Afternoon announcements: Close the achievement gap by raising academic standards

While most school districts fight to figure out how to cut from their budgets, Fairfax County in Virginia is looking to increase it. The additional $2.5 billion spending will include modest teacher raises. Washington Post

Fewer students are enrolling in colleges, leaving schools with less tuition revenue. These results are from Moody’s Investors Service survey. New York Times

One possible policy initiative to curb gun violence in schools would be to staff schools with police officers. The Obama administration is considering a $50 million plan that would do just that. Denver post

Colleges may become less competitive as admission rates continue to decline, according to a report released this week. Los Angeles Times

One way to close the achievement gap? Continue to increase academic standards. NPR