Task force re-evaluates lines drawn in the 1970’s: A committee of education officials and other stakeholders has begun the process of changing the way DCPS assigns students to schools. Other residents can participate through focus and working groups. Some are concerned that a proposal to include charters in feeder patterns will limit choice. (Post, DME, Examiner)

Image by David Alpert using Google Maps and data from OCTO.

Music can teach math and science: During a visit from Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, preschool students at Brightwood EC in Ward 4 demonstrated how the arts can be used to introduce STEM concepts. Duncan pushed other school districts to follow DC’s lead in providing universal preschool. (Post)

Students thrill passersby with performance: Students from arts-focused Savoy ES in Ward 8 showed off their skills in a Thriller-inspired flash-mob dance at the Old Post Office building. One parent says her daughter has learned determination and perseverance along with singing and dancing. (Post)

Drinking and bus driving don’t mix: A DCPS bus driver was fired and charged with a DUI after he left his bus in the middle of a Capitol Hill street with three students and an aide on board. (Post)

More displaced students re-enroll: Seventy-three percent of students from 13 recently closed DCPS schools have re-enrolled in the school system. While the figure is just short of the Chancellor’s goal of 80 percent, it is a vast improvement over the 44 percent re-enrolled in August. (WAMU)

Charters benefit low-income students: Countering attacks from critics complaining of school privatization, one charter school advocate argues that DC’s charter movement has served a larger proportion of low-income students than DCPS while producing higher test scores and graduation rates. (Afro.com)

Two of Catania’s ed bills set for vote: Two of the seven pieces of education-related legislation proposed by DC Councilmember David Catania are scheduled for a vote on Tuesday. If passed, the bills would end social promotion and make it easier for parents to advocate for their child’s education. (NW Current)

Maryland graduation rates vary: Statewide, the 2012 rate climbed to 83.6 percent, an increase of 1.5% over 2 years. Officials attribute the rise to education funding and efforts to address achievement gaps. But Prince George’s County’s graduation rate has been on the decline and currently sits at 72.9 percent. (My Fox DC)

Why allow low-performing charter schools to continue operating?: Mark Lerner compares William E. Doar Jr. PCS to neighboring DC Prep PCS, and DC Prep comes out ahead. (Examiner)

Upcoming Events

Vision 2020: The UDC Board of Trustees is holding three hearings for community input on the University’s future. Sign up here to testify. Monday, November 4th, Tuesday, November 5th, and Wednesday, November 6th from 4 pm to 8 pm. Locations vary.

How to navigate the school system for a child with special needs: The Women’s Bar Association is hosting a lunch event on how to help children get the education they deserve. Fifteen dollars for members, $25 for nonmembers, RSVP through the website. Thursday, November 7th, 2013 from 12 pm to 1:30 pm at Crowell & Moring LLP, 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, 11th Floor.