AM News: Early Childhood Can't Catch A Break

Funds Down for Pre-K Programs NYT:  The recession took its toll on the nation’s early childhood programs in the 2009-10 school year, with total spending by states decreasing for the first time since experts began keeping track... California's preschool spending holds steady in 2009-10, report says LAT:  Only about 17% of the state's 4-year-olds attend state-funded schools, a national report says, and budget cuts could weaken programs... Decline In Minority Teachers, But An Increase In Minority Students? Denver Post:  As the number of minority students has grown in Colorado schools, the number of minority teachers has declined — spurring districts to address the disparity... High School Classes May Be Advanced in Name Only NYT:  Courses may sound more rigorous, but standardized test scores have not risen accordingly, researchers say... For New Jersey School Budget Votes, Tempers and Tax Rises Ease AP:  As state finances rebounded, Gov. Chris Christie restored some aid to local districts that he had cut last year... Duncan Issues Far More NCLB Waivers Than Predecessors EdWeek:  Mr. Duncanhas embraced his waiver authority in his current role. The majority of the 315 NCLB-related waivers granted in 2009 were ...  Rahm Emanuel defends his schools chief on federal discrimination lawsuits Sun-Times:  Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel said Monday he’s not troubled by a federal discrimination lawsuit filed against his new schools CEO because similar charges were made against U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan when he ran Chicago schools... Trump: Obama wasn't qualified for Ivy League AP:  Trump, who is mulling a bid for the Republican presidential nomination, offered no proof for his claim but said he would continue to press the matter as ...