Costs, technology drive Georgia etc. out of PARCC
Georgia has dropped out of a major testing consortium, and other states are considering the idea, due primarily to the increased costs they would incur and to technology concerns.
News & Issues
Digital GED will get harder, more expensive
The cost for the GED will increase in most states on Jan. 1, and the test is expected to be harder as questions are adjusted to test content in the Common Core.
Yeshiva can't lease former NY school below market rate
Should private, religious schools be allowed to rent space in former public school buildings at rates that are far below market? New York State says no.
Shrinking middle class & location affect income mobility
Helping to lift poor kids out of poverty is one of education's most enduring missions. It helps, but other factors also play a huge role in upward mobility.
Md. scores dip slightly as schools prepare for new tests
The scores on the Maryland School Assessment show a slight dip, owing in part to the state's switch to the new Common Core standards.
Teacher tenure gives way to vouchers in North Carolina
Cuts to North Carolina's state budget may result in a "path toward mediocrity," according to some liberal politicians and education advocates. Unfortunately, the Republicans are in control in the state.
Deadlines for autistic students missed in Carroll Co.
The Md. State Dept. of Education found that one middle school in Carroll County fell short of meeting some administrative requirements in setting up IEPs for students with autism.
More on racism & the death of Trayvon Martin
Feelings of racism trigger protests across the country, especially in cities like Atlanta, where they are mostly peaceful. They began after the Zimmerman verdict and don't appear to be slowing.
Chicago Public Schools lays off 2,113 employees
Massive layoffs have followed massive school closures in Chicago, and many parents and education advocates are concerned about the city's ability to provide an education for their children.
6-year-old Chicago girl shot while riding a scooter
Another shooting on Chicago's far south side, this one of a 6-year-old girl who remains in critical condition, gives us an opportunity to look at some of the numbers for shootings in a violent city.