Tutoring, Textbooks, & Testing

EdWeek has recently beefed up its coverage of the education industry -- I use the term in the most neutral sense -- and this week there are a bunch of articles about three of the main things that the education industry does for schools: tutoring, testing, and textbooks.

Companies Want Changes in NCLB Tutoring Policies
Disappointing numbers fuel call for steps aimed at boosting student participation.

Tougher Oversight Promised for Private Tutors in Georgia
Earlier this month, state officials barred the Get Smart Inc. service from working with public school tutoring for three years after investigators found some Clayton County, Ga., middle school students were being paid $5 to forge parent signatures for lessons that never took place.

‘What Works’ Review Finds Leading Math Texts Wanting
Only one elementary school math program has received even a qualified nod from evaluators for its research record.

States Adopt New Tests for English-Learners
The new changes aim to meet federal requirements, though some officials protest.