July 31, 2012
Local News
Delaware State News
Principal Peel ready to lead Polytech High
Dr. Bruce O. Curry, who spent nearly 20 years serving as Polytech’s principal, retired over the summer, leaving behind what new principal, Dr. Jason Peel. “It’s exciting to be part of Delaware education, which is leading the nation in certain initiatives (through Race to the Top). At the same time, there will be some bumps in the road where you wish you weren’t at the lead, mostly because there is no real model for what you are doing,” he said.
National News
New Jersey Star-Ledger
Christopher Cerf is confirmed as N.J. education commissioner
An 18-month politically charged impasse between Gov. Chris Christie and Senate Democrats over the nomination of Christopher Cerf as education commissioner ended quietly Monday. Cerf, who has had “acting” attached to title since Christie tapped him for the job, was approved by the state Senate in a 28-0 vote. There was no debate and Cerf’s name was mentioned as merely the most prominent one on a list of nominees.
Jefferson City News Tribune
Missouri education officials issue ‘model curriculum’
As Missouri joins other states in implementing the Common Core Standards, the education department released its first model curriculum for math and English language arts. The department reports its model represent the first phase of the curriculum project, with the ultimate goal of developing a curriculum in all content areas that align with state and national standards.
Education Week
Second-round waivers draw mixed review
The second round of No Child Left Behind waivers gave states an opportunity to spell out bold school improvement and student-achievement activities already underway, a Center for American Progress report finds. But it was unclear if state interventions will really be targeted to subgroups who are falling behind their peers. States also were murky when it came to explaining how they’ll monitor the school turnaround process.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
PSSA-cheating reforms yield lower scores across Pa.
After authorities imposed unprecedented security measures on the 2012 statewide exams, test scores tumbled across Pennsylvania. At some schools, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Ronald Tomalis said, the drops are “noticeable” – 25 percent or more. Their typical release date of late summer will probably be pushed back because of the scope of the investigation.
Related Topics: ESEA