School Shooting Hero

David Benke, a math teacher who tackled a school shooter at Deer Creek (Colo.) Middle School in February, was honored at the National School Safety Conference on July 26. The school is just blocks from Columbine High School.

Autism Regulations

On June 8, Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R-Conn.) signed a bill requiring schools to hire board-certified behavior analysts to provide therapy for autistic students after a behavior analyst accused of fraud misrepresented herself to get a job at two schools.

NCTM Remembers

Karen Longhart, past member of the board of directors of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and a recipient of a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, passed away June 1 at the age of 49.

Mixed Reviews

At the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) convention on July 10, Bill Gates was greeted with overwhelming applause— and scattered boos—as teachers received the speaker who has invested billions in experimental education-overhaul efforts.

New Deputy

John Deasy, former deputy director of education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is the new deputy superintendent of the Los Angeles (Calif.) Unified School District. Deasy could succeed Ramon Cortines as the district’s superintendent when he retires in 2011.