Here are news and opinion stories educators, advocates, policy wonks and makers are talking about today:
News and Analysis
The Obama administration is unable to get basic details about student debt due to an archaic system of data collection on its $1.1 trillion student-loan portfolio, hampering the government’s ability to help distressed borrowers and protect taxpayers. (The Wall Street Journal)
President Barack Obama is highlighting private-sector efforts to encourage more students from underrepresented groups to pursue education in science, technology, engineering and math. (ABC News)
What happens when a teacher wants to assign an extra book for class, but the school can’t afford a copy for every student? (NPR)
Each year, the Global Education and Skills Forum is held in Dubai. Sometimes called “The Davos of Education,” the event brings together educators, politicians, activists and thought leaders for a few days of focused conversation about the state of global education. (Forbes)
Pennsylvania
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Friday that Pennsylvania does the worst job in the nation of funding low-income school districts. (Philly.com)