Quick Hits (2.4.13)

Success with the Common Core. Critics of the Common Core State Standards have ramped up efforts against the new educational framework, particularly in Colorado, Idaho, and Indiana, for a variety of reasons. A recent Education Sector piece reminds us that we’ve been here before. It outlines the biggest obstacles to the Common Core’s success and how to avoid them. (Education Week)

Ed reform, by state. Want to keep tabs on education proposals highlighted in State of the State addresses? Here’s a handy breakdown by state, with links to complete speech text where available. (Education Commission of the States)

Every (study) minute counts. A new study finds that when Japan eliminated Saturday school, limiting the standard school week to five days, student achievement became more dependent on parents’ educational attainment and whether the students studied at home. (VOX)

“So, god made a farmer.” Ram Trucks will donate money, up to $1 million, to the National FFA Organization (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) for every time its commercial is viewed or shared online. (Farms.com)