thinks that Iowa schools should explore some new ways to be creative and innovative in the classroom.  He says that schools should think of having more classes with students of different ages in them.

has passed a new law lowering the passing score on the social science/history test from 64 down to 57 so more teachers can pass the exam.

Under the new rules 82% would have passed the exam in June up from 56% with the old rules.

I think this is a no-no.

in a new report that most states have failed to analyze data to see if poor and minority students are getting a fair share of unqualified, inexperienced, and out-of-field teachers.  Only the states of Ohio and Nevada met the goals for the NCLB.

calls for change in the college educational system.  The commission wants to consolidate all the federal aid programs into the pell grant program and make sure the pell grant pays for 70% of in-state tuition costs.

They also want the colleges to be more accountable for what they teach.

near or at bottom of the list in reading, writing and mathematics in every grade tested this year on the annual Connecticut Mastery Test.

Only 15% of third-graders in the city passed the exam.  The article also stated that minority students had a tough time trying to pass the math portion of the exam.

step up dropout prevention.  They have been given a 240,000 dollar grant they can use to hire extra staff orf rehire some people who work in this area.