A daily dose of education news around the nation – just in time for a little mid-day break!
Student loans: After the government took over originating federal student loans on Thursday, Sallie Mae announced it is cutting as much as a third of its staff and consolidating offices into a new national headquarters in Delaware. The company is expected to change its focus to higher-margin and riskier private loans.
D.C. schools: Michelle A. Rhee suggested Wednesday that her continued service as D.C. Schools Chancellor hinges on Mayor Adrian Fenty’s re-election. His opponent Vince Gray introduced his education plan on Thursday, proposing both a powerful chancellor and community input.
Education flicks: Schools will be center-screen this summer, as four documentaries will tackle topics such as school failure, charter schools and teacher tenure. (USA TODAY)
Advertising: States everywhere are trying to figure out how to recruit better teachers. Tennessee’s answer? Spend $200,000 on social media, TV and print advertising campaigns. (The Commercial Appeal)
But not everyone has the funds to fill the airwaves. In the face of economic troubles, community colleges are cutting their advertising budgets. (Inside Higher Ed)
Special education: The New Jersey School Boards Association is requesting that the governor’s proposed cap on property-tax increases include waivers for costly special-education needs. (NorthJersey.com)
Common standards: And the count continues: A month after they were introduced, 20 states have now adopted the common core standards. (Education Week)
And Justin Snider, of The Hechinger Report, urges Iowa to adopt the common standards. (Des Moines Register)
School closings: A state appellate court has ruled that the 19 schools slated for closure in New York City must be kept open, as the NYC Department of Education “failed to adequately notify the public about the ramifications of the closings.” (New York Times)
