Daily News Roundup - December 4, 2009

National

Yesterday, Secretary Duncan announced the final requirements for $3.5 billion in Title I School Improvement grants to turn around the nation's lowest performing schools. The guidelines and applications are now available at http://www.ed.gov/programs/sif/applicant.html and are due into the Department of Education by Feb. 8, 2010.

For School Improvement funds, district must do one of four things: 1) Fire the principal and at least reduce the staff by half and reopen the school with new personnel, 2) Turn a school over to a charter school operator or other management organization, 3) Close the school and send students to higher-achieving schools in the district, or 4) Replace only the principal and take other steps to change how the school operates.

EdWeek’s K-12 blog provides a good analysis of the Department’s regulations, which were also covered by the Associated Press.

Yesterday, Education Trust and the National Association of Systems Head (NASH) released data from its Access to Success Initiative, a comprehensive analysis of how low-income and minority students fare in college. Access to Success found a wide gap in graduation rates at public four-year colleges nationwide and “alarming” disparities in success at community colleges. According to their analysis, only 7% of minority students who entered community college received bachelor’s degrees within 10 years. The Washington Post covered the announcement as well.

On Wednesday, The Center on Education Policy released a report looking at the early efforts of states to implement the elementary and secondary education provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Paul Peterson, EducationNext’s Editor-in-Chief, questions the impact of declining mainstream press coverage of education reform.

Thinking of something special to give the teacher in your family or classroom – check out these suggestions for winter-holiday presents from Edutopia.

From the States

California

Yesterday, CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a strong statement on Race to the Top and parental rights: “In order to ensure CA meets federal guidelines and is highly competitive for funding, this bill would need to include stronger parental rights, including the right for parents to be empowered to require school boards to reform underperforming schools and the right to enroll their child in the school of their choice.”

KPBS reports on a number of parent groups in San Diego uniting in their push for CA to make a real bid for Race to the Top funds.

The LA Times blog reports that LA school officials and the teachers union have reached a tentative agreement to help groups of teachers bid for control of 30 campuses (to be called “pilot schools”) under the new LAUSD school reform plan.

Illinois

Catalyst Chicago report on Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn assembling a task force, led by Chicago City Clerk and longtime education advocate, Miguel del Valle, to lead IL’s efforts to receive Race to the Top funds.

Nevada

The Las Vegas Review Journal report on community and union leaders, politicians, and community members urging NV Gov. Jim Gibbons to hold a special session to change a law on teacher evaluation to make NV eligible for Race to the Top Funds.

Ohio

Adding to the mad dash to the finish line, the Associated Press reports on the OH legislature scrambling to incorporate more changes to its education system to qualify for Race to the Top.

Virginia

The Washington Post reports on a new merit pay program proposed by Prince Williams County school officials that would rewards monetary bonuses to teachers and administrators in high-performing schools that serve poor or challenging students.

Washington DC

The Washington Post reports on the frustration currently experienced by many DC charter schools vying, unsuccessfully, for space in DC public school buildings.

Wisconsin

The Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel profiles a true turn-around school in Lynn, MA using community school tactics.

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

The Week Ahead: Friday, Dec. 4 - Saturday, Dec. 5

Information/Schedule Subject to Change

(All times local)

Friday, Dec. 4

12:50 p.m.

The Secretary will join Sen. Chris Dodd as part of the Listening and Learning tour at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich and a Hartford high school. 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, Conn.

Saturday, Dec. 5

No public events scheduled.

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Categories: News Roundup