GothamSchools — daily independent reporting on NYC public schools

• The NEA said Obama’s focusing too much on test scores and charters in its RttT feedback.
• AFT told members that the regulations were “overly prescriptive” in a webinar.
• And yet, Randi Weingarten will join Arne Duncan on a back-to-school tour in St. Louis.
• Jonathan went to Texas to organize non-unionized teachers. He spotted Charlie Wilson!
• The Times’ report that school construction has exploded in last 5 years isn’t accurate.
• Competitive high school sports can produce dropout factoriess, says Tom VanderArk.
• The transparent Delaware school board member solicits advice before a vote on a contract.
• Chris Dodd could succeed Ted Kennedy as chairman of the Senate’s ed committee.
• About 4,600 school jobs were lost across New York State this July, NYSUT says.
• The DOE will hire a director of online communications. Hey, we know something about that.
• NYC Educator glimpses the future of American schools in competitive eating.
• Add Ed Next’s new blog to your RSS.

And now we’re going to turn down the volume for a week before school starts. As the president does, we do! We’ll be back in full force the next week, with some updates on our plans for the new school year. In the meantime check in for election coverage, Community updates, and heartwarming photo ops from our vacation.