Amplify and AT&T

News Corporation Chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch created an education technology division, led by former New York City schools chancellor Joel Klein. The group, called Amplify, teamed up with AT&T July 23 to deliver digital content through 4G tablets.

Stepping Up to the Plate

After Florida Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson suddenly announced on July 31 that he was leaving his post after just 13 months, the State Board of Education unanimously appointed Public Schools Chancellor Pam Stewart to serve as interim.

Cuomo's Veto

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo vetoed a bill that would have made school districts responsible for funding the placement of special education students in private schools of their family’s choice. Cuomo said the bill “would result in incalculable additional costs.”

Financial Education

On Aug. 1, to a room of teachers at the Federal Reserves, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said financial education and planning boost the economy, and students who learn those skills are likely to save more in life and better weather the market.

Union Clash in Newark

The Newark (N.J.) Public Schools District Superintendent Cami Anderson wants to allow principals to select their teaching staff regardless of seniority. The district’s teachers’ union has said this invites favoritism and puts older teachers at a disadvantage.