department of education and our third panelist is with the u.s. department of education. will you each raise your right hand please. i'll ask that you swear or affirm the information that you're about to provide is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. correct? >> thank you. >> thank you. i will draw an evidence-based example from the most rigorous studies over the last two deck tkaeudz including work my colleagues and i conducted where we utilize national as well as kindergarten through 20 administrative databases. strong data are critical to civil rights as well as the solutions we construct to improve educational equity in the u.s. for all students. i argue that college completion and other factors as secondary school context and financial aid also play a role in the odds of college success. we find that nearly 60% of the racial gap can be explained by pre college characteristics. that is before the student ever another 35% of the gap in college completion is explained by post secondary or touristic. every state schooling the does not give student

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. - my name is agent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this isn't anything - but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird and, especially, odd. our job is to put things right again. (theme music playing) -rrr! -yeah! who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - the weird thing is, is i'm really happy! - not to worry, sir. we got this. - oh! thank you, odd squad! - have a good day, sir. let's go. - i'm slappy the sun, and i'll always be with you! - what? - ♪ slappy and derek, we're best friends ♪ ♪ slappy and derek friendship never ends ♪ - odd squad! i can't live like this! - hi, derek, i'm slappy! i'm your new best friend! hurray! - lovely. - i love you! - yeah, great! - ♪ slappy and derek ♪ - you wanted to see us, ms. o? - yes. something very odd has happened. a giant goldfish is attacking the harbour. olive, activate your suit for water travel. - on it,

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. ve. this is my partner, agent otto. this is a medium-sized carrot. but that's otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids, that investigates anything strange weird and especially odd. our job is to put things right again. (moaning) who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - thanks for coming, odd squad. i didn't know who else to call. - what seems to be the problem? - when i say "i wonder what the weather's gonna be like..." - it's gonna be nothing but snow snow, snow! - (both): whoa! - where did he come from? - i have no idea. what's worse, he's way wrong about the weather. it's hot out. - not a problem, sir. we have an unweatherman zapinator. there you go. try again. - uh... wonder what the weather's gonna be like. it worked! thanks, odd squad! - happy to help. - have a great day. oh, it's over here. - oh, man! i'm late for work! i wonder what the traffic's gonna be like. - it's nothing but bumper-to- bumper traffic on

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. nt olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is a paper swan before it's folded. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird and, especially, odd. our job is to put things right again. (theme music) (whinnying) - ah! - hi-yah! - come on, buddy! come on! - where are we going?! who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - and that concludes "tube safety and you." - so basically, we have to do this, when we're in the tubes. - yep, that's pretty much it. - o'leary, why did that take 3 hours?! - i get lonely sometimes. (alarm signal) - code purple! - but that means-- - (all): the o games are here! - what are the o games?! (glorious music) - welcome, one and all, to the o games! (applause) oscar, commence with the ringing of the bells! (melodious bell ringing) - what are the o games? - it's a day-long competition where agents compete in a bunch of odd games like the 500-met

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. my name is agent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is me again. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird and especially, odd. our job is to put things right again. (theme music) - grrr! - yeah! - heyyy! - aaah! who do we work for? we work for odd squad. sir, we heard something odd was happening. - it's ok you can tell us what it is. - (sighing): whenever i speak this happens. (canned laughter) - laughter?! - didn't even say anything funny. (canned laughter) we don't have the gadget to fix it. but i do have these. better? - i can't hear a thing that you're saying! thanks, odd squad. (canned laughter) - no problem! have a good day! - still can't hear you. (laughing) - you asked to see us, ms. o? - yes. a unicorn a robot, and a mummy walked into a library. - i love this joke. - it's not a joke; it's a disaster! characters are escaping from their books at the l

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. - my name is agent olive. this is my partner agent otto. this is a dream i had last night. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange weird and especially odd. our job is to put things right again. - come on come on! - who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - what seems to be the problem, ma'am? - i'm trying to enjoy a nice walk, but... it's easier if i just show you. - (agents): whoa! - it's been following me all morning! argh! - do you have any garbage on you? - just this candy wrapper. - (otto): you know, sometimes you just got to give it what it wants. - try walking now. - oh! thanks, odd squad! - happy to help. (baaing) - otto! obfusco's going on vacation! - is that a problem? - it's a big problem! he makes everyone do all his work while he's gone! look busy so he doesn't ask us for a favor. (horse neighing) (western theme playing) - (spooky narrator): obfusco... - f

