Schools and the Stimulus 2010
A Midterm Report
February 10, 2010
As the first year of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ends and the second year begins, Education Week takes a close look at the impact education stimulus dollars have had and sheds light on what the next year will bring.
- Education State Now Has Power to Close Failing Mich. SchoolsGov. Jennifer Granholm on Monday signed into law a sweeping series of education bills that give the state new power to close failing schools, dump bad teachers and administrators and measure if students are moving ahead.Education Tenn. Gov. 'Surprised' Teachers Balking Over DataGov. Phil Bredesen said Monday he's confident lawmakers will approve sweeping education changes in a special session that begins next week, but he's surprised that Tennessee's main teachers' union has balked at some of the proposals.Education Tenn. Governor Pushes Special Session on EducationGov. Phil Bredesen on Monday began making his public sales pitch for an education overhaul that he wants to pass during a special legislative session that begins next week.
Federal 'Race to Top' Viewed as Template for a New ESEAThe program pushes principles that officials see as likely cornerstones for the next version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.Education Funding Two State Unions Balking at 'Race to Top' PlansTeachers鈥� groups in Minnesota and Florida argue that state officials are taking a 鈥榯op down鈥� approach in their applications for federal stimulus money.Education Mass. House Preps to Take Action of Education BillThe Massachusetts House is moving forward on a plan to overhaul the state's education system.Education State Eyes American Indian Residential SchoolSouth Dakota is applying for a federal grant to help it build a residential school designed to improve academic achievement among American Indian students.Education Funding Ohio Changes Student Tracking for Federal MoneyOhio lawmakers have approved linking student performance data from kindergarten through high school with information from college to improve the state's application for extra federal education stimulus money.Education School Takeover is Key to Mich. Education ReformMichigan's aggressive plan to turn around and perhaps take over the worst of its public schools will be a key piece of the state's effort to win up to $400 million in federal stimulus money for education.Education Tenn. May Ask for Up to $500 Million in Fed. GrantsTennessee may submit an application for as much as $500 million in federal "Race to the Top" money.States 'Race to Top' Driving Policy Action Across StatesGovernors and lawmakers are looking to change state laws in hopes of winning coveted stimulus grants amid a gloomy fiscal landscape.School Choice & Charters Gov. Riley Asks Ala. Board to Endorse Charter SchoolsAlabama Gov. Bob Riley asked members of the state school board Tuesday to support his efforts to authorize charter schools.Federal Study: Schools Face Shortfalls After Stimulus EndsUsing federal stimulus money to avoid layoffs at schools is going to create a shortfall even more difficult for states and schools to contend with when that money runs out, according to a first-of-its-kind study released Monday.School & District Management Grant Competition Divides La. Education GroupsFifty-nine school districts agreed to participate in Louisiana's competition for a slice of $4 billion in federal "Race to the Top" education grant money, even as education groups remain divided about the program's worth to classrooms.
Federal States Struggle to Stitch Together Pre-K-20 DataMore states are taking strides to connect K-12 data systems with postsecondary institutions, but challenges remain.Education Funding Mich. Legislature OKs Sweeping School ReformsAn effort sparked by hopes of winning up to $400 million in federal money for Michigan schools could have broad implications on educational choice and quality for years to come.Federal State-Level Wrangling Persists on 'Race to Top'Lawmakers, unions, and school policymakers continue to argue over policy changes in the competition for $4 billion in stimulus funds.School & District Management Mich. Lawmakers Stumbling on Schools ChangesMichigan's effort to win up to $400 million in additional federal funding for schools threatened to get sidetracked Thursday by bipartisan bickering.School & District Management Calif. Senate Passes New Compromise Education BillThe state Senate on Thursday approved legislation that would clear the way for California to compete in a $4.3 billion school funding competition from the Obama administration, but the state's chances of securing a slice of the money remained in limbo.School & District Management Minn. Bid for Part of Education Stimulus Hits SnagMinnesota's pursuit of a slice of $4.3 billion in federal education money was complicated Wednesday by pressure from the statewide teachers union for the state to change its proposal in order to land its support.School & District Management Tenn. Gov. Pursues 'Race to Top' FundsGov. Phil Bredesen announced Tuesday he will call lawmakers into a special session next month to take up education changes needed for Tennessee to qualify for a share of federal "Race to the Top" money.Federal Reassurance Offered on 'Race to Top' Availability"Plenty of money" will be left over after the first round of stimulus grants, Education Department officials tell states.
