READ THE NEXT THREE STORIES, CONNECT THE DOTS + DO THE MATH: http://bit.ly/bQFYAU ● http://bit.ly/ai5KKl ● http://bit.ly/bp9nWu

by smf for 4LAKids

• K-12 CUTS LOOM AGAIN AS STATES’ FISCAL WOES CONTINUE: With Budget Gaps Growing, About Half Expect K-12 Cuts: http://bit.ly/bQFYAU

…next year there will be $55 billion in cuts by the states to  K-12 education funding according to the National Council of State Legislatures …

• Colin Powell: HELPING AMERICA BECOME A GRAD NATION: Posted today on The White House Blog by General Colin Powell http://bit.ly/ai5KKl

…today President Obama, General Powell and Secretary Duncan announced a $900 million plan to reduce the dropout rate – if the states and local districts will only dance to the NCLB, testing, charters and marketing tune excoriated in…

• Book Review: THE DEATH AND LIFE OF THE GREAT AMERICAN SCHOOL SYSTEM by Diane Ravitch  http://bit.ly/bp9nWu

…so, the first year of the  federal ‘turnaround’ program will provide $900 million while the states cut $55 billion?

 

From the LA Times: Under the plan, Education Secretary Arne Duncan will administer $900 million in grants next year to school districts that adopt one of four reform models.

• In some cases, a school can qualify for the grant money by taking steps to reform instructional strategies and improve teacher effectiveness, in part by extending planning time for educators.
• The more dramatic options include a "turnaround" model, which requires replacing a principal and half the school staff and setting up a new structure of school governance and instructional program.
• Another "restart" model calls for closing a school and reopening under charter management,
• while the "closure" model requires sending students to better schools in the district.