|
|
Education PRESS ROOM |
|
|
|
Failing the International Test
Submitted by Lance T. Izumi, J.D. on 8.31.2009
American students lag behind most of their international counterparts in math achievement, according to recent analysis from the U.S. Department of Education. In the face of this bad news, however, state and federal policymakers continue to push government-centered “solutions” destined to make matters worse.
Schwarzenegger Sets Trap for Obama's "Race to the Top" Education Initiative
Submitted by Chris Prevatt on 8.31.2009
In the 1985 action film, Commando, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays John Matrix, a commando who uses a little humor when taking revenge on the bad guys, "Remember when I said I'd kill you last... I lied!" Though this is a forgettable little line, President Obama should pay attention to it because he is about to be played by someone who really believes he is an action hero.
D.C. Parents for School Choice Demands Answers from Obama Administration
Submitted by Vicki E. Murray, Ph.D on 8.21.2009
School will start in the nation's capital in just two weeks, but 216 D.C. schoolchildren still don't know where they'll be going because Education Secretary Arne Duncan rescinded their Opportunity Scholarships. And, in spite of promises to do whatever works in education, the Obama Administration has tolerated Congressional efforts spearheaded by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) to kill this successful school choice program.
Star Data Dump: How is This Useful to Parents?
Submitted by Evelyn B. Stacey on 8.21.2009
This week the California Standardized Test results have been released, and according to the California Department of Education, “far too many students are not meeting proficiency. They are making gains but the [achievement] gap remains.”
Money doesn't give the whole picture in evaluating schools
Submitted by Vicki E. Murray, Ph.D on 8.17.2009
California's fiscal outlook continues to worsen. Concern is now mounting over the impact that the state's budget deficit will have on education funding.
Back to School: Higher miseducation
Submitted by Samantha Campos on 8.14.2009
It's an idea that's evolved over time but the core principle of the American Dream remains the same: to live well and prosper. And so we do our best to go to a good school, get a good job, buy a house in a good neighborhood and send our kids to a good school. But what happens when that "good" school isn't what it seems—when the school we're required to send our kids to isn't fulfilling its end of the bargain?
'Housed' Teacher System Needs to be Overhauled
Submitted by K. Lloyd Billingsley on 8.13.2009
THE Los Angeles Unified School District has been given permission to fire Matthew Kim, a disabled special education teacher who has not worked for seven years while drawing his full salary and benefits. Kim's case shows the need for district reform, but it's hardly alone in that regard.
What Do School Tests Measure?
Submitted on 8.4.2009
In the wake of widespread state testing following the enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act, critics have claimed that teachers are simply teaching to the tests. Yet this argument is overly simplistic and ignores the benefits that come from good tests, according to PRI Koret Senior Fellow Lance Izumi in an online op-ed for The New York Times.
Confidential medical care isn't necessary - Lawsuit threats muddle issue
Submitted by Evelyn B. Stacey on 8.2.2009
On June 22, the Modesto City Schools board passed a preliminary motion, by a 4-3 vote, to allow students to leave class for confidential medical services without notifying parents. Parents and policy-makers alike have good reason to examine this proposal.
A Closer Look at the Stanford University Study
Submitted by Evelyn B. Stacey on 8.1.2009
Stanford University has released a nationwide charter school analysis comparing charter and traditional public school student performance. The study matches charter students to public school “twins” by all measures possible. Comparisons of 15 states and the District of Columbia over a course of three years found a 17 percent average of charter school students doing academically better than those in traditional public schools. Overall, positive findings were seen in all students’ reading abilities after attending the charter more than one year. Also considered were the correlations between achievement and charter policies.
|
|
|
 |
