California’s new standardized exams test students on math, English and even technology in the classroom – to the dismay of some students and teachers.
Howard Blume reports for the Los Angeles Times: “The new test is a tsunami of firsts. Some questions have more than one correct answer; many are open-ended. Others include listening to audio. To answer some questions, students must create a graph or a geometric shape. They must type some responses, such as finishing a passage as the author would have. A "performance task" follows a 30-minute scripted lesson from the teacher and culminates in an essay.”
“The questions themselves are based on new state learning standards, called the Common Core, adopted by 44 states, which are supposed to focus on deeper learning skills rather than rote memorization.”
“"We're trying to do things we've never done before, and all those things converged at once," said L.A. schools Supt. John Deasy.”
Recent data breeches with Target and Neiman Marcus have prompted lawmakers to attempt to strengthen consumer data protections.
Fenit Nirappil reports for the Associated Press: “The state attorney general’s office reports that 300 separate data breaches during the past two years exposed the personal information for more than 20 million Californians. More than 7 million Californians were affected by the Target breach alone.”
“The bill, which is headed for a floor vote, still requires retailers, in addition to financial institutions, to notify customers of a breach and provide credit monitoring services.”
Keeping businesses in the state is key for Gov. Jerry Brown’s easy glide into reelection, so he’s rolling out the tax incentives.
Marc Lifsher reports in the Los Angeles Times: “A trio of tax credits, approved by the Legislature last year, are now in play. They're aimed at preventing high-profile departures by companies such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Occidental Petroleum Corp., both of which plan to go to Texas.”
"These tax credits will spur new jobs and help communities hardest hit by the recession," Brown said in a recent statement unveiling the new sweeteners.”
The largest California city to file for bankruptcy protection is taking its case to court.
Scott Smith reports for the Associated Press: “Standing in Stockton's way is Franklin Templeton Investments, which says the city is treating it unfairly. In 2009, Templeton loaned Stockton $35 million to build firehouses, parks and move its police dispatch center. Franklin says the city today is offering it $350,000.”
“The city has reached deals with all of its major creditors, except for Franklin, which is taking Stockton to a trial before U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Klein.”
Your favorite hot sauce maker is staying in California!
Karen Grigsby Bates: “And after thinking it over, Tran has decided to stay in his Irwindale factory. He has lived in California for more than 30 years, and he says he's not planning to move.”
“But he might open another site, outside Southern California. An additional location would allow him to keep up with the ever-growing demand for Sriracha and develop an added source for peppers, in case climate change threatens his current supply.”
