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Here are news and opinion stories educators, advocates, policy wonks and makers are talking about today:
News & analysis:
Labor, Charter Forces Notch State-Level Election Wins
On an Election Day filled with dozens of state races and ballot measures with big implications for the nation’s public schools, state teachers’ unions and charter school champions had plenty to cheer in the aftermath, even as tax measures that would help pay for schools suffered setbacks in some places. (Education Week)
Charter Suit with $155M Award Overturned in Florida
Earlier this week I wrote about a Florida jury awarding $155 million to a former charter school principal, Katherine Murphy, who claimed she was fired unjustly from the Aventura City Excellence School in Aventura, Fla. At the heart of her lawsuit was her claim that she was wrongly accused of having taken a bribe in return for enrolling a student who, based on the charter school’s wait list, should not have been admitted. Both the charter school management organization that administers the school, Charter Schools USA, and the Aventura City manager were implicated in the suit, although the former was penalized for only $60,000, and both said they would appeal the decision. (Education Week – Charters and Choice)
School Curriculums Face Controversial Changes Via Recent Bills, Legislation
Over the past couple years, several states attempted — and in some instances, succeeded — in passing legislation that brought controversial changes to school curriculums. (Huffington Post)
New Investing in Innovation Grant Winners Focus on Faculty, Validation
On Tuesday, members of the Obama Administration found out they will still have a job come January. On Thursday, the administration’s Department of Education wasted no time taking advantage of that reprieve, awarding nearly $150 million to 20 school districts and nonprofit organizations in the third round of Investing in Innovation (i3) grants. (Education Week – Marketplace K-12)
LAUSD Furlough Days: With Prop 30 Money, Chief Seeks To Rescind Furloughs, Restore School Calendar
Just a week after voters approved a package of tax hikes to fund public education, the LAUSD board will consider Tuesday rescinding 10 furlough days for employees and restoring this year’s academic calendar to 180 days. Superintendent John Deasy said Friday that revenue generated by Proposition 30 will allow the district to stabilize its budget and begin rebuilding programs lost during the financial crisis. (Huffington Post)