| FEBRUARY, 2005 | PUBLIC EDUCATION |
| 119 | Kain(Curr) | Fixing Up Schools--sensible to renovate, not modernize: $1B over 7 yrs made life better for 5% of kids! |
| 126 | Shah(Curr) | New Plan Looks to Stretch DCPS Facilities Dollars--now hope to fix all 147 bldgs (!) vs 48 by 2020 |
| 201 | Trejos | Pr. George's Expands Schools for Troubled Students: 13K of 137K kids suspended, 332 expelled in '03-'04 |
| 202 | Haynes | DC Teachers Union Leader Vows Reform--educator's predecessor had embezzled funds, convicted |
| 211 | Staff | Prince George's Schools Budget Approved--up to $1.42B for FY06, up $250M from '05 |
| 213 | Cho | School Enrollment Boom Stalls--all inner metro area districts predict half-growth rate (at best) of '90s |
| 215 | Staff | Senator Troubled Over Voucher Recipients--Feinstein balks at 187 going to private kids, only 75 of public kids |
| 215 | Haynes | DC Schools Revisit Capital Plans--Board weighs major scale-back: shifting funds from overhauls to renovations |
| 216 | O'Donoghue (Curr) | Board to Vote on School Facilities Plan--move to renovation from new schools could speed repairs |
| 216 | O'Donoghue (Curr) | City Officials Outline Plans to Overhaul DCPS--more flexibility for good schools? will Wilson HS go charter? |
| 216 | Editor | What Ms. Cafritz Said--superintendent 'has to go' if can't deliver world-class business system? he just got here! |
| 219 | Staff | Alexandria School Board Adopts $165.8M budget for '06, up 5.7% from prior year |
| 221 | Strauss | 'Flagship' DC School Weighs Charter Bid--Wilson High, tired of poor maint, supplies, would be big loss |
| 223 | Wilgoren | DC School Wrong Spot for Clinic, Health Officials Say--shouldn't have used school to spay 500 cats! |
| 225 | Editor | 2 Education Messages--68% graduate HS, 40% enter college, 27% make 2nd year, 18% graduate in 6 yrs |
| 226 | King OpEd | What Really Needs Fixing in DC Schools--Super can't force centralization, lose 'flagship' school like Wilson |
| 227 | Chenoweth ltr | Poor Children, Poorer Teachers--stats show when poorer kids get worse teachers, they do much worse |
| 227 | Haynes | DC School Board Balks at Plan to Buy 375 Buses--idea urged to cut special-ed costs for 4000 kids |
| 227 | Balz | Microsoft's Bill Gates Urges Governors to Restructure US High Schools--fix dropouts, prep for college, etc.? |
| 227 | Brooks ltr | Our Schools Shouldn't Be Scary--gotta deal with violence problems in schools, after hours, safety, etc. |
| MARCH, 2005 | PUBLIC EDUCATION |
|---|
| 303 | Staff | Vouchers to Go to Public School Students this year--200 of 1000 went to private schoolers last year |
| 305 | Anderson | Election of Pr. George's School Board Proposed--change gains steam in MD house |
| 308 | Trejos | Parents Protest Magnet Makeup--Montgomery group contends program is unfair to blacks: leaves too many out |
| 308 | Mui | Young Students Make Gains in Reading--minorites still lag in Montgomery: blacks bad, hispanics worse |
| 309 | Milloy OpEd | Teaching Girls the Power of Learning--Catholic private school operates in rough section of Southeast |
| 311 | Editor | Closing the Racial Gap--by several measures, black kids in Montgomery Cnty are testing better: don't stop now |
| 313 | Filardo | For DC School Buildings, Practical Plan v Wish List--$70M to build one school could rehab six others |
| 316 | Editor | Leave No Principal Behind--cost of lavish off-site DCPS school officials' meeting surely had better uses |
| 320 | Finn ltr | Retooling DC Schools? Watch Out for Monkey Wrenches--time to belly-up to Janey plans for major change |
| 321 | de Vise | For MD Charter Schools, It's Tough Going--resistance remains strong among local state boards |
| 321 | Haynes | DC Special-Ed Official's Trying Tenure--reform chief to leave after 2.5 yrs leaving much undone |
| 324 | Staff | Voucher Program Increases Student Pool--filled only 1000 or 1600 slots last year: staff expected 2-yr ramp up |
