Quick Hits (3.9.12)

Costly in more ways than one. Hearings for nine Atlanta teachers accused of cheating on state tests will begin next week. It’s about time: those on paid leave during the investigation are costing the district $1 million per month. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Training for STEM careers. Officials from Chicago-area community colleges, technology giants, and high schools will join forces to offer six-year high schools, which will educate and train students specifically for high-tech jobs. Students will finish with an associate’s degree. (h/t Community College Spotlight) (Chicago Sun-Times)

Thank your plumber. The Senate passed a resolution this week, making Sunday, March 11, “World Plumbing Day.” Not only do plumbers service your cruddy pipes for a living, but they had to study and train to do it correctly, as Education Sector’s Kevin Carey pointed out earlier today. (The Hill)

Klumsy? Klueless? Or just plain dumb? After parents questioned a Massachusetts school lunch menu that included “KKK Chicken,” it was changed to “Krispy Krunchy Chicken.” Where did the extra “K” come from? And wait, why are they using Ks? (Educationnews.org)