December 30, 2013

Local News

Delaware Today
Is the Race to the Top a race to the bottom?
When it was announced more than four years ago that Delaware was one of only two states in the country to win $119 million through the first round of the federal Race to the Top competition, there was a feeling of First State pride. It seemed as if everyone was beaming over a one-time cash infusion that would help make the state’s public education system “world class.” But was winning Race to the Top money really a gift from above or just the latest in a line of failed reform attempts?

WDEL
Bill seeks to change classroom door locks
A Delaware lawmaker is proposing a bill that would require classroom door locks at the state’s public schools to be lockable from both inside and outside the room.

The News Journal
State to seek more time to use Race to the Top funds
State education officials say they are going to ask for another year to spend money leftover from their federal Race to the Top grant, likely postponing a tough discussion about what to do once the money dries up. The federal stimulus grant injected $119 million into the state – half of which went to districts and half to the state for broader programs. 

Tablets: Tool for child’s growth or a mobile ‘boob tube?’
Local educational experts say tablets can be a great way to nurture students’ interest and help students learn through play. They also can divert them from the very same things.

Student test scores depend on accountability
An op-ed by Margaret Spellings
This month, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development released its review of global educational achievement. The Program for International Student Assessment, or PISA, is one of the most comprehensive global school surveys, assessing half a million 15- and 16-year-olds every three years. This year’s results contain a profoundly important insight into what works in U.S. education reform.

Education briefs
Delaware State Education Association President Frederika Jenner is not facing a challenger and will serve another three-year term at the helm of the statewide union.

National News

The New York Times
Veteran of city school system is said to be next Chancellor
Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio will appoint Carmen Fariña, a former top official of the New York City Education Department, as the next schools chancellor, a person with knowledge of the decision said on Sunday.

Getting out of discount game, small colleges lower the price
A higher education riddle: When can a college slash tuition by almost half, without losing revenues? Answer: When nobody much pays full tuition anyway.