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Here are news and opinion stories educators, advocates, policy wonks and makers are talking about today:
News and Analysis
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has never been one to hide his education bonafides. The wonkish former Rhodes Scholar has established himself as a leader in accountability-based education reform, and enthusiastically supported the Common Core standards (which establish the skills students should master at each grade level in English and math). (Washington Post)
For the first time in recent memory, K-12 education is emerging as a top tier issue in the coming presidential race, at least among Republicans. That, for people who care deeply about schools, is the good news. (Hechinger Report)
In the weeks since a California judge overturned the state’s rules governing teacher tenure, the political noise has only grown louder. Advocates on both sides of the issues have largely stuck to “give-no-ground,” press-release rhetoric that risks drowning out educators in the middle. (NPR)
Few traditions are as simultaneously cherished and maligned as school summer vacation. The long break, three months on average and luxurious by international standards, has been cited by even President Obama as an example of American educational sloth. (Vox)
New Jersey
While attending a meeting of the National Governors Association today, Gov. Chris Christie said he plans to issue an executive order this week regarding common education standards that have sparked criticism from parents and educators. (Star-Ledger)