July 1, 2015
Delaware News
WDEL
Stories come alive with Delaware’s summer reading program
“Studies have shown that children who participate in public library summer reading programs score higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the new school year, experience less summer reading loss, and begin the school year with more confidence,” said Dr. Annie Norman, the state’s librarian.
Office of the Governor
Gov signs balanced budget, marks progress on key priorities to create opportunities for Delawareans
A press release
“In my State of the State address in January, I talked about the Delaware Promise “our goal to ensure all Delawareans receives the education and training to reach their potential and compete successfully in our changing economy. The budget I signed and the initiatives established this year will bring us closer to fulfilling our promise,” said Governor Markell.
General Assembly passes all four bills on Attorney General’s internet privacy and safety agenda
A press release
The Student Data Privacy Protection Act prevents educational software companies from misusing or improperly disclosing the personal data of Delaware schoolchildren
Delaware Department of Education
Delaware continues to make special education improvements
A press release
The Delaware Department of Education is working closely with school districts and charter schools to ensure students with disabilities have opportunities to learn the same content as their peers, receive support they need to prepare for success after high school, and have their social, emotional and behavioral needs addressed.
Council of Chief State School Officers
Delaware Chief joins CCSSO Board of Directors
A press release
“Whether it’s through his work on educator preparation or college readiness for kids, Mark is dedicated to ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education. We are honored to have him join our Board of Directors,” said Chris Minnich, executive director of CCSSO.
National News
Education Week
States wrestle with how to get good teachers in all schools
Blog post by Alyson Klein
Last year, with much fanfare, the Obama administration declared that it would tackle the tricky issue of equitable teacher distribution, calling on states to revise their plans for making sure that high-poverty schools get their fair share of qualified educators. Now most states have answered the call, but it’s an open question whether the work that went into these updated plans will actually lead to any real progress.
Student tech use at home is tricky balancing act
Social and educational priorities are oftentimes at odds when students use digital tools outside of school, prompting many parents to keep a closer eye on such use.
Associated Press
First lady: Career, technical studies offer students options
Pursuing career and technical education programs after high school can still offer professional skills for high-demand jobs “at a fraction of the time, and more importantly, a fraction of the cost,” Mrs. Obama said.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Hundreds lobby Harrisburg for school funds
Hundreds of people descended on the state Capitol on Monday to lobby lawmakers deep in negotiations to pass a state budget. Among them were more 100 teachers, nurses, and other members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, sporting red T-shirts and making their case for more funding for city schools.
Governing
The Recession’s over, but schools aren’t feeling the recovery
The recession played out differently across states, and lawmakers also pursued different strategies to address the resulting revenue shortfalls. Updated data released by the U.S. Census Bureau shows how the nation’s elementary and secondary public school systems have fared, providing detailed revenue and spending data up through fiscal 2013.