A study, released by American Institutes for Research, shows that states that changed their standards most dramatically by adopting the Common Core didn't outpace other states on federal NAEP exams. By 2017, the standards appear to have led to modest declines in fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math scores.

Uncorrected vision problems can worsen over time and interfere with children's ability not only to see but also to learn. The most common cause of vision impairment for children can be detected with a vision screening and an eye exam. More nonprofit optometry providers are bringing exams and glasses to students.

bulb Digital Portfolios announced the renewing of its partnership with Future Ready Schools as the sole sponsor of the FRS Leadership Institute Instructional Coaches strand. The framework emphasizes collaborative leadership and innovative school culture for district leaders.

Cengage and McGraw-Hill are merging to create a combined company with more than 44,000 titles, including McGraw-Hill's portfolio of literacy, math, science and humanities curricula, and adaptive technologies, with Cengage Advanced Placement offerings.

There's still time to submit presentation and workshop proposals for FETC 2020. The deadline has been extended until midnight, May 12.

Coke Magee has been promoted to superintendent of Lee County Schools, the first in the county to take on the role following the state's enactment of a 2016 law requiring all school districts to have appointed superintendents starting this year.

Chip Layne (pictured) is moving from the state's Mammoth Spring School District to the Norfork School District, where he'll take the reins from retiring Superintendent Mike Seay.

Richard Calkins is replacing Carol Conklin-Spillane, who is retiring from the Pocantico Hills school district.