Current News

About 67 percent of states are in the process of implementing teacher evaluations to improve public education, and many of those evaluations will include student achievement -- generally measured by standardized tests -- and classroom observation.

Under a bill signed by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker in April, school boards must implement teacher and principal evaluation systems -- either those developed by the State Department of Public Instruction or equivalent systems -- by the 2014-15 school year.

New York State Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr., has approved 533 school district teacher and principal Annual Professional Performance Review evaluation plans, which were submitted as required by the revised teacher and principal evaluation law passed in 2012.

New Mexico will be one of 14 states to receive millions in federal "Race to the Top" education spending. The state Public Education Department (PED) said New Mexico will receive $25 million over the next four years as part of Race to the Top's Early Learning Challenge grant competition, which focuses on "improving early learning and development programs for young children," according to the U.S. Department of Education.

New Jersey Education Commissioner Chris Cerf spoke with NJ Spotlight about education reform priorities for 2013, including teacher evaluation systems, turnaround strategies for troubled schools, and the introduction of new standards and assessments for students.

Iowa Education Director Jason Glass requests $1.5 million in funding for the next three years to broaden online education opportunities for high school students.

Next Issue of Chiefline Scheduled for January 3

Twenty-five states have expressly committed to advance recommendations aimed at dramatically improving educator preparation and entry into the profession. The recommendations are outlined in a new CCSSO report, "Our Responsibility, Our Promise: Transforming Educator Preparation and Entry into the Profession."

Twenty-five state schools chiefs are vowing to take action to update their systems of teacher preparation and licensing, with an eye to ensuring teachers are ready the minute they take charge of their own classrooms.

The U.S. Department of Education announced on Dec. 11 that 16 winners -- including three charter school organizations -- will share $400 million in the Race To the Top district competition. Miami-Dade is the largest urban district on the list, having also recently won the prestigious Broad Prize this year.