Standards & Accountability 'Race to Top' Standards Link QuestionedGrant-competition rules that give states extra points for joining the common-standards push amount to federal intrusion, some argue on Capitol Hill.Federal Restructuring Under NCLB Found LackingThe Center on Education Policy says its report raises questions about the Education Department's strategies for turning around low-performing schools.Education Funding La. School Board Group Opposes Race to the Top BidThe Louisiana School Boards Association voted to oppose state participation in a bid for up to $300 million in federal dollars.School & District Management N.Y. Regents Release New Plan to Improve SchoolsA new Board of Regents proposal to improve New York's public schools includes far more charter schools and would link teacher compensation and advancement to student performance.School & District Management Politics Dominate Calif. Education Reform EffortTo education reformers, a $4.3 billion school funding competition from the Obama administration seemed like just the push California needed to start making long overdue changes to restore academic luster to the state's public schools.Federal Opinion Over the TopAs states complete their applications for the federal program, Yong Zhao offers a tongue-in-cheek guide to winning strategies.Federal New Teacher-Evaluation Systems Face ObstaclesFew districts have tried to connect their systems to professional development, teacher promotion, and compensation.
School & District Management Calif. Assembly Passes Race to the Top PackageThe California Assembly on Thursday approved a controversial package of legislation that would allow the state to compete for a piece of the $4.3 billion being offered by the Obama administration to reform the nation's worst-performing schools.Education Funding Mich. Lawmakers Continue Pursuit of Fed. Schools CashNext week could be crucial in determining how far Michigan lawmakers will go in hopes of winning up to $400 million in extra federal stimulus money for the state's cash-strapped public schools.Federal Restructuring Schools Under NCLB Found to LagThe Center on Education Policy says its report raises questions about the Education Department鈥檚 strategies for turning around low-performing schools.
Federal Lawmakers Wary of 'Race to Top'-Standards LinkGrant-competition rules that give states extra points for joining the common-standards push amount to federal intrusion, some argue on Capitol Hill.Federal News in Brief Mich. Senate OKs Bill Designed To Boost Chances for 'Race to Top'The Michigan Senate has approved bills that would provide alternative paths to teacher certification, allow the expansion of charter schools, and give the state schools chief more power over failing schools.States State-Level Impact of Stimulus Said MixedA new report finds that most states are struggling to carry out stimulus-related improvements to education, despite some progress.
Education Funding Lure of 'Race to the Top' Roils California Legislature as Fiscal Crisis ContinuesSome push policy changes to help secure up to $700 million in federal economic-stimulus cash, while others warn against hasty action.
Standards & Accountability Opinion The Hole in 'Race to the Top'By focusing on the very worst schools, the initiative misses an opportunity to help good urban districts become great, writes Richard Whitmire.Federal Analysis: Many Fed Education Reforms Don't Fit Mich.EDITOR's NOTE: Kathy Barks Hoffman heads the Lansing AP bureau and has covered Michigan politics since 1986.School & District Management News in Brief Final Rules Set for School Turnaround GrantsStates and districts must choose among four models to win aid aimed at fixing the lowest-performing schools.School & District Management Ohio Striving for More Federal Education MoneyOhio is scrambling to make more changes to its education system before a January deadline to better compete with other cash-hungry states for roughly $4.4 billion in additional federal education stimulus money.School & District Management Nevada Faces Jan. Deadline for Education FundingNevada has until mid-January to become eligible to compete for millions of dollars in new federal education grants, but the hurdles are greater than just repealing a law the prevents tests scores from being used in teacher evaluations, a state education official said Wednesday.Federal Michigan Senate OKs Changes to State's School LawThe Michigan Senate has approved bills that would provide alternative paths to teacher certification, allow the expansion of charter schools and give the state schools chief more power over failing schools.
Federal Stimulus Aid鈥檚 State-Level Impact Seen MixedA new report finds that most states are struggling to carry out stimulus-related improvements to education, despite some progress.
School & District Management Lure of 'Race to Top' Splits California LawmakersSome push policy changes to help secure up to $700 million in federal economic-stimulus cash, while others warn against hasty action.Education Funding Michigan Senate Panel OKs Education Law ChangesMichigan lawmakers revved up their pursuit of up to $400 million in federal cash for schools Tuesday as a Senate committee approved bills that would allow the expansion of charter schools, create alternative paths for teacher certification and provide a framework for reorganizing failing schools.Federal Tighter Oversight Promised on Stimulus' Jobs ImpactObama administration officials concede reporting errors, but tell skeptics in Congress the program is creating and saving many jobs.
