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The Washington Post takes a look at what the Virginia State Board of Education did about proposed special ed regulation changes

And, i just watched a video on CNN that took a look at possible hearing loss for marching band members. Some members of one school's drum line have even started wearing earplugs.

As a former marching band member, it sounds sensible to me.

Does anyone do that here?

Also in education news today:

Districts' Borrowing May Face Hit From Continued Financial Crisis - EducationWeek.

Global leaders pledge $4.5B to send kids to school - Washington Post

All of the New River Valley's schools in Montgomery, Pulaski, Giles and Floyd counties and Radford City are fully accredited, according to a list just released from the Virginia Department of Education.

You can read more about the accreditation in tomorrow's paper.

In the meantime, take a look at a news release the state has sent out.

As an education reporter I wish I could touch on every topic that impacts students, their parents, educators and taxpayers, but sometimes things fall through the cracks.

Alas, while writing this story about proposed revisions to education law, I realized I'd missed reporting on changes planned in special education

Virginia's state school board is meeting today and it expected to approve the changes.

Unless you live under a rock (that's already paid for), you know all about the nation's economic woes. Just in case, you can check out this from President Bush.

But education blogger Alexander Russo sees equal issues about accountability and government regulation in the education system.

Also making headlines in the education world here and away:

A new kind of kindergarten< - Charlottesville Daily Progress
Strict state and federal standards have begun to change the face of kindergarten in American schools. But at a new kindergarten program at Charlottesville’s Congregation Beth Israel Preschool, playtime is still paramount

Teacher charged with drug possession - Richmond Times Dispatch

New effort aims to test theories of education - New York Times
A Harvard economist, who has been working part-time for the NYC public school system, wants to bring R and D into school systems.

Texas changes could boost evolution - AP
A proposal for curriculum standards for science courses in Texas would remove language requiring students be taught the "strengths and weaknesses" of all scientific theories, wording which some say has been used to undermine the theory of evolution.

One person, Radford High School gifted coordinator Lisa Swope, spoke during the Department of Education's public hearing on proposed changes to gifted education regulations.

In her three-minute remarks, Swope said her biggest concern in the proposed regulation changes for gifted education is the mandate that students be screened using an ability test, such as an IQ exam.

Right now, students are tested using ability exams and achievement exams, such as the Stanford 9 or other norm-referenced tests.

Read more »

At 7 p.m. tonight, parents will get a chance to comment on proposed changes to regulations governing gifted education across the state that parents elsewhere say might hurt the programs.

The Virginia Department of Education is hosting a public hearing at Radford High School. It's the final one before the state board of education's meeting in Richmond on Thursday.

The biggest changes proposed include a repeal of language that requires all gifted money from the state go toward gifted education only, and a change requiring local boards to submit a plan for gifted education annually, instead of every five years.

You can see the complete changes, and people's concerns here.

See you tonight, and in the meantime, let us know what you think, too.

In my inbox today is an annoucement from Pathway Christian Academy about a new facility they plan to open next year.

Folks at the school say their enrollment has doubled, and they give credit to staff, sports programs and expanded science and math curriculum. They're planning a groundbreaking for the school on Sept. 30, and a forthcoming capital campaign to raise money for the school.

Pathway now is housed at the Crosspointe Conference Center.

You can read more about the new facility in tomorrow's Current.

Thanks go out to Alexander Russo for pointing this story about stand-up desks out. Maybe it's an answer for squirmy students?

And, here's the New York Times' take on new research about soda intake of young kids.

Researchers said that when they compared the soft drink consumption of children at schools where it was sold and children at schools where it was not, they did not find a big difference. Only about 4 percent fewer children from the no-soda schools said they did not drink it, the piece said.

Tell me what you think of these stories, and let me know what you're reading today.

Floyd County High teacher Stan Hawkins did not know that pornography was on his school-issued laptop, according to a letter sent home to parents today.

Superintendent Terry Arbogast said he believes he's done the right thing now that the investigation into the incident is complete.

What do you think should have been done in this case?

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Floyd County schools Superintendent Terry Arbogast said he plans to send home a letter today to high school parents "explaining our investigation so far."

Arbogast has been looking into how students viewed porn at a Students Against Destructive Decisions meeting last week.

The group's adviser, Stan Hawkins, is on leave while school officials investigates

Meanwhile, word for the school is that members of Floyd County High's football team are wearing T-shirts today in support of Hawkins, who also coaches and teaches history at the school.

Rumors are swirling that Hawkins has resigned, but school officials are mum on that.

What do you think?