Policy and Legislation: Page 4

Literacy/Reading/Language Arts

New coalition forms to improve literacy in Pennsylvania

Chalkbeat

The new group of advocates formed in response to alarming data showing that just 1 in 3 Pennsylvania students — and even fewer in Philadelphia — can read proficiently by fourth grade.

Leadership

How district leaders are strengthening school-community connections

Establishing strong community engagement is vital to the success of a school system. Here are 8 ideas from K12 leaders.

Policy and Legislation

One state tried algebra for all eighth graders. It hasn’t gone well

Some places are moving to universal early algebra. Minnesota has required it for years — with less-than-promising results

Leadership

Chicago school board fires CEO Pedro Martinez

Chalkbeat Chicago

The firing was a dramatic culmination to months of turmoil that pitted the mayor and the teachers union against the district's leader. “It’s not right,” an angry and emotional Martinez said to reporters after the vote.

Policy and Legislation

Colorado K-12 strategic plan prioritizes improving attendance, 3rd grade reading, and future readiness

The state Department of Education has outlined its challenges, goals, and strategies for the next few years, focused on improving student engagement and outcomes, improving operations, and strengthening the educator workforce.

Business and Finance

Detroit school district weighs suing Michigan to pay debt with operating millage revenue

Chalkbeat Detroit

The district is struggling to pay off nearly $1.4 billion in capital debt, which was accrued during the state’s control of the school system to improve its infrastructure.

Student Success

Resource Page: Addressing Chronic Absenteeism

These free resources from a variety of organizations are intended to help district leaders tackle this complex issue, including toolkits, policy recommendations, outreach and communications strategies, and more.

Leadership

One lesson from HISD’s massive bond failure: Don't ignore community engagement.

“You don't listen to us.” Voting against the $4.4 billion proposal became an opportunity for many in the community to express distrust of Houston Superintendent Mike Miles’ aggressive reforms and gruff leadership style.

Policy and Legislation

Missouri school districts show improvement in annual performance report

State officials once again delay classification of school districts based on performance report scores.

Facilities

Tennessee K-12 school building costs escalate amid competing political priorities for education

Chalkbeat Tennessee

A new report found the state needs to spend about $9.8 billion on repairs, upgrades, or construction to keep its K-12 public school buildings safe and conducive to learning.

Policy and Legislation

Budget battle over Providence schools intensifies as Smiley warns of tax hikes, service cuts

‘It is clear the commissioner views her ability to run our schools as one without checks and balances,’ mayor says.

Operations

Resource Page: Emergency operations planning tools and strategies for K12 district leaders

The federal government provides a number of free resources to help district leaders plan for various types of emergencies in school communities.

Previous Page

Page 4 of 6

Next Page