Federal Duncan Aims to Make Incentives Key Element of ESEAThe education secretary wants a reauthorized law to reward high-performing schools, districts, and states.School & District Management Deadline Nears on Michigan School Budget CutsTime is running out for state lawmakers to soften the latest round of funding cuts to Michigan schools.Federal IES to Evaluate Programs Launched Under StimulusResearchers will study initiatives funded by the law鈥檚 $10 billion in competitive grant programs.Federal Stimulus Rules on 'Turnarounds' ShiftThe guidelines for addressing low-performing schools allow states and districts to use a turnaround approach that many 糖心动漫vlog favor: providing professional development and coaching for a school鈥檚 current staff, and making changes to curriculum and instruction.Federal Idaho Writing Application for Federal Grant ProgramIdaho hopes to win $75 million or more in competitive federal grants for public schools, money that officials say could be the state's only opportunity to boost funding for education in the next few years.Federal Tighter Tracking Vowed on Stimulus Jobs ImpactObama administration officials concede reporting errors, but tell skeptics in Congress the program is creating and saving many jobs.Federal Changes Urged in Rules for Federal Innovation AidPhilanthropies question a draft plan to require matching funds from applicants for the Education Department鈥檚 $650 million "i3" program.Federal News in Brief Federal Report Faults N.Y. State Over Monitoring of Stimulus FundsNew York state needs to improve the way it monitors how districts and others spend their stimulus dollars, the U.S. Department of Education's office of the inspector general reported last week.Teaching Profession Rules Set for $4 Billion Race to Top ContestState-level reform, local buy-in, and teacher quality will count heavily in determining which states get the federal stimulus grants.Federal Education Department to Demand School Pay DataThe goal of the plan is to find out how salary spending differs between schools receiving Title I funds and lower-poverty ones.Federal Rules Issued for State Fiscal Stabilization Aid, Round 2States will have to meet 35 detailed reporting requirements to qualify for this pot of $11.5 billion in economic-stimulus money.Federal Funding for Common Assessments Poses ChallengeU.S. Department of Education officials are starting to gather input on how best to leverage $350 million in stimulus money for the effort.Federal Mich. Schools Chief Says Laws Needed to Get GrantsLANSING, Mich. (AP) 鈥� Michigan will have to change state law to have any shot at a slice of more than $4 billion set aside by the Obama administration for states that shake up their public school systems, the state's schools chief said Thursday.Federal Rules Set for $4 Billion 'Race to Top' ContestState-level reform, local buy-in, and teacher quality will count heavily in determining which states get the federal stimulus grants.School & District Management News in Brief Louisiana School Boards' Group Urges Rejection of 'Race to Top'The Louisiana School Boards Association is encouraging its members not to participate in the federal Race to the Top program.Education Funding News in Brief Wisconsin Lawmakers Remove 'Data Firewall'The Wisconsin State Assembly has passed a bill that removes a ban on using student test results to evaluate teachers in order to be eligible for $4 billion in federal stimulus money.Federal Tribal Leaders Say Resources WantingNative American tribal leaders are telling federal education officials that the government needs to provide resources for early-childhood education, after-school programs, and other services in schools that serve American Indian children.Education Funding Stimulus Patches Part of Ore. Schools' Budget GapThe math isn't so hard when it comes to the faculty of the Tigard-Tualatin school district.Federal Stimulus Funding Reports Pose Puzzle for WatchdogsThe first quarterly reports on how aid for education was used offer plenty of information, but sharpening the picture can be tough.Education Funding Mich. House Taps 2010 Stimulus Funding for SchoolsThe Michigan House voted Thursday to tap federal stimulus money set aside for next year to soften a cut in school funding now, but it's unlikely the move is going to win the support of the state Senate.
Education Funding Colorado Pulls Out Stops in Bid for 'Race to Top' AidState officials are reaching out to mayors, union leaders, and others for support as they work to secure a coveted federal stimulus grant.Federal Obama Coaxes States to Change With School DollarsOne year after his election, President Barack Obama is coaxing states across the country to rewrite education laws and cut deals with unions as they pursue his vision for school reform.Education Funding Wis. Teachers Couldn't Be Fired Over Test ScoresWisconsin schools could use student test scores to evaluate teachers, but they still couldn't use the information to discipline or fire them under a bill moving quickly through the Legislature.
Federal 'Funding Cliff' Looms Large for StatesStates and school districts already worry about how they鈥檒l fill the budget gap once federal stimulus aid runs out.School & District Management Gates Seeks to Leverage 'Race to Top' AidIncludes updates and/or revisions.
