The majority of the education news stories around the country this week were on the economic crisis and how that is hurting schools. Folks, everyone is hurting and everyone is looking for ways to save money. That means reduced programs, capital projects on hold, and a lack of filling positions. NY is even going to reduce their school bus routes. Meanwhile California says no more bake sales (now what are they supposed to do?) -- That is just where we are at now as schools begin to shape their budgets for next year. If things are looking this bad now, they will look even worse in the Spring when districts actually release their budgets. Settle in. This is going to get worse before it gets better for schools.
In the future, we are going to see more legal action on obesity. The research is starting to build.
More good energy incentives for schools to conserve. I like what I am seeing on this front.
A Native Hawaiian admissions policy is being challenged as against federal law. Proof the Civil Rights laws are more than just about African Americans with regard to race and ethnicity.
University of Illinois students have taken their mascot into their own hands.
One more thing for our school administrators to worry about ... insecticide use laws.
Louisiana's conservative movement is now heading to higher education. Outputs, people, Outputs! But, the union is beginning to fight back - at least what's left of it.
A New Jersey court rules that student cars can be searched without a warrant.
Ohio is getting closer to promised funding reform.
Around the Blogosphere:
Mitchell R. points us to 1) D.C. making an effort to eliminate tenure (in your dreams) and 2) a drug using student seeking to be classified under IDEA.
Mark Walsh, who I am looking forward to meeting next week at ELA, posts his Ed. Week story about the crazy Utah Monument case. I agree with Mark that it is a fun one. He also has the Morse settlement.
Jim Gerl continues in his series on whether court decisions affect special education much (um, they absolutely do!).
Miguel Guhlin & Wesley Fryer post about fair use of videos and documents in response to the Code of Best Practices for Fair Use in Media Literacy Education.
BoardBuzz asks whether education is becoming post-racial.
Secretary Spellings if blogging at Eduwonk. Good for her, its nice to see her making an effort to communicate with this increasingly powerful conversation going on in the blogosphere.
For your Friday Fun: In honor of my sister whose wedding shower is this weekend back in Illinois ... don't let it drive you crazy, don't get too bossy, but remember, it could always be worse.