December 10, 2014
Delaware News
The News Journal
Charter schools are resegregating Delaware schools
An op-ed by Kathleen MacRae, Executive Director, ACLU of Delaware; and Jea Street, New Castle County Council Member
The complaint also explained how the growth of charter schools has contributed to the resegregation of public schools in Delaware. But that is not the whole story. We are well aware that magnet and vo-tech schools, the School Choice Act of 1996 and the Neighborhood Schools Act of 2000 have also contributed to resegregation.
WHYY NewsWorks
Threatened Delaware charter schools prep final plea
Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn, State Senator Bryan Townsend, State Representative Joseph Miro, and Senate Majority Leader Patricia Blevins all wrote letters asking the state to keep Gateway open. Roughly 90 parents at this school of 208 students wrote letters explaining why Gateway should remain open despite a recommendation from Delaware’s Charter School Accountability Committee’s that the state revoke Gateway’s charter.
Delaware charter fight brings memories of another education era
A commentary by John Watson, Journalist, WHYY NewsWorks
Every ten years, beginning in 1964, we (members of the five states in the Brown vs Board cases) are invited to the White House to discuss/remember that historic journey. But now, it looks like we might have to go to the battle field again in Delaware. If you’ve read the stories told by reporters at WHYY’s NewsWorks.org and the News Journal, our charter school system is accused of contributing to the re-segregation of our public schools.
WDDE
Push for post-Labor Day school start still faces obstacles
Gov. Jack Markell (D-Delaware) says he has concerns about postponing the start date for Delaware schools past Labor Day. Beach businesses have been lobbying for the change to help retain much of their entry-level workforce during one of the biggest tourist weekends of the year.
UDaily
Mentoring partnership
The University of Delaware’s Office of Admissions is partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware in a program designed to guide high school juniors and seniors through the college admissions process. Jose Aviles, director of admissions, said the partnership reflects UD’s mission as a land grant university and the state of Delaware’s flagship public university.
National News
Santa Fe New Mexican
State grants SFPS $3.8M for teacher incentives
The New Mexico Public Education Department is giving Santa Fe Public Schools $3.8 million to increase teacher salaries as part of a pay-for-performance pilot program for the 2014-15 school year.
Education Week
Ed. programs minor factor in latest federal budget dust-up
As the 113th, lame-duck Congress prepares to waddle off the stage, there’s one big loose end it must tie up: a budget—or at least a stopgap spending bill—to keep government agencies like the U.S. Department of Education running.
Millions of student records sold in bankruptcy case
When the education technology company ConnectEDU Inc. sought protection under Chapter 11 bankruptcy law earlier this year, 20 million student records hung in the balance, raising many questions for educators and parents alike.
Inside Higher Ed
Reaching the finish line
About 14 percent of ninth-graders in Chicago Public Schools will earn a four-year college degree within 10 years of starting high school, according to a report.
Idaho State Journal
Idaho officials see benefit in shorter school week
An Idaho school district switched to a Monday-through-Thursday schedule to save money after facing severe funding cuts. Twelve years later, teachers and families have found that having Friday free means more time for lesson planning and other duties.