Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

Capitol News

Student Voices

Colorado
February 4, 2016

We asked six students what lawmakers could do to improve their schools. Here’s what they said.

Answers ranged from later start times to more college prep classes.

Indiana
February 1, 2016

Indiana House moves to require the state to explain how schools receive federal aid

Several education bills passed today, moving to the opposite house for further debate next week.

Indiana
January 12, 2016

Near unanimous support has bills to shield teachers, schools from ISTEP sanctions flying

Legislative leaders said this week they hope to have both bills to Pence to be signed into law by the end of the month.

Indiana
January 7, 2016

Lawmakers say ISTEP rescore necessary to ensure accuracy in 2016

The dramatic drop in standardized test scores that hit nearly every school in Indiana has re-energized some state legislators to go after the exam.

Indiana
January 6, 2016

Republican senator's call for a 2-year delay of ISTEP sanctions goes nowhere

A bipartisan plan for a one-year reprieve from ISTEP consequences sailed through two legislative committees today.

Indiana
January 4, 2016

Pence signs on to Ritz's approach to 'pause' A-F grades, ISTEP sanctions

Democrats and Republicans are backing a bill is expected to be considered by the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.

Q and A

Colorado
December 15, 2015

Colorado’s pick for education commissioner on Common Core, teacher evaluations and turnaround

The State Board of Education's pick for education commissioner is a business owner and former lawmaker who lacks experience as an educator.

the commish

Colorado
Updated December 14, 2015

Former Arizona lawmaker, Wyoming schools chief is pick for Colorado education commissioner

A Republican former state lawmaker from Arizona who briefly served as the chief of schools in Wyoming is in line to become Colorado’s next education…

The Colorado Way

Colorado
November 20, 2015

Colorado schools spared tough sanctions from high testing opt-out rates under new federal waiver

The OK from Washington comes a little more than a week after the State Board of Education begrudgingly signed off on the state's application.

Hick makes his pitch

Colorado
November 12, 2015

Hickenlooper: Schools must share burden of state budget balancing

Gov. John Hickenlooper told legislators that K-12 spending needs to share the pain of a tight state budget situation along with other big-ticket programs.

Finally

Colorado
November 11, 2015

State board signs off on Colorado bid for flexibility from federal law

The State Board of Education Wednesday grudgingly voted 5-2 to approve submission of Colorado’s request for flexibility in meeting federal education laws.

changing of the guard

Colorado
Updated November 10, 2015

Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia resigning two state posts

Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia, the Hickenlooper’s most prominent voice on education issues, is resigning both his elected post and as head of the Department of Higher Education.
Colorado
November 2, 2015

Tuition increase “holiday” could be over for Colorado students

College tuition costs could start rising more steeply under Gov. John Hickenlooper’s new budget plan, which would cut direct state support of colleges and universities.

More tight belts

Colorado
November 2, 2015

School funding shortfall would grow under new Hickenlooper budget plan

Gov. John Hickenlooper’s proposed 2016-17 state budget proposal contains a mix of good and bad news for K-12 education, given the financial squeeze facing the state.

Indiana
October 26, 2015

Lawmakers propose fixes for testing and teaching

Lawmakers think they came up with solutions for a few of the biggest education issues from the past year: testing, teacher hiring and keeping teachers in the classroom.
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