In an unexpected move, the United States is upgrading Malaysia from the lowest tier on its list of
worst human trafficking centers to the so - called «Tier 2 Watch list», a status that could smooth the
way for an
ambitious U.S. - led free - trade deal with Malaysia.
After two years, the federal program providing billions of dollars to help states and districts close or remake some of their
worst - performing schools remains an
ambitious work
in progress, with roughly 1,200 turnaround efforts under
way but still no verdict on its effectiveness.