Adrienne Ziluca writes, “The arts encourage critical thinking, creative problem-solving, effective communication, and teamwork. By fostering self-expression, they also help bolster confidence and keep students engaged in school.”

Jack Jennings, Caitlin Scott, & Nancy Kober write, “Hope should not be pinned on a single restructuring plan.”

The nation’s oft-criticized systems for evaluating the quality of its educator workforce are poised to receive increased scrutiny, thanks to an Obama administration plan to require school districts to disclose how many teachers perform well or poorly.

James Shelton, among the latest Education Department appointees, will help oversee some $5 billion in education grants under the economic stimulus package, including the Race to the Top Fund.

The National Education Association argues the federal law is an unfunded mandate.

President George W. Bush acknowledged criticism of the law, but called on lawmakers to continue to hold schools accountable for students’ progress.

Outgoing Secretary Spellings approves more states for flexibility and tells each state where it stands under the federal education law.