Quick Hits (2.22.12)

Shuttering bad charter schools. Poor performing charter schools need more oversight and accountability – and they should be closed if they’re not living up to expectations. (New York Times)

Transparency in higher ed data. Congressional lawmakers are making a better go of measuring “gainful employment” than federal officials have in the past, thanks to new bipartisan proposals for more transparency and data in higher education. Education Sector’s Amy Laitinen hopes other lawmakers get on board. (Inside Higher Ed)

Forget Ds vs. Rs. In Washington state, it’s Democrats vs. Democrats. One big Democratic donor says, “It is impossible to escape the painful reality that we Democrats are now on the wrong side of every important education-reform issue.” Seattle Times columnist Lynne Varner argues it may be time for the state’s lawmakers to show a little tough love to the teachers unions.  (Seattle Times)

Paying for a service. How does a school offset the extra costs that are necessary to pay teachers who supervise detention? Charge the students who get sent there. (ABC News)