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Here are news and opinion stories educators, advocates, policy wonks and makers are talking about today:
National
A simple solution for solving teacher shortages: pay incentives for hard-to-find educators
Policymakers across the country have fretted about a new wave of potential teacher shortages, particularly in certain subjects and schools. Now a new study offers a straightforward solution: give bonuses or provide loan forgiveness to teachers in positions that are hard to staff. This conclusion, reached in research recently published in the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, is perhaps unsurprising, but it’s an approach that apparently few districts have adopted. (Chalkbeat)
Without changes in education, the future of work will leave more people behind
A glimpse into America’s future labor market suggests a boom in health care jobs, soaring employment in clean energy and a continued decline in manufacturing positions. Those are among the key takeaways from 10-year employment projections released last week by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The findings offer more evidence of widening socioeconomic inequality, the migration of jobs to the service sector and a drop in the number of middle-class jobs for workers with only a high school diploma. (The Hechinger Report)
DeVos, invest in the future of our democracy by focusing on civics
In an era of unprecedented political polarization, one of the only issues that has brought together both parties is the need for a robust revival of civics education. Democrats and Republican elected officials, academics, journalists, educators and students alike have publicly expressed the need for a return to the historical purpose of our public schools: cultivating and educating an engaged citizenry capable of shepherding our democracy forward. (The Hill)
Kasich, Reportedly on Path to 2020 Bid, Says ‘We Need to Completely Redo Education’
John Kasich is likely to run for president again in 2020, according to a New York magazine profile of the Ohio governor.
A moderate in an increasingly right-leaning Republican Party, Kasich says the country needs to be “pro-environment” and “pro-immigrant.”
And, he told the magazine, “I think we need to completely redo education. Every piece of education now is behind the times and a hundred years old.” (The 74)
States
Delaware
Free alternative program trains principals to serve in high-needs schools
Organizers say an innovative program that trains its participants to serve as principals in high-needs schools could have noticeable impact on Delaware, where often educators need extra training to deal with the effects of poverty and trauma. The program, called Lead for Delaware, is highly selective and works with educators who are well-suited to serving at-risk students. Launched in fall 2015, its first cohort graduated in September. (Delaware Online)
Maryland
Maryland revises high school graduation requirements, delaying higher standards
Sixth-graders this year will be the first Maryland students who must meet tougher passing standards on statewide high school English and math exams to graduate in 2024. The new standard set by the Maryland State Board of Education last week pushes back more aggressive requirements put in place about a year ago. Board members said they had little choice, given that about 60 percent of students are failing the tests. (The Washington Post)
New Jersey
Student program combines charity work with STEM knowledge
JERSEY CITY -Students in Jersey City are partnering up with the Salvation Army to raise money for hurricane victims. The fundraising efforts are part of a monthlong initiative meant to raise money and awareness for the Salvation Army. They hope to raise $10,000 for the organization. The program also encourages students to develop an interest in STEM programs. This month, 400 third-graders will be working on urban design challenge projects using recycled materials to find solutions in a flooding scenario. The hope of the activity is that it will encourage the children to consider the world around them and how they can combat climate change and prevent natural disasters. (News12 New Jersey)
New York
$8M School Anti-Bullying Plan Will Make it Easier for Students to Transfer
MANHATTAN — The city is ratcheting up its efforts to curb bullying by dedicating $8 million for new prevention programs and making it easier for bullied students to transfer out of their schools, Department of Education officials announced Monday. The move comes after the recent stabbing at a Bronx high school, in which a student who said he had been bullied and frequently subjected to racial and homophobic taunts stabbed two of his classmates, killing one of them. (DNAinfo)
Pennsylvania
Wolf signs bills to balance Pa. budget with gambling and borrowing, hints of veto of education bill
HARRISBURG — Gov. Wolf signed Monday most of the bills needed to bring the state’s $32 billion budget into balance, authorizing an expansion of casino gambling and a borrowing plan pushed by lawmakers. And he took one more chance to complain about the politics of the Republican legislative majority that he blames for months of budget chaos and a credit downgrade. (The Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News)