Spellings is new Education Secretary

President Bush has named his Domestic Policy Adviser and former Texas School Boards Association advocate Margaret Spellings to replace departing Education Secretary Rod Paige in the country’s top education job.

Bush second-term education proposals

President Bush goes beyond No Child Left Behind reforms in his second term to propose additional funding and emphasis on early childhood education, high school performance and expanding opportunities for adults to receive job training.

Bush re-elected; Californians act to protect local government revenues

The president’s agenda includes reforming high school to better prepare students for college or the workforce by regular testing in reading and math through the 11th grade and making a more rigorous curriculum available to all.

IDEA reauthorized in lame duck session

On Nov. 17, 2004, the House-Senate Joint Conference on Special Education Reform Committee completed negotiations on the bills to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

New public access law not expected to mean big changes for schools

The impact of this initiative on the Brown Act is unclear. The new rules place the burden of proof for denying access on school boards, which must demonstrate why restrictions are necessary.

CSBA and Project LEAN win honors for student fitness

A $95,000 grant from the California Department of Justice will help them continue their efforts to give schoolchildren healthier food choices and get kids up and moving.

Task forces set sights on science education and high school reform

The California School Boards Association has joined with the California Science Teachers Association to convene a task force that will recommend ways to increase support for science in public schools.

R&R: December Research & Reports