September 26, 2016
Delaware News
Cape Gazette
At Milton Elementary, new principal offers new initiatives
This year, students at Milton Elementary got a head start on their studies at a late-August open house featuring school-supply giveaways, frozen treats and information from nearly 25 community organizations eager to help kids prepare. New Principal Beth Conaway wanted students and families to get to know what’s available in their community, so she invited students, parents and families to meet their teachers and explore local organizations at information stations at the elementary school on Federal Street.
Rodel Blog
Is Delaware underserving high-achieving students?
Last week, the Fordham Institute released a report examining the extent to which states’ current (or planned) accountability systems serve high-achieving students. Delaware earned a rating of 1 out of 4 stars, suggesting room for improvement. Here’s our take.
The News Journal
Wilmington school deals with teacher turnover
Tempted by the prospect of a smoother ride at a suburban school or a higher paycheck outside of education, teachers at tough schools often leave after a few years, or months.
Town Square Delaware
Senator Coons pushes college access bill – bi-partisan legislation seeks to up graduation rates
With the backing of Delaware State University and other reform-minded educational players, U.S. Senator Chris Coons joined Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) today in introducing legislation to incentivize colleges to expand access for low-income students and increase graduation rates for all students.
National News
Education Week
State ed-tech leaders outline ambitious broadband goals
State educational technology directors have outlined ambitious targets for increasing school bandwidth capacity in an effort to support digital learning and bridge the technology divide that exists in schools and in students’ homes. Despite major strides in getting schools connected to broadband internet—in part a legacy of the 2014 overhaul of the federal E-rate program—state ed-tech directors and some federal policymakers are continuing to champion redoubled efforts to provide equitable access to education technology.
Tampa Bay Times
An extra hour a day goes a long way for Florida’s ‘Lowest 300’ schools
One hour. For 311 Florida elementary schools, that’s the length of time they’ve been told to extend their day this year, just to focus on reading. It could be the fix that lifts them off the list of lowest performing schools on the state’s language arts test. Or not. As the “Lowest 300” program enters its fifth year — with a growing number of Tampa Bay area schools on the list — educators insist it’s not just the time that matters, but also how they spend it.
NPR
Hillary Clinton’s plan for America’s students
For nearly as long as she’s been in the public eye, Hillary Clinton has counted the well-being of children among her defining causes — from the bestselling 1996 book (and enduring cliché) It Takes A Village to her advocacy for the State Child Health Insurance Program. This presidential campaign has been no exception, except if anything, she’s been working even harder to draw connections between investments in education and economic growth. Here’s a rundown of her positions from cradle to college.
Donald Trump’s Plan for America’s schools
“I’m a tremendous believer in education.” So begins a campaign ad for Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump. But what does that mean? What does Trump believe about how we should fund and fix our schools, train and pay our teachers, and, most importantly, educate every child whether they’re rich or poor, fluent in English or anything but, learning disabled or two grades ahead? To these questions the candidate has offered few clear answers.