Quick Hits

Two Dallas magnets top Newsweek's annual high-school ranking: Two Dallas magnet programs -- one for gifted students and the other for those interested in science and engineering -- led Newsweek's annual list of top U.S. high schools. The ranking of 1,500 public schools divides the number of students who take Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Cambridge tests by the number of seniors graduating, an approach that has prompted criticism as well as an explanation from the Washington Post columnist who designed the ranking system. (The Dallas Morning News)

Anti-truancy efforts pay off for San Francisco elementary schools: Threatening parents with prosecution and fines when students didn't show up for school helped cut San Francisco elementary schools' truancy rate by 23% this year, school leaders said. That netted the district an extra $372,862 in state funding tied to student attendance. (San Francisco Chronicle)

Lawmaker: Deficits may mean dialing back reform expectations: Massive state deficits are threatening state and local plans to use education stimulus funds for reforms, says Rep. David Obey, a Wisconsin Democrat who oversees education funding. Obey told Education Secretary Arne Duncan that schools "face a devastating storm just in terms of economic conditions." He added: "It's legitimate to question whether it's realistic to ask them to also implement dramatic new reforms." (Education Week)

Charter schools cap could endanger federal aid: CONCORD NH – The state's stimulus czar warned state budget negotiators Tuesday that attempts to cap aid to charter schools endangers $160 million in federal education aid... Office of the Stimulus Director Orville "Bud" Fitch said federal education regulations compel states to continue giving the same per-pupil support for charter school students, even if an expected rise in enrollment will increase spending levels.Fitch said capping charter schools could keep the state from receiving $160 million in federal stimulus money proposed to support education adequacy grants for public schools, Fitch said."It is our advice that there not be a cap, that it poses a risk – a significant risk," Fitch concluded. (Nashua Telegraph)

Study shows multiple benefits of naps for young children: Daytime naps for children ages 4 and 5 can help reduce hyperactivity, anxiety and depression, according to a small study of 62 children. Researchers said they have not found the ideal age for children to give up napping. (HealthDay News)

Report: N.J., Iowa and Wisconsin lead U.S. graduation rates: New Jersey, Iowa and Wisconsin lead the nation with graduation rates of more than 80%, while fewer than half of students in Nevada and Washington, D.C., graduate on time, according to Education Week's annual Diplomas Count report, released today. Some individual districts, including Cincinnati schools, won recognition for graduating far more students than their demographics would predict. (The Cincinnati Enquirer) (The Washington Post)

Duncan: Merit pay makes sense: U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan says that teacher pay should be linked to student achievement, but says test scores should not be the only factor. Duncan, who is using stimulus dollars to force the matter, says teachers should be involved with crafting merit pay systems. (The Associated Press)

Parents call on Vermont district to hire more minority teachers: Too few Burlington, Vt., teachers are minorities, say parents who want the system to recruit more educators from diverse backgrounds. More than 97% of teachers are white; the student population is 26% minority. (The Burlington Free Press)