Photo by D. Scott McLeod

>> D.C. has the nation’s only federally funded school voucher program, but the Post reported over the weekend that the initiative that offers over 1,500 students money that they can pay towards private school tuition has a big problem: there’s no standards or agency that oversees the types of quality of schools the accept students with vouchers. The Department of Education has found no statistical increase in math and reading scores for students that attend the schools, and the Post’s review found that eight of the 52 schools accepting the students aren’t even accredited. Still, supporters of the program say it boils down to choice—parents should have the only say where their kids go to school.

>> It’s the first weekday for the express lanes along part of the Beltway in Virginia, and the steep learning curve is apparently in full effect. The Post reports that there was a four-car collision near the Braddock Road entrance of the lanes; police have warned motorists not to swerve suddenly or back up if they mistakenly find themselves heading towards or in the lanes, which charge tolls based on how much traffic is on the road.

>> The Washington region is among the worst place in the country in ensuring that children who live in public housing have access to a good school, writes the Examiner. According to a report by NYU researchers, families who live in public housing in and around D.C. often live near schools that rank at or below the third percentile in proficiency.

Briefly Noted: Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) wants count of homeless LGBT youth … D.C. Lottery boss accused of unethical behavior … A campaign aide to Mayor Vince Gray says he was tipped off to shadow campaign … Paula Broadwell is no longer in Mt. Pleasant … Maryland man arrested after firing AK-47 into the air … Former Lorton Prison to become homes.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, the Franklin School was occupied. In 2010, Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) offered some deep thoughts on welfare and Walmart.