ESEA BRIEFING BOOK: New Fordham Report Identifies Ten “Big Issues” in ESEA Reauthorization Article

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.

New Report Examines How Leadership Can Raise Achievement and Narrow Gaps in Student Outcomes Article

A recent study from the Achievement Gap Initiative (AGI) at Harvard University examines how leadership teams at fifteen different public high schools worked together to significantly raise student outcomes and narrow achievement gaps.

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.

AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT: Proposed Economic Stimulus Bill Contains Over $140 Billion in Education Funding Article

Earlier this month, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey (D-WI) released the details of an $825 billion economic stimulus bill designed to create jobs and jumpstart the American economy.

ARKANSAS TAKES A LOOK AT ADEQUACY: Study Finds $838 Million Needed to Provide an Adequate Education Article

According to a new costing-out study, Arkansas needs to spend an additional $848.3 million to provide an adequate education for its K-12 students

THE LITERACY COACH: A Key to Improving Teaching and Learning in Secondary Schools Article

Never in this country's history has the need for an educated, literate citizenry been so critical. The increasing complexity of rapid globalization demands a workforce that is skilled in reading, communications, and mathematics.

STATES REPORT NUMBER OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS: State Officials Admit Guesswork in Reporting Data Article

In September, 33 states reported that over 75 percent of their core classes were being taught by "highly qualified" teachers as defined in the No Child Left Behind Act.

ADOLESCENT LITERACY COACHES CATCH ON IN ST. LOUIS: Grades Improve for Middle School Students Under New Program Article

The private management team that runs the St. Louis public school system has grabbed headlines in the last few months for closing schools, laying off employees, and outsourcing many district operations.

MEETING THE HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS CHALLENGE: Too Many Teachers Teaching Outside of Their Field, Paige Says Article

Last week, in his second annual report to Congress, U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige wrote that many classrooms in our nation's schools are being led by teachers without a major or minor in the field in which they teach.