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Michelle Rhee, the former chancellor of D.C. Public Schools has details on how she thinks the nation's schools can be fixed.
Some of the top priorities outlined by Rhee's new advocacy group, Students First, sound familiar: Paying excellent teachers more, eliminating tenure and basing employment decisions on effectiveness, not seniority.
She's also wants parents to consent before their children are placed with teachers rated as ineffective, and in the case of failing schools, to allow parents to vote to change the school's leadership or to turn it into a charter school.
Randi Weingarten, head of the American Federation of Teachers, criticized Rhee's agenda saying it was an "oversimplified choice" and she is still creating what Weingarten calls "a narrative of good guys and bad guys" in education.
China Builds Museums ... But Will The Visitors Come?
China is on a spree to build world-class museums and has opened about 100 of them annually in recent years. Two of the biggest opened on the same day last fall on opposite banks of Shanghai's Huangpu River. But filling these museums — with both art and visitors — is proving more challenging.Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame
The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.IRS Official In Charge Of Nonprofits Declines To Testify
Lois Lerner, who heads the IRS division dealing with nonprofits seeking tax-exempt status, will not testify on Wednesday despite a congressional subpoena, her attorney says. She is accused of closely scrutinizing conservative groups that sought tax-exempt status.Microsoft Reveals New Xbox One Game System
Microsoft unveiled its new Xbox One Tuesday, displaying a device that takes new steps in game consoles' journey into becoming all-purpose entertainment and communication devices. The new console replaces the Xbox 360, which has been on the market for more than seven years.Leave a Comment
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