U.S. Supreme Court to Weigh Level of Benefit Required by Special Education Law

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday granted review in a case about the level of education benefit a child must receive for a school district to have provided an appropriate level of service under the main federal special education law.  The case, Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District RE-1 (No. 15-827), raises an important question…

U.S. Department of Education Awards $245 Million to Support High-Quality Public Charter Schools

The U.S. Department of Education announced today new grants totaling approximately $245 million under its Charter Schools Program (CSP), which funds the creation and expansion of public charter schools across the nation. Today’s grants are being awarded to state educational agencies and charter management organizations.  The CSP supports the creation of high-quality public charter schools…

U.S. Department of Education Releases Guidance on English Learners

The U.S. Department of Education today released non-regulatory guidance to help states, districts and schools provide effective services to improve the English language proficiency and academic achievement of English learners (ELs) through Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The guidance is an…

Board of Governors to debate Bright Futures

The state university system’s Board of Governors this week will debate expanding the Bright Futures scholarship program to cover summer classes.  The proposal, which could cost up to $46.7 million, is a top priority for Gov. Rick Scott, who sees broader use of the merit scholarship program as a way to help students graduate in…

New ESSA Spending Regulations Proposed

After months of criticism from Republican lawmakers, state chiefs, and teachers’ unions on its approach to spending rules for the Every Student Succeeds Act, the U.S. Department of Education last week released a new proposal that appears to give districts and states some additional flexibility when it comes to ensuring federal funds for low-income students…