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. - my name is agent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is a waning gibbous moon. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird and, especially, odd. our job is to put things right again. yeah! - who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - so, my brother donnie and i are watching tv, and donnie's really getting into the show. and then he actually got into the show. (knocking on screen) - hey! uh, could you be of assistance, please? (sighing) - our tv-get-out-anator should do it. agent otto? ♪ - where? (vacuuming sound) - donnie! donnie! donnie! - whoa! woo! - my donnie! my own brother! i missed you, man! thanks, odd squad. - no problem. - let's go. - hey, where's the remote? - look, you see, don't... - donnie! - incoming! - (ms. o): well look who's here. (very sweetly): olive otto, welcome back! - thanks, ms. o. we're happy to be back. - enough chit-chat! go see

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. - my name is agent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is my collection of rocks - but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird, and, especially, odd. our job is to put things right again. - rrr! - yeah! - who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - thanks for coming, odd squad. i don't know what's wrong with my car, but every time i get into the back seat... ...this happens. - (together): whoa! - not to worry. our car- fixinator should do the trick. - wait! let me get at this thing! amazing! wanna go for a bike ride? - actually, i do. - to be young again... - what? - um... let's go. - wait, what did you say? - you wanted to see us, ms. o? - yes. something very odd has happened. you remember the town baker. - hi, guys. so, usually, my cakes are light and fluffy but lately... - ugh... - ugh! - i can't figure out what's going on! - hmm... i have a hunch. ms. baker

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. my name is agent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is my third-favourite pillow case... but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird and especially odd. our job is to put things right again. [♪] [♪] who do we work for? we work for odd squad. thanks for coming odd squad. what seems to be the problem, ma'am? i finally found a pair of running shoes that i like, but i can't wear them because... i have two left feet. agents: whoa. how do you run? mainly in circles. not to worry. we have a fix. now they're both lefties. not where i thought you were gonna go, but... i'll take 'em! thanks, odd squad! happy to help. have a good day. excuse us, sir... woo! yeah! if sheila could see me now! there you two are! let me guess - something very odd has happened. um... why would you even say that? i got a new plant, and i've been thinking of names. this is mr. greenjeans. is

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. - my name is agent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is my least favourite hat... but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird, and especially, odd. our job is to put things right again. (theme music) yeah! (yelling) - who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - odd squad, thanks for coming. the problem's this way. every time i try to go inside this happens. (engine starting) and... (car horn honking - hmm, the old house-car switcheroo. otto? (whirring) - try her again ma'am. (doorbell ringing) - finally! thanks, odd squad! - just doing our job. - bye! - that was easier than i thought. - yeah. (rumbling) - odd squad! - oh, no. - if it isn't olive, and her new partner, ewtoo. back from another failed case. - actually, it's "otto". - and we just solved a case. - you hear that, olaf? "we solved a case." we solved a gazillion cases just this morning. - yeah, well,

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is the elephant in the room. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids, that investigates anything strange, weird and especially odd. our job is to put things right again. - come on, come on! - who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - thanks for coming, odd squad. - what seems to be the problem? - well, whenever i call the waiter... it's easier if i just show you. waiter! it's me! i just want to eat lunch. - if she's really you, maybe she can suggest something you'd like. - i have a feeling you'd enjoy the chicken salad. - i want! thanks, odd squad. thanks, odd squad! - have a good day. - and for you, ma'am? i think i'm gonna go tuna. ooh... is that... what-- - incoming! - (both): o'fynne. - morning, olive. morning otto. - there you two are. - ms. o, where did you come down from? - if i answer that question, we'll be here for 8 hours. - you can't do that because

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. my name is agent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is a cloud i saw. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird and especially, odd. our job is to put things right again. (theme music) - argh! - oh, yeah! - heyyy! - aaah! who do we work for? we work for odd squad. it was a dark and stormy night. my partner and i were called to solve an odd crime at an odd place. (thunderclaps) with even odder people. - welcome to shapely manor. (it bellows like a moose) you must be agents olive and otto. may i take your coats and umbrella? - wow! is this whole place yours? (both laughing) - oh, dear me, no! i am simply the butler. - and i'm the maid. - we live in the basement. - well, underneath the basement. ha! ha! but we have a lamp. - (butler): oh, and what a lamp! - sometimes, it works. - sometimes? - (maid): yes. - something wrong? - no. not at all. - no. nothihi at all

