August 3, 2012
Local News
DFM News
Delaware teacher evaluation plan in place for new school year
Delaware’s Department of Education has finalized how teachers and professional staff across the state will be evaluated in the coming school year. This past school year Component 5 was only considered when it raised the rating of a teacher in DCAS-tested grades and subjects to “highly effective,” making them eligible for incentive programs, including bonuses. In the upcoming 2012-2013 school year DCAS math and reading scores will account for 50 percent of Component 5 for only those teachers who teach those subjects.
National News
Las Vegas Review Journal
Nevada superintendent outlines goals for public schools
Nevada’s new Superintendent James Guthrie has revealed five changes in store for the nation’s bottom-ranked educational system. The plan includes: tracking students’ college and career readiness; ensuring reading proficiency in the early grades; rewarding top-performing teachers; blending computer courses with traditional teaching; and leveling the financial playing field for charter schools.
Minneapolis Star Tribune
Retakes may explain Minnesota math gains
Minnesota elementary and middle school students saw big gains on the state math test this year, but some educators say those improvements might be because students could take the test multiple times. The state allowed retakes because it was the first time the exam was offered online. Proficiency in math increased from 56% last year to 62% this year, according to new test result data.
Huffington Post
Education cuts favored by Americans include teacher salary freezes, administration cuts, survey says
As districts suffer from increasing costs and not enough cash, only 11% of Americans are willing to pay more in taxes to fund schools, according to a new survey. Seventy-seven percent said they expect the financial woes to last beyond the current crisis, and many would opt for reducing or freezing teacher pay to plug budget holes.
Wall Street Journal
Michigan city outsources all of its schools
Highland Park School District, one of the state’s lowest-performing academically, says it will turn over its three schools and nearly 1,000 students to a private, for-profit charter school company—the second district in Michigan to take such a drastic step to avert financial collapse. The abrupt news last week sparked concern—and in some cases, relief— from parents and other residents who packed a Wednesday night meeting in the faded industrial city, which is nearly surrounded by Detroit.
Related Topics: DPAS II, Secretary Mark Murphy, Teacher Evaluation