California high-stakes testing bill develops into a high-level head-butting

Well, sort of.

It will never be described as such in the media pages, but California's bid to end federally mandated testing as we know it is not making the feds happy.

In a terse statement, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan threatened with cutting funds to California if a bill that would stop testing for students becomes law.

"If California moves forward with a plan that fails to assess all its students, as required by federal law, the Department will be forced to take action, which could include withholding funds from the state," Duncan said in the statement.

As some of you remember, California top educators last week announced their support for ending all STAR testing as of this coming spring in order to help teachers have a smoother transition towards Common Core. Here's a story I wrote about it.

Apparently, the news did not sit well with Arne, who promised action on the eve of the vote.

California Supt. of Schools Tom Torlakson was quick to reply that California would do "what's right for California's children." Then he ginned support from his friends,  San Diego County Superintendent of Schools and the superintendent of the Long Beach Unified School District, who issued statements saying they have Torlakson's back.

Ah, this back and forth is fascinating. I'll have more on it in the print edition. Stay tuned.  

California education buffs: Arne Duncan meets PPIC Mark Baldassare

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will talk about improving the nation's education system with Mark Baldassare, president of the Public Policy Institute of California.

Duncan and Baldassare will talk about about a variety of critical education issues, including the importance of early learning, the coalition of California school districts seeking a federal waiver from No Child Left Behind, and the future of higher education.

The talk promises to be illuminating, particularly at a time when California is implementing crucial education reform like the local funding formula and the Common Core Standards.

The event will take place in San Francisco, and it's full. But you can watch the webcast! Sign up for it here.