and in-depth letter, strongly urging Congress not to make cuts to the Administration’s innovative programs – Race to the Top, the Teacher Incentive Fund and the Charter Schools Program – to fund the EduJobs bill. “Recent momentum for education reform has been unprecedented. It would be unwise and shortsighted to stall that momentum now.”

Rich Young pens an open letter in to Congressional leaders on education reform in EdWeek today, outlining his comments and recommendations on a draft of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, currently known as No Child Left Behind.

The Wall Street Journal highlights a report recently submitted to Congress by the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance showing that fewer low- and moderate-income high school graduates are attending college in America, and still fewer are graduating.

A somber report commissioned by the Kellogg Foundation finds that minority children and teenagers have fewer opportunities than their white counterparts to be healthy, obtain a quality education, and achieve economic success, based on a national survey given to adults who work with young people.

The Class Struggle blog of Washington Post highlights a report that offers an alternative to rating schools by tests that is being used in Consortium Schools (28 public high schools in New York State tied to the same standards of curricula and teaching strategy).

The District Dossier (EdWeek) provides a reading list of recent articles on school turnarounds (many of which have been featured in the Roundup).

EdWeek reports that 23 states have adopted Common Core Standards for English and Math, and few are finding significant opposition in the process.

American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten spoke with EdWeek about the evolution of teacher evaluation and the 50 locals who are piloting the union-developed evaluation framework.

And don’t forget to read the latest and greatest posts over at the National Journal’s Education Experts Blog.  This week’s debate is on the current hot issue – Chairman Obey’s proposed $800M in cuts to key reform programs to fund the EduJobs bill. ConnCAN CEO, Alex Johnson (EEP signatory) just weighed in with a thoughtful response.

From the States

Connecticut

The Connecticut Mirror reports that the State Board of Education voted unanimously on Wednesday to adopt the Common Core State Standards, making Connecticut the latest of 23 states to join a national movement toward a more uniform set of academic goals.

Georgia

Macon.com highlights two schools in the state that received Blended Learning Grants to integrate technology into their classrooms, while stressing the need for highly effective teachers who are constantly trained to use these tools in the digital age.

New York

The Daily News reports that Gov. David Paterson vetoed an education bill that also capped how much school districts have to pay charters per student. His veto will mean $42M in additional funding for the state’s charter schools.

Washington, D.C.

The Washington Post reports that Maya Angelou Academy, a school serving sentenced juveniles that was turned over to a private foundation three years ago, has become a model educational program for a juvenile correctional facility.

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

The Week Ahead: Monday, July 12-Sunday, July 18

Monday, July 12

No public events scheduled.

Tuesday, July 13

Noon

The Secretary will read to local school children at the Department’s Let’s Read. Let’s Move. summer reading program. Washington Redskin and education activist Chris Draft will also participate. U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, July 14

11 a.m.

The Secretary will address the NAACP annual convention, Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, Mo.

Thursday, July 15

4:50 p.m.

The Secretary will address the College Board’s AP Annual Conference, Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road, N.W., Washington, D.C.

Friday, July 16

9:15 a.m.

The Secretary will address the CCSSO and SHEEO (Council of Chief State School Officers and State Higher Education Executive Officers) joint annual meeting, Graves Hotel, 601 1st Ave. North, Minneapolis, Minn.

Saturday, July 17

No public events scheduled.

Sunday, July 18

No public events scheduled.

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