Education News: August 5, 2005

Following are some of the top headlines from the world of education for the week ending August 5, 2005.

Why the rise in pupils’ test scores? The South.
(Source: The Christian Science Monitor, 8/5/05)
The latest results from the test called “the nation’s report card” showed substantial long-term improvements in reading and math abilities for elementary and junior high students. By far, the biggest improvements took place in the South, which can largely be attributed to Southern governors, business groups, and educators who pioneered the national standards movement as a result of the South historically lagging behind in education.

Michigan fails in oversight of tutoring
(Source: The Detroit News, 8/4/05)
An audit by the U.S. Department of Education has shown that Michigan has not adequately monitored tutoring services, as mandated by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law. Schools, in many cases, did not notify parents of their children’s eligibility to receive free tutoring, and in some cases, did not provide the tutoring services at all. Last year, only 11,444 students received tutoring although a full 103,282 were eligible under NCLB.

Virginia lawmakers seek ‘no child’ flexibility
(Source: The Washington Post, 8/4/05)
A bipartisan group of Virginia legislators has submitted a letter to U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings requesting a greater degree of flexibility in enforcing the No Child Left Behind law. The lawmakers contended that the law’s rigid requirements endanger the progress Virginia schools have made under the state’s Standard of Learning testing system. If Spellings does not grant the state more flexibility, Virginia’s General Assembly will consider withdrawing from the federal program, which would entail forgoing $350 million in federal aid.

Bush remarks on ‘intelligent design’ theory fuel debate
(Source: The Washington Post, 8/3/05)
President Bush’s comments to Texas newspaper reporters earlier this week that intelligent design should be taught alongside the theory of evolution in schools has fueled the ongoing national controversy on this matter. Bush’s words on the topic were, “Both sides ought to be properly taught… so people can understand what the debate is about.” He added: “Part of education is to expose people to different schools of thought. You’re asking me whether or not people ought to be exposed to different ideas, and the answer is yes.”

When Teachers Don’t Make the Grades
(Source: Los Angeles Times, 7/31/05)
In response to the difficulty of firing poor-performing instructors in schools, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed a voter initiative that would extend probationary periods for new teachers and alter the rules for firing poor-performing veteran teachers. Though the initiative has its critics, a poll last month showed broad support for the measure with 59% supporting it and 35% opposed.