Ed Policy
Education policy consists of news, commentary and stories that follow legislation and government action in the educational sphere.
Why We Need Common Standards and Better Tests
It’s testing season--and it’s easy to criticize state tests these days. However, those tests represent an important commitment to equity. The Common Core is a big step forward and so are the tests that come with it.
Top 5 Things to Look for in Common Core Materials
The shift in the typical classroom setup has been underway for a while now. A focus on personalized learning in classrooms whose students have a broad range of skill levels and learning styles has meant teachers have had to become adept with new setups (flipped, 1:1 computing, etc.), methods (small group, whole group, etc.), and tools (handheld devices, online assessments, etc.) to help them differentiate instruction.
Improving Teacher Conditions & Careers
As the nation celebrates National Teacher Appreciation Week, we couldn’t think of a better way to honor National Teacher Day than with a paper that highlights the positive impacts that blended learning is having on the teaching profession.
DLN Paper Shows How Blended Learning Can Improve Teaching Profession
Digital Learning Now! (DLN), a national campaign under ExcelinEd, today released the seventh white paper in the DLN Smart Series -- “Improving Conditions & Careers: How Blended Learning Can Improve the Teaching Profession.”
NewSchools & New Tools: PD, Games & MOOCs
Tom Friedman summed up what we saw as a major theme of the conference by saying “With edtech, don't lose focus on what matters most - great teachers.” This theme seemed to be echoed in the sessions our team attended and hallway conversations.
Authorizing Great Schools & Encouraging New Models
The good news is that, "More authorizers are adopting practices that will lead to high-performing charter portfolios," according to NACSA in a report released todary, The State of Charter School Authorizing. They concluded that "States are improving their laws and policies on charter accountability, and some are breaking new ground in holding authorizers accountable for outcomes of their work
Blended Learning & The Teaching Profession
Just in time to bust a myth that reared its ugly head in the closing keynoteat the ASU/GSV Summit, Digital Learning Now! today released the "Blended Learning & The Teaching Profession."
Funding Students, Options & Achievement
Money matters. The way districts and states fund schools influences leadership behaviors. We need to create funding systems that encourage innovation, power options, and promote achievement.
Infographic: Financing the Future of Education
Today’s current system was simply not designed to allow for the flexibility that will be needed as students seek out increasingly online and blended learning opportunities. The infographic, Financing the Future of Education recommends four design principles that will get us there. The infographic is a complement to Funding Student's, Options, and Achievements released today by Digital Learning Now!.
DLN Releases Funding Student, Options, and Achievements Paper
“Today’s finance system lacks the flexibility needed to support the flood of educational innovation” said Tom Vander Ark. “Reorienting the system around students will extend equitable student access to high-quality options that have the potential to personalize and customize learning.”