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. this is my partner, agent otto. this is a glass half empty. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird, and especially, odd. our job is to put things right again. (theme music) (whinnying) - ah! - hi-ya! - come on! come on! - where are we going? who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - thanks for coming, odd squad. - what seems to be the problem? - well, ever since this morning, i've been feeling hot as a fireplace. i finally realized what the problem is. my stomach is a fireplace. - not to worry, we have an unfireplace-inator. - whoa, whoa, whoa! i don't want you to "unfireplace-nate" it; i just want marshmallows you know, for roasting. - seriously? - i could say no but i'd be lying. - never fear, otto's here! mini or jumbo? - jumbo. i mean is there really a choice? the stick fits nicely. - good work, partner. - have a good day, sir. - let's go. - ah, if sheila co

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. - my name is agent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is my 9th favourite colour. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird and especially, odd. our job is to put things right again. (theme music playing) - grrr! - yeah! - heyyy! - aaah! - who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - olive, it's christmas eve! -stop and smell the candy canes would ya? - can't stop. important business. - what's more important than christmas? we shouldn't even be at the odd squad today. we should be at home hanging our stockings with care, waiting for-- - --him? - santa! - oh ho ho! hello, otto! (chuckling) - wait, what are you doing here? - oh! well my elves, of course, can build just about any toy but occasionally i get a rather odd request. - so he comes here for help. - mm-hmm. - hey guys! spaghetti bike coming through! - oh! ho ho ho! - check out the meatball horn. (horn s

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. gent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is the odd squad bathroom key. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird and especially, odd. our job is to put things right again. (theme music) - grrr! - yeah! - heyyy! - aaah! who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - thank you so much for coming odd squad. - what seems to be the problem, sir? - so, i'm sitting here, trying to catch up on a bunch of work but every time i try to click this pen... it's easier if i just show you. (clicking) - (agents): whoa! - it just keeps going. - whoa... - and watch... - whoa! - i know! - question: how did you start at your house? - that wasn't even my house! i haven't been home for 6 weeks! - not to worry, sir; we have a fix. don't use this pen anymore. - oh, yeah... - use one of ours. - oh! thanks, odd squad! - have a great day. - wait, where am i flying to? - we're going to bos

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. my name is agent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is my lucky basketball. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird... and especially odd. our job is to put things right again. [♪] [♪] olive: who do we work for? we work for odd squad. [distant thunder] [sigh] hey, olive - don't say it. i was just gonna say that - i know that we haven't had a case yet today. don't. if you say it, ms. o will give us one. what? that's ridiculous. try it. hey olive isn't it kind of weird we haven't had a case yet today? you two! in my office! i have a case for you. whoa! told you. ms. o: we've got reports of time-travelling laser chickens in the park. over here, people! [loud explosions] otto: they look really angry. you try travelling through time and space looking for a homeland while being chased by morlocks... i may know a bit about them. as long as you follow olive's l

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. . this is my partner, agent otto. this is how long two seconds is. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird, and, especially, odd. our job is to put things right again. (theme music) (unicorn whinnying) - ah! - hi-yah! - come on, buddy! come on! - where are we going?! who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - thanks for coming, odd squad. - happy to help. - by the way congratulations. - oh, for the baby? thanks. - i meant the new hat. i haven't seen it before. but the baby too. - totally. we love babies. - now, what seems to be the problem? - well, this is the room where we store the famous giant ball of gum. - not this again. let me guess. the giant ball of gum shrank from one thousand wads of chewed bubble gum to just one. - nope, 43 wads. - wait. - what did you say? - 43. look, the sign's different too. - it's agent 43! - who? - partner, i need you to scan this

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. my name is agent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is what i had for breakfast this morning. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids, that investigates anything strange, weird and especially odd. our job is to put things right again. (moaning) who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - you still haven't said a word. - but sooner or later, you're going to have to talk. all right, listen. if you don't want to talk how about a high five? you just high-fived the talkinator. - it makes you talk. - it does? - now, where'd you put the berets? - they're in this briefcase. now that i can talk, let me do a freestyle rap for you about my childhood! - uh... - back when i was a boy, all of the time, all i really wanted to be was a mime. you couldn't even hear the sound of my feet. but when i walk down the street they would repeat: "he's the mime "the best, best mime! all the time he makes no sounds!" - want

