Afternoon announcements: BYOT

The new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) will include a dramatic (for some) shift in language arts: students will read 70 percent nonfiction and only 30 percent fiction. Currently, those numbers are far more even and often even weigh on the side of fiction. The Alliance’s Bob Rothman is quoted. Kansas City Star

Mountainview Elementary School in West Virginia is credited with starting the movement for digital learning day. Former West Virginia governor and Alliance president Bob Wise visits today and reaffirms the importance of digital learning in the classroom. Charleston Gazette

A new company called CourseSmart offers new electronic tools that could help teachers catch cheaters. The technology allows educators to see how long students spend reading on e-readers, highlighting, making notes and other data. Is this ethical? Share your thoughts in the comments. The Atlantic

We probably all know what “BYOB” means, but what about “BYOT?” It stands for ‘Bring Your Own Technology,’ a new digital learning initiative that allows educators to encourage students to bring their cell phones or other technology. It’s primarily a cost-saving measure. Huffington Post

Washington State recently brought the number of states that allow charter schools to 42. The vote was close. Oregonian