Kate Zernike's Blog, page 25

Crux of Connecticut Judge’s Grim Ruling: Schools Are Broken

A decision that threw out the state’s education financing system as unconstitutional spoke to a larger nationwide truth.

All Eyes Are on Chris Christie as Trial in Bridge Scandal Starts

Governor Christie has not been charged in the case involving a traffic tie-up at the George Washington Bridge, but he will loom large in the story laid out by both sides in the courtroom.

Donald Trump’s Campaign Hires Ex-Christie Aide to Bolster Political Operation

Bill Stepien, a former ally of Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, is said to be the campaign’s choice to become its national field director.

Condemnation of Charter Schools Exposes a Rift Over Black Students

Long championed as a lifeline for poor black children, the schools have recently been denounced by two civil rights organizations, which called for a moratorium on charters.

Mike Pence’s Record on Education Is One of Turmoil and Mixed Results

Mr. Pence ended the Common Core and expanded vouchers and charter schools during a contentious time for public education in Indiana.

Chris Christie Lost Out on the Job He Wanted. And His Bad Year Got Worse.

The New Jersey governor, who hoped to be Donald J. Trump’s running mate, saw his political fortunes crash after backing Mr. Trump in the presidential race.

A Sea of Charter Schools in Detroit Leaves Students Adrift

Michigan leapt at the promise of charters 23 years ago, betting that more competition would improve public education. Instead, old problems grew worse.

New Orleans Plan: Charter Schools, With a Return to Local Control

Control of the city’s schools is expected to return to a locally elected school board for the first time since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Test Scores Show a Decline in Math Among High School Seniors

Average performance dropped in math from 2013 to 2015 but held steady in reading, results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed.

Rejected by Colleges, SAT and ACT Gain High School Acceptance

Both testing companies have pushed into the market for federally required tests in public schools, offering them even to students who do not plan to go to college.