July 29, 2015
Delaware News
The News Journal
Markell veto: Opt-out or cop-out?
Opinion by Representative John Kowalko (25th District) and Senator Dave Lawson (15th Senatorial District)
It has been one week since we received Governor Markell’s message that he had vetoed House Bill 50 (the parental opt out rights bill.) We feel it is our obligation, as responsible lawmakers, to thoroughly review and consider all aspects of Governor Markell’s stated reasons for vetoing this legislation.
UDaily
Transformational school leader
Lamont Browne, a three-time alumnus of the University of Delaware and CEO/executive director of EastSide Charter School and Family Foundations Academy, has been selected to receive the Ryan Award, a national award honoring transformational school principals.
Cape Gazette
Rehoboth Elementary mentoring program seeks partners
After 132 Rehoboth students got a taste of their dream jobs this year, Rehoboth Elementary is ready to partner with new local businesses. “Ultimately, we would like to engage as many students as possible to help them understand the many career opportunities that there are right in their own communities,” said Erin Bailey, fifth-grade teacher and program administrator for Rehoboth Empowers Dreams.
WDEL
Student’s volunteerism leads to well in Africa named after Christiana High School
During her senior year at Christiana High School, Hana Chammack knew she wanted to make a difference in the world–and in a big way. The Christiana High School valedictorian partnered with the Zakat Foundation and raised $2,500 through bake sales, donations and fundraising events at local restaurants to build a well in the African country of Burkina Faso.
Sussex County Post
Indian River’s Project VILLAGE nets top five-star rating
Indian River School District’s Project VILLAGE preschool program recently received another Five-Star rating from the Delaware Stars for Early Success program. Project VILLAGE is a comprehensive, developmentally-appropriate early childhood program for economically-challenged 4-year-olds. Its goal is to provide students with the math and language readiness skills that will ensure their academic success in kindergarten. There are currently five Project VILLAGE locations in the district serving about 175 students.
National News
The Baltimore Sun
Education officials say PARCC saved $2.5M compared to previous state tests
Maryland is a member of a consortium of states implementing the PARCC testing. School Superintendent Lillian M. Lowery said two consortium members, Ohio and Arkansas, recently withdrew from the testing program. But she said Maryland still would benefit from “economies of scale” by staying a member of the group.
The Washington Post
To get support for education bill, senators conjure lost art: Compromise
Alexander and Murray each had to navigate conflicts within their own parties over education policy, and Murray carried the extra weight of also representing the interests of the Obama administration. They convinced committee members to save controversial amendments for debate before the full Senate, fearing that if political arguments consumed the committee, the bill would never make it to the floor.
Education Week
Teacher-turned-congressman: Rep. Mark Takano’s take on ESEA rewrite
Blog by Lauren Camera
Meet Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., a two-term congressman who, prior to his election in 2012, spent more than two decades teaching middle and high school.
The Hechinger Report
Head of the class: Here is how one state will provide advanced training for blended learning
A new partnership in Ohio will provide school leaders with advanced training in the use of classroom technology. National surveys suggest teachers are eager to use new technology, but don’t believe they have the skills to be successful. In Ohio, the effort to provide this training comes after numerous grassroots efforts allowed teachers to organically test what worked in their own local schools.
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Nevada’s new super-data system makes school records permanent
Nevada is about to debut a new super-data system that connects information from the moment a student starts preschool to high school graduation, acceptance to a university and eventually the first day of work.