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Here are today’s news and opinion stories from educators, advocates, and policy wonks and makers:
News and Analysis
The Obama administration is directing states to show how they will ensure that all students have equal access to high-quality teachers, with a sharp focus on schools with a high proportion of the poor and racial minorities. (New York Times)
The impending departure of Kevin Huffman as Tennessee’s education commissioner highlights the issue of turnover among state K-12 chiefs, who in some cases don’t stick around for many years to see through key policy initiatives. (Education Week)
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium provided a sneak peek for their final computer-adaptive tests in early October, tests to be administered to roughly 25 percent of the country’s grade 3-8 and 11 students in spring 2015 to measure, initially, status and, eventually, growth in achievement on the new Common Core academic standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics. The peek reveals the prospective tests are a work in progress – tests that I believe won’t be ready for prime time until at least spring 2016. (EdSource)
Maryland
Montgomery County must redouble its efforts to close the achievement gap between students of different racial and socioeconomic groups, while preparing all students for success in a 21st century world, the school system’s leader said this week in his yearly “State of the Schools” address. (Washington Post)
New Jersey
Straightforward analysis of the data concerning charter schools and the children they serve draws the ire of supporters. (NJ Spotlight)