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Here are news and opinion stories educators, advocates, policy wonks and makers are talking about today:
News and Analysis
Fifteen-year-olds in the United States scored above the average of those in the developed world on exams assessing problem-solving skills, but they trailed several countries in Asia and Europe as well as Canada, according to international standardized tests results being released on Tuesday. (New York Times)
For years, we have been told by federal and state policy makers all over the country that we must have a model of education accountability that is high stakes and based on summative assessments designed to measure a student’s knowledge of core academic standards. These models must also provide annual measurements in order to ensure that all children are being served and that we can identify schools that aren’t serving their children adequately, specifically those children of color and in poverty. (Education Week)
For two decades now, education reformers have promoted a two-track strategy for improving our schools. The first track is standards-based: Set clear, high expectations in core academic subjects; test students regularly to see which schools and students are clearing the bar; and hold schools (and perhaps also educators and pupils) to account for the results. (National Review)
On trial: California’s rules on teacher tenure and dismissal. The issue: Do the rules keep bad teachers in classrooms and doom some students to an inadequate education? The lawsuit, filed by the nonprofit advocacy group Students Matter on behalf of nine public school students, followed unsuccessful attempts in contract negotiations and the legislature to give school districts more freedom to hire and fire teachers. (Stateline)
Minnesota
Thursday afternoon, Andover Republican Branden Petersen walked out of a state Senate Education Committee hearing and into the office of Gov. Mark Dayton, where he requested a meeting. The topic: That afternoon’s vote to delay the rollout of statewide teacher evaluations until the 2015-2016 school year. (MinnPost)
New York
It’s official: Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., the chairman of the House education committee, and Rep. George Miller, the top Democrat on the panel, are planning to introduce a bipartisan charter school bill. (Education Week)