October 2: Education News We're Reading This Week

Posted October 2, 2015 | By Cooke Foundation Staff

October 2, 2015—Our weekly roundup of the biggest stories you might have missed!

Arne Duncan is stepping down as Secretary of Education, says the Associated Press. Our scholars found inspiration in his remarks at this year’s Scholars Weekend, and the Cooke Foundation sends best wishes for Arne’s return to Chicago.
We also extend a warm welcome to Dr. John King Jr., who will run the DOE for the remainder of President Obama’s term. View Dr. King’s thoughts about the ESEA reauthorization here, made during our Closing the Excellence Gap Summit earlier this year.
House Speaker John Boehner also announced his resignation earlier this week, which many organizations – including The Fordham Institute – speculate will impede the future of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization.
NPR produced two thoughtful pieces on gifted education this week: Anya Kamenetz examined how these students are identified, and Laura Isensee reported on the underrepresentation of blacks and Latinos in Houston’s gifted programs.

Better communicating the value of study abroad programs is discussed by Inside Higher Ed. Cooke Scholars are able to use scholarship funds towards this experience, as well as internships and other enrichment opportunities.
Requiring freshman to live on campus can be prohibitively expensive for low-income students, and The Washington Post highlights that housing and meal plans now cost more than tuition at many institutions.
The Atlantic looks for explanations on the graduation gap between Pell recipients and their peers.
The Perkins Loan Program has officially expired, and The Chronicle details the political tensions to pass a reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA).
Politico offers ideas for saving money on college tuition. Alongside some serious policy discussion is a final tip for students to enroll in affordable European schools instead.

Why are so many students not finding the “right” college fit? The Christian Science Monitor investigates, with commentary from Executive Director Harold Levy.
Now that our Good Neighbor Grants program is accepting proposals, we are grateful to see Philanthropy News Digest spread the word! Educationally-focused organizations in the northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland areas are encouraged to learn more about our eligibility requirements and apply.
In an article for Forbes, the College Board shared five reasons why taking the PSAT/NMSQT is important for high school students. Scores help identify scholarship applicants, as well as contribute to personalized, free online practice tools.
The Cooke College Scholarship application is open! We’re looking for talented high school seniors with financial need to apply. Cooke Scholars receive up to $40,000 for each year – plus college planning support, ongoing advising, and the opportunities for study abroad and internship stipends. They also become eligible for a $50,000 per year Cooke Graduate Scholarship. Apply now through November 3, 2015.