In the News: A Clipping Service – July 18, 2011

In this edition of In the News:

  • No Excuses for Reformers
  • NEA Takes Stand Against TFA
  • State of Public Education in New Orleans
  • Lessons Learned from Louisiana
  • Fallout from Atlanta Cheating Scandal
  • In Other News
  • Voucher Program Follow-up

No Excuses for Reformers

No, Seriously: No Excuses
New York Times – July 7, 2011
In a thoughtful essay, Paul Tough challenges the education reform movement. He acknowledges that turning around failing schools is hard, as is educating students who are years behind their grade level. But it’s not impossible. Still, some “no excuses” reformers are now giving excuses. To bring reforms to scale, Paul Tough argues the education reform movement must acknowledge the whole range of factors that hold poor students back and make providing low-income students with a robust system of academic, emotional and psychological support part of their reform agenda.

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Voucher Program in Trouble

Voucher Program Faltering: Accountability and Performance Standards Needed

Educate Now! analyzed student test scores from voucher schools and compared them to New Orleans Recovery School District (RSD) schools. We found that for the second year in a row, students participating in the voucher program performed worse than students in the RSD!

STUDENT PERFORMANCE

Comparing 3rd, 4th and 5th graders

  • Statewide:  75% performed on grade level (Basic or above)
  • RSD schools: 49% performed on grade level
  • Voucher schools: Only 38% performed on grade level

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In the News: A Clipping Service – July 5, 2011

In this edition of In the News:

  • Facilities Master Plan Revised
  • New Orleans Receives National Attention
  • The Question of Academic Gains
  • In the National Spotlight
  • Louisiana Education News

Facilities Master Plan Revised

New Orleans School Construction Blueprint Revised
The Times-Picayune – June 30, 2011
Education officials have released a revised School Facilities Master Plan, the blueprint for spending the remainder of almost $2 billion in federal aid set aside to rebuild and renovate city schools. Continue reading