January 15, 2015

Delaware News

Cape Gazette
College financial aid workshops begin in January
Through its College Funding Project, $tand By Me hosts informational presentations and workshops on different aspects of financial aid in high schools throughout New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties.

Smyrna-Clayton Sun-Times
Patrick Gallucci tapped to lead First State Military Academy
Patrick Gallucci, a four-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran, is leaving the Polytech School District to take on the job as the new academy’s first commandant. The school, located in Clayton, will function like a typical high school, except every student, from incoming freshmen to graduating seniors, will be enrolled in a comprehensive U.S. Marine Corps Junior ROTC program.

Newark Post
School board releases details of next month’s referendum
Next month, the Christina School District will ask voters to approve two separate tax increases: one to fund rising operating expenses and help close a $6 million budget deficit, and the other to allow the district to invest in new programs.

National News

Education Week
Early-childhood education in the U.S.: An analysis
The Education Week Research Center analyzed American Community Survey data to identify patterns in the school enrollment of young children. Nationally, most—but not all—children ages 3 to 6 are enrolled in school. Results indicate that preschool participation is heavily influenced by a range of socioeconomic factors, including household income, parental education levels, and race and ethnicity. The state where a child lives also has an impact.

New York Times
New York City Education Department to add or expand 40 dual-language programs
The New York City Education Department plans to expand dual-language programs offered in public schools, using the orchestra of local languages to spread bilingual little symphonies across the five boroughs — and perhaps to attract more middle-class families to poorer schools in the process.

West Virginia Gazette
W.Va. state school board moves back toward original climate change standards
After widespread criticism from teachers, professors and others, the West Virginia Board of Education voted Wednesday to withdraw a set of science education standards containing controversial modifications to the teaching of climate change.

The Denver Post
Task force recommends reducing Colorado testing burden
Despite agreeing that Colorado tests its students too much, a state task force was unable to find many places to cut tests other than in high school, a reflection of both stringent federal requirements and divergent views over the value of assessments.

Tribune News Service
Another emergency manager appointed to lead Detroit schools
Gov. Rick Snyder picked Flint’s emergency manager Tuesday to be the next leader of Detroit Public Schools, a move that sparked criticism from people who believe the district should be returned to local control.