| 324 | Anderson | Scrutiny Increases at Ailing Schools--4 in Pr. George's may get "turnaround guidance" to boost scores |
| 330 | Haynes | Schools Brace for Cuts Despite DC Boom--advocates warn of pending layoffs and funding formula changes |
| 330 | staff | Web Site Tries to Paint Picture of School Systems by the Numbers: www.schoolmatters.com has good poop |
| 331 | Haynes | Scaled-Back Plan to Repair DC Schools Supported by Board--more repair, less replacing @ $100M per yr |
| 331 | Raghavan | Pr. George's Cnty Exec Budget Bolsters Schools--$2.15B plan would up schools to $1.4B, add 200 cops |
| 331 | Shapira | $655M '06 School Budget Approved for Pr. Williams--up by $65M, stipulated to get 56.8% of local revenues |
| APRIL, 2005 | PUBLIC EDUCATION |
|---|
| 331 | Strauss | What DC's Students Breathe--substandard ventilation/heating systems spew unhealthy air: limit learning? |
| 401 | Staff | DC Library System Names Interim Director--Buckley to replace former interim director @$128K |
| 401 | Aratani | Montgomery County to Revamp 36 Middle Schools--scrutiny planned after inconsistent training, discipline found |
| 405 | Haynes | 25% of DC Teachers (i.e., 1400) Lack Certification--review also questions skills of 25-40 principals |
| 406 | Staff | Researchers Can't Assess DC Voucher Impact--too few recipients came from public schools |
| 414 | Haynes | DC Schools May Cut Jobs of 395 Teachers, Staff to Pay for Raises--last year cut 527 for same reason |
| 416 | Staff | N.VA Students Score Perfect 2400 on New SAT--four kids at Jefferson High magnet in Fairfax (107 in US) |
| 420 | Staff | Fenty Bill Seeks Bonds to Repair Schools--wants to authorize $1B bond issue,secured by lottery income |
| 421 | Haynes | DCPS Super. Janey Lists 16 Schools that Could Rent Space--part of broader move to use space efficiently! |
| 422 | Anderson | Pr. George's Board Defers Hornsby Decision--closed meeting held after FBI searches: needs due process? |
| 425 | Raspberry | Fixing What Aids the Schools--gotta reach and teach parents how to prepare their kids for learning |
| 426 | de Vise | Trying Times for Special Ed--many hours are spent on MD state test preparation for severely disabled |
| 427 | Haynes | Leasing Plan Adopted for Charter Schools--lists 10 under used bldgs (DCPS needs10Msqft of 16Msqft owned!) |
| 429 | Anderson | Pr. George's Super. Hornsby Vows to Ride Out Bumps--chief regrets controversy but looks ahead |
| |
|
| MAY, 2005 |
PUBLIC EDUCATION |
|
| 504 |
Haynes |
More than Half of DC Schools Targeted for Help--88 of 174 (?) fail to meet no kid left behind--in 4 categories |
| 510 |
Weiss |
Much of DC '06 Budget Windfall Directed to Schools--$16.4M for raises; $10M for $100M capital improvements |
| 510 |
Editor |
Will DC Support Mr. Janey--'declaration of education' promises to fix schools in 3-7 yrs: now up to DC gov't |
| 512 |
Fisher |
No Way To Choose a Principal--'overqualified' white passed over for school 96% non-white |
| 519 |
Kovaleski |
Bill Would Untie Red Tape for Gifts to DC Libraries--direct donations would be allowed, avoid delays |
| 519 |
de Vise |
Two Arundel Charter Schools Approved--unanimous OK for one in Annapolis, one in Glen Burnie |
| |
|
| JUNE, 2005 |
PUBLIC EDUCATION |
|
| 602 |
Haynes |
Cost of School Security Contract Questioned--DC spends $230/kid: way more than Baltimore, Philly, etc. |
| 603 |
Anderson |
Hornsby's Abrupt Departure Leaves Fiscal Matters in Flus--quit amid ethics probe, budget problems |
| 608 |
Anderson |
MD Schools Show Gains on Test Scores--minority results rise significantly, cut achievement gap |
| 609 |
Anderson |
Pr. George's Cheers Gains in Test Scores--county schools still rank near bottom statewide |
| 610 |
Leonnig |
DC 2002 Teachers Union Scandal Outlined--US trial begins in alleged thefts of $5M by three employees |
| 611 |
Haynes |
DC School Security Pact to Proceed Despite Appeal--protest won't stop 2-yr $30M deal despite financial risks |
