Photo by Philip Taylor on Flickr.

More money for DC schools?: A DC-government commissioned study has recommended that funding increase by about $2,000 per pupil, and that poor and other “at-risk” students should get more than that. The study, which will form the basis for Mayor Vincent Gray’s budget, also concluded that DC has not been funding charter schools at a level equal to DCPS schools, as required by law. (Post)

But less money for college?: Councilmember David Catania’s plan to provide college scholarships to DC students may result in the end of the DC TAG program, which provides federal college tuition aid, according to DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. (Post)

Area low-income students lag in reading skills: The gaps in reading scores between poor and more affluent 4th graders in DC, Maryland, and Virginia are the highest in the country, according to a new report. DC had the largest gap, with only 13% of low-income students reading proficiently, as compared to 62% from wealthier families. (Post)

School boundary review committee is balancing priorities: Parents want equitable access to quality schools, predictability, and strong neighborhood schools, said Deputy Mayor for Education Abigail Smith. Diversity would be nice, too. (Post)

New evidence on DCPS cheating allegations from 2010: Newly released emails show that Chancellor Kaya Henderson was informed of suspected cheating on standardized tests at Noyes Elementary. (Post)

Mayor touts DC early childhood education program: Speaking to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Mayor Vincent Gray said that high levels of preschool participation (70% of 3-year-olds and 92% of 4-year-olds) in DC are beginning to boost elementary-level test scores. (NW Current)

Controlled choice as a means to education equity: Education blogger Sam Chaltain says the proposal he and others have put forward to promote socioeconomic diversity in DC schools is a way around a 1973 Supreme Court decision on school funding. (Ed Week)

Maryland moves away from school suspensions: The state Board of Education issued regulations designed to cut down on suspensions, which disproportionately affect minorities and special education students, and introduce a more rehabilitative approach. (Post)

Going beyond calling the parents: Jay Mathews highlights a promising new way to get parents involved in their kids’ education: home visits by teachers. (Post)

Helping undocumented students get to college: An Arlington organization provides mentors and financial aid to Virginia students who were brought here as children. (Post)

Hispanics boost Maryland graduation rate: The 85% on-time graduation rate, the highest on record, was fueled largely by an increase in the rate among Hispanic students. The new law allowing some undocumented students to take advantage of in-state college tuition discount may have helped. (Post)

Some Virginia districts experiment with year-round school: With evidence that the extended time boosts achievement in high-poverty schools, the legislature is considering providing funds to schools that want to try it. (WAMU)

First Lady hosts DCPS teacher at State of the Union: DC’s Teacher of the Year, Kathy Hollowell-Makle, got a prime seat at Tuesday night’s speech. (Post)

Nominate a high school humanities teacher: The DC Humanities Council is accepting names for the Schimel Awards for Teaching Leadership, given to DC high school educators who are using innovative approaches to humanities and leadership education. The deadline for nominations is March 7.

How does DC compare to other areas in its willingness to declare a snow day?: Check out this map. (Post)

Upcoming events:

High school applications are due today through the new My School DC website. No application is necessary to attend your neighborhood DCPS high school, but this year applications for all others (including participating charter schools, specialized DCPS high schools, and out-of-boundary schools) must go through the website. The deadline for elementary and middle schools is March 3.