Photo of children from Shutterstock.

Gains, losses for capital’s kids: A new foundation report shows mixed trends for DC youth: a twofold increase in 4th-grade reading proficiency and a surge in preschool attendance in recent years, but a rising percentage of children living in high-poverty neighborhoods. And 77% of 4th-graders still aren’t proficient in reading. (Annie E. Casey Foundation, Post)

No cap, but more coordination: The Post editors reject a cap on the number of charter schools and see nothing wrong with competition in education. But they say it’s time for more coordination with DCPS, along with an examination of neighborhood preference and “modifications” in the charter approval process.

Take away our credit cards: An ad hoc committee of the Montgomery County School Board urged the district to stop issuing credit cards for board members after an independent review revealed members had used the cards for personal items. (Montgomery Gazette)

PG teen wins arts award: An 18-year-old from Prince George’s County credits his art teachers at Suitland High School for the illustration skills that won him a gold medal in an NAACP-sponsored competition. Another county high school grad won a silver medal in architecture.(Post)

Beck and allies blast Common Core: Right-wing radio commentator Glenn Beck has turned his sights on the Common Core standards. Beck keynoted a Texas rally that was broadcast to nearly 700 theaters in 50 states. (Politico/Morning Education)

Parent’s group pushes privacy: Two veteran activists are spearheading creation of the Parent Coalition for Student Privacy, an advocacy group that wants changes made to a federal law that lets schools share student data with vendors. (Politico/Morning Education)

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Tagged: achievement gap, art, corruption, education, government, links, poverty, standardized testing

Greater Greater Education Staff Contributor Paula Amann brings experience as a high school bilingual teacher, an editor on education policy, and a journalist. She is also the mother of a student in a local public school. She believes school systems should choose teachers, create curricula, and set policy as if the right to a good public education were enshrined in the US Bill of Rights.