As Washington focuses on the upcoming elections, National Journal took a step back this month to look at the big-picture demographic shifts remaking the face of the United States and at their political and policy implications. ICW's Karen Elzey talks about the implications of an American population that is growing older and more diverse.

This summer, the action on Title I school improvement grants has moved to the state level. 31 jurisdictions (30 states and the District of Columbia) are running their competitions, announcing results, and setting up training sessions for the summer so that school improvement begins on time – by the first day of the school year.

The sixth monthly installment from ICW on the education programs and initiatives funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The four reforms that Duncan has proposed for reauthorization of ESEA (and required of current Title I School Improvement Grant recipients) reflect those included in No Child Left Behind (NCLB).The difference is that Duncan has both defined each of these four options and has eliminated the option to do “other major restructuring.”