More Thursday News

The Suspension Gap Minneapolis Star Tribune
Black students in Minnesota are being suspended at a rate about six times that of white students, according to a Star Tribune analysis of state Department of Education data.  Most are suspended for lesser incidents, such as talking in class, goofing around or challenging teachers -- offenses for which there is more disciplinary leeway.

School districts attending to attendance San Diego Union-Tribune
Dropout prevention specialist Jenifer Mendel knocked several times on door of the trailer-park home of a 17-year-old El Cajon boy who had missed nearly a month of school.

Charters Break Mold by Picking, Choosing NOLA.com
Considered a trailblazing city in national education circles for embracing charter schools, New Orleans also might be the only city in the country where several charter schools have competitive admissions, requiring some or all students to have specific test scores, grades or foreign-language background to enroll.

D.C. Schools Chief Touts Value of Education Entrepreneurs EdWeek
Michelle A. Rhee said she’s looking to ramp up the role of external providers to improve the system, including to take the reins of low-performing schools.