Oregon's English-Only Law

We don't take political views very openly on this site, because we prefer to pass on the latest business relevant news. However, we thought people in the education industry would be interested in what the web site Opposing Views is doing with polls and user participation.

While Obama and McCain slug it out on the national stage, voters in individual states are considering legislation that could have widespread repercussions. In the first of a special election series, Opposing Views examines Oregon’s Measure 58, a proposal that would require “English immersion” in Oregon public schools while limiting foreign language instruction. Do English immersion laws help or harm students? Figure out where you stand now; your state may be next.

Look for more of their commentary online at the Education Industry Investment Forum.

Who Will Be the Next Secretary for Education?

The two advisers to the Republican and Democratic parties debated at Teacher's College at Columbia University on October 21.

Lisa Graham Keegan, former Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction and advisor to Senator John McCain (R-AZ), and Linda Darling-Hammond, the Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education at Stanford University and advisor to Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) spoke about the future of education under the leadership of both potential presidents.

The debate's moderator, Susan Fuhrman, president of Teachers College, asks who each would want to be Secretary of Education. The two advisors do not answer the question directly but allude to two individuals.

Paul Vallas is mentioned. Vallas has since 2007 been the man in charge of New Orleans Recovery School District.

And Dr. Michael McGill is pointed out in the audience at Teacher's College, Columbia University, during the Democratic speaker's time. McGill was named Superintendent of the Year for his work in New York.