| 612 |
de Vise |
Housing Costs Pushing Teachers Far from School--starting pay of $35-40K leaves many renting far away |
| 613 |
Haynes |
Vouchers Breathe New Life into DC Catholic Schools--tuition rates, morals appeal to parents (~600 DC kids) |
| 616 |
Montgomery |
Under used Schools Targeted--Senator Brownback wants DC to close buildings: imitate BRAC process |
| 617 |
Leonnig |
DC Jury Hears Brazen Account of Embezzling--splurges while running teachers union detailed |
| 620 |
Haynes |
Reinventing the Route to DC Diploma--fast-track course load and 5th-year option planned for DCPS |
| 621 |
Ryan |
Summer Meal Program for DC Youngsters Launched--aims to feed some 30K kids v 25K+ last year |
| 621 |
Anderson |
Maryland Releases Schools Watch List--39 of 98 schools in Pr. George's face stricter oversight |
| 622 |
Haynes |
DCPCS Board Revokes SE School Charter--Academy for Scholastic Excellence: bad teachers, curriculum |
| 622 |
Dixon ltr (curr) |
Senator Landrieu Needs to Help Fix Public Schools--comparisons to New Orleans schools falls short |
| 623 |
Broder OpEd |
Split Over Schools--parents and teachers disagree on reforms: variable or fixed performance standards? |
| 624 |
Anderson |
Five Teachers Get Free Rent at Troubled MD Complex--in return for tutoring neighborhood kids |
| 625 |
Editor |
Reinventing High School--3/5-year options depend on ability to keep track of students: accountability? |
| 626 |
Haynes |
As DC Charter Schools Grow, Competition for Space Tightens--19 new charters need existing school space |
| 626 |
Welsh |
It's High School Graduation! Anybody Feel the Thrill?--really big deal to survived worst of teen-age years |
| 629 |
Fenty OpEdCurr |
Why Not Really Fix Our School Buildings--Cnclmbr suggests $1B bond issue to make long-term fixes |
| 630 |
Hsu |
Voucher Plan Expansion Considered--Senator Brownback weighs using schools outside FC |
| |
|
| JULY, 2005 |
PUBLIC EDUCATION |
|
| 701 |
Haynes |
DC School Official Pans Broader Plan on Vouchers--Cafritz doesn't want kids in private schools outside DC |
| 703 |
Anderson |
The $100/hr Leadership of Pr. George's Schools--board has yet to begin superintendent search: getting late |
| 707 |
Kinzie |
UDC Marks Milestone in Rebirth--accreditation improves after years of budget cuts, layoffs |
| 710 |
Anderson |
Schools Hustle to Land 'Highly Qualified' Hires--"No Child" law ups recruiting ante in a teacher's market |
| 711 |
Dion Haynes |
DC Finds Gold Mine of Future Principals--"New Leaders for New Schools" training program criticized by some |
| 712 |
Fisher OpEd |
Advocate for Kids Says Money Isn't DC's Problem--head of DC Action for Kids says people incompetent |
| 712 |
Dion Haynes |
Mayor Williams Opposes Voucher Expansion--thinks it's too soon to tinker with trial program beyond city |
| 715 |
Haynes |
Sen. Brownback Drops Plan to Use DC Vouchers in MD,VA Schools--still wants to expand available slots |
| 715 |
Dobbs |
School Score Gap Narrowing--biggest gains at elementary level: whites, 217>226; blacks, 181>200 in 30 yrs! |
| 715 |
Editor |
Rethinking DC Vouchers--Sen Brownback idea to use vouchers outside city needs more thought: city input |
| 720 |
Anderson |
Pr. George's Audit Finds Positives, Problems--results pave way for state to release school funds |
| 721 |
Anderson |
Pr. George's Hoping for Long-term Schools Chief--to build on current academic policies |
| |
|
| AUGUST, 2005 |
PUBLIC EDUCATION |
|
| 801 |
Anderson |
Schools Shift Approach as Adolescent Readers Fail to Improve--NAEP data show gotta work middle schools |
| 802 |
de Vise |
MD Sanctioned on Special-Ed--racial issue? blacks=20% kids, 40% spec-ed in Montgomery, Anne Arundel |
| 802 |
Haynes |
School Transfer OKs Announced--DC officials' notification too late to help parents relocate kids under NCLB |
| 802 |
Fisher OpEd |
DC Libraries Can Escape Insignificance--mayor now wants to build new flavor of library: get with it |
| 806 |
Haynes |
