Policy Issues


Meta-Analysis: Is Blended Learning Most Effective?

The United States Department of Education reported recently that it's found some evidence to support the notion that blended learning is more effective than either face to face or online learning by themselves. Further, between online and face to face instruction, online is at least as good and may even have the advantage in terms of improving student achievement and potentially expanding the amount of time (and quality time) students spend learning.

Partnership Releases 21st Century Skills Maps for Science, Geography

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has teamed with the National Science Teachers Association and the National Council for Geographic Education to launch the latest in its series of 21st century roadmaps for core academic subjects, in this case K-12 science and geography.

E-rate Sees Surge in Support

The federal E-rate program has seen a spike this year in its approval among applicants, according to a new report released this week by Funds For Learning, a firm that provides consulting services to E-rate applicants.

Project RED To Tackle the Impact of Technology on Education

The Project RED coalition has launched a new initiative this week, one aimed at change the way the United States "looks at technology as part of teaching and learning." The announcement came at the National Education Computing Conference (NECC) being held this week in Washington, DC.

Obama Administration: Technology at the Heart of Education Reform

"Technology is core and essential to the strategies we are using to reform education,” according to two top Obama administration representatives, who spoke about the importance of technology in education this weekend at a packed meeting of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA).

13 Groups to Pursue STEM Equity with ED Funding

The United States Department of Education is looking to give girls a boost in science and math. ED revealed this week that it will fund projects from 13 organizations to help high school girls improve their proficiency in STEM subjects.

The Disruption of the Traditional Textbook Model Continues

Texas Governor Rick Perry signed HB 4294 June 19, and the world of textbooks will never be the same in Texas or across the country.

5 States Developing Green Curriculum

Five states have committed to developing green career and technical education programs, including high school programs designed to lead to careers in green industries.

Education Dep't To Fund Overhaul of State Assessments

The United States Department of Education is looking to change the way assessments are done. In a speech Sunday, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said his department will commit up to $350 million to "support states in the creation of rigorous assessments linked to the internationally benchmarked common standards being developed by states."

Duncan: Schools Have an Opportunity To Rethink Education Investments

In a broad-based interview with THE Journal at the United States Department of Education offices June 12, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan stressed the importance of thinking differently about how we invest resources in education. "What [superintendents] do with the new money misses the point. What we really want to do is have folks rethink existing resources as well. And what I would argue in lots of places is that existing resources are not being spent as wisely as they could," he told THE Journal.

Biweekly Poll

Do you believe your district will benefit from ARRA funds?