July 7, 2017
Delaware News
Department of Education
Data looks at racial diversity in Delaware teacher and school leader workforce
The Delaware Department of Education released data recently examining the extent to which Delaware’s teacher and administrator workforce reflects the diversity of its student population. Delaware is expected to be one of the most diverse states in the nation by 2060. With around 9,000 teachers and over 500 school leaders, Delaware’s public education system serves over 130,000 students.
The News Journal
Delaware students win Future Health Professionals honors
More than 100 middle and high school students and advisers recently represented Delaware as part of HOSA-Future Health Professionals at the International Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida. With more than 10,000 in attendance, students competed in events such as public service announcement, emergency medical services, health career display, prepared speaking, dental science, biomedical laboratory sciences, and physical therapy.
Kirk MS teacher named Advisor of the Year
Kirk Middle School teacher Jennifer Rhudd was recently named Advisor of the Year by Business Professionals of America. Business Professionals of America is a national student organization for those interested in business management, office administration, information technology and other related career fields.
USA Today
18 states sue Education Secretary DeVos for rescinding student protection rules
A coalition of 18 states and the District of Columbia sued the Education Department and Secretary Betsy DeVos Thursday for rescinding Obama-era rules aimed at protecting students from predatory colleges. Other state attorneys general joining the lawsuit are from California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
National News
Education Week
Too few ELL students land in gifted classes
Linnea Van Eman, the gifted education coordinator for the Tulsa school district, sees too many gifted students who simply don’t have the language skills to show what they can do. The 36,000-student Oklahoma district has been pushing hard to bring more students from traditionally underrepresented groups—and English-language learners in particular—into its gifted program.
Lynden Tribune
State budget revamps basic education funding
A proposed Washington state budget was passed by the Legislature early Friday after months of back-and-forth negotiations between Democrats and Republicans on education funding. Within the budget, legislators hope to sufficiently address the 2012 state Supreme Court’s McCleary ruling that found Washington State wasn’t adequately funding education as mandated by the state constitution.
The 74 Million
Rice: Charter schools are advancing the cause of black education in America for the 21st century
Opinion by Ron Rice, senior director of government relations for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
African-American educators have been at the forefront of education battles through the centuries. Before Brown v. Board, black educators came together to operate schools that were responsive to our community. And after the landmark ruling, black educators worked tirelessly — literally giving their sweat, blood, and tears — to enforce the Supreme Court’s will.
The Hechinger Report
Reimagining failure: ‘Last-chance’ schools are the future of American high schools
At Boston Day and Evening Academy, there are no such things as freshmen, F’s or detention. Sixteen-year-olds share classrooms with 20-somethings, students earn diplomas at their own pace and if anyone has a problem with a peer, they’re encouraged to talk about it like adults. It is features like these that have helped former high school dropouts like Rocheli Burgos — and other students who have struggled in school — get a second chance at earning a diploma.
The New York Times
De Blasio’s concessions on charter schools are disclosed
When Mayor Bill de Blasio received from the State Legislature a two-year renewal of mayoral control of New York City’s schools, the longest extension of his tenure, the victory came with an unwritten concession. As part of the arrangement, the mayor agreed to an increase in the number of charter schools in the city and promised to make it easier for those already in existence to function, City Hall officials said on Thursday.