Quick Hits (4.3.12)

Step one: fact check. Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum claims that some California universities don’t offer, much less teach, American history courses. Except a quick search shows that the University of California requires all undergraduates to take an American history course (and in some cases, students even have their pick of time period). (Inside Higher Ed)

A Democratic divide. Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy’s education reform proposal, which includes expanded pre-K and a revamped teacher evaluation system, has pitted the teachers union against its local NAACP chapter. (CTNewsJunkie)

More than fairness. American Federation of Teacher President Randi Weingarten says teacher tenure should not be “a shield for incompetence.” (h/t Eduflack) (Washington Post)

‘Closing the door.’ The students most served by community colleges are now being shut out, in part because of declining funds and a push to boost graduation rates, according to a new report. (h/t Community College Spotlight) (The Center for the Future of Higher Education)