October 28, 2013
Local News
State of Delaware
Governor’s weekly message transcript: Supporting talented teachers to ensure student success
Every Delaware child deserves the best possible education and that’s why we’re increasing access to quality early education for children in every community, raising academic standards to match college and career ready benchmarks, and investing in beneficial after-school programs. But investments like these can only help young people succeed if they have outstanding teachers in their classrooms.
WDDE
Teacher recruitment site starts to open door to more successful hiring in Delaware
Delaware’s Department of Education’s online teacher recruitment website up and running, but its still working to get everyone on board.
The News Journal
William Penn students cooking up careers in hands-on bistro
Perhaps the best-kept restaurant secret in the New Castle area is a bistro housed smack in the middle of William Penn High School. Taken alone, the William Penn Bistro’s taste and prices provide ample fodder for a restaurant review. But the real story here is who’s behind the counter – the restaurant and its attached catering operation are driven entirely by the school’s students.
Smyrna-Clayton Sun Times
Smyrna School Board waives class size requirement
The Smyrna Board of Education approved a class size waiver at the Oct. 16 monthly meeting. Assistant Superintendent Patrik Williams told the board that under a state law limitation, the district has to cap classrooms in grades kindergarten through third grade at 22 students per class. “For the third consecutive year we’re asking you to waive the cap, which would grant us additional flexibility,” Williams said.
National News
Education Week
K12 Inc. learning hard management, financial lessons
K12 Inc. is on a remedial course of action after learning hard lessons about managing student enrollment and addressing public criticism about the academic performance of its students.
Common Core needs tailoring for gifted learners, advocates say
While many educators feel that the common-core standards fall more in line with the pedagogy of gifted education than previous states’ standards, the standards in and of themselves will not be sufficient to challenge a school’s most advanced learners, gifted education advocates say.
Los Angeles Times
Deasy, LAUSD at a critical juncture
Deasy’s future — along with the district’s direction — is in doubt at a critical point. L.A. Unified is facing new academic standards, major budget decisions and a massive iPad technology project.
The New York Times
Obama, at Brooklyn school, pushes education agenda
President Obama on Friday visited the innovative Brooklyn high school he praised in his State of the Union address this year, to deliver a message about the urgency of education reform in the global economy.
Detroit Free Press
Michigan inches closer to implementing Common Core for K-12 students
The Michigan department of education could begin implementing Common Core standards in the state soon now that the Senate has given its approval. By a voice vote, the Senate approved a resolution that allows the department to implement the standards under certain conditions. The Senate’s revised version of the resolution, HCR 11, now goes back to the House for final approval.
Education Next
Gates Foundation gives $100k for online education
Due to the increased popularity of online education because of its outreach and flexibility, the calls for its improvement have increased, too. Several huge companies and charitable foundations are showing their support for online education by providing funds to various institutions interested in improving the medium. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the latest, having offered a grant to a leading university to hold a conference where educators can discuss ways to improve the effectiveness of online education.