Afternoon announcements: Digital learning grows education markets

In order to combat the national high school dropout race, the U.S. needs to consider some policy changes. Among the changes proposed in a new paper from the National Education Policy Center at the School of Education, University of Colorado-Boulder is implementing responsible accountability systems tied to dropout rates and considering factors in and out of school that impact high school completion. Education Daily

A New Mexico bill allowed high school students in one year to receive a “reprieve” from a rigorous graduation exam. The state’s graduation rate went up this year, in large part because the exam wasn’t required. Santa Fe New Mexican

Education companies are buying into digital learning, fueling the market. Over $7 billion changed hadns in more than 250 total transactions in 2012, according to a report from investment banking firm Berekery Noyes. Education Week

Internet access isn’t a privilege anymore, it’s a necessity – when it comes to student success. Education Week