DFER News Roundup

By Devin Boyle, Director of Communications

DFER Seen & Heard:

• Christina Martínez, DFER AZ’s state director, writes “An ‘A’ Should Be an ‘A’ no Matter Where You Go to School,” for the Huff Post. 

• DFER’s Joe Williams says, “Teachers themselves will push unions to better models.” (redefinED) 

• “After standing for diploma, it’s time to deliver,” writes Gloria Romero for the Orange Country Register. 

• DFER’s Barone comments on Motoko Rich’s The NY Times piece, “GOP Bill on Schools Would Set Fewer Rules.” 

• “Union-backed teacher discipline bill inadequate,” says DFER’s Romero.

• DFER’s Barone weighs in on Harkin bill to reauthorize No Child Left Behind.

• When it comes to the upcoming mayoral race in Boston, DFER’s Liam Kerr says, “We’re looking for strong leadership & accountability.” (NPR-WBUR) 

Advocacy, Policy Briefs, & Such:

• DFER’s statement on Senate HELP Committee’s mark-up of ESEA. 

• See DFER’s list of strengths & weaknesses of the Senator Harkin’s ESEA/NCLB bill here.

• DFER joins Chiefs for Change in rejecting moratorium on accountability. 

• DFER releases statement on Senate ESEA reauthorization, “Harkin proposal shows significant growth from 2011, but still falls short on giving all students the opportunity to attain college and career readiness.” 

• A coalition of 28 advocacy groups issued a letter to Congressional leaders detailing their principles on teacher quality. 

DFER Blog:

• Mac LeBuhn writes, “How to Think About the New York City Teacher Evaluation System,” for TFER. 

• From DFER’s blog: “In TX, House D’s vote to kill bill to develop Achievement School District.” 

• DFER’s Kathleen Nugent writes, “Saying goodbye to a New Jersey leader,” on the passing of U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg. 

• “Children Turned Into Human Shields on Testing Debate,” writes Domenic Giandomenico. 

• DFER’s Mac LeBuhn writes, “Condition of Education (Reform).” 

• Tania de Sá Campos, DFER WA Deputy State Director, pens “Goings on in the Pacific Northwest…” 

• “CO State Senator Discusses School Finance and Reform in Nashville,” writes Natasha Kamrani. (Read the blog & watch the video here.) 

In Related News:

• “Data Reveal a Rise in College Degrees Among Americans,” reports The NY Times. 

• “No Child Left Behind Bill Passes Senate Committee, But No End In Sight For Recasting Bush Law,” writes Joy Resmovites of the Huff Post. 

• Lyndsey Layton of The Washington Post writes, “Plans to replace ‘No Child’ law bring dueling visions of federal role in education.” 

• On Common Core IN teacher says, “We believe in good teaching & we believe in the Common Core.” (IndyStar) 

• “Postponing ‘Stakes’ for Common Core Won’t Work,” writes Alice Johnson Cain of Teach Plus for Education Week. 

• Detroit Free Press Editorial Board says, “Enough games. Adopt Common Core now.” 

• Idaho Statesman Editorial Board says, “Common Core reform only common sense.” 

• 78% of kids from closing schools in Chicago already signed up at new schools according to CPS. (Chicago Sun-Times) 

• “New York to Evaluate Teachers With New System,” via The NY Times. 

Fun with Infographics & More:

• VIDEO | How books can open your minds (TedTalks) 

Have a Great Weekend!