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Here are news and opinion stories educators, advocates, policy wonks and makers are talking about today:
News and Analysis
Yesterday, a California superior court overturned five state laws related to the employment of teachers. The plaintiffs’ attorney called the decision “a victory for students, parents, and teachers across California.” The head of the Los Angeles teachers union said, “This decision today is an attack on teachers.” The court ordered a stay on the decision, pending an appeal. Here are ten things worth knowing as the case moves on. (Education Next)
On February 10, 2014, press organizations across the country broke the news that Geoffrey Canada would be stepping down from his post as CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ), ending his more than two-decade run as head of the nationally-recognized nonprofit organization. Though the HCZ’s work will continue, Canada’s resignation serves as an opportunity to reflect on the work that he and his organization have accomplished over the past 25 years. During Canada’s tenure as CEO, what started out as a small anti-poverty pilot project covering a single block in Harlem has become arguably the single most important social policy experiment in America. Today, the Harlem Children’s Zone provides comprehensive “cradle-to-career” services to more than 8,000 children and 6,000 adults across nearly 100 blocks in Harlem. (Harvard Political Review)
New Jersey
Cami Anderson, superintendent of schools in struggling Newark, New Jersey, said she plans to stay on amid opposition from the mayor-elect and community activists over her plan to remake the city’s schools. (Bloomberg)
On the heels of California’s landmark court decision striking down teacher tenure laws, state Sen. Joe Kyrillos said Wednesday he planned to introduce similar tenure reforms for New Jersey. (Star Ledger)
New York
A charter school network that recently clashed with Mayor Bill de Blasio over the use of public school space is seeking to vastly expand its footprint in New York City, announcing on Tuesday that it wants to open 14 more schools over the next two years. (New York Times)