We've kept you abreast of some of the No Child-mandated "restructuring" going on in Florida and around Tampa Bay (see here and here.) But today's report from the Center on Education Policy offers national context and one think tank's perspective.

Nationally, the number of high-poverty schools placed into restructuring jumped 56 percent last year, from 2,302 to 3,599. But while the numbers are up, federal guidance is lacking, the report finds. Looking closely at five states (Florida not among them), CEP found only 19 percent of schools in restructuring made enough progress to satisfy federal requirements.

"This report shows that current restructuring policies and practices are flawed," CEP President and CEO Jack Jennings said in a press release. "Many restructuring schools have done everything the law requires but still haven't raised achievement enough to exit restructuring. It's time to revamp the sanctions and supports for these struggling schools."

- Ron Matus, state education reporter