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