August 2012

Nearly 900 Intents to Apply Submitted For $400 Million Race to the Top-District Competition to Implement Local Reforms

Today the U.S. Department of Education announced that 893 potential applicants have submitted their intent to apply for the 2012 Race to the Top-District program, which will provide close to $400 million to support local reforms that will personalize learning, close achievement gaps and prepare each student for college and their careers.

Statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan On Congressionally Mandated Report on Access for Minority Males to Colleges, Universities

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today issued the following statement on a congressionally mandated report by the National Center for Education Statistics regarding access for minority males to colleges and universities, entitled, “Higher Education: Gaps in Access and Persistence Study.”

Statement from Education Secretary Arne Duncan on the Perry Hall High School Shooting

"My thoughts are with the Perry Hall High School community—students, families and faculty—in this difficult time.

"Gun violence has no place anywhere, least of all in our nation's schools. I'd like to thank the local educators and law enforcement personnel who took action to help prevent additional students from getting hurt.

Education Department Awards more than $2.5 million for Seven Student Support Services Projects to Help Students Succeed in Higher Education

The U.S. Education Department today announced the award of $2,552,193 to seven institutions of higher education to provide some 1,765 students with the academic, financial, and motivational support they need to succeed in college.

U.S. Department of Education Awards $750,000 Grant for Research to Provide Opportunities for People with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Education today awarded a $750,000 grant to SEDL of Austin, Texas, to carry out activities to help people with disabilities through a Center on Knowledge Translation of Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

U.S. Department of Education Awards $613,091 Grant for Research to Provide Opportunities for People with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Education today announced the award of $613,091 for a grant to The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR), Houston, Texas, to carry out research that aims to improve living and work situations for people with disabilities.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan Names Six Members to National Assessment Governing Board

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced today the appointment of six education leaders from across the country to the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) for four-year terms. Two appointees were reappointed for a second term.

U.S. Department of Education Launches Enhanced Version of Online Learning Community for School Turnaround

The U.S. Department of Education today launched the School Turnaround Learning Community (STLC), an enhanced version of its online learning community for school turnaround. The site now features improved search and chat functions and a user-friendly reorganization of STLC resources and materials.

Duncan Announces 2012 Cross-Country Back-to-School Bus Tour

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan and senior leaders from the U.S. Department of Education will push the message that “Education Drives America” in its third annual back-to-school bus tour this fall.

Education Department Invites Districts to Apply for $400 Million Race to the Top Competition to Support Classroom-Level Reform Efforts

The U.S. Department of Education announced today that it has finalized the application for the 2012 Race to the Top-District competition, which will provide nearly $400 million to support school districts in implementing local reforms that will personalize learning, close achievement gaps and take full advantage of 21st century tools that prepare each student for college and their careers.

Obama Administration Approves Nevada's Request for NCLB Flexibility

The Obama Administration today approved Nevada's request for flexibility from No Child Left Behind (NCLB) in exchange for state-developed plans to prepare all students for college and career, focus aid on the neediest students, and support effective teaching and leadership.

White House to Host PTA Day and Honor 12 PTA Members as "Champions of Change"

Washington, DC — On Friday, August 10th, the White House will welcome over 150 Parent Teacher Association (PTA) leaders from 41 states, DC, and US military bases overseas for a day-long briefing.

Department Awards $11 Million in Grants to Support Charter School Facilities

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced today three grants totaling $11 million awarded to a nonprofit organization, a State entity, and a consortium of nonprofits that are working across the country to help charter schools obtain facilities through purchase, lease, and donation under the Credit Enhancement for Charter Schools Facilities Program (Credit Enhancement).

Department Awards More Than $1 Million in Grants to Train and Recruit Court Reporters and Realtime Writers

The U.S. Department of Education today announced the award of more than $1 million in grants to four schools in Indiana, Texas, Illinois, and Washington to help them train and find jobs for realtime writers. The Department’s Training for Realtime Writers (TRTW) program provides grants to assist court reporting and captioning programs with recruiting and training realtime writers.

$21.5 Million in Grants Awarded to 43 States to Cover Fees Charged to Low-Income Students for Taking AP Tests

The U.S. Department of Education today announced the award of more than $21.5 million in grants to 43 states to cover fees charged to low-income students for taking Advanced Placement tests.