News: Friday Furloughs, Detroit Dollars, PA Exam Hike

Suit Filed to Stop Teacher Furloughs in Hawaii AP
The lawsuit alleges that the furloughs constitute an unlawful unilateral change in the programs and services these children receive.

Detroit mayor supports $500.5M schools bond issue AP
The financial manager for Detroit's public schools has enlisted — and received — the support of the city's mayor on an ambitious $500.5 million building plan expected to extend taxes for district capital projects through 2039.

Panel approves Keystone Exams for Pa. schools Philly.com
State regulators signed off Thursday on tougher graduation requirements for Pennsylvania students, a move designed to improve the value of a high school diploma that critics called costly and unnecessary.

State cuts school bus inspections Detroit News

State budget cuts are forcing some school districts to decide if they'll stop running buses as soon as Nov. 2, when the legally required Michigan State Police inspection program ends.

Cellphonometry Fast Company
In last year's pilot, students in the Project K-Nect group scored higher on state Algebra I proficiency tests than their nonconnected counterparts did.

PLUS:
Theodore R. Sizer, 77; educator, author worked to improve public schools WPost
Theodore R. Sizer, Leading Education-Reform Advocate, Dies at 77 NYT
Education Reformer Theodore Sizer Dies At 77 NPR