NCLB Growth Models Approved

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings in June announced approval of two high-quality growth models, which follow the bright-line principles of No Child Left Behind. Michigan is immediately approved to use the growth model for the 2007-2008 school year. Missouri's growth model is approved on the condition that the state adopt a uniform minimum group size for all subgroups, including students with disabilities and limited English proficient students, in Adequate Yearly Progress determinations for the 2007-2008 school year.

Federal judge upholds teacher’s free speech rights

A federal judge on Friday, September 5, ruled that Bradley Johnson, a San Diego high school teacher, has a free speech right to display patriotic banners in his classroom with messages including “God Bless America,” “In God We Trust,” and “One Nation Under God.”

College Access and Affordability Legislation Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), the senior Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, today heralded enactment of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the first comprehensive renewal of federal higher education programs in a decade. The bill was given final approval by the U.S. Congress on July 31 and was signed into law August 14 by President George W. Bush.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Citing a string of recent allegations that federal education funds are being misused, sometimes for personal gain, top Republicans on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee today called on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the U.S. Department of Education’s Inspector General (IG) to undertake a thorough analysis of what safeguards are in place to protect taxpayer dollars and whether those safeguards are effective.

Federal School Construction Mandate Poses Serious Risks, New Congressional Analysis Finds

Secretary Spellings outlines NCLB proposals

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), the senior Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, Tuesday welcomed news that the U.S. Secretary of Education is proposing much-needed reforms to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), but he expressed disappointment at Democratic leaders’ continued inability to enact a more comprehensive overhaul of the law.

AMERICAN HISTORY TEACHING GRANTS AWARDED

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings in April announced the award of $114.7 million for 121 new grants to improve the quality of American history education. The grants are being awarded to school districts in 40 states nationwide.

UNIFORM GRADUATION RATE

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings Announces Department Will Move to a Uniform Graduation Rate, Require Disaggregation of Data Announcement Made At America's Promise Alliance Dropout Prevention Campaign Press Conference.

NEA Set to Become Aggressive in the 2008 Campaigns
Study on the Effectiveness of Smaller Class Sizes
Virginia Considering Opting Out of NCLB
High School Students Lacking in Knowledge of History
Deadline Approaching to Fund Programs for English Language Learners in Arizona
“How to Make Great Teachers”

“The Leadership Limbo”
Potential Cuts in School Budgets Predicted Nationwide
Teacher Ambassador Fellowship
Bruce Randolph School Granted Freedom
Online Courses Used to Reduce Dropout Rates
Ruling in NCLB Court Case Could be Reconsidered
House Education Committee Hearing on Public School Facilities