In a filing with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, the Education Law Center says that the students are being denied their right to a free and appropriate education.

"People underestimate how complicated it is" to teach children how to read, a District official said. Yet it is a crucial job.

Advocates are upset about a resolution on special education services. There are 10 charter amendments, 50-plus speakers ... and a demonstration against school closings planned.

It also renewed charters for 8 others. But many charter operators have balked at signing renewal agreements that set conditions they dislike.

A study found that it benefits students’ graduation rates and college aspirations to have more African American teachers. But their numbers are dropping.