Quick Hits (10.27.11)

Square one. The New York Times editorial board criticized federal lawmakers’ attempt at reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education (ESEA) Act, which earned committee approval last week. The editorial says the draft scales back too much, in terms of assessments and accountability, and it urges committee leaders to “go back to the drawing board.” Education Sector’s Anne Hyslop warns of similar problems in her ESEA summary. (New York Times)

Bad cop. Alexander Russo talks school improvement in Colorado, highlighting his work and analysis of a turnaround effort in Los Angeles. He says money isn’t key in these situations; it’s finding someone willing to be the bad guy. (This Week in Education)

Voucher plan moves on. Pennsylvania lawmakers cleared the first legislative hurdle in their push for school vouchers, a plan we told you about earlier this month when Gov. Tom Corbett announced it. The plan, which would give vouchers to low-income students in the bottom 5 percent of the state’s schools, got Senate approval Wednesday and is headed to the House. Historically, voucher plans have failed in Pennsylvania. (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Judging schools on parents. Some aspect of parental involvement will soon play a role in New York City schools ratings, the chancellor announced Wednesday. Specifically how is still unknown, although it will include school outreach and communication with parents, he said. We mentioned a similar unusual measure earlier this week in Idaho that will link teacher bonuses, in part, to parent attendance at parent-teacher conferences. (Wall Street Journal)