Each week, AAE brings its members a round-up of what’s happening in education. From big, eye-catching headlines to the stories most papers overlook, we find the news our members really want to see. This week, a candidate courts teachers, proposed budget cuts, more out of Kentucky, and more!

Presidential Candidate Proposes Teacher Raise: Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is calling to increase the average teacher’s salary by $13,500. The move is a response to the teacher wage gap, the difference in what teachers earn in comparison to other professionals with the same level of education. The plan would be paid for by the federal government and would cost $315 billion over 10 years. If implemented, it would be the first time the federal government involved itself in teacher salaries, which have typically been decided by states and local governments. The cost would be paid for by strengthening the estate tax and closing current loopholes that allow some earners to avoid paying taxes.

DeVos, Congress Spar Over Budget: Education Secretary Betsy DeVos appeared before congress this week to discuss proposed cuts to the department’s budget. The plan would cut the department’s funding by 12 percent. Programs facing funding cuts included after school programs, a program focused on school safety and student mental health, and investments in teacher quality. The most controversial cut, however, was the proposed elimination of funding to the Special Olympics.

Kentucky District Turns Over Names of Protestors: After a wave of teacher-led sick outs across the state, the Education Commissioner in Kentucky demanded the names of participants. The state’s largest district, Jefferson County, refused the request until this week. They turned over the list of names as teachers threatened another sick-out. That sick out did not happen, although a small number of teachers still protested at the capital. With names in hand, the education commissioner says he will allow districts to decide how to handle the absences, but that he will step in if they are unwilling to do so.

Happening Elsewhere:

Community devastated after 10-year-old dies following classroom fight

Arkansas Board of Education takes over Lee County district, removes superintendent, school board

Ohio lawmakers unveil "comprehensive, transparent" school funding formula

Tennessee voucher bill seeks to block immigrant families

Lawmakers approve of $1,500 pay raise for Mississippi teachers

NC schools chief opposes May 1 teacher rally. He says protest should be on a non-school day.

What Happens to the Mental Health of School-Shooting Survivors?

Pennsylvania education department settles discrimination claims in alternative education programs

Virginia schools have seen the light, and it’s solar

Outgoing education commissioner praises school choice effort

Gov. Lamont wants more minority teachers in CT classrooms

State education chairman, a controversial supporter of charter schools, steps down

Lawmakers call for mandatory lead testing of school drinking water

Georgia House, Senate agree to $3,000 teacher pay raise

Charlottesville students walk out of class after racist threat closed schools

Former North Providence school superintendent charged with embezzlement

Nashville school board readies for fight over future of Director Shawn Joseph

A US high school’s crafty production of “Alien” is going viral

What’s going on where you are?

Share below!

email to friend

Print

comment

Permalink

Comments (0)

Submit a comment

Name and location

Email (not published)

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment