NATIONAL

Expansions of State Voucher Programs Gain Momentum
Education Week, MD, February 25, 2010
The momentum in Florida to expand one of that state’s voucher programs is a subtle but significant sign that such programs, which have been anathema to many Democrats, are beginning to win bipartisan support in a number of states.

Duncan Questioned On Move To Cut Funding for Teach for America
Washington Post, DC, February 26, 2010
Education Secretary Arne Duncan faced unusually sharp questioning from House Democrats Thursday over the Obama administration’s proposals to eliminate a grant for the Teach for America program and hold the line on new funding for many other education programs.

FROM THE STATES

California

Thoughts On Charter Schools
Napa Valley Register, CA, February 25, 2010
Myself, I like the idea of charter schools. Frankly, I think that sometimes the rules get in the way. I applaud efforts to innovate, to push the envelope. I hope my kid gets in just so I can see first hand what they do.

Florida

Struggling Schools Will Get More Teachers
Miami Herald, FL, February 26, 2010
A grant from the Knight Foundation will help put high-achieving young teachers in Miami-Dade’s neediest schools.

Oklahoma

Coffee’s Bill Will Open Doors For Oklahoma Charter Schools
Tulsa Beacon, OK, February 25, 2010
Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee will introduce legislation, SB 1862, giving large city mayors chartering authority, while removing the number of caps on allowed charter schools, a major education reform that will increase opportunity for students and parents in the state’s two largest cities.

Tennessee

Gubernatorial Candidates Weigh In On Charter Schools
Nashville Public Radio, TN, February 25, 2010
Republicans running for governor want to get rid of restrictions on how many charter schools Tennessee can have, and who can enroll in them.

Texas

Charter School Takes Alternative Approach To Education
Lubbock Avalanche Journal, TX, February 26, 2010
When John Booth says he has known public education needed major reform for a long time, his resume as superintendent of three school districts - Levelland, Beckville and Elkhard - gives his words weight. He believes his current job, as director of Premier High School in Lubbock, puts him in a good position to contribute to the reform.

West Virginia

Lack of Charter Schools in W.Va. Examined
Charleston Gazette, WV, February 26, 2010
A lack of charter schools may hold back West Virginia’s effort to win $80 million in federal money under a new program called Race to the Top.

Wyoming

Law Needs to Change for Wyo. Charter Schools To Progress
Wyoming Tribune, WY, February 25, 2010
Changes are needed in Wyoming law to allow more charter schools, says the new director of a group dedicated to those facilities.