First bell: 10-18-12

Tyson Eberhardt / October 18, 2012

A first look at today's most important education news:

Florida’s education commissioner defended the state’s decision to set different proficiency goals for different ethnic and racial groups in its new strategic plan. (New York Times)

Checker Finn and Jessica Hockett explain why selective public high schools are the “best bargain in American education” in an Education Week commentary.

USA Today breaks down the education issues Barack Obama and Mitt Romney disagree on.

The Ohio Department of Education released updated—but not final—school report cards yesterday, including preliminary school and district ratings, a performance index, and attendance rates. (The News-Herald)

Charter school advocates in Washington State raised nearly $5 million over the last six weeks for a ballot initiative that would allow charter schools in the Evergreen State. (AP)

Category: First Bell