Recess round-up: August 31, 2010

A daily dose of education news around the nation – just in time for a little mid-day break!

Campaigns: John Hickenlooper, Democratic candidate for Colorado governor,  supports funding schools based on student performance. And he wants to add more competition and school choice. (KRCC Public Radio for Southern Colorado and New Mexico)

Education reform: District officials in San Diego “rolled out a new improvement plan that is almost the opposite of its controversial predecessor,” the “Blueprint for Student Success.” (Education Week)

Early education: Giving and taking in California when it comes to the littlest learners. (Mercury News and Associated Press)

New Orleans at Five: Statistically, academic achievement in New Orleans hasn’t been correlated with reforms. One reporter looks at charter schools and media hype.  (The Root)

Operating expenses: Alabama schools are borrowing from banks to fund basic school operations. (CNNMoney)

Race to the Top: Unsure whether to accept Race to the Top funds, a superintendent in Ohio asks what’s at stake. (The [Van Wert, Ohio] Times Bulletin)

School turnarounds: What happens to public schools that don’t meet federal testing requirements? (The [Salt Lake City] Deseret News)