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Here are news and opinion stories educators, advocates, policy wonks and makers are talking about today:
News & analysis:
Figuring Out How to Give Teachers Useful Feedback
When Texas lawmakers rolled out a framework for evaluating public schoolteachers more than 15 years ago, they intended to identify ways to strengthen the state’s teaching corps. (New York Times)
Detroit schools’ progress cited as emergency manager Roy Roberts announces his exit
When former General Motors executive Roy Roberts came out of retirement in 2011 at the age of 72 to run Detroit Public Schools, the district had a $327-million deficit, abysmal test scores and declining enrollment. (Detroit Free Press)
Timing the Common Core
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten made a big announcement this week by calling for a moratorium on all stakes associated with the Common Core State Standards until students and teachers have been given ample training and time to “master this new approach to teaching and learning.” This is a reasonable statement on its face, but what does it mean in practice? (Education Next)
History Teaching Requirements in Many States Fall Short, Report Says
Many states fail to set entrance requirements for history teachers that would help ensure that those who end up in U.S. high schools would actually be knowledgeable about the subject, a new report from a conservative think tank concludes. (Education Week – Curriculum Matters)
Standards equip TN students to succeed in a global economy
In Tennessee, only 16 percent of high school graduates are prepared for college. This is unacceptable. While this is a major concern from an education standpoint, it is even more sobering when I think about the economic future of our state. Without a well-educated workforce, we will not be competitive with other states across our country. (The Tennessean)
City closes door on KIPP DC charter high school
Mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) has pretty much shut the door on plans by KIPP DC to build a new high school on public land in Southwest Washington. His buckling to misguided opposition to the school imperils efforts by the high-performing charter operator to expand its facilities so that more students can benefit from a better education. We hope Mr. Gray will revisit his decision, or at least make good on his professed support for KIPP by helping it to find a viable alternative next year. (Washington Post)
Rhode Island:
RI-CAN releases school, district report cards
The Rhode Island Campaign for Achievement Now, an education reform advocacy organization, released its 2013 School and District report cards for each of the state’s 296 public schools and their school districts. (Providence Business News)