News and Views

Bill Gates has issued his first annual letter about the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s work, which includes a section on education and reform.

Representative David Obey of Wisconsin, Chair of the Appropriations Committee for the House, has introduced a stimulus package that has good news in it for education. Nancy Reder from the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) points out that there is $13 B for Part B and $600 M for Part C. There is also $13 B for Title I; $250 M for statewide data systems; $66 M for formula grants to states to provide services to homeless children and $300 million to provide financial incentives to teachers and principals who raise student achievement and close the achievement gaps in high-need schools.

The National Center for Leadership in Visual Impairment maintains a website to announce graduates of the program. The most recent graduate is Julie Durando, from the University of Northern Colorado. She joins Stacy Kelly, Derrick Smith, and Tiffany Wild. Congratulations to all!