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. my name is agent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is not a cup of tea. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids, that investigates anything strange, weird and especially odd. our job is to put things right again. - come on, come on! - who do we work for? we work for odd squad. here's my number if you need to reach me. plus a backup number. and a backup backup number. remember, if there's any accident the doctor is just upstairs-- - olive! i'll be fine. go enjoy your day off. - but what if something happens while i'm gone? - nothing's going to happen. look! it's so quiet around here! - alright. see you tomorrow! - a lot happening, people! listen up! - what's going on, ms. o? - i'm looking for someone to be captain fun. the duties are pretty simple, but i should explain-- - i wanna do it. - can i at least tell you-- - i'll do it. - ok, but since two of you want the job, we need to hold a vote. - ahh

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. agent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is what i had for dinner last night. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids, that investigates anything strange, weird and especially odd. our job is to put things right again. (moaning) who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - i'm so glad you're here, odd squad. - what seems to be the problem? - donny and i were having a picnic and then... this happened. - (both): whoa! - odd squad, i'm so glad you're here! - i already said that, donny. - how am i supposed to know? i'm in a picnic basket! - don't make this about you! - this is not about me! - donny this! - hey! - you want us to help you fix this or not? - (both): please! - how'd you know we'd need the picnicanator gadget? - i didn't. i always carry it. stand back! - donny! finally, brother! i'm glad you're okay! thanks, odd squad! - happy to help. - enjoy your picnic. let's go. - they always come throu

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. is my partner, agent otto. this is my toothbrush. but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange, weird and especially odd. our job is to put things right again. (groaning) who do we work for? we work for odd squad. - thanks for coming, odd squad. the problem is my bathroom. it's easier if i just show you. - very odd. - we can fix this, but not on this side. if you'll excuse me. - should be just a minute. (thud) - this should do it! meet you back at headquarters. - wow! thanks, odd squad! let me show you out. - yeah, we can't fix that. - (both): o'scarlett. - good evening, agents. - is it already that late? - better question: where did o'scarlett get the donut? - donut room. have a great night, you two. - you as well. - there's a donut room? why wasn't this the first thing you ever told me? even before your name! - let's go. - i thought this was the bagel room. how could i have b

department of education, the corporation for public broadcasting's ready to learn grant and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. my name is agent olive. this is my partner, agent otto. this is my friend's lamp... but back to otto and me. we work for an organization run by kids that investigates anything strange weird and especially, odd. out job is to put things right again. [♪] who do we work for? we work for odd squad. thanks for comin' odd squad. what seems to be the problem, sir? well, my basketball, it's... it's acting strange. looks fine to me. yeah, that's exactly what i thought but every time i bounce it... awesome! look... whoa! look! here... use this one instead. thanks! what are we supposed to do with this ball? well, i say we bounce it one more time and we play with the next ball that pops up. deal. wha? or we could eat lunch! works for me! you wanted to see us, ms. o? yeah, what's up? everything's up! tonight is the most important night of the year! is it already blue leg night? on it! okay, first... that's not a thing. second, i'm talking abo

department of education's office of civil rights made a change extending its nondiscrimination clause to include gender identity. and in march virginia attorney general mark herring told local school boards they can change their policy ss ss worry about what that will mean for use of school bathrooms and locker rooms. we spoke with ryan mcelveen who proposed the change. >> nothing will change with bathroom policy. all of ur our students will go through an instructional with support staff. >> reporter: the change is likely to face at least one opposing vote. school board member elizabeth schultz says fcps should delay the vote until the schools know how exactly it's going to be implemented. she also worries about the federal government's reach. >> i think that there is a very serious argument that has to be had here about the sovereignty of individual school boards around the country and how we educate pre-k through 12th graders in the united states of america and whether it's the federal government setting policy or whether it's your local school boards. >> reporter: this is when you'

the u.s. department of education released new numbers overnight from 2013. it found 22% of students aged 12 to 18 said they were bullied at school. that's down 6% from 2011. it's also the lowest level since the department started taking surveys like this in 2005 the survey found girls are more likely to be bullied than boys and white students are more likely to be bullied than minority students. >>> it's strange to say it. a preview of the romney/holyfield fight after the brea when you own a small business there's a never-ending list of small things to do every day. appointments... orders... deadlines... every one of them matters. so you need internet you can count on. verizon fios is really fast with 99.9% network reliability because when everything is running right, all those small things you do every day can turn into something big. team up with fios for this great limited-time offer. . >>> dairy queen is pulling see da -- sodas from its kids meals. it's the latest to change its drinks for kids following mcdonald's, burger king and wendy's. the change tak

