Chiefline 9.24.13

Education Newsbriefs

Indiana Department of Education Releases ISTEP+ Scores

The Indiana Department of Education has released statewide ISTEP+ scores that show 79.5 percent of students passed the English/Language Arts portion of the test and 82.7 percent passed math, up from 79.4 percent for English/Language Arts and 81.2 percent for math last year. more

O'Malley Announces Education Grants

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and State Superintendent of Schools Lillian Lowery announced $5.5 million in grants to boost digital learning and to help high school students earn college credit. more

Montana Schools Switch Assessment Guidelines

On Sept. 18, Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau filed a No Child Left Behind law waiver with the federal government to further implement the Common Core State Standards. more

New Jersey Pushing Plan to Require Better College Grades From Incoming Teachers

New Jersey Education Commissioner Chris Cerf submitted a package of proposals to lawmakers to require college graduates to have a "B" average in order to become teachers. more

State Superintendent Seeks to Amend Education Legislation

South Carolina Superintendent of Education Mick Zais and state lawmakers are working on amendments to the Education Accountability Act to help failing schools improve. more

State Officials Defend New Common Core Standards for K-12 Education

At a recent Siouxland Republican Women panel, South Dakota Education Secretary Melody Schopp defended the Common Core State Standards, saying that they challenge students to think more deeply and emphasize critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to make viable arguments. more

41 Percent of Virginia Public Schools Meet Annual Benchmarks in Reading, Math, Graduation

Of Virginia's 1,828 public schools, 41 percent met annual benchmarks aimed at reducing proficiency gaps between low-performing and high-performing schools. more