DC Elementary Scores Rise (well) as Secondary Results Decline (a bit)--will send good principals to help! |
| 807 |
Smarick ltr |
Failing Schools, Dragging Feet--many MD schools that performed poorly a decade ago, still do--how come? |
| 809 |
Haynes |
DC Charter School Data Show 8 Attain Benchmark--8 of 18 make required progress: 13 not tested! |
| 811 |
Staff |
Charter Schools Lagging in Progress Tests--only 6 of 16 under DCPSBd make it,19 0f 31 under DCCSBd |
| 816 |
Ginsburg ltr |
Chance to Improve DC Libraries--shouldn't keep outdated library because of architect: build a new one |
| 816 |
Editor |
Losing Student Loans--'98 act strips fed loans kids convicted of drugs--doesn't hit all kids, or all crimes: fix |
| 823 |
Haynes |
33% of DC Principals New--super says of 44, 23 from outside DCPS: 6 resigned, 6 fired, rest retired or promoted |
| 824 |
Anderson |
7 Pr. George's Schools Win Upgraded Rating--appeals from 25 others rejected, part of NCLB law |
| 824 |
Haynes |
Report Fans Flames in DC School Funding Debate--critics challenge claim that charters get less per pupil |
| 824 |
Mui |
Scores Slump on Most MD State Tests--pass rates decline in algebra, biology; rise in government |
| 825 |
Montgomery |
Spruced-Up Schools Brighten Outlook--Ketcham Elementary showcases $6M maintenance efforts |
| 828 |
Anderson |
Audit Finds 2-Yr Pay Errors in Pr. George's Schools--officials trying to recoup $1M, in unusual step! |
| 828 |
Haynes |
New School Year to Reveal Breadth of Janey's Reforms--sees "different place" after painstaking restructuring |
| |
|
| SEPTEMBER, 2005 |
PUBLIC EDUCATION |
|
| 825 |
Ryan |
Schools Make Headway on Renovations--long-empty Nichols Ave ES to reopen as rebuilt Charter HS |
| 825 |
Haynes |
New Standards to Sharpen Teachers' Focus--DC's more rigorous curriculum meant to boost achievement |
| 830 |
Helderman |
Seeds of Loudoun County Science School Sprout--new academy features hands-on research |
| 831 |
de Vise |
VA raises Math Scores, MD SATS even--states near nat'l avg of 508/520 with VA=516/514; MD=511/515 |
| 902 |
Aratani |
Montgomery County SAT Scores Barely Vary from '04--560/541 2nd best in MD; ref DC=404/414 |
| 908 |
Haynes |
SAT Results Put Focus on Improving City's Schools--3 HS's 2% over US avg, 13 HS's, 29% below US avg |
| 909 |
Anderson |
7000 New Teachers on the Job in metro area--"No Child" requires highly qualified hires: DC got 500 of 5200 |
| 910 |
Haynes |
DC Schools Beset by Computer Errors-principals report surge in errors re attendance, schedules, etc. |
| 918 |
Haynes |
Technology Mars Start of DC School Year--DCSTARS computer system makes troubled debut |
| 918 |
Montgomery |
DC Schools Faulted on Training for Jobs--vocational training in skilled trades neglected, panel told |
| 918 |
Janey |
DC Schools, Offering Shelter from Storm--has taken on some kids, raised some money through students |
| 920 |
Staff |
School Voucher Demand Skyrockets--has now reached full capacity with 1733: 1.7x as many applied! |
| 930 |
Dvorak |
Activists Take Schools Campaign to Council Offices--group hopes to persuade DC not to sell abandoned bldgs |
| |
|
| OCTOBER, 2005 |
PUBLIC EDUCATION |
|
| 921 |
Westfall(Curr) |
Court Tosses Out Remaining GWU Claims--District Court says housing restrictions do not violate constitution |
| 1010 |
Anderson |
Pr. George's Yields, School System to Pay for Disputed Gym, unusual deal for project already underway |
| 1016 |
Anderson |
Pr. George's Loses Students--1200 drop comes as 'most' suburban systems gain (a little bit) |
| 1020 |
Romano |
Area Math, Science Test Scores Move Little--improvement slight since NCLB: DC way behind suburbs! |
| 1024 |
de Vise |
State Gains Not Echoed in Federal Testing--results fuel criticism of MD, VA education and local tests |
| 1027 |
Montgomery |
New Jewel of a School in Ward 8--Marshall Academy Charter School moves to renovated Anacostia site |
| 1030 |
Davis ltr |
