Schools search for new classroom space amid new mandates (AP): State mandates for smaller classes and all-day kindergarten are forcing many districts to get creative in finding more classroom space. A recent survey from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) found districts reported needed an additional 5,500 classrooms to fully meet the requirements of the McCleary decision.
Sandy Hook victim inspires legislation for social-emotional learning (AP): A U.S. senator from Connecticut has proposed amending a federal education bill and setting aside some of the $2.3 billion earmarked for professional development so that teachers and principals can receive training in social-emotional learning. The effort is supported by Scarlett Lewis, mother of a 6-year-old boy who died in the 2012 massacre.
Covington custodian a finalist for national Janitor of the Year: Rick Bergum, a custodian at Tahoma High School in Covington, is one of 10 finalists for national Janitor of the Year. “There’s never a problem that Rick doesn’t find a solution to,” said Terry Duty, the school’s principal.
More headlines:
UW lifts minimum wage for student workers to $11
Social media abuse rampant in middle, high school (Detroit Free Press)
Oregon higher-education panel OKs new funding model (The Statesman Journal)