September 16, 2014
Local News
WHYY NewsWorks
Delaware law expands reading help for students with disabilities
Recently, Governor Jack Markell signed Senate Bill 229, which will allow IEP student ages 7 and older, the opportunity to participate in reading intervention programs. Many students with an IEP (individualized education program), have a learning disability such as dyslexia, and struggle to read. Lt. Gov. Matt Denn explained that the new law will expand the opportunity for reading intervention, making it easier for parents to access the help.
The News Journal
Living up to aim of the Founding Fathers?
An op-ed by Helen K. Foss, Board Member, American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware
Delaware has invested much into our education system. Over the past 20-plus years we have worked hard to re-think schools and find ways to help all our children find academic success. Yet still we are challenged to help far too many children who have not reached target levels.
National News
Inside Higher Ed
Boost for need-based aid
States last year doled out roughly the same amount of student aid money in 2012-13 as they did the previous year, but they increased the share of money flowing to students based on financial need, according to a new survey.
New Orleans Times-Picayune
Pre-school revamp announced by state officials
Two top state officials spelled out details of Louisiana’s ongoing overhaul of its often criticized early childhood education system. The changes stem from a 2012 state law, and the new setup is supposed to be effective statewide in the fall of 2015.
U.S. News & World Report
How the new SAT is trying to redefine college readiness
Students in the class of 2017 will take an overhauled SAT that seeks to redefine what it means to become college ready. While the traditional SAT has focused on testing students’ innate abilities, the new exam will be aligned with the Common Core State Standards.
Education Week
Missouri education commissioner to resign
Missouri Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro said Monday that she plans to resign later this year, ending a tenure during which she repeatedly came under criticism as the state adopted new school accreditation standards and dealt with struggling districts.
New global fellowship launched to train teacher-coaches
Teach For All, a global network of organizations in 34 countries that recruits young professionals to work in high-need schools, has launched a two-year fellowship program that will train teacher-coaches from the United States and other countries in how to work with students who have “learning differences.”
San Francisco Gate
Closer Look: Rauner’s school plan raises eyebrows
Proposals to tie teacher merit pay to student test scores and alter tenure policies to make it easier to fire bad teachers are among the most recent education ideas being pushed in Illinois by Bruce Rauner, the Republican businessman challenging Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn this fall.