A report released by Mathematica Policy Research finds that the extended learning time at Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) schools helps their students outperform their counterparts at other public schools.  Twenty-two KIPP middle schools were observed, including two in Washington, D.C.

Immigrant rights activists gathered at the Capitol this Tuesday to rally in support of the DREAM Act.

While protesters rallied outside the Hart Senate Office Building, 21 undocumented immigrant college students staged sit-ins at congressional offices in support of their right to an education. At the conclusion of the sit-ins, these students were arrested and turned over to federal immigration enforcement to face possible deportation proceedings.

The DREAM Act is bipartisan legislation that would provide a path to legal citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants – many of whom have lived in the United States nearly all their lives – provided that they earn a college degree or serve two years in the military. Civil and human rights groups strongly support this legislation as a common sense policy that promotes education, public service, and civic society for all.

For more resources on the DREAM Act and how you can get involved, visit dreamact.info.

The Education Law Center filed a motion last week on behalf of more than 300,000 New Jersey public school students asking the New Jersey Supreme Court to uphold and enforce its ruling supporting the school funding formula in the state's School Funding Reform Act (SFRA).

In a hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, representatives from the Higher Achievement program and other education reform organizations highlighted programs that are critical to meeting the dynamic needs of students in public education.

"The Leadership Conference applauds the tentative labor agreement reached this week between the D.C. Public Schools and the Washington Teachers Union after two years of negotiation and the mediation of Howard Law School Dean Kurt Schmoke.

As the nation's premier civil and human rights coalition, The Leadership Conference believes that quality education is a civil right for every child. This agreement demonstrates the mutual desire of teachers and school administrators to work together to make that right a reality for the District's children. It also recognizes that quality teaching is the most important factor in providing a quality education and provides the District's teachers, who often work under challenging conditions, with the tools and support they need to succeed.

Once this agreement is ratified, it will be up to everyone – administrators, teachers, parents, community leaders and the elected and appointed leaders of the District – to build an environment where teaching and learning are valued, and where children develop the skills and knowledge they will need to enter college and the 21st century workforce.  If well implemented, this agreement and the D.C. Public Schools can serve as examples for the nation on how to work collaboratively to ensure a quality education for all children."

+Washington Post editorial on the agreement