February 2, 2015
Delaware News
The News Journal
Should Delaware schools get letter grades like kids do?
Delaware is in the process of developing a new way of reporting school performance on its school accountability “report card.”
Art show unites charter schools
The event celebrated the importance of art as a way for students to learn to express themselves as well as School Choice Week, a national campaign to promote giving parents more options for where to send their kids to school.
WHYY
Day in the sun, for Delaware school in the crosshairs
As they await their fate, Stubbs administrators have worked overtime to combat the perception that their school is failing. The occasion was a mentor appreciation ceremony for those who serve as Big Brothers or Big Sisters to the school’s students.
WDDE
State panel close to finishing up plan to boost teacher pay
A state committee is on the verge of offering plans for a new teacher salary system. The group has been working since July to boost starting salaries and establish “teacher leader” positions, which gives educators ways to make more money and have more responsibility without moving into management roles.
Delmarva Now
Indian River recruits ‘brightest and the best’ teachers
The rapidly growing Indian River School District will host its first teacher’s recruitment on Feb. 21 in Ocean City. Superintendent Susan Bunting said even without specific jobs in mind, it will allow the district to find good candidates to fill future positions.
Hockessin Community News
Finding harmony in the classroom
“What we end up doing is producing a student who can think critically, who can analyze, and who can work well with other people and make sound decisions,” says Cab Calloway School of the Arts Dean Julie Rumschlag.
Cape Gazette
HOB Elementary in line for grant
Delaware’s share of a $36 million financial settlement could result in a $300,000 grant for Cape’s H.O. Brittingham Elementary.
Delaware Department of Education
National Youth Science Camp offers high school seniors chance to learn first-hand from scientists
A press release
Delaware will send two 2015 high school graduates to West Virginia this summer to attend the National Youth Science Camp on full scholarships. The application period runs until March 1, 2015.
Wilmington Education Advisory Commission (WEAC)
“Solutions for Wilmington Schools”
A Facebook group
The members of the Wilmington Education Advisory Committee appointed by Gov. Markell are seeking comments, opinions and ideas on the best ways to strengthen education for all Wilmington students.
National News
U.S. Department of Education
The President’s 2015 budget proposal for education
A press release
The President’s budget priorities include financial aid for students in college, special education, high-poverty schools (Title I), and formula funds that address the needs of disadvantaged poor and minority students, students with disabilities, and English learners.
Education Week
Poverty data signal urgency for schools
Students from low-income households have made up a rising share of the public school population for years, but their recent shift into the majority serves as an urgent signal to policymakers and schools to address the needs of poor children, and the challenges of educating them, researchers and educators say.
U.S. teacher-prep rules face heavy criticism in public comments
As of Jan. 30, some 2,300 public comments had been submitted in response to the U.S. Department of Education’s proposed rules to heighten tracking of teacher education programs.
The Wall Street Journal
Teacher evaluation plan draws new support
A coalition of teacher-preparation groups came out at the last minute to support a controversial federal plan to track how well new teachers fare as they start teaching in the classroom.
The Hechinger Report
Will blended learning survive Deborah Gist’s departure as Rhode Island education chief?
Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist’s departure would force Rhode Island to search for new leadership just as it has begun an ambitious plan to become the first state in the country to implement technology-assisted lessons in every public school.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
After years of layoffs, Philly schools hiring teachers
The Philadelphia School District, which has spent the last several years closing schools in the city and laying off teachers, plans to hire at least 400 teachers for the 2015-16 school year.