INCLUSION OF “DEEPER LEARNING” COMPETENCIES VARIES IN STATE WAIVER APPLICATIONS, NEW ALLIANCE REPORT FINDS: Report Argues That Students Need Deeper Learning Skills to Graduate from High School Ready for College and a Career Article

State applications for waivers under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act vary in the degree to which “deeper learning” skills are reflected in the standards, accountability systems, professional development, and teacher evaluations proposed by states, according to a new report from the Alliance for Excellent Education.

WAIVE AROUND: Obama Outlines Plan Allowing States to Waive Specific Provisions of No Child Left Behind Act Article

With the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)—currently known as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act—still under consideration in Congress, President Obama outlined a plan to provide states with flexibility from specific provisions of the law in exchange for state-led reform efforts to close achievement gaps, evaluate teachers and principals, promote rigorous accountability, and ensure that all students are on track to graduate ready for college and a career.

IMPROVING TEACHER QUALITY AROUND THE WORLD: New Report Shares Lessons from Two-Day International Summit on Teaching Profession Article

STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESSES 2011: Governors Recognize the Importance of Investments in Education Article

Despite tough budget times, many governors have prioritized K–12 education in their state of the state addresses.

EVALUATING TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS: New Report Examines How Teacher Assessments Can Be Reliable Indicators of Teacher Success Article

A new report from the Center for American Progress argues that the nation lacks a practical set of standards and assessments to determine that teachers—especially those who are new to the profession—are well prepared and ready to teach.

NOW WHAT?: New Fordham Institute Report Explores Next Steps After Common Core Adoption, Offers Model to Govern Effort Article

On October 28, Oregon became the latest state to adopt common core state standards in math and English language arts. And states are currently working together to develop new assessment systems that align with the common standards.

New Model Core Teaching Standards Available for Public Comment Until October 15 Article

On July 17, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) released new model core teaching standards for public comment. Unlike the original teacher standards, which focused on the assessment and support of beginning teachers, the new core teaching standards are standards of professional practice for all teachers.

CALL FOR ACTION: Strengthening Teacher Human Capital System Is Key to Graduating All Students Prepared for College and Careers, Says Alliance Brief Article

This is a critical time for expanding the current discussion on teacher evaluation systems beyond simply focusing on identifying “good” and “bad” teachers for purposes of reward or dismissal, according to Call for Action: Transforming Teaching and Learning to Prepare High School Students for College and Careers, a new policy brief from the Alliance for Excellent Education.

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION RELEASES ESEA BLUEPRINT: Proposal to Overhaul NCLB Centers on Raising Standards, Focusing Attention on the Lowest-Performing Schools Article

On March 15, the Obama administration released its blueprint to overhaul the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), currently known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

ACHIEVING A WEALTH OF RICHES: New Alliance Brief Examines How Teachers Can Use Data to Transform Teaching and Learning Article

Too many teachers are "data rich but information poor," meaning that while student data is becoming more abundant, not enough teachers have access to training, support, and the structures needed to use data effectively.