Morning bell: An Arabic immersion charter school in Ward 3 and other possibilities

New charter schools?: The DC Public Charter School Board heard proposals for 8 new schools, including an Arabic immersion school for Ward 3 and two boarding high schools. Some proposals fared better than others. (Post, Examiner)

Career academies: High-school-based career-training programs are increasing in Maryland and Virginia schools, thanks to federal funding. (Post)

Higher enrollment in Prince George’s: Reversing a trend, the county’s schools had more students this year. But in keeping with another trend, they’re largely low-income. (Post)

Montgomery elementary students may get longer day: A report expected in June will discuss what schools could do with 30 extra minutes. (Post)

Fairfax teens may get more sleep: The County school board put forward 4 proposals that would start high school classes as late as 9:15 am, almost two hours later than the current start time. (Post)

High-quality preschool: A study of the public preschool system in Tulsa identified four elements of a successful program, including highly qualified teachers, and found positive effects that last at least through 3rd grade. (NPR)

What’s different about Common Core math?: The new approach may seem confusing, but the idea is to equip kids to apply math to real life. (Vox)

Upcoming events:

Community meetings on student assignment proposals: A second round of meetings on the proposed changes in boundaries and feeder patterns will kick off tonight with the Upper NW & NE meeting at Coolidge HS Armory, 5:30-8:30, 6315 5th St. NW. The Center City meeting will be Saturday, April 26, from 9 am to 12 pm at the Dunbar HS cafeteria, 101 N St. NW. And the East End meeting will be on Saturday, 3 to 6 pm, at the Anacostia HS cafeteria, 1601 16th St. SE. Advance registration is encouraged but not required.

Youth Budget Town Hall: At an event targeted to young people, Mayor Vincent Gray and others from his administration will explain what is in his budget for children and youth from birth to age 24. Saturday, April 26, from 1 to 3 pm at the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives, 1201 17th St. NW.