Here are news and opinion stories educators, advocates, policy wonks and makers are talking about today:
News & analysis:
Hillary Clinton Pushes For Early Education In Campaign
As Head Start centers around the country close because of the federal government shutdown, Hillary Clinton is advancing herself as an advocate for the nation’s littlest learners — an important, popular and risk-free position. (Huffington Post)
Teach for America founder Wendy Kopp: ‘We’re boring our kids’
Teach for America founder Wendy Kopp warned Thursday that “we’re boring our kids to death” in public schools – and argued that higher standards are the key to lifting U.S. educational achievement. (Politico)
Shutdown Hits Everything from Smithsonian Interns to Race to the Top Applications
There’s been little impact so far from the government shutdown on K-12 schools around the country, but a handful of public and private school students in the Washington area are an unfortunate exception. (Education Week – Politics K-12)
New Jersey:
Newark schools could lose chance for $30M in federal funds after fight over ‘Race To The Top’ application
The Newark school district will likely lose any chance of winning roughly $30 million in federal funds because of a dispute between union and district officials over the city’s “Race To The Top” application. (NJ Star Ledger)
State education department approves just three out of 38 charter proposals
On the eve of the November election, the Christie administration has approved just three more application for charter schools in New Jersey, continuing its on-again, off-again relations with the charter movement. (NJ Spotlight)
New York:
Five people who could be the next chancellor of NYC schools
When the next mayor takes office on January 1, one of his first acts will likely be to choose a schools chancellor. His choice will send a strong message and a lasting impression about his vision for education in New York City. (Gotham Schools)