DC's Disgusting Double Standard--teacher decries lousy, worsening school conditions in midst of plenty |
| 1030 |
Milloy |
How Bush Visit Because 'the Siege of Howard U'--campus lock-down/-out for president aggravates kids |
| |
|
| NOVEMBER, 2005 |
PUBLIC EDUCATION |
|
| 1102 |
Kinzie |
Bitterness is Still Evident at American U--students lampoon, faculty condemns buy-out of president Ladner |
| 1102 |
Editor |
Are DC Schools a Priority?--will DC Council support $1B, 10-year capital funding to modernize schools? |
| 1104 |
Anderson |
Pr. George's Schools to Make Major Repairs--$126M proposed for roofs, heating, cooling, etc. |
| 1106 |
Haynes |
Costly Charter School Failure--$15M special-ed boarding school plan designed to save money failed |
| 1108 |
Haynes |
Councilmbr Patterson Delays Vote on Tax Boosts for School Repairs--business groups want explanations |
| 1109 |
Gould (Curr) |
Janey Reviews 1st Year as Super.--'not delusional, not discouraged: resolved 10K personnel grievances! |
| 1110 |
Aratani |
Montgomery Cnty Growth Plan Envisions 7 New Schools--super proposed 1 high school, 6 elementaries |
| 1110 |
Anderson |
Student Transfers Increase in Pr. George's--1400 leave schools that fail standards: up 35% from last year |
| 1112 |
Kinzie |
Angry AU Students Lash Out at Trustees--vice chairman meets with protesters re $3.75M severance pkg |
| 1114 |
Haynes |
Realistic Plan Sought for DC Schools--renovations would try to avoid past mistakes, conditions shocking |
| 1114 |
Staff |
First Forum on Improving Schools Tonight--community ideas/opinions sought on what kind of system: now?? |
| 1115 |
Aranti |
....DC Schools See Opportunity to Scale Back--Supreme Court Ruling OK's cutback in legal costs |
| 1115 |
Lane |
In Special-ed Case, Court backs Montgomery Schools--parent challengers bear burden of proof..... |
| 1121 |
Strauss |
After AU, Colleges Increase Scrutiny--scandal heightens efforts to seek advice, ask for new audits |
| 1122 |
Haynes |
DC Woodrow Wilson HS Abandons Charter Bid in Exchange for Chance at Autonomy within System |
| 1122 |
Fisher OpEd |
Fix Up Schools, but Not with Faulty System--gotta get rid of extra schools that developers salivate for |
| 1123 |
Haynes |
Woodrow Wilson Parents Hope to Help All 147 DC Schools--more funding, autonomy pushed for all |
| 1127 |
Haynes |
DCPS Budget May Exclude Teacher Raises, Unions Fear--labor negotiations may not finish in time |
| |
|
| DECEMBER, 2005 |
PUBLIC EDUCATION |
|
| 1201 |
Haynes |
DC Auditor to Investigate Shortage of Textbooks--school officials had assured problem was solved |
| 1202 |
Staff |
DC Students Make Gains but Rank Last-- among 11 urban school districts by NAEP scoring |
| 1203 |
Kinzie |
Probe Turns Focus to AU's Trustees--university board sends letter to Senate Finance Committee |
| 1203 |
Editor |
No Excuses on Textbooks--if school officials can't get this right, what hope for the DCPS kids? |
| 1204 |
Gurian |
Where Have the Men Gone? No Place Good--drop-outs, divorce rates, homeless, crime rates follow |
| 1204 |
Fallis |
DC School's Overruns Offer Lesson for Renovatrions--McKinley High's budget debacle offers lesson |
| 1204 |
Haynes |
Late Order, Faulty DCPS Enrollment Figures Cited in Textbook Delay--School Bd very upset |
| 1205 |
Ltr Writers |
Ensuring Better School Buildings in DC--fund maint.; new schools good;close some, co-locate services |
| 1206 |
Weiss |
DC Council Ed. Comm. Draws DCPS 'Marshall PLan'--boost business, cigarette taxes to rebuild schools |
| 1207 |
Anderson |
MD Charter Schools Show Strong Gains--backers see problems in law, funding in Baltimore, Anne Arundel |
| 1208 |
Haynes |
Super. Janey Introduces Preliminary School Budget--delay sought for final spending plan!--up to $810M |
| 1218 |
Wagner |
High Cost Imperils Maryland Teacher Pensions--union wants $480M boost: claim pensions worst in US |
| 1220 |
Weiss |
Charter Schools Push to Use Extra Buildings--don't want city to sell them: Congress Heights included |
