DFER's Blog
DFER News Roundup
May 17, 2013
By Devin Boyle, Director of Communications
DFER Seen & Heard:
- "Board pushes ahead on grad guidelines in CO," according to EdNews Colorado.
- In NY, "Bleak prognosis for education agenda after budget, corruption." (GothamSchools)
- "Common Core Supporters Firing Back," writes Andrew Ujifusa for EdWeek.
- DFER gets a nod in The Boston Globe piece, “Will the city’s new mayor be pro-charter?”
- WEA flexes political muscle in WA; DFER's Macfarlane tells The Seattle Times, “The proof will be in the pudding.”
- DFER's LeBuhn pens letter to NY Times, "Sunday Dialogue: A Talent for Teaching."
DFER Blog:
- DFER’s Blackmond writes, "Common Core: A Truly Shared Vision."
- Lisa Macfarlane asks, "Excellence for all, or just some?"
- “From the trenches: Action in CO,” by DFER’s Moira Cullen.
Advocacy, Policy Briefs, & Such:
- DFER commends leadership on passing STEM amendment to immigration package.
- DFER endorses Polis-Udall-Bennet “Growth to Excellence Act."
- Press Release: Education Reform News, hosted by DFER IL Director, airs on CAN-TV.
In Related News:
- There's a record waiting list of 50,000 for charter schools in NYC, reports NY Post.
- "Lawmakers Vote to Boost STEM Education in Immigration Bill," reports EdWeek.
- In 2012, 69% of Hispanic high school grads went on to pursue higher education, according to EdWeek.
- Arizona Republic editorial board says, "State’s embrace of Common Core refreshing."
- "Student-Achievement Goals at Issue in Senate NCLB Renewal Effort," reports EdWeek.
- The Columbus Dispatch editorial board says Common Core critics are wrong.
- Congressman Polis pens, “Celebrating Charter School Successes: This Week and Every Week.” (The Hill)
- Michigan’s Gov. Snyder expresses support for Common Core. (NBC)
- When it comes to halting Common Core, Crain's New York Editorial Board says to Weingarten "Don’t even go there."
Fun with Infographics & More:
- VIDEO | Watch the first two episodes of Education Reform News hosted by Rebeca Huffman.
- Infographic | Income-Based Student Loan Repayments
- Graphic | Jon Hamm <3 Teachers
- VIDEO | TED Talks Education
- Infographic | 4 Ways to Celebrate a Teacher
Call to Action:
- Contribute to DFER.
- Support our Reformer of the Month.
- Sign our Statement of Principles.
Have a Great Weekend!
Watch Episodes of Education Reform News
May 16, 2013
Education Reform News, airing on CAN-TV in Chicago, focuses on pressing education issues facing Chicago’s school system and impacting families everywhere. The goal is to bring the community real stories, of real people, making a real difference for our students.
You can watch the episodes after they air here:
Episode 1: What is Education Reform?
Senate Judiciary Committee Unanimously Supports America’s Students
May 14, 2013
Senate Judiciary Committee Unanimously Supports America’s Students
Passes STEM Education Amendment to Immigration Bill
Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) commends the leadership of Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) in passing an amendment today in the Senate Judiciary Committee to the pending immigration package which would improve STEM education for American students.
We owe it to American students—especially those from underserved communities—to do whatever we can to help them seize opportunities in science and engineering professions. This amendment takes a serious step towards fulfilling this obligation to our children.
Common Core: A Truly Shared Vision
May 14, 2013
By Harrison Blackmond, DFER MI State Director
In an unprecedented display of unity, business leaders, educators, and advocates have come together today to support the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in Michigan. The standards, which will ensure Michigan’s children are prepared to compete in a global economy, are set to go into effect at the start of the 2014-15 school year.
Despite bi-partisan support for the CCSS in our state, a radical group of CCSS opponents have been operating behind the scenes and using inflammatory rhetoric in an effort to halt implementation.
Democrats for Education Reform Endorses Polis-Udall-Bennet “Growth to Excellence Act”
May 14, 2013
College and Career Readiness, Closing Achievement Gaps Would Be Key Priorities of Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) and Senators Mark Udall (D-CO) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the “Growth to Excellence Act” today in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, respectively. The bill would make critical improvements to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) by pushing states to set ambitious, but attainable goals to raise student achievement and close achievement gaps. Any bill worthy of support from education advocates must have these essential components.
The Growth to Excellence Act represents a strong step towards fulfilling aspirations to provide each student in America with an excellent education by bringing growth in student learning to the forefront.
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