Morning announcements: State lawmakers take on Common Core implmentation, armed teachers

New international test scores released last month show that the U.S. ranks above average compared to all participating countries. However, 4th- and 8th- grade test scores in math and science continue to rank below some East Asian countries. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said in a statement, “These 2011 international assessments provide both encouraging news about our students’ progress and some sobering cautionary notes.” Education Week

StudentsFirst, the education advocacy organization spearheaded by Michelle Rhee, the former schools chancellor in Washington, ranked states on how well they perform based on the group’s platform. The reforms considered included overhauling teacher tenure, performance-based teacher pay, and expanding charter schools. Twelve states received failing grades; no states received an “A.” New York Times

As a new legislative session begins, state lawmakers will focus on common core implementation, funding problems, and addressing the question of armed teachers and staff members. Education Week

Education writer Jay Matthews explores how one student educated him. Low-income school districts don’t often receive enough credit for the students who excel. One particular student in one of these districts shone, putting up a persuasive argument to Matthews in support of a three-year moratorium on standardized testing. Washington Post