on Robert Bobb unveiling $64M in school construction plans.

on the largest teacher union in the state that is going to go along with the Gov. on the plan they have to go after more federal money for education/.

the State Assembly voting in favor to more than double the amount charter schools in the state.

on Miami-Dade students making strides on the FCAT exam.

on high need poor schools in Ohio that are doing great.

The similarities they found are:

• They are schools of choice.
• Their administrators and teachers exhibit strong leadership and ownership over school policies and practices.
• Teachers and leaders make no excuses for what they or their students “can’t do.”
• Expectations for teacher performance are data-specific—and teachers have the autonomy they need to meet performance targets.
• Behavioral management policies are clearly articulated and consistent, feature positive incentives as well as consequences, and are deeply embedded in the school culture.
• Teamwork defines these schools; they have few if any “independent contractors.”
• There is little turnover among administrators and teachers.
• Staffing is a function of meticulous recruitment and a culture of high expectations that attracts and retains talent.
• These schools strive to engage parents and develop relationships with them.
• In unionized Needles schools (six of eight), staff regard their collective bargaining agreements as the floor of their teaching responsibilities, not the ceiling.

The Washington Post reports on 100,000 teachers that could get laid off nationwide.

The AP has a report out on looking at how we should teacher are new teachers.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports on teachers in the local school district that are protesting layoffs and larger classes.

The Hartford Courant reports on New Britain School employees that brace for more possible layoffs.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports on 64 more layoffs ion the local school district.

The LA Times reports on LA schools rescinding 522 teacher layoff notices.

The Miami Herald reports on the vast majority of teachers’ unions in the state that are backing the bid the state has to get more federal money from school.