The Star – Louise Brown

“But a surprising new bottom-line look at early learning suggests how much you learn in kindergarten — and whether you had a seasoned teacher — can help determine how rich and educated you will be as a grown-up, and even whether you will be married before age 30.”(more)

The Boston Globe – Jack Nicas

“Massachusetts is the 46th state to make its state schools universities, officials said. On Oct. 26, Bridgewater State, Salem State, Worcester State, Westfield State, Fitchburg State, and Framingham State will officially become universities. Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will not change names.”(more)

The Denver Post – Colleen O’Conner

“Colorado is one of 19 finalists in the second phase of the federal “Race to the Top” competition, and independent observers say the state has a good chance of being among the 10 to 15 winners, who will be announced in September.”(more)

The Orange County Register – Martin Wisckol

“Gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown today posted an education-reform plan on his website. Among his proposals are an overhaul of higher education, several proposals for improving the quality of teachers, and an increased emphasis on science, technology, engineering, history and humanities.”(more)

Los Angeles Times – Seema Mehta

“Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jerry Brown unveiled an education reform plan Wednesday that calls for a wholesale restructuring of California’s public school system, from changing the way schools are funded to revamping the state’s higher education system.”(more)

Times Higher Education – Jon Marcus

“For almost 10 years, post-September 11 visa restrictions have combined with high tuition costs to slow one of America’s most reliable export markets: higher education. Growth in the number of international students coming to the US plateaued as other countries gleefully snatched them up. Now American institutions are fighting back, spurred by bottom-line considerations. They have finally shaken off their one-time complacency that the cachet of the US academy was so strong that international students would keep coming, no matter what.”(more)

The New York Times – Robbie Brown

“Eighteen states and the District of Columbia were named as finalists on Tuesday in the second round of a national competition for $3.4 billion in federal financing to support an overhaul of education policies.”(more)

The New York Times – David Leonhardt

“How much do your kindergarten teacher and classmates affect the rest of your life?”(more)

The Associated Press (The Star Ledger) – Staff Writer

“Students in one New Jersey school district will have to work harder to pass. The Mount Olive school board voted Monday to eliminate the “D” grade for middle and high school students.”(more)

Los Angeles Times – Howard Blume

“An audit of textbooks at 21 local high schools has found that lost books and excessive purchases at these campuses cost the Los Angeles Unified School District nearly $10 million.”(more)