December 2011

Department of Education Awards $200 Million to Seven States to Advance K-12 Reform

The U.S. Department of Education announced today that seven states -Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania- will each receive a share of the $200 million in Race to the Top Round 3 (RTT3) fund to advance targeted K-12 reforms aimed at improving student achievement.

Statement by U.S. Education Secretary Duncan on the Formation of the Reconnecting McDowell Partnership in West Virginia

“I applaud the groundbreaking educational public-private partnership in McDowell County, West Virginia that the American Federation of Teachers has helped launch. This public-private partnership is helping to show communities across the nation—especially poor, rural communities—the way forward.

Statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

"Children’s health is directly tied to their ability to grow and learn to their fullest potential. Exposure to mercury and other harmful toxins has many possible risks, including jeopardizing our children’s cognitive ability over the long term.

i3 Projects Receive $18 Million in Matching Funds from Private Sector

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced today that private donors have committed $18 million to the 23 highest-rated projects in the 2011 Investing in Innovation (i3) Fund competition, ensuring that they have met the i3 matching requirement and qualifying them to receive $150 million from the i3 program.

Education Department Launches Video Contest to Publicize Cost of College Calculators for Students, Parents and Consumers

The U.S. Department of Education today launched the College Net Price Calculator Student Video Challenge in an effort to broaden public awareness of tools on the Department’s website that help parents and students research the cost of a college degree.

Obama Administration Announces 2011 Promise Neighborhoods Grant Winners

Senior officials from the Obama Administration announced today that five organizations will receive the first round of Promise Neighborhoods implementation grants, and another 15 organizations will receive a second round of planning grants.

We Can't Wait: Nine States Awarded Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge Grants Awards Will Help Build Statewide Systems of High Quality Early Education Programs

Today, the White House announced that nine states—California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington—will receive grant awards from the $500 million Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge fund, a competitive grant program jointly administered by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.

William Mendoza Appointed Director of White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan today announced the appointment of William Mendoza to lead the newly created White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education.

Jose Rico Appointed Director of White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan today announced the appointment of José Rico as the new director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. The Initiative is in charge of expanding academic excellence and improving educational opportunities for Hispanics for President Obama and Secretary Duncan.

Statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Virginia Tech Shooting

"My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the officer killed in the line of duty today.

"One of our top priorities in education is to keep students safe and learning. The Department of Education stands ready to provide resources and technical assistance to help campus officials deal with this tragic situation.

Statement by U.S. Education Secretary Duncan in Support of NEA's Commission on Effective Teachers and Teaching's Report on Teacher Effectiveness

Following is a statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in support of the National Education Association's Commission on Effective Teachers and Teaching's report on teacher effectiveness:

We Can't Wait: Obama Administration Announces $2 Billion in Resources to Support Job-Creating Startups

Today, the White House announced administrative and private sector actions that will help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create jobs by increasing their access to capital and resources. The U.S.

U.S. Department of Education Honors National Board Certified Teacher Leaders During Day-Long Celebration

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan joined Domestic Policy Council Director Melody Barnes and Obama Administration leaders today at the White House to congratulate the newest class of National Board Certified teachers and engage in a discussion with them on transforming the teaching profession.

AIM Commission Releases Report on Disparities in Postsecondary Learning Material for Students with Disabilities

The Advisory Commission on Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) in Postsecondary Education for Students with Disabilities released today a report providing Congress with vital recommendations for improving the ability of postsecondary students with disabilities to obtain accessible instructional materials in a timely and cost-effective manner.

U.S. Education Department Releases Analysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies

The U.S. Department of Education released today Analysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies, a new report summarizing current approaches in the 46 states with anti-bullying laws and the 41 states that have created anti-bullying policies as models for schools.

33 States, D.C., Submit Intents to Nominate Green Ribbon Schools

The U.S. Department of Education announced today that 33 states and the District of Columbia have submitted intents to nominate schools for the new Green Ribbon Schools awards program launched this past September. Schools nominated by state education agencies are eligible to receive the award.

New Guidance Supports Voluntary Efforts to Promote Diversity and Reduce Racial Isolation in Education

Today, the Departments of Justice and Education released two new guidance documents—one for school districts and one for colleges and universities—detailing the flexibility that the Supreme Court has provided to educational institutions to promote diversity and, in the case of elementary and secondary schools, reduce racial isolation among students within the confines of the law.

U.S. Education Department Announces New Measures to Safeguard Student Privacy

The U.S. Department of Education today announced new regulations to safeguard student privacy while giving states the flexibility to share school data that can be helpful in judging the effectiveness of government investments in education.