Topic: Arne Duncan

Schools sprinting to win Obama's Race to the Top billions

In speech Wednesday, Obama touts his $4.35 billion bid to reshape education in America. Schools nationwide are eager to compete for Race to the Top funds.

Why teach the arts? Art inspires learning

Math and science may boost economic competitiveness, but art completes our education.

Obama fatherhood initiative: a rare issue of bipartisan accord?

Fatherhood and parental duty get a push from the Obama team during a series of fall forums. But concerns about government intervention make some conservatives wary.

How's Obama at hoops? His trash talk is politically correct.

President Obama plays basketball with members of congress and cabinet secretaries Thursday. He likes to push himself so hard that he once destroyed a sneaker in a pickup game.

Feds pledge help after Chicago beating death of Derrion Albert

Derrion Albert's death focuses federal aid, attention on scourge of youth violence, which has felled Chicago's students for years.

No Olympics in Chicago: How big a blow to Mayor Daley?

Daley devoted much of the past 2-1/2 years to Chicago's Olympic bid, and many see its failure as having a considerable effect on his legacy.

Arne Duncan interview: best education ideas aren’t in Washington

The US education secretary’s approach involves finding and highlighting innovative solutions in schools around the nation.

$1 million for Texas school district that shrank achievement gap

The Broad Prize for Urban Education was awarded Wednesday to Aldine, a predominantly minority district.

White House's new stimulus message: It's helping you

Vice President Joe Biden and five cabinet secretaries on Thursday delivered speeches nationwide about how stimulus money is helping local communities.

Obama school speech suddenly a prickly topic for educators

Conservatives wave red flags over Obama school speech

Swine flu roundup: How are US schools, states preparing?

The measures include everything from vaccinations to forced quarantines to marketing campaigns with Elmo.

Schools say no knee-jerk flu closures this fall

More than 700 schools closed last year, but that may not be the best thing to do. Other steps are being urged to protect public health.

Schools can do better with less money

Budget cuts and demands for improved student achievement test public-school administrators more than ever – but, undaunted, some scrappy innovators are passing that test with an 'A.'

Obama's $4 billion is massive incentive for school reform

The president says schools that prioritize his agenda will get the cash. State and education officials are wary, but they need the money desperately.

Yee-haw!! Country music bands to perform at White House

Summer school got cut? Kids can still learn.

Online courses, new day camps, and tapping stimulus funds are ways to minimize 'learning loss.'

States weigh setting one bar for students

A 'common' standard for K-12 education is in the works.

Obama to make it easier to apply for college aid

The administration will reduce the number of questions on federal forms – currently so tortuous they deter many from applying.

What does 'p' in music mean? Twenty percent of US students know.

A report card on arts education released Monday shows room for improvement.

Lessons for Obama's education goals in the SAT

The shakiness of the college admissions test is a warning about setting national standards for states.

Push is on for a 'common' education standard for US schoolchildren

The state-by-state system leaves many students 'inadequately prepared,' Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Wednesday at a Monitor breakfast.

In tough times, graduates (and parents) assess the worth of a liberal arts education

At one Vermont college, commencement's joys trump worries about debt, job prospects.

Today's coverage agenda: car dealers, Pelosi, Obamas, nukes, Netanyahu

Obama pushes to reward great teachers

His stimulus package adds $200 million to a fund that supports new teacher compensation systems.