Defying state, CPS will test just 10 percent of schools
Parents and activists have complained about the time spent on standardized tests as well as the format of the new PARCC. CPS now says it will test only 10 percent of schools.
Later school start times slowly gain traction in Colorado
When Denver’s new Northfield High School opens next August, its students will report to their first class more than an hour later than students at most other district high schools.
Illinois gets second-largest preschool grant
The U.S. Department of Education announced today that the state will receive an additional $20 million in annual federal funding to further expand preschool services for 4-year-olds.
What we talk about when we talk about ‘universal’ preschool
Politicians and advocates alike have seized on research that says starting school young offers lasting dividends — as well as on the political expediency of promising a benefit to every voter. As they have, the meaning of “universal” preschool has become, well, not so universal.
City’s community schools plan stirs doubt among supporters
Some supporters of Mayor de Blasio’s vision for creating new “community schools” expressed doubts about the program, which will include more extra instructional time and after-school programs for students.
California districts use after-school programs to make science fun
Some districts, including Oakland and San Francisco Unified, are looking to after-school and summer programs as one way to introduce students to scientific and engineering concepts in a more relaxed and fun atmosphere that encourages experimentation.
Raising the bar for STEM education
Schools are trying to improve teaching of science, technology, engineering and math with the help of a federal grant.
Study highlights benefits of full-day preschool
A new study on Chicago’s child-parent centers found that children attending a full day of preschool do even better on a range of kindergarten readiness assessments than those who attend preschool for just part of the day.
Parents push for testing “opt-out” bill
As they continue to push state education officials to ask the federal government for a waiver to delay a new standardized test scheduled to be given next year, parent advocates announced Friday they also want the state legislature to pass a bill allowing parents to opt their child out of the exam.
Review finds mixed academic results for expanded learning programs
A review of 30 studies on after-school and summer programs across the country found mixed results regarding their benefits on student academic performance.