May 20, 2014

Local News

School Administrator
The Common Core C’s of change
An opinion by Susan Bunting, superintendent of the Indian River School District
To counter effectively the campaign waged by Common Core skeptics, the Indian River School District charted a course of action with tactics that previously had proven successful in taking on challenges in our midst. We were guided by the 7 C’s of Common Core change — all well-recognized qualities of our school district. These are a culture of learning, connections, communication, collaboration, catalyst reputation, continuity and community.

Town Square Delaware
Reflections on a year of walking the halls
An opinion by Laurisa Schutt, Executive Director of Teach For America—Delaware
Looking back on the school year I’m amazed by the things that students and teachers made happen. As a parent, invested as I am, I did not fully appreciate what it took to teach and lead the way we all want our kids to be taught and led – the effort in planning, rigor, creativity, and the emotional commitment of constant kindness and patience.

The News Journal
A way to reverse such poor DCAS outcomes
A letter to the editor by Nikki Krasas, Wilmington
I agree with Janice Barlow, Director of Kids Count in Delaware, who reports that trends toward increased percentages of children living in poverty will persist unless people in power do “… more than just talking the talk.” Missing in action are viable means to quash generational poverty – effective education reforms. A profile of Wilmington elementary schools affirms the absence of meaningful change.

Cape Gazette
Vocational education has improved
A letter to the editor by Tina Downs, Lewes
I frequently read Don Flood’s columns and tend to agree with his perspective on issues; however I totally disagree with his comment that vo-tech schools should function as they have in the past. Times have changed, and in order to succeed in the competitive job market, vo-tech students need a broader preparation that includes not only vocational and technical skills, but higher-order thinking skills, a sound academic foundation, and personal qualities necessary to be successful in the workplace.

National News

Deseret News
Utah’s ’66 by 2020’ goal is on track
Utah’s push to see two-thirds of adults holding a degree or certificate by 2020 will add $14.4 billion to the state’s economy over 30 years through increased wages, Gov. Gary Herbert said.

The Hechinger Report
Report: Mississippi considered highest priority state
Rural schools in Mississippi are growing in enrollment and serving more low-income and minority students than previous years, according to a report. The state also ranks first when it comes to socio-economic challenges faced by rural students.

The New York Times
Wyoming divided over new guidelines
Some Wyoming lawmakers say that teaching standards that say human activity has affected the climate is a threat to the state’s economic engine.

Who gets to graduate?
There are millions of students throughout the country — high-achieving students from low-income families who want desperately to earn a four-year degree but who run into trouble along the way. They don’t want to ask for help, or they don’t know how. Things spiral, and before they know it, they’re back at home, resentful, demoralized and in debt.

Education Week
Another state facing major uncertainty over Common-Core tests
Michigan has become the most recent state to face significant uncertainty about its assessment plans under the Common Core State Standards for the 2014-15 school year, with legislators essentially telling the state education department to go back to the future for its state test next year.

Missouri lawmakers pass school standards measure
Missouri lawmakers finalized legislation Thursday that would charge groups of parents and educators with writing new student achievement benchmarks, potentially paving the way for the state to ditch national education goals.

The Press of Atlantic City
In N.J., both sides agree new law is working
A majority of tenure charges filed by school boards against teachers in New Jersey since a new tenure law took effect in 2012 have been upheld by state arbitrators assigned to hear them.