Education Report October 16, 2009

1. Budget and Appropriations
-With a lot of disagreement in the Senate over the annual appropriation bills, it has become clear that the Senate would likely have to extend the current continuing resolution into November. It has also become clear that the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education spending bill has little chance of seeing daylight anytime soon.
-Again another week was devoted to healthcare reform, with the Finance Committee finally passing a bill on a bi-partisan vote.
-The House continued the behind the scenes work on crafting a healthcare bill for floor action.
-With the healthcare reform bill still delayed, we will see a similar delay for H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act.

2. 2009 Math NAEP Results Released
-An event in Washington, D.C. last week released the results of the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in mathematics.
-The results showed that there have been no significant change in the performance of the nation's fourth graders from 2007-2009, which points to the need for the country to improve its instruction and achievement in math and science.
-Some contend that the disappointing results are indictment of No Child Left Behind, others suggest that the preparation in elementary schools is inadequate, while still others suggest the results further support calls for national standards in mathematics.
-Secretary Duncan released a statement about the results. Secretary Duncan's press release is available at http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/10/10142009.html [1].

The report, including state data snapshots, is available at http://nationreportcard.gov/math_2009/ [2].

3. In brief
-ED hosts ESEA Stakeholder Meeting
-Duncan calls on state board members to be partners in success
-NASA selects students for stem program
-House Subcommittee holds hearing on eligibility for student aid
-NASSP hosts briefing on innovation and education

Be sure to also check out sections #4 (New Publications) and #5 (In the News) for articles of interest.