What the re-election means for K-12 … President Obama will focus on expanding Race to the Top, supporting early education, and better training educators to teach in STEM-related fields, say education thought leaders. (Hechinger Report)

… and higher education. More than once, Obama has made mention of awarding some federal financial aid based on a university’s efforts to curb rising tuitiContinue Reading »

Inside the Beltway. A survey of Washington “insiders” this week shows that they don’t think too highly of the Race to the Top competition for districts; they see strong support for the Common Core State Standards; and Congress? Zero percent approved of the way it is handling education. (Education Week)

Dismal milestone. For the first time since the University of Louisville went public inContinue Reading »

“Hurry, please. We have so much time and so little to see. Wait a minute! Strike that. Reverse it. Thank you.”

No doubt, many state and local educators know exactly how Mr. Wonka felt. Motivated by NCLB’s impending 100% proficiency deadline, adoption of the Common Core, and federal initiatives like Race to the Top and ESEA waivers, states and school districts are embarking on a multi-proContinue Reading »

We’re not all winners anymore. Last week, Iowa became the first state to be turned down by the U.S. Department of Education for an ESEA waiver. While the news is a blow for Iowans – and policymakers like Republican Gov. Terry Branstad, who supported the request – it really isn’t a surprise or a bold political statement from the Obama administration (Iowa is a swing stateContinue Reading »

Tuesday, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the next round of Race to the Top (RTTT) program funding, with a new focus on district reform rather than states.  Teacher quality, turning around low-performing schools, data quality, and improving standards would continue to be at the heart of the program according to Duncan.  But the fourth round adds a new focus: personalized learning enContinue Reading »

In case you missed the buzz this morning. Race to the Top grants will soon be available to districts. Alyson Klein seems to have the most comprehensive rundown, but if you see other helpful links, please post them below. (Politics K-12/Education Week)

Nothing to study, or not as studious? College students study less today than they did 50 years ago. A WaPo article asks if college has becContinue Reading »

FINAL UPDATE (4 p.m.): That’s a wrap! Thanks for following along. Remember, you can see more thoughts from our panelists in this collection of essays released today.

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UPDATE (3:30 p.m): Before taking questions from the audience, Elena Silva invited each of the panelists to offer closing thoughts.

Tom Luna reminded everyone that “this is a very posiContinue Reading »

Later today, Education Sector hosts a panel discussion on “Getting to 2014: The Choices and Challenges Ahead.” Panelists, including Michael Cohen of Achieve; Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna; Allan R. Odden from University of Wisconsin-Madison and CPRE; Robin Steans of Advance Illinois; and Joel Vargas from Jobs for the Future, will be discussing a number of dilemmas related Continue Reading »

AP Photo/Susan Walsh

On Monday, the Obama administration released its budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. $69.8 billion was requested for the Department of Education, a $1.7 billion dollar increase from the previous year. Since Steve already covered some of the budget’s higher ed components, today we’re looking at the hottest K-12 budget items: $14.5 bContinue Reading »

Educators from coast-to-coast will celebrate the nation’s first Digital Learning Day on Wednesday. Amidst the cool technology demonstrations, shiny gadgets, and debates about online learning, it’s essential not to overlook the country’s most expensive — and perhaps most ambitious — initiative to use digital technology.

Just under 18 months ago, the U.S. DepaContinue Reading »