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Here are news and opinion stories educators, advocates, policy wonks and makers are talking about today:
News & analysis:
Prince George’s starts academic year with initiative to transform struggling schools
For the first time in years, hundreds of Prince George’s County 4-year-olds will spend an entire day in a pre-kindergarten classroom when schools open Monday, part of coordinated county government and school system efforts to improve academic achievement. (Washington Post)
New York:
N.Y. Test-Score Plunge Adds Fuel to Common-Core Debate
The release of New York state test scores showing steep plunges in mathematics and English/language arts proficiency from last year has state officials and educators grappling with the growing influence of the common core on standardized-test performance. (Education Week)
North Carolina:
GOP Delivers on Activist K-12 Agenda in N.C.
After taking simultaneous control of both chambers of the legislature and the governorship for the first time in 140 years, North Carolina Republicans have moved aggressively on K-12 policy this year, with swift—and divisive—action on school choice and teacher policy against a backdrop of continued statewide budget woes. (Education Week)
Pennsylvania:
Philly schools begin rehiring after $50M promise
The nearly broke Philadelphia schools will open on schedule next month thanks to $50 million in emergency aid. But will they be worth going to? (Associated Press)
View Points:
War on the Core
I respect, really I do, the efforts by political scientists and pundits to make sense of the current Republican Party. There is intellectual virtue in the search for historical antecedents and philosophical underpinnings. (New York Times)