NEWS: Big Stories Of The Day

Lotsa news today -- including some surprises:

State Legislatures Wrestle With Charter Laws
Even with the extra attention from Washington, the outcomes have proved decidedly mixed.

In Program Giving Cash, More Pass A.P. Tests NYT
A program that rewards students at 31 New York City schools for passing scores on Advanced Placement exams has reported higher pass rates.

Dropout rate declines almost 17% in L.A. schools LA Times
Officials credit teams that identify and help at-risk students and the conversion of larger high schools into clusters of smaller academies.

Palm Beach County school district concedes major failings Palm Beach Post
The district is asking the Gates Foundation for $120 million and pledging to put up nearly another $210 million to create a comprehensive teacher effectiveness system. Palm Beach County was one of 10 districts nationwide invited to apply and will learn if it got the grant by the end of September.