Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

Where they stand

Detroit
Updated July 27, 2018

Where candidates for governor in Michigan stand on major education issues

To see where major party candidates stand on crucial education issues, Chalkbeat joined with our partners in the Detroit Journalism Cooperative to ask candidates for their views on school funding, early childhood education, and paying for college.

in their own words

Detroit
July 19, 2018

Watch candidates who want to be Michigan’s next governor explain how they would fix state schools

Chalkbeat and the Detroit Journalism Cooperative sat down this month with six of the major candidates for governor to discuss a range of issues facing the state.

Surprising report

Tennessee
July 18, 2018

EXCLUSIVE: Did online snafus skew Tennessee test scores? Analysts say not much

The independent analysis challenges popular opinion that scores were significantly tainted as a result of widespread technical problems this spring.

Cross-Sector Support

Newark
Updated July 19, 2018

Newark Public Schools wants more of its graduates to finish college. KIPP charter network wants to help.

The KIPP charter-school network will train Newark Public Schools guidance counselors on how to help students pick the right college.

choosing leaders

Colorado
July 18, 2018

Meet one possible successor to departing Denver superintendent Tom Boasberg

Susana Cordova, Denver's deputy superintendent, already led the district once before.

It takes a village

Indiana
July 18, 2018

Here’s why Indianapolis teachers are walking away from the opportunity to own an affordable home

When Jack Hesser learned about a local nonprofit’s efforts to retain and recruit teachers to Indianapolis through an affordable housing project, he saw an opportunity…

The big sort

New York
July 18, 2018

Do selective admissions actually help middle schools choose the best students? This Manhattan dad says no.

Eric Goldberg wants to change the debate around whether public schools should be allowed to select their students based on test scores, report…

Super Search

Colorado
July 18, 2018

Denver community has lots of advice on picking a new superintendent – who will the board heed?

In the wake of news that Tom Boasberg will step down as Denver's superintendent, community members have begun to weigh in on what they want in the district's next leader.

local leadership national impact

National
July 18, 2018

Denver’s longtime superintendent turned the city into a national school reform favorite

Over Tom Boasberg’s nearly 10 years as Denver superintendent, he made a national impact.

Training teachers

Detroit
July 18, 2018

How a doctor inspired a new way to train teachers — and how that is leading to a new kind of school

Professors at the University of Michigan are making a radical change to the way teachers are trained — making it more like doctor training.

$1 billion

Chicago
July 18, 2018

The tension between Chicago enrollment declines and new schools

Chicago plans on opening a handful of schools in the next several years. But for whom?…

heads up

Tennessee
July 18, 2018

Tennessee will release TNReady test scores on Thursday. Here are five things to know.

This will be the biggest single-day release of state scores since the TNReady era began three years ago.
Indiana
July 17, 2018

IPS board votes to ask taxpayers for $315 million, reject the chamber’s plan

The school board pledged to continue discussions with the Indy Chamber.

Follow the money

Tennessee
July 17, 2018

Here’s who is giving money to Memphis school board candidates — and not all of it is local

For the first time in four years, one school board candidate has attracted campaign money from groups outside the state interested in seeing changes in…

saying goodbye

Colorado
July 17, 2018

Here’s how the local and national education communities are responding to Boasberg’s exit

As the news of Tom Boasberg’s departure ricocheted through the local and national education community, critics and champions of the Denver schools superintendent sounded off.

reading list

Colorado
July 17, 2018

These 12 stories help define Tom Boasberg’s tenure leading Denver’s schools

Tom Boasberg leaves behind nearly a decade of high-profile debates and decisions that reshaped the city’s public school system and made local and national headlines.

Who's leaving?

Detroit
July 17, 2018

63 teachers are leaving Detroit’s main district. Here’s a list of their names and former schools.

Is your child’s favorite teacher saying goodbye to the Detroit Public Schools Community District? Last week, Detroit’s main district released the…

End of an era

Colorado
July 17, 2018

Denver superintendent Tom Boasberg is stepping down after nearly 10 years

Boasberg will continue to serve for 90 days, as his contract with the district requires.

teacher diversity

Tennessee
July 17, 2018

Memphis colleges are training more teachers of color, new study shows

Teaching degree programs at four-year institutions nationwide are disproportionately white, according to new Urban Institute data. But things look different in Memphis, where…

Gifted gap

New York
July 17, 2018

To integrate specialized high schools, are gifted programs part of the problem or the solution?

As debate has erupted in recent weeks over Mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposal to overhaul admissions to the city’s most prestigious specialized…

On school finance

Indiana
July 16, 2018

Facing tax opposition, Indianapolis leaders may settle for less than schools need

Superintendent Ferebee raised the possibility that the district might return to taxpayers for more money if the first referendum does not raise enough.

Sharing Stories

Detroit
July 16, 2018

Tell us your stories about children with special needs in Detroit

Chalkbeat Detroit is teaming up with the Detroit Parent Network to hear your special needs stories

How I Lead

New York
July 16, 2018

Meditation and mindfulness: How a Harlem principal solves conflict in her community

A Harlem principal describes the practices her community uses to improve self awareness and mindfulness.

Regents retreat

New York
July 16, 2018

Regents use annual retreat to take stock of changes in testing, charter schools and more

The briefings served as a distillation of some top policy goals among the Board of Regents.

