MIX IT UP Two moms in Manhattan think academic integration is the key to building diverse schools. But first they'll have to convince their peers that mixing students of different ability levels is beneficial to all kinds of learners. Chalkbeat
CAP AND GOWN New York City's graduation rate hit 72.6 percent, continuing an upward climb. However, the dropout rate for English Language Learners increased, and racial disparities persist. Chalkbeat, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, DNAinfo, NY1, New York Daily News, New York Post, Politico,
Staten Island led the pack with an 80 percent graduation rate. Staten Island Advance
BY THE NUMBERS State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia called it "disturbing" that the dropout rate among English Language Learners in New York City increased by almost 5.5 percentage points. But city officials say a closer look at the numbers reveals a much less dramatic reality. Chalkbeat
REVOLVING DOOR Despite a record-low dropout rate, some schools struggle to hold on to their students. Here's a look at the schools with the highest dropout rates. Chalkbeat
MIXED MESSAGE Reaction to Betsy DeVos in New York City has ranged from loud protest to "non-alarmist." New York Times, Chalkbeat (Jan. 18)
DO THE ROBOT Students put their science, technology, engineering and math skills to the test in a contest to build LEGO robots. NY1
FAITHFUL STUDIES A Staten Island Islamic school has served the community for almost two decades. Staten Island Advance
MAKE ROOM Here’s a roundup of where new school seats are being added on Staten Island. Staten Island Advance
SNOW DAY Mayor Bill de Blasio said the decision to close schools Thursday was made “very carefully.” Staten Island Advance