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Here are news and opinion stories educators, advocates, policy wonks and makers are talking about today:
News and Analysis
National
Republicans delay DeVos committee vote by a week
Sen. Lamar Alexander, chair of the Senate education committee, has delayed by a week a planned committee vote on Betsy DeVos, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Education secretary. The vote, which was originally slated for this Tuesday, has been rescheduled until Jan. 31, Alexander announced Friday evening. (Politico)
Trump White House Hits Pause on Obama’s ESSA Accountability Regulations
The Trump administration hit the pause button late Friday on a host of Obama administration regulations, including one detailing how accountability and state plans will work under the Every Student Succeeds Act. The regulation, which was finalized in November, doesn’t take effect until Jan. 30. On Inauguration Day, the White House issued an executive order delaying for up to 60 days the implementation of any Obama regulations that haven’t yet taken effect. (Education Week)
America’s School Choice Map: 5 Hot Spots for Vouchers, Savings Accounts and Tuition Tax Breaks
“As your president, I will be the nation’s biggest cheerleader for school choice,” President Donald Trump said in September. If, as promised, he dedicates $20 billion in federal funds to expand school vouchers for children living in poverty, he will be riding a wave of growing popularity for programs that help parents pay for private schools. (The 74)
State
Pennsylvania
Philly teachers plan Black Lives Matter week – not all are happy
Beginning Monday, the Black Lives Matter movement could become a curriculum topic in classrooms across the city. A Philadelphia School District teachers’ group has planned six days of action this week, encouraging educators to introduce optional curriculum and activities – from “The Revolution Is Always Now” coloring pages for very young students to a science lesson about the biology of skin color for older ones. (Philadelphia Daily News)