In 2009, a seldom-used policy lever emerged in the form of a competitive grant program, Race to the Top (RTTT), and sparked a flurry of state-led initiatives as states vied for federal dollars. The current study examines the policymaking context that surrounded these events and propelled Tennessee to the top of the race among the states. Through…

As more and more cities and states diversify the educational options available to parents and students, creating magnet, open-enrollment, small school, career and technical, charter, and private school opportunities, educational choice markets need to become a part of the regulation conversation. In this report, Mike McShane examines the…

This hearing of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions examines the key to America's global competitiveness, focusing on a quality education. Following opening statements by Honorable Tom Harkin (Chairman, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions) and Honorable Michael B. Enzi (U.S. Senator from the State of Wyoming),…

Among the topics discussed in this hearing were: what constitutes green energy, how workers can best be provided the skills to thrive in green industries, and the future of America's energy and environmental policies. Statements were presented by: Honorable Patty Murray, a U.S. Senator from the State of Washington, opening statement; Honorable…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) Alliance President Bob Wise Named to "Nonprofit Times'" Top 50 Most Influential Executives; (2) Sound and…

This Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness hearing on "New Innovations and Best Practices under the Work-force Investment Act," better known as WIA, is about the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act. Members testifying before the Committee were the Honorable Jason Altmire, a Representative in…

As with their first hearing, the members focused on new innovations and best practices that will improve the workforce development system. In this hearing, the witnesses share the practices that have been most successful in their experience with the workforce investment system. Members testifying before the Committee were the Honorable Brett…

The last reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act was in 1998. To say that times have changed would be an understatement. The testimony of this hearing's witnesses shows that people have ideas and tested practices that work. They just need the resources and the sustained commitment to have a world-class workforce development system that…

This paper presents the Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness Subcommittee's fourth hearing in preparation for the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act. As with its previous hearings, this paper focuses on new innovations and best practices that will improve the workforce development system. In this paper, attention…

This paper presents the Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness Subcommittee's fifth hearing in preparation for the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act. The last time the Workforce Investment Act reauthorized was in 1998. The Workforce Investment Act was designed to streamline and coordinate job training programs. It…

This joint hearing follows a hearing focused on a report issued by the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight entitled, "The Decline in America's Reputation, Why?" based on a series of some 10 hearings. The report documented the dramatic decline in international approval for American leadership from historic…

"Alabama Education News" is published monthly except for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department of Education. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the "Code of Alabama", as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the Alabama Department of Education designed to inform citizens and educators about…

Congress is taking an active role in understanding and responding to the underlying problems that confront America's competitiveness in the global economy. During the 109th congressional session, legislation has been introduced addressing the importance of mathematics and science in the global economy. The Senate's Protecting America's Competitive…

This document records testimony from a hearing held to examine how federal agencies can improve their individual and collective efforts to strengthen K-12 science and math education. Presenters and witnesses included: Representative Sherwood L. Boehlert, Chairman, Committee on Science, U.S. House of Representatives; Representative Bart Gordon,…