In Message to Students, Obama Encourages Learning (AP – September 28)

On Wednesday afternoon, Obama will be discussing education from Washington D.C.’s Benjamin Banneker Academic High School. He is expected to cite the benefits of higher education for both the United States and global economy. (Watch the livestream of his speech here.)

Bill Clinton Weighs in on Education Reform (The Hill – September 27)

During his discussion with Brian Williams at NBC’s Education Nation Summit, former President Bill Clinton cited the need for education reform and new national standards. He said that instructional time needs to be increased and tailored to our new global economic world. Overall, he stressed the importance of improvement in teacher quality and student achievement. (Watch the conversation here.)

Some Thoughts on Education Nation (Huffington Post – September 28)

Education Nation 2011 provided a well-rounded perspective of the current state of America’s education system. Public and private school teachers, government officials, and news leaders debated the issues and worked to find unified ground for improvement and solutions. (watch video of the panels here.)

A Film on Education That Gets It Right (Washington Post – September 28)

“American Teacher” is a powerful new film that reveals the challenging state of America’s education system. The film follows a handful of dedicated teachers from around the country who are making a difference in hundreds of children’s lives. (Watch a discussion with the filmmakers here and read about why they decided to make the film here.)

Students’ Knowledge of Civil Rights History Has Deteriorated, Study Finds (New York Times – September 28)

Civil rights history continues to fade into the background of the American educational system. A recent report by the Southern Poverty Law Center found that both country and state education standards virtually ignore the topic.

Study Finds Low Graduation Rates Among Part-Time College Students (Los Angeles Times – September 27)

A recent report released by the non-profit group Complete College America found that part-time college students rarely graduate. The study also found that only 14.8 percent of full-time and 6.1 percent of part-time students receive a degree in four years. Additionally, only 60 percent of full-time students and 41.6 percent of part-time students receive a degree in eight years.

CALIFORNIA: Caltech Professor Awarded National Medal of Science (Los Angeles Times – September 28)

Jacqueline K. Barton received the National Medal of Science, the government’s highest honor for scientists, for her DNA research. She and her husband Peter Dervan, who received the award in 2006, are the first couple to both receive the honor.

CALIFORNIA: Second Los Angeles School Suspected of Cheating (Los Angeles Times – September 28)

Koreatown's Virgil Middle School, one of the fastest improving middle schools in Los Angeles, faces harsh consequences as a result of one teacher’s suspected cheating. The school may lose its $3.5 million state grant, which funds about a quarter of teaching staff and school supplies.

NEW YORK: City Schools to be Aided by State Consultant (Buffalo News – September 28)

Buffalo Public Schools are appointing a “distinguished educator” to act as an aid and interim superintendent. The appointed individual will fill the role for a year and work to reform low-performing schools.

NEW YORK CITY: City Council Comes to Table on Talks to Avert School Aide Layoffs (Gotham Schools – September 27)

New York City union and community members are joining together to protest student aid layoffs throughout the district. Disagreements over budget concessions and disproportionate pay are at the heart of the issue.

All statements and opinions expressed on this blog are those of the individual contributors, and not of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation or NBC News.