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What’s behind the conflict: Two DC education reporters and Deputy Mayor for Education Abigail Smith discuss DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson’s call for more coordinated planning between the charter and traditional public school sectors, and the resistance mounted by some charter advocates. (WAMU)

Maryland educators oppose delaying school start date: Three groups representing teachers, superintendents, and boards of education argue that a proposal to start school after Labor Day is based on economics rather than academics. (Post)

School meals over the summer: More than 60 Prince George’s County schools will serve breakfast and lunch to low-income kids until August 1. (Post)

Cell phone towers on school property: Some Prince George’s parents are opposed to the plan, fearing exposure to radiation, but school officials say the towers will be an important source of revenue and ensure the schools’ access to cell phone and wireless services. (Post)

Obama’s plan for better teachers falls short: While it’s undeniable that poor kids need great teachers, what’s needed is a plan to address systemic inequities in American society. (SamChaltain.com)

As does his call to limit expulsions: The President says suspensions and expulsions disproportionately affect African-American students. He’s right, but schools also need help with alternative ways of dealing with the toughest kids. (Post)

The pitfalls of education studies: Four things education journalists, and those who read them, should bear in mind when interpreting research. (The Atlantic)

Unfair, but not unconstitutional: Florida bases some teachers’ evaluations on test scores of students or subjects they don’t teach, but a judge says the law doesn’t rise (or sink) to the level of irrationality. (Real Clear Education)

Bending the rules: Under the new teachers’ union contract in New York, 62 schools have received the go-ahead to experiment with things like staggered start times and mixing large lecture classes with small classes for high-needs students. (Chalkbeat NY)