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Here are news and opinion stories educators, advocates, policy wonks and makers are talking about today:
News and Analysis
Former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has announced his next chapter: He’s joined the Emerson Collective, where he will be focusing on disconnected youth between the ages of 17 and 24 in his native Chicago, including high school dropouts and those with criminal records. (Education Week)
The number of Americans at least a month behind on their student-loan payments is declining, reversing a trend the Obama administration has called a threat to the nation’s economic health. (The Wall Street Journal)
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has a sweet idea to boost early-childhood education in his cash-strapped city. In his first budget address, the freshman mayor proposed a 3 cents-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks that he says would generate $400 million over the next five years, more than half of which would be allotted to universal prekindergarten in the city. (Education Week)
Children drinking from water fountains at the nation’s schools — especially in aging facilities with lead pipes and fixtures — might be unwittingly exposing themselves to high levels of lead, which is known to cause brain damage and developmental problems including impulsive behavior, poor language skills and trouble remembering new information. (The Washington Post)
Last week, in Flint, Michigan, Democratic presidential candidates were asked what they’d do to turn around financially flailing and academically failing school systems, like that of nearby Detroit. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders blamed congressional inaction and front-runner Hillary Clinton said she would create a “SWAT team” at the Department of Education and reinstate a federal program to assist states and districts with funding to repair and modernize schools. (US News)