Education News: January 15, 2009

Following are some of the top headlines from the world of education for the week ending January 15, 2010.

Schools Respond to Haiti’s Tragedy
(Education Week, January 14th) On January 12th an earthquake devastated Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, destroying numerous schools. Following the tragedy UNESCO, the United Nation’s Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, issued a statement emphasizing education’s importance in the recovery of Haiti’s capital. The American Federation of Teachers was quick to react, asking members to donate to the United Way and American Red Cross. The request has sparked a national response, as both school children and educators quickly organize charities.

AFT to Change Teacher Evaluation Model
(New York Times, January 13th) On Tuesday, the American Federation of Teacher’s President Randi Weingarten announced that the union will develop a new teacher evaluation model. The announcement came in response to years of criticism, suggesting that the union made it too difficult to weed out ineffective teachers. Weingarten expressed a need to set higher standards for educators encouraging the country to, “shed old conflicts and come together.”

Texas Not Apply for Federal Grants
(New York Times, January 14th) In spite of being eligible for up to $700 million in federal funding, Texas Governor Rick Perry announced that the state will not apply for Race to the Top grants. The decision was made despite a $250,000 donation from the Gates Foundation to fund the state’s application proposal. The governor criticized the Obama administration’s school grant program for interfering with state control over education affairs.

Massachusetts Passes New Education Bill
(Boston Globe, January 15th) Massachusetts has passed a new education bill intended to narrow the state’s wide socioeconomic achievement gap. The bill will double the amount of charter schools in low performing districts and help to overhaul ineffective teachers. Governor Deval Patrick emphasized that the bill will also increase the state’s eligibility for up to $250 million in federal funding.

Philadelphia Pledges Reform
(Philadelphia Inquirer, January 13th) Pennsylvania hopes that a recent reform pledge issued by Philadelphia’s teachers union will help to improve the state’s eligibility for Race to the Top grants. The union dedicated itself to restructure its teacher evaluation model and turn around struggling schools. With Race to Top applications due by Tuesday, state officials are confident that the union’s promise will improve their chances to receive up to $400 million in federal funding.

Denver Teachers Getting Younger
(Denver Post, January 15th) An increased number of retiring baby-boomer teachers has changed the workforce for Denver public schools. Baby-boomers make up more than half of America’s teachers. With so many retiring a younger less experienced teaching force has entered classrooms nationwide. In Colorado the percentage of teachers younger than thirty five has increased by three percent over the past five years. As the workforce begins to shift, Denver public schools have made it their top goal to attract and retain quality teachers.

Beverly Hills Ends Its Nonresident Education Program
(Los Angeles Times, January 14th) The Beverly Hills school district has elected to end its nonresident program. The program had allowed students in neighboring districts to apply to attend the Beverly Hills school system. Nonresidents currently enrolled in Beverly Hills’ high schools will be allowed to remain at there schools until graduation. Younger students will be forced to find new campuses.