September 9, 2014
Local News
WDDE
New task force examines state’s approach to teaching children with disabilities
Parents joined with state lawmakers and education officials last week to look at overhauling the way Delaware school districts teach children with disabilities. By federal law, schools must develop what they call individualized education plans detailing what these kids will learn over the next year. Lt. Gov. Matt Denn (D-Delaware) chairs the task force and notes that parents and teachers can disagree about what a “free, appropriate, public education” as mandated by the feds means.
Cape Gazette
Elaborating on immigrant children in schools
A letter to the editor by Ruth Briggs King, State Representative, 37th District
I have been receiving multiple inquiries and concerns from constituents about whether our local education system is able to accommodate additional children coming to Delaware while ensuring the public’s health and safety. The questions that have repeatedly been brought to my attention include concerns over whether the children have been properly immunized and how school officials will be able to determine if these children are otherwise healthy.
The News Journal
Teacher accuses district of age discrimination
A highly decorated educator is suing the Caesar Rodney School District, claiming she was passed over for promotion because of her age and her relationship with a Dover attorney and former school board member. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court, claims that Dr. Wendy Schachte had been overlooked for jobs as assistant principal more than 10 times since 2008, despite her experience and advanced degrees.
National News
Education Week
Okla., La. center stage in Common-Core battle
Accusations of federal overreach fly as Oklahoma has its NCLB waiver renewal denied, while a lawsuit by Louisiana’s governor says states were coerced into adopting the Common Core.
Capital Journal
Education groups to propose teacher salary bill
Representatives from several South Dakota education organizations will go before a legislative planning committee Monday with a plan they say would increase public school teacher salaries.
Chalkbeat Indiana
State board approves controversial changes to teacher certification rules
Job seekers who hold a four-year college degree and 3.0 GPA can now teach in Indiana classrooms once they pass a content knowledge exam — even if they haven’t been trained as an educator.
Capital
How New York City prepared for pre-K
New York City has hired about 1,200 teachers, instructional coaches, enrollment specialists, social workers and other employees for its ambitious pre-kindergarten program that was put to the test when more than 50,000 4-year-olds began their first day of school.
Dallas Morning News
How state math standards mean many kids started the year behind
Most Texas public school students probably started the new school year behind in math, even if their grades and STAAR scores were fine last year. That’s because the state math standards had an earthquake-size change over the summer.
The Pew Charitable Trusts
State collaborate to keep track of students
After frequently hitting roadblocks when trying to track students who moved out of state – whether as youngsters moving with their families or to attend college or take jobs elsewhere – several states recently participated in a pilot project to share data on student outcomes.