Standardized exams — the multiple-choice, bubble tests in math and reading that have played a growing role in American public education in recent years — are being overhauled.

Over the next four years, two groups of states, 44 in all, will get $330 million to work with hundreds of university professors and testing experts to design a series of new assessments that officials say will look very different from those in use today.

The new tests, which Secretary of Education Arne Duncan described in a speech in Virginia on Thursday, are to be ready for the 2014-15 school year.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Spending in California classrooms declined as a percentage of total education spending over a recent five-year period, even as total school funding increased, according to a Pepperdine University study released Wednesday.

Accountability has taken on an increased emphasis in schools across the country as a result of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, which requires that schools show evidence of "adequate yearly progress," known as AYP, for all groups of students. Schools in years past considered to be high achieving may not make AYP if certain subgroups, such as English-language learners or minority groups, are not scoring at proficient levels. Schools that don't make the mark must provide transfer options for their students and provide supplemental services, including tutoring.

NCLB defines national standards for achievement, but it's important to remember that each state designates its own test for measuring achievement. Consequently, some states have higher standards than others. In addition, a number of states have successfully applied for waivers when large numbers of their schools have been considered "in need of improvement."

A study by the Brookings Institute/Greater Ohio Policy Center released in February suggested setting up an independent commission to cut the number of public-school districts by one- third.

But some say the question may not be whether Ohio needs 612 school districts but whether it needs 612 central offices, with separate food service, transportation and supply purchasing.

This is the home page of the Federation's clout!
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On Wednesday, September 8 in the GHS auditorium the GFCCE will host its candidate interviews for this year's school board election.  We are grateful for the four individuals who decided to seek our endorsement.  After all, working with the teachers/classified is a critical component to running an effective school district.

The order of the interviews are as follows:

• 4:00pm Mark Beck
• 4:30pm Angela DaPrato
• 5:00pm Fred Goethel
• 5:30pm Pat Maple

The COPE Committee will administer the interviews and will publish the endorsemen(s) by Friday afternoon. 

We wish these four candidates good luck in their campaigns.

Dear sisters and brothers,
This Labor Day Weekend marks the start of the 2010 election season. Early childhood educators, like other educators, know that their jobs and the children they serve are very closely affected by what happens in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C. That’s why we are taking action to make our voices heard.

Collective Bargaining Agreement Chapter 152

 Chapter 152 Progressive Discipline Manual

The History of Labor Day Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Read the full history of Labor Day.