Photo by Jo Jakeman on Flickr.

“Controlled choice” for DC schools?: An education think tank sponsored a panel discussion on how (or if) we can create a school assignment system that would create more socioeconomic diversity. (Fordham Institute)

Or too few good choices?: One DC parent concludes that charters can’t solve the problem of educational inequity. (The Atlantic)

Too much of a crapshoot: Another DC parent bemoans “the soul-crushing purgatory” that is the DC school lottery. (Washingtonian April issue; not yet online, and then available only to subscribers)

Testing the tests: Students in Maryland and DC will soon be field-testing a new standardized test based on the Common Core curriculum guidelines. (Post)

More homeless students: Their numbers have been growing in DC’s public schools, reflecting a nationwide trend. (WAMU)

Snow day aftermath: The loss of instructional time could have consequences for struggling students, college-bound juniors, and others. (Post)

“Traditional” schools drawing students: Magnet schools in the DC suburbs that enforce behavior and dress codes and adopt a more teacher-directed approach to instruction have proved popular. (Post)

Literacy tutoring gets results: An independent evaluation of a Minnesota program that is similar to one in DC has found that it significantly boosted students’ performance. (Corporation for National & Community Service)

Grant for music therapy class: An innovative class for students with emotional disabilities at a Fairfax County high school won a grant from the Grammy Foundation. (Post)

Racial inequality in schools: A federal study shows that minorities are more likely to be suspended and less likely to have access to advanced courses and experienced teachers. (NY Times)

Starting early to close achievement gap: A program in Providence, RI, uses home visitors and recorders to encourage low-income parents to speak more, and differently, to their young children. (NPR)

Is college for everyone?: Michael Petrilli argues that we need to stop acting like it is and start focusing on better alternative pathways for some students. (Flypaper)