it's a title ix complaint filed with the u.s. department of education. national feminist leaders came here today to stand beside a group of female students who say they live in fear during the semester that just came to a close. the members of feminist united say the trouble started last semester when the school's rugby team was suspended for a chant that glorified rape. when the president of feminist united wrote about the issue in the campus newspaper, members of the group were blamed for the team's troubles. threats of assault and violence began to appear on a social media group called yik yak. one was so fearful she ended up seeking inging counseling. >> reporter: i don't know if the person threatening to hurt me lives across the hall from me in the same apartment as me. because it's anonymous, you don't know who's threatening you. >> reporter: feminist united leaders asked the university to block yik yak on campus but they were told that would infringe on free speech rights. university officials tell me they responded to every direct incident every

department of education proposed rules that eliminate high fees and give students access to their financial aid for free. >>> it may seem like kids are full of energy they're not necessarily running around all day. a new study shows even little ones do much more sitting than we think. researchers cracked edtracked the activity of preschoolers for about a week. found the children were engaged in 48 minutes of active play each day, but were sitting 70% of the time. they say children were more likely to move around and be active when they were outside and taking part in free play. >>> well very much a summer day today. we have storms around right now through the area. but tomorrow going to be a hot and humid day with some thunderstorms staying in the forecast. big change though as we go into the middle of the week. cooler temperatures start to move in you will notice that. and then we're talking about your memorial day weather. so the unofficial start to summer, i have that forecast in just a second. right now, we're still looking at mostly cloudy skies in philadelphia 72 degrees is the temper

department of education under the office -- the u.s. department of justice. and they are saying that title 9 which was passed in 1972 somehow includes gender identity. and the notion that the federal government could reach into the 14,000 school districts across the united states of america and tell 90,000 school board members that you must comply or we're going to take away your federal education money is preposterous. that money is meant for the needest children in our communities for the hungriest children, for children with disabilities. my federal government telling me that if i don't comply with whatever, this language or any other language, that i have to comply with their language or they are going to take away our children's lunch money. >> isn't it a little weird that a school which is supposed to be rooted in science and the scientific method is teaching now that there is no difference between men and women and that you change your sex. but, of course, that's contrary to basic biology. >> well, certainly that's what you heard in the meeting and it

department of education. what else happened? yesterday, this all within the last two weeks. education management corporation, edmc, announced it was going to close 15 of these art institute campuses. remember that one i told you about? $54,000 tuition to become a cook. they were going to close 15 of these campuses including one in tinley park, illinois. they had been financially faltering for some time. they recently tried to do a debt restructuring, apparently didn't work. they're currently sued by the department of justice for false claims acts violations. the justice department alleges this one education management corporation, falsely certified compliance with the provisions of the federal law that prohibit a university from paying financial incentives to its admissions staff tied to the number of students they recruit we made it a law you that said you can't pay a bounty for signing kids up at the school. they did it anyway. the company is under investigation by 17 state attorneys general like the other one, related to marketing and crime. edmc is on the suspect high --

the latest data from the department of education finds just 18% of eighth graders are proficient or better in u.s. history. that's where series like bill o'reilly's legends and lies comes in and teaching them about the most important figures and events davey crockett the battle for the alamo. >> for weeks he's been assembling an army of nearly 2,000 soldiers. on february 23rd, 1836 general santa ana and his troops arrived in san antonio and begin surrounding the alamo. >> for the first thing he does is try to scare them raise his black flag of no quarter. >> the no quarter flag sent a chilling message to the texans. >> none of you will be spared. and he sets his guns up his strategic position to begin bombarding the alamo. ♪ >> what people need to understand about the battle of the alamo is that it is a siege and this battle lasted 13 days. >> the mexican soldiers are forced to retreat. crockett is living up to his reputation for now. >> joining us now from washington jane hampton cook historian and author of "american phoenix" along with jay shuttleworth from columbia. professor, let's

the department of education released the numbers, but clarified it's not that assaults are increasing, but that more people are willing to report them. officials credit enforcement efforts and improved public awareness. >> ifill: a bipartisan group of senators called today for an independent review of the department of veterans affairs. they said the number of backlogged claims for pensions and disability has decreased, but not by enough. republican dean heller of nevada said they're concerned that mismanagement discovered at the v.a.'s regional office in philadelphia might be systemic. >> we have reason to believe and i think it has been reported in the past that some numbers have been manipulated as far as these claims are concerned, you know change the dates and so on. we want to get to the bottom of those issues. >> ifill: the senators want the government accountability office to investigate all 56 of the v.a.'s regional offices. >> woodruff: a former speaker of the u.s. house of representatives, jim wright, has died. the texas democrat passed away early today at a nursing home in

