There’s always something new happening in the world of education, whether it’s new technology being implemented in the classroom or changes to the way that students are assessed. Keep up with the latest educational news with this blog post, which rounds up some of the most recent stories from around the globe. From a new app that’s helping teachers to manage their classrooms more effectively to changes in the way that schools are being graded in England, there’s plenty to keep you informed about what’s happening in education.
Education spending in the United States
The latest educational news is that education spending in the United States is on the rise. According to a new report from the National Center for Education Statistics, total expenditures on elementary and secondary education rose from $642 billion in 2013 to $689 billion in 2014. That’s an increase of 7 percent.
The biggest chunk of that money goes to salaries and benefits for teachers and other school staff. In 2014, those costs made up about 54 percent of all spending on elementary and secondary education.
instructional materials, including textbooks and digital resources, make up another 11 percent of spending. Other notable expenses include transportation (7 percent), facilities (6 percent), and food services (4 percent).
So where is all this money coming from? The federal government provides about 10 percent of funding for elementary and secondary education, while state and local governments cover the rest. In 2014, states contributed an average of $11,393 per student, while localities provided $9,131 per student.
New education laws
In the past year, there have been many new education laws enacted in the United States. These laws cover a wide range of topics, from school funding to teacher tenure. Here is a brief overview of some of the most notable changes:
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law in December 2015. This law replaces the No Child Left Behind Act and gives states more flexibility in how they assess student progress and identify struggling schools.
The new federal education law also includes a provision that allows states to use federal money to fund computer science programs. This is a big win for advocates of STEM education, who have long argued that computer science should be treated like any other core academic subject.
In September 2016, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that makes his state the first in the nation to provide free community college for all residents. The program, which is called the College Promise, will phased in over two years and will eventually cover tuition for up to 1.5 million students each year.
Also in September 2016, Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed a controversial bill that expands school vouchers statewide. Vouchers are publicly-funded scholarships that can be used to pay for private school tuition. Critics argue that voucher programs divert money away from public schools, but supporters say they give families more educational options.
These are just a few of the major changes to education policy in recent months. With so many new laws on the books,
Changes to the No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act was created in 2001 and was last reauthorized in 2015. The act is up for reauthorization in 2020. There have been many changes to the act since it was first created, and there are sure to be more changes made before it is reauthorized.
Some of the most recent changes to the No Child Left Behind Act include:
-Allowing states to use standardized test scores to measure school performance, rather than just relying on test scores.
-Giving states more flexibility in how they spend federal education funds.
-Requiring schools to report data on student achievement, rather than just test scores.
-Creating a new “report card” system that will give parents and guardians more information on their child’s school.
These are just some of the latest changes to the No Child Left Behind Act. It is sure to be changed even more before it is reauthorized in 2020.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative
The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort that has developed a set of clear, consistent guidelines for what students should be learning at each grade level in English language arts and math. The standards are designed to ensure that all students have the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in college and careers. Forty-six states and the District of Columbia have adopted the Common Core State Standards.
Education technology
Education technology, also known as edtech, is the use of technological tools to enhance and support learning. Edtech can be used in a variety of settings, including classrooms, homeschools, and online learning platforms.
Some of the most popular edtech tools include educational software, online learning platforms, and mobile apps. These tools can be used to support a wide range of educational activities, from teaching basic academic skills to helping students prepare for standardized tests.
With the ubiquity of technology in our society, it’s no surprise that edtech is becoming increasingly popular. Many educators believe that edtech can help improve student engagement and achievement. However, some critics argue that too much reliance on technology can lead to “digital natives” who are unable to think critically or solve problems on their own.
Whether you’re a proponent or critic of edtech, there’s no denying that it’s having a major impact on education. As we move into the future, it will be interesting to see how edtech continues to evolve and shape the way we learn.
The rise of homeschooling
In recent years, homeschooling has become increasingly popular as parents seek to provide their children with a more customized and individualized education. While homeschooling used to be considered an alternative to traditional schooling, it is now mainstream, with over two million students being homeschooled in the United States alone.
There are a number of reasons why parents may choose to homeschool their children. Some do so for religious or philosophical reasons, others because they feel that their child would not thrive in a traditional school setting. Homeschooling can also be a great option for families who travel frequently or who live in rural areas where there are no good schools nearby.
Whatever the reason, more and more parents are choosing to homeschool their children, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Conclusion
The latest educational news is that the government is proposing a new education bill that would make changes to the way schools are funded. This could have a big impact on the quality of education in the UK, so it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.