A Little Weekend Reading?
A new report and a new poll out this week, both must-reads for the big-pictures ed policy thinkers out there:
"The Economic Impact of the Achievement Gap in America's Schools"
"PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Education"
Taken together... it's clear we have some work to do.
Shovels Ready?
This morning, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced how states and school districts can begin receiving the first installment of education stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
Up-to-the minute federal stimulus-related education news is available on Ed Week's cool new stimulus page.
New Leadership at the Federal Level
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan responds to President Obama's first speech on education.
"Let's focus on what works for children... we have examples."
What's at Stake
President Obama's speech on education this morning outlined his plan to help restore America's education system to be the envy of the world.
It's worth watching all the way through.
Getting Work Done, Together
Education conferences are all the same, right?
The Big Picture
Great News for Education: President Obama will sign a $787 billion economic stimulus package in Denver on Tuesday, and the bill allocates close to $100 billion for education. The line items include $40.6 billion to local school districts, $5 billion in bonus grants to states that meet specific performance measures, and $250 million for competitive grants to states to design and develop student data systems.
What a week!
A new family moves into the White House… a new administration takes its place in Washington…and the Silver Giving Foundation launches its long-overdue, new website.
What do you think? Could it get any more exciting?!
All of my conversations this week are turning to hope, inspiration, challenge, Sasha and Malia’s cute pink and blue J Crew coats…and a lot of work ahead.