Let the Race Begin
On November 18th the Final guidelines and invitation for applications to the so-called Race to the Top competition were published in the Federal Register. The 102 page application for Phase…
Two Recent Losses to Public Education
In recent weeks two men who have made significant contributions to public education passed away. Ted Sizer, founder of the Essential Schools Movement died at age 77 after a long…
National Research Council Issues Caution on Value-Added Assessment
The Board on Testing and Assessment of the National Research Council released a report on the Race to the Top (RTTP) Fund. (Letter Report to the U.S. Department of Education…
Parents and Students Rally with Naugatuck Teachers to Protest Budget Cuts
Nearly 100 Naugatuck teachers – joined by students and parents – organized a mass rally yesterday evening to express their concern about a projected $1.3 million budget shortfall that could…
It’s Banned Books WeeK
September 26 to October 3 is Banned Books Week – the only national celebration of the freedom to read. The American Library Association and other sponsors have a website with…
Lunchroom Talk: Reauthorization of the Childhood Nutrition Act
Amidst all the brouhaha over Health Care Reform another major legislative act, vital to millions of America’s school children, is up for renewal and expires on September 30, 2009. The…
Senator Harkin Will Chair Kennedy’s Committee
Yesterday it became official that Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) will assume the chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP). He and Senator Kennedy were not only…
The Bully Pulpit: The Master and His Apprentice
bully pulpit (a public office of sufficiently high rank that it provides the holder with an opportunity to speak out and be listened to on any matter) Last night President…
President Obama Addresses Students
At noon today President Obama addressed America’s students. If you missed his remarks, you can read them here or watch them below. In his speech Obama told students that if…
The H1N1 Virus and Connecticut’s Schools
Dr. Matthew Cartter, Connecticut’s State Epidemiologist, presented to the State Board of Education Wednesday, on the implications of the H1N1 virus (or Swine Flu) for Connecticut’s public schools. He offered…