Education News: September 7, 2007

Following are some of the top headlines from the world of education for the week ending September 7, 2007.

Recruitment by Military in Schools Criticized
(Source: The New York Times, 9/7/07): A new report by the Manhattan borough deputy and the New York Civil Liberties Union found military recruiters were often allowed into public school classrooms in violation of district regulations. The report faulted the city’s Department of Education for failing to regulate recruiters’ access to high school students.

D.C. Schools Might Snare Tax Windfall
(Source: The Washington Post, 9/7/07): The government of Washington, D.C., expects to receive an extra $100 million in taxes this year, and the governor wants to use much of it to improve schools. The money would go toward severance packages for the hundreds of central office employees that schools chancellor Michelle Rhee plans to let go and toward building upgrades.

No Child Loopholes Decried
(Source: The Washington Post, 9/6/07): Several House Republicans and Democrats are circulating a proposal that would allow schools that miss their achievement goals by just a little to escape the penalties currently imposed on them by No Child Left Behind. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings, however, opposes the move, saying it would prevent many struggling students from getting the help they need.

IPS Buttons Down Its Dress Code
(Source: The Indianapolis Star, 9/5/07): Indianapolis Schools sent over 100 high school students home on Tuesday due to their failure to comply with a new, strict dress code. The new code requires students to wear solid color shirts and tan, black, or navy pants.

Student Newspaper Editors Settle With Everett Schools
(Source: The Seattle Times, 9/5/07): The Everett School District in Washington State reached a settlement with student newspaper editors just a few days before the First Amendment case was to go to trial. The settlement stated that the school district is entitled to review school newspapers before they are published but that it may only sensor articles that contain libel or that violate district policy.

New Incentives for Teachers
(Source: The Chicago Sun-Times, 9/4/07): As of this school year, Chicago has become the largest school system in the nation to offer merit-based pay to teachers. The new program, deemed Recognizing Excellence in Academic Leadership or REAL, allows teachers to earn bonuses of up to $8000, principals to earn up to $5000 extra, and janitors and clerks to earn up to $1000 extra annually.

Iraq Veteran Sues Over School Job
(Source: The Sacramento Bee, 9/4/07): A soldier returning from service in Iraq and Kuwait is suing the Sacramento City Unified School District for failing to promptly reinstate him in his job as an assistant principal at Kennedy High School. Edward O’Gilvie returned in July 2006 but was told he wouldn’t have a job until December 2006—the original date set for his return. Instead, O’Gilvie moved to Chicago to take another administrative position.

Minnesota Launches Science Test This Year
(Source: The Pioneer Press, 9/3/07): As of this school year, students in Minnesota will be required to take a standardized computer-based science exam. The test will be given in fifth grade, eighth grade, and once in high school. Education officials are hoping the test will improve state science education and help Minnesotans be more competitive globally.