Supporting the Common Core State Standards for MathematicsThe National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) will help educators interpret and understand the Common Core State Standards in mathematics and support efforts to create comprehensive and coherent instruction and assessment systems at the school, district, and state levels. more Department of Education Wants Changes in Assessing Students With DisabilitiesOn Aug. 23, the U.S. Department of Education proposed regulations that would transition away from the 2 percent rule, emphasizing the department's commitment to holding all students to high standards in order to prepare them for college and career. more State Superintendent Richard Ross Promotes Third-Grade Reading and State's New Straight A Fund in Visit to ClevelandDuring a visit to schools in Cleveland as part of a statewide tour, Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction Richard Ross touted the state's requirement that students be able to read by the end of third grade. more Nebraska Begins Search for Commissioner of EducationThe Nebraska Department of Education has begun its search for the position of Nebraska Education Commissioner. The application form for the position is now available. more Governor Cuomo Launches 'NYS Community Schools' Initiative to Transform Schools in Distressed Communities Into Hubs for Children & Family ServicesNew York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently rolled out the NYS Community Schools initiative to transform schools in distressed communities into hubs that provide healthcare, counseling, nutrition, job preparation, and other services for children and families. more Mississippi Increases Graduation Rate, Scores ImproveThe Mississippi Department of Education announced recently that the four-year graduation rate reached a six-year high in 2013 at just over 75 percent, marking a three-point decrease since last year in the number of dropouts. more State Education Board Approves Teacher Evaluation ModelThe Missouri Board of Education gave final approval to guidelines for evaluating teachers and administrators, and school districts have the option to adopt the state blueprint or their own system, so long as it incorporates the approved principles. more State Test Scores Indicate Improvement in MathMinnesota Commissioner of Education Brenda Cassellius said that the state plans to keep its tests and academic standards steady for the next decade or longer. more Governor Brownback Announces JAG Program, LHS ParticipatesKansas has rolled out the Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) program at 25 high schools in an effort to boost graduation rates and academic achievement to ensure students are successful in school and the workplace. more | 
