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Here are news and opinion stories educators, advocates, policy wonks and makers are talking about today:
News and Analysis
The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to decide whether public-sector unions may require workers who are not members to help pay for collective bargaining. A ruling against them could deal a severe blow to organized labor. (The New York Times)
Between February 2010 and November 2011, nearly all states adopted the Common Core State Standards. By 2013, some states were debating whether to keep them. Since then, some have gone as far as reversing adoption. This map shows which states are using the standards and which are not. (Education Week)
Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Tuesday lambasted congressional Republicans for their proposals to cut education funding across grade levels next year. (The Hill)
California on Tuesday became the largest state in the country to require schoolchildren to receive vaccinations unless there are medical reasons not to do so, as Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation that ended exemptions for personal or religious reasons. (The New York Times)
After two special sessions and a late-night agreement on a $38 billion budget, state lawmakers are patting themselves on the back for deciding to pump an additional $1.3 billion into Washington’s public schools over the next two years. (The Seattle Times)
The interim CEO of Chicago Public Schools said Tuesday 1,400 jobs will be “impacted” after Illinois lawmakers failed to provide relief and the financially struggling district had to borrow money to make a $634 million contribution to its teacher pension funds. (Associated Press)
Minnesota
It should soon be easier for Kirstin Rogers and educators like her to be licensed to teach in Minnesota. Rogers was recognized as a top educator during her more than decade-long middle school teaching career in Utah, but when she tried to get a permanent license in Minnesota, she was told to go back to school. (TwinCities.com)
Pennsylvania
In sight of the state’s budget deadline of July 1, education funding for Pennsylvania schools is still a question mark. (Newsworks)