Not content with shaping education directly through schools, the biggest player in the school reform movement has an eye on moving education policy.Education Funding Lawmaker Proposes More Michigan Charter SchoolsA state lawmaker wants Michigan to remove limits on charter schools to put the state in the running for a share of more than $4 billion in federal stimulus funds.Education Funding Detroit Mayor Supports $500.5M Schools Bond IssueThe financial manager for Detroit's public schools has enlisted 鈥� and received 鈥� the support of the city's mayor on an ambitious $500.5 million building plan expected to extend taxes for district capital projects through 2039.Federal Experts, Public to Weigh In on Common TestsFederal education officials want plenty of input in deciding how to award $350 million in stimulus aid to help states craft joint assessments.Education Funding Nevada to Sit Out 'Race to Top' StartNevada schools chief Keith Rheault says that state won't apply for the first round of $4 billion in Race to the Top grants because of the state's firewall.Federal K-12 Cuts Continue Despite Stimulus FundsCuts to K-12 budgets continue in some states, even after unprecedented federal aid, as revenues continue to falter.Federal Stimulus Reporting AdvancesTracking how every dollar of education aid gets used鈥攁s detailed in the first reports slated to go public Oct. 30鈥攊s a tall order.Federal Report Roundup Economic-Stimulus FundsA report from the National Governors Association offers guidance for states on how to qualify for and make the best use of the federal aid they receive for education through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.School & District Management States Stung by Criticism on Use of Federal AidSingled out by the Education Department鈥檚 inspector general, states defend use of the money for plugging budget holes rather than reform.Law & Courts Nevada Law Blocks Stimulus Education FundsNevada is ineligible to compete for millions of dollars in stimulus education funding because of a state law pushed by the teachers union.Assessment Test Experts Wary on 'Race to Top' RulesFederal officials are warned against using a single test, such as NAEP, to weigh student and teacher progress under the program.Federal Proposal Sets Out 'i3' RulesDistricts and nonprofits seeking $650 million in stimulus aid would have to show evidence backing their proposals鈥攁nd line up matching donors.Federal News in Brief States Using Stimulus as Patch, Critique SaysThe U.S. Department of Education's inspector general says Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and other states are using stimulus money to plug budget holes, not boost school aid.Federal Facilities Bonds Prove Hot Item Under StimulusSchool districts left out of the loop for direct funding are lining up for some of at least $24 billion in construction bonds backed by the program.Federal 'Race to Top' Said to Lack Key ScienceIn comments on the proposed federal guidelines for stimulus funds, some researchers say there鈥檚 no evidence for the policies touted.Federal News in Brief Dell Foundation Donation to Help Create Data System in TexasThe Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is giving $10 million to help Texas create a $60 million data system to track student performance.School Climate & Safety Demand Soars for Stimulus-Backed Facilities BondsSchool districts left out of the loop for direct funding are lining up for some of at least $24 billion in construction bonds backed by the program.Federal News in Brief Gates Broadening 'Race to Top' AidThe Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will now offer aid to more states鈥攊f they meet eight education reform criteria.Federal News in Brief Louisiana Chief Warns New Diploma May Jeopardize 鈥楻ace to Top鈥� ChanceLouisiana's superintendent of education says the way the state hammers out its new "career diploma" will determine whether it lands up to $200 million in 'Race to the Top' money.School & District Management Neb. Teachers Negotiating Higher PayWith $234 million in federal stimulus dollars headed to Nebraska's public schools, state teachers might finally see their pay ranking rise from among the lowest in the country.Education Funding Opinion A Grand BargainFederal 'Race to the Top' money could be used to realign the school system, write Theodore Hershberg and Claire Robertson-Kraft.Federal GAO Calls Four States 'High Risk' on StimulusThe Education Department says California, Illinois, Michigan, and Texas are at 鈥渉igh risk鈥� for spending problems under the economic-stimulus program.
School & District Management Turnaround Aid Raising Hopes, Also ConcernsAs the Education Department readies billions of dollars in Title I cash, some question how much change will actually take place.Education Funding News in Brief Foundation Center Launches Site To Help Charities Leverage StimulusThe New York City-based Foundation Center has launched a Web portal to help the philanthropic community leverage federal education dollars.School & District Management Latest Challenge in 'Race to Top': Find Review Team for ApplicantsEducation Department officials are looking for candidates with expertise, but will weigh conflict-of-interest issues.Federal Obama Touts Efforts to Help Economy, CollegesPresident Barack Obama said Monday that better economic days are coming thanks to innovation and some help from the government.Federal Expected Turnaround Aid Has Districts Eager, WaryAs the Education Department readies billions of dollars in Title I cash to transform low-performing schools, some question how much change will actually take place.Federal Criteria Seen as Too Restrictive in Quest for 'Race to Top' FundsFederal education officials are urged in comments to eschew a one-size-fits-all approach in doling out $4 billion in grants.Federal Potholes Ahead on Innovation FundThe Education Department will face logistical hurdles and worries about favoritism in awarding $650 million in stimulus grants to school districts, nonprofits, and others.School & District Management U.S. Education Chief Urges Calif. to Enact ReformsU.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Thursday urged California lawmakers to make education reforms or risk falling further behind the rest of the nation and losing out on a slice of $4.3 billion in federal stimulus money.