the u.s. education department released the new numbers overnight from 2013. it found that 22% of students aged 12 to 18 said they were bullied at school. that's down 6% from 2011. it's also the lowest level seen by the department since it started taking the survey in 2005. the survey also found that girls are more likely to be bullied than boys. and white students are more likely to be bullied than minority students. >>> more big moves from former maryland governor martin o'malley. oal mali plans to -- o'malley plans to sign a lease on an office space near penn station. o'malley says he'll tell us on may 30th whether he plans to challenge hillary clinton for the democratic nomination. he held a call with supporters yesterday saying he can bring new leadership to the white house. >>> republican voters in iowa will be watching the lincoln dinner closely tomorrow night. 11 white house hopefuls are expected there. here are the names of some carly fiorina, scott walker, rick santorum lindsey graham rand paul ben carson as well as donald trump. you can watch for th

education department investigated complaints that oakland schools suspended african-american students a lot more than other ethnic groups. >>> it is 7:16. there is a warning for local boaters to be on the lookout for three humpback whales swimming in the bay. sky fox captured two of the whales yesterday. people at the marine sanctuary say a third was spotted close to sausalito. the coast guard is asking boaters to be careful and avoid hitting the whales. boaters should also know that it is illegal to follow or approach the whales. >> that's a law? >> handle it very, very carefully. yeah, it's beautiful to see from a distance. >> all right. >>> time 7:17. hey, sal, you and our ktvu spy there, you are watching the toll plaza? >> yeah. i mean, i thought for sure that was going to be a temporary thing. that spider is living there. >> kids really like it. but you seem to like it, too. so i think -- >> i am a kid at heart. i happen to know when that spider is on, my little girl, the older one, just loves it. she makes mom go back on the dvr a few times. >> very cute. >> it's true. hey, good

education department investigated complaints that oakland schools suspended african american students more than any other racial group. >>> time is 6:17. as we go over to sal, i know you're big in social media. >> yes. >> and you're on facebook a lot. today is the birthday of mark zuckerberg. >> i see. >> he's how old; do we know? . >> i believe he's getting close to 30 now. >> he's getting old. boy. >> close to 30? it was a long time ago. morning, everybody. let's go out and look at the commute. westbound highway 4, you're going to see some slow traffic already as you come up over the hill. . it doesn't get that bad -- it's not that bad getting over the hill. traffic a little slow through pleasant hill on 24. if you're going as far as it bay bridge toll plaza, welfare the metering lights on. backed up all the way to the mcarthur maze. been about a week there, pal. no major problems. highway 87 is probably not the best way to get to the san jose international airport. we had an earlier accident causing delays. the areas of the freeway looking good. >>> let's the to steve in the weathe

education department investigating complaints that oakland school suspended african american students a lot more than other ethnic groups. >>> well happening today, the state senate is due to vote on the controversial bill that would make it mandatory for california school children to be vaccinated. the proposed legislation would eliminate the personal or religious belief exception. however, a child could still be exempt from vaccinations because of medical problems. children who are not vaccinated would have to be home-schooled. now, if the senate passes this bill, it would then head to the state assembly. >>> happening today, thousands of bay area commuters ditching their cars and riding their bikes to work. it is the 21st annual bike to workday in the bay area. tara moriarty live at the golden gate bridge where cycle hiss are just getting started. any rain out there, tara? >> reporter: no not yet. i think a lot of people around here were breathing a sigh of relief, because they really don't want -- unless it is enough to make an impact on the drought. politically correct bunch of p

a city journal analogy which investigates the workings of the police department. she's a nonpracticing lawyer, has clerked for the honorable stephen reinhart, u.s. exeaps for the ninth circuit. she's also the -- the u.s. court of appealers in ninth circuit. she's also recipient of the 2005 bradley prize for outstanding intellectual achievement. john mcwhorter is a contributing editor at "city journal" who commented sensibly on race, ethnicity and cultural issues he also blurbed my last book. he's the author of "all about the beat: why hip-hop can't save black america," the author of "using -- losing the race," as well as the author of a followup book "winning the race." john is also a linguist and teaches in the english and comparative literature department at columbia university. panel will be moderated by judge william koontz, who serves on the u.s. district court for the eastern district of new york. he was previously a commercial litigator in private practice in new york and since 1987, he's served as a commissioner of the new york city civilian complaint revi