How I Teach

Tennessee
July 16, 2018

Belittled as a child, this Memphis teacher sets a high bar for her students

Some 20 years ago, Ginny Terrell’s third grade math teacher called her “stupid.” Now, Terrell laughs as she names her current position: a…

Q&A

Newark
July 16, 2018

‘The war on teachers still exists.’ Newark Teachers Union chief on the Janus ruling, Roger León, and threats from Washington

NTU President John Abeigon weighed in on Newark's new superintendent and a Supreme Court ruling that could weaken public unions.

Teaching teachers

National
July 16, 2018

Mentors matter: Good teaching really can be passed down to student teachers, new research finds

Do student teachers learn more when they’re mentored by an effective teacher? The answer may seem obvious, but there’s been little research confirming as much—until now.

Powerful Parents

Tennessee
Updated July 17, 2018

‘Sharing their hearts’: Why these parents became advocates for Memphis students

While their children are out of school for the summer, a local parent group is using this time to hit the books.

Looking to the future

Colorado
July 13, 2018

Why this standalone Denver charter school is considering joining forces with a network

Leaders from both Roots Elementary and Rocky Mountain Prep see a potential merger as mutually beneficial.

Pathways

Tennessee
July 13, 2018

Tennessee’s career readiness program expands beyond high school

Six years after the state launched Pathways Tennessee, a career readiness effort for high school students, the program is growing and rebranding as…
Indiana
July 12, 2018

The future of education reform in Indiana is pushing career-readiness to the forefront

The goal is set up non-college-bound students for gainful employment in high-demand areas.

Tennessee Votes 2018

Tennessee
July 12, 2018

Election Day is Thursday in Tennessee. Here’s where your candidates stand on education.

Chalkbeat asked candidates in four critical races about their positions on public education.

How I Teach

Detroit
July 12, 2018

Detroit math teacher tends a greenhouse, welcomes parents into her classroom

How do teachers captivate their students? Welcome to How I Teach, a feature in which we ask great Detroit educators how they approach…

How I Lead

Colorado
July 12, 2018

This Colorado principal saved a student’s life by paying attention at the right time

This Colorado principal talked about a student's gratitude, the teachers who inspired him to go into education, and the importance of a positive school culture.

First Person

Chicago
July 12, 2018

I’m a principal who thinks personalized learning shouldn’t be a debate.

This is the first in what we hope will be a tradition of thoughtful opinion pieces—of all viewpoints—published by Chalkbeat Chicago. Have an idea? Send…

the youngest learners

New York
July 12, 2018

How social studies can help young students make sense of the world

Civic engagement matters today more than ever, yet social studies in the early grades are sidelined. Educators sometimes seek help outside of school.

first steps

Newark
July 11, 2018

Superintendent León secures leadership team, navigates evolving relationship with board

The school board approved three new assistant superintendents on Tuesday. A divided board had failed to approve them last month.

Staying in school

Detroit
July 11, 2018

Detroit students ‘making mistakes’ will get a second chance as district opens new alternative school

Detroit students whose discipline issues have proved too much for their schools to handle finally have a way to stay in school in…

finish line

Colorado
July 11, 2018

A $1.6 billion tax increase for Colorado education just got a lot closer to the ballot

Supporters of more funding for Colorado schools turned in more than 170,000 signatures Wednesday to place Great Schools, Thriving Communities on the ballot.
Chicago
July 11, 2018

DACA teacher staves off his own fears while helping Chicago’s anxious undocumented students

Last fall, a worried high school student at ITW David Speer Academy walked up to physics teacher Jose Espinoza after class and said…
Indiana
July 11, 2018

To bring down potential tax hikes, chamber proposes slashing Indianapolis Public Schools budget

In a new plan unveiled Wednesday, the Indy Chamber is proposing deep budget cuts at Indianapolis Public Schools to significantly reduce upcoming referendums.

new year

Tennessee
July 11, 2018

Here are the Memphis schools opening and closing this school year

All of the schools opening are charter schools, as are most of the closures.

the youngest learners

National
July 11, 2018

Will new standards improve elementary science education?

Science has rarely been considered a priority in elementary school, but that may be changing.

in their own words

Colorado
July 10, 2018

Colorado 2018 election: Where Jared Polis and Walker Stapleton stand on education

We asked the candidates for governor of Colorado what they think about school funding, school choice, the achievement gap, and more.

Certified — but ready?

Detroit
July 10, 2018

Detroit schools will hire teachers without classroom experience, sparking debate

Detroit’s main district is proceeding with a plan to hire teachers who are certified but have received no training in the classroom —…

cause and effect

New York
July 10, 2018

Do suspensions lead to higher dropout rates and other academic problems? In New York City, the answer could be yes

The study's findings add new evidence to a heated debate playing out in New York and across the country.

Departure

Tennessee
July 10, 2018

Tennessee loses a behind-the-scenes education operative

After 25 years in Tennessee education, Kathleen Airhart steps down as the state’s deputy education commissioner and chief operating officer.

Man Up

Tennessee
July 10, 2018

With Man Up, a new Memphis teacher prep program is training, mentoring men of color

Patrick Washington has teaching in his blood.   Washington’s great-great-grandfather, Richard Adkins, was born a slave in Marshall County, Mississippi. After…

suit up

New York
July 10, 2018

Success Academy parents accuse New York City of denying, delaying special education services in new lawsuit

The New York City education department is accused of routinely delaying and denying special education services to Success Academy students in the Bronx,…

the youngest learners

New York
July 10, 2018

How to help struggling young readers

Children who can’t read well by third grade are more likely to drop out. Research-based coaching could make a critical difference.