Politics & Policy

Toni Williams addresses key constituencies in reviewing district’s progress, priorities
One bill would require students who take the military exam to fulfill a graduation requirement to enlist in the military in order to be counted in graduation rates.
Chalkbeat breaks down Paul Vallas’ and Brandon Johnson’s positions on education issues.
UFT president feels pressure from members who demand a union-wide vote on the retiree health care cost savings plan he’s championing.
State lawmakers must draw districts for Chicago’s elected school board by July 1, 2023 ahead of the November 2024 election. They’re accepting ideas for how to divide up the city through a new online portal.
NYC is beefing up career programs in education, technology, business, and health care. Officials are also offering hundreds of paid, three-year apprenticeships.
District leaders and bidder Life Remodeled call off talks amid dispute over adding new financial benchmarks to terms of their deal.
Lawmakers are considering a plan to dramatically increase spending on the state’s voucher program.
Supporters of the former Chicago schools chief Paul Vallas interrupted a press conference held by Brandon Johnson backers aimed at denouncing Vallas’ schools record ahead of the heated mayoral runoff election.
Some school districts, including Boulder Valley and La Veta, already conduct universal dyslexia screenings in certain grades.
Some observers say the recent challenges are a sign that political winds have shifted in DPS.
During a high school visit, Gov. Josh Shapiro also discussed his plans to hire more teachers and increase education spending in his proposed budget.
High school seniors would have until April 15 to fill out the form or get a waiver. Advocates said the bill would make completing the form go from happenstance to a conscious decision.
Colorado is one of just 10 states that doesn’t require CPR training in high school.
The measure would widen reading test criteria for retention but keep the state in control of those decisions.
As the Chicago Teachers Union found its political footing, Johnson worked on the union’s front line. Now, his years of knocking on doors might be his secret weapon to win over voters.
Both the state Senate and Assembly called to remove Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to allow New York City to open more than 100 new charter schools.
Colorado leaders want to offer two years of free college to students entering teaching, nursing, firefighting, and other professions struggling to find enough workers.
17 candidates are on the ballot. It’s the first wide-open mayoral race in Denver in 12 years.
The Denver mayor plays no formal role in running the school system, but that hasn’t stopped some candidates from suggesting that person should have a louder voice and even appoint members to the school board.
Board’s academic committee considers ways to ease impact of reading law, including offering retests and eliminating time limits.
Colorado doesn’t have a law about corporal punishment, which leaves open the use of the practice.
‘These are really tough decisions and none of us are taking them lightly,’ said board member Carrie Olson, who experienced a school closure when she was a teacher.
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