Labor Day: Not the day before the 1st day of school
This is Labor Day. Maryland's comptroller says starting the school year after today would be better for business and state revenue. But school hasn't started after Labor Day for a long time.
News & Issues
Growing NY charter accused of violating a student's IEP
Charter schools, even good ones in New York City, have to honor the individualized education program plan (IEP) of all special needs students. This one might not have done that.
Droopy pants may lead to suspensions in New Britain
A Connecticut school district is suggesting students who violate the school's dress code by wearing droopy pants should be suspended. We probably think that's a bit harsh.
We join Arne Duncan in call for later H S start times
US Ed Secretary Arne Duncan tweeted that high school start times should be later, and we agree. Case in point: high schools in one Maryland county start at 7:17 AM. That's just ridiculous.
Chicago's 1st-day passage is safe, but …
There were no reports of violence on Day 1 in the Chicago Public Schools year, but Safe Passage routes were stocked with police and hired security workers.
Comparing Maryland & Illinois AP participation rates
In terms of Advanced Placement participation, schools in Maryland far outpace those in Illinois, and we wonder why.
Don't even bother reading PARCC's press releases
PARCC has released a second round of sample items for the multistate tests it plans to give starting in the 2014-15 school year. Have a look.
Baltimore Co. to air condition 5 more schools
Five schools in Baltimore County with no air conditioning just got a few dollars from the state to install air conditioning. Good move, Baltimore County!
Bullies can remain anonymous on Ask.fm
A social website, Ask.fm. has sprung up in usage over the past few months among American teenagers, and it has some not-so-hidden dangers.
NCLB still strikes low blows in Wheaton CUSD 200
Parents at 3 elementary schools in Wheaton Warrenville CUSD 200 will have the choice, under NCLB, of sending their kids to another school.