Government shutdown threatens school funding: Both charter schools and DCPS may suffer if the impasse in Congress isn’t resolved soon. Charter schools won’t get the quarterly payments scheduled to go out today, which they rely on for operating expenses. And at DCPS, teachers may not get their salaries at the end of the month. (Washington Informer, DCist)

Photo by reubenaingber on Flickr.

Meanwhile, DC study calls for greater school funding: Consultants have recommended that the per-pupil allocation for DCPS and charter schools be increased by 15%. The money would provide instructional support, plus $3400 each for “at-risk” students. (Post)

Meridian PCS tries to clear itself of cheating charges: Meridian PCS, one of 4 charters accused of cheating on the 2012 DC standardized tests, claims its “extensive” internal investigation revealed no wrong-doing. But the Post’s Jay Mathews questions that claim and calls for more transparency.

Hayward seeks dismissal from charter lawsuit: Local TV news personality J.C. Hayward claims she knew nothing about the mishandling of money at Options PCS, where she was board chair, and did not benefit financially. Meanwhile, Joe Bruno, the president of a nonprofit that provides financial services to charter schools, has been named as a receiver for the two for-profit companies led by the school’s former managers. (Post)

End is in sight for application madness: All DCPS schools and charter schools accounting for almost 90% of preK-12 charter slots will participate in the common lottery for the 2013-2014 school year. Many questions remain about how it will work, but the application will be available in mid-December. (Post, Hill Rag)

Catania will propose tuition incentive to stay in DC schools: Councilmember Catania plans to put forward a program to provide up to $20,000 per year in college tuition to DCPS and charter school students who enter by 9th grade, stay enrolled, and have family incomes under $250,000. (Post)

Hispanic students outnumber other groups in Montgomery County’s early grades: In Kindergarten and first grade, Hispanic students now constitute 30.7% of students, while non-Hispanic whites, the next largest group, are at 30%. The new numbers coincide with concern about low test scores for Latino students. (Post)

Lawsuit to block school closures goes forward: A federal judge threw out much of a suit brought by activist group Empower DC but allowed the plaintiffs to gather evidence on claims of racial discrimination. (Post)

More adults can gain employment skills: Carlos Rosario International PCS can now serve 500 additional adult students thanks to the opening of a second campus. In addition to learning career skills, students will simultaneously improve their English skills in order to speed their entry into the workforce. (WAMU)

Science teacher voices concerns about the Common Core: One DC middle school teacher worries that teachers will feel pressured to cut hands-on learning from the science curriculum in favor of reading informational texts. (Post)

DCPS sports have room for improvement: DCPS sports could be improved if the DC Interscholastic Athletic Association broadened divisions to include charter schools, regularly and quickly enforced residency problems, and offered more sports that students actually want to play. (Northwest Current)

Upcoming events:

Traditional Schools vs. Charter Schools: The Hillcrest Community Civic Association is sponsoring a forum on DCPS and charters on Tuesday, October 15th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Randle Highlands Elementary School, 1650 30th St. SE.

Ward 5 Council on Education: Special guests David Catania and Tommy Wells will speak at the Council’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 15th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Lamond-Riggs Library, 5401 S. Dakota Ave NE.

DC Public Charter School Board meeting: The board will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 16th from 7:30 to 8:30 pm at Carlos Rosario International PCS, 1100 Harvard St NW.

Chancellor’s Address on the State of DCPS: Kaya Henderson will discuss DCPS’s efforts to work closely with families, community members, and partners to strengthen public education in the District on Thursday, October 17th from 7 to 9 pm at the Cardozo Education Campus, 1200 Clifton St NW.

Kuumba Achievers Literacy Workshop: Afrika Abney will lead workshops for children on Friday, October 18th for ages 5-7 (2-2:30 pm) and ages 8-10 (3-3:30 pm), and on Monday, October 21st for ages 5-7 (3-3:30) and ages 8-10 (3:30-4). Register via afrika.abney@yahoo.com. The workshops will be held at the Mount Pleasant Library, 3160 16th St NW.