Ed Policy
Education policy consists of news, commentary and stories that follow legislation and government action in the educational sphere.
Utah Boosts Kindergarten Readiness with Literacy Games At Home
To address a growing Kindergarten readiness issue, the Utah legislature created UPSTART, a five year pilot program to test the potential of literacy software used at home. Preschool-age children in the program receive an individualized reading, math, and science curriculum with an emphasis on reading.
The Opportunity for States to Provide Secure Data Access to Parents and Educators
By: Paige Kowalski. State leadership in developing and funding access through solutions such as student data backpacks would demonstrate that states are listening to parent and public concerns and are seizing the moment to deliver on the real value of the information that states and districts have been collecting.
Personalization: The New Frame
With the end of NCLB, a new frame is emerging that includes personalization, a competency focus, and work readiness. This new frame is evident in EdTech startups, new school grant programs, school district strategies, and emerging educator preparation programs.
Charter Schools Turn 24, What’s Next?
Tom reviews 10 trends and developments of charter schools over the past two dozen years.
DLN Report Card: Expanding Online Course Access in Texas
By: Erin Lockett. Course Access is on the rise in the Lone Star State. How the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) are working together to increase access.
The End of the Big Test: Moving to Competency-Based Policy
The use of assessment pilots and innovations zones where groups of schools apply and become authorized to operate alternative assessment systems will soon replace the frustration surrounding NCLB and end of year tests.
DLN Report Card: Louisiana Leading the Way Through Course Access
By: Erin Lockett. The Louisiana Course Choice Program today serves as a national model. With its support, Louisiana students can choose from hundreds of online and face-to-face courses offered by over 37 active providers.
DLN Report Card: Advancing Course Access in Michigan
By: Erin Lockett. How Michigan has built policies to streamline offerings that work toward ensuring that Course Access will be a sustainable part of its educational ecosystem.
Inclusive and Iterative Plan Drives Rhode Island Forward
The story from The Ocean State of the most innovative planning process we’ve seen from a state or district, particularly in regards to inclusion and iteration. And, our historic opportunity to dramatically improve student learning.
What Digital Learning Grade Did Your State Earn?
DLN’s annual report evaluates state progress in advancing digital learning and high quality learning opportunities for all students. Report cards evaluate state legislative and policy efforts regarding learning systems, quality online instruction, course access, school models, data privacy and more.