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Here are news and opinion stories educators, advocates, policy wonks and makers are talking about today:
News and Analysis
African-American, Latino and low-income students who start high school performing near the top of their class fall behind other high-achieving peers by the time they graduate, according to a report released Wednesday that offers a new window on entrenched achievement gaps in high school. (EdSource)
In an effort to improve literacy rates among children from low-income families, public housing authorities across the state are piloting programs that help parents prepare their children for school and increase their access to books. (EdSource)
A lot of common-core watchers have been closely following Oklahoma during the last several days to see the progress of a bill that would require the state to adopt a new set of standards and void its 2010 adoption of the standards. Although many states have considered bills challenging the common core this year, Oklahoma could become just the second to nullify its common-core adoption. That legislation is relatively close to reaching the desk of GOP Gov. Mary Fallin, a common-core supporter. But a similar push against the standards in Louisiana was stopped cold yesterday, even though the effort had the support of fellow Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal. (Education Week)
Yesterday’s Democratic primary for mayor in Washington not only denies a second term to Mayor Vincent Gray, it also raises major questions about what will become of the city’s school system. (Education Week)
New York
Two days after Albany lawmakers allocated $300 million for pre-kindergarten in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that pre-k expansion was underway, with an additional 4,268 full-day seats found in public school buildings. (WNYC)