An evaluation system which would describe and assess statewide services for preschool children is described. Component theory conceptualizes the unit of analysis for evaluation as the component. This approach increases the generalizability and utilization of evaluations and enhances the ability to evaluate several programs at the state level.…

Childhood and adolescent obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions in the United States and are growing. The sedentary routines found in schools and in the home as well as the overexposure to unhealthy snacks and nonnutritional foods contribute to the pervasiveness of this disease that afflicts America's children. Obese children face…

Researchers have long investigated whether smaller classes improve student achievement. Their conclusions suggest that class size reduction (CSR) can result in greater in-depth coverage of subject matter by teachers, enhanced learning and stronger engagement by students, more personalized teacher-student relationships, and safer schools with fewer…

In 2002, Tennessee passed its first Public Charter School legislation. Four schools were successful in gaining approval to begin operating in the 2003-2004 academic year. The second cohort of three charter schools began operation during the 2004-2005 academic year, with the third cohort of five schools starting-up during the 2005-2006 academic…

This paper highlights selected key findings and discusses several issues emerging from an extended case study of the development and operation of a statewide teacher career ladder enacted into law in Tennessee in 1984. Data for the study were gathered through interviews, observations, elimination of documents, and a survey of selected teachers.…

This background briefing paper synthesizes current thinking and practice on the issue of latchkey children and school-age child care (SACC). The paper defines the problem of latchkey children; reviews related literature and programmatic responses to the problem; reports responses of four southern states; and points out implications for policy…

In July of 1983, the state of Tennessee initiated The Healthy Children Initiative (HCI), a program designed to protect the health of Tennessee's children. Originally planned as a 4-year initiative, participating programs have been established on an ongoing basis. The first year's goal for Fiscal Year 83-84 was to make sure prenatal care was…

Reported is a study of child abuse legislation and state programs relating to principles of reporting abuse in the eight southeastern states in Region IV (Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi). Chapter 1 introduces the report and includes research objectives, format, and methods of data…

This article promotes the use of contextual constructionism in evaluation research. The call for truth in sentencing in Tennessee (and across the country) is used to illustrate the conflict among stakeholders that arises from program evaluation and to show how their multiple realities make a contextual constructionist approach pertinent. (SLD)

A long-standing accountability system in Tennessee is now subject to change.

This report provides background and linkages necessary to bring state-level experiences of reporting graduation rate statistics to bear in implementing the Student Right-to-Know Act particularly regarding the reporting of student persistence and graduation rates at institutions of higher education. Section I provides: (1) an overview of the extent…

Teacher's perceptions of their experiences in teaching small classes or with a full-time teacher's aide are discussed in this report. The study reported was part of Tennessee's Project STAR: a 4-year, longitudinal demonstration policy study. Analyses were conducted on interviews with 86 teachers of small second grade classes, 54 teachers of second…

Teachers' questions concerning a proposed master teacher incentive pay plan for Tennessee are stated in this address. Questions teachers raised most frequently centered around four main issues: recertification/tenure, fair evaluations, across-the-board pay raises, and promotion quotas. Summaries of teachers' discussions on each issue are presented…

The directory is intended to provide a comprehensive collection of information regarding those programs offering job training below the baccalaureate degree throughout Tennessee. The information was gathered during the months of December 1973 through April 1974 using questionnaires designed by the U.S. Office of Education for the survey of post…

The report condenses the yearly activities of the Tennessee Research Coordinating Unit (RCU) for Vocational Education and its efforts toward fulfilling the organization's goals: (1) To stimulate, coordinate and conduct research; (2) To collect and disseminate research and information; and (3) To improve vocational-technical education. The first…