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State lawmaker makes new bid to change teacher dismissal rules
A state lawmaker introduced a bill Wednesday that would attempt to streamline the process for dismissing California teachers accused of misconduct. The proposed bill by state Sen. Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) also would strive to make the dismissal process less expensive. Recent attempts to change rules have wilted under opposition from teacher unions. LA Times

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School Boards Association proposes teacher dismissal bill
Picking up pieces from two failed attempts to rewrite the law on teacher dismissals, the California School Boards Association will lead this year’s attempt to make it easier and less expensive to fire teachers accused of serious misconduct and sex crimes against children. EdSource

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LAUSD kicking off district-wide Arts Fest
Dozens of Los Angeles-area schools are opening their doors to showcase student films, dance recitals and art exhibits. Seeking to spark creativity among its students, Los Angeles Unified School District’s “Arts Fest” kicks off Saturday and will feature events at about 30 schools over a two-week period. LA Daily News

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Funding dispute threatens health, counseling program
School nurses, speech pathologists, counselors and psychologists throughout California face pink slips this spring as districts struggled to close a $600 million gap created by a withholding of federal funds.  SI&A Cabinet Report

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CA district makes a tough choice between NCLB, Obama policies
At a table strewn with papers, four eighth-grade boys with gelled hair and flashy sneakers comb through lyrics, discussing everything from girls to grammar. Only one remains silent, nodding lazily. When they reach the line, “You were my pills, you were my thrills,” the unofficial leader shouts: “That’s a metaphor!” He asks the silent one what he thinks. Hechinger Report