Afternoon announcements: Massachusetts eight-graders shine globally

Despite programs to help low-income students afford prestigious universities, few are applying. Why? Inside Higher Ed

In today’s biggest education news, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan picked 16 Race to the Top-District winners. The 16 winners include three charter school organizations and will share the $400 million prize. Politics K-12

Yesterday, we saw news that the US lags behind several East Asian and European countries in math and science test scores. New information today shows that Massachusetts 8^th-graders represented the US well in the scores – scoring among the smartest in the world. Education Week

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal scolded teacher unions that oppose vouchers for private schools, calling it “shameful.” Times-Picayune

Joshua Starr, Montgomery County Schools Superintendent, is pushing the envelope in Maryland by requesting a budget… increase. He plans to request more than the $10 million minimum spending requirement in the next fiscal year. Washington Post