School improvement is a continuous, systematic process to enhance student learning, improve educational opportunities, and increase the effectiveness of the educational programs and services provided to students. The Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) is an ongoing process that includes assessing the strengths and needed improvements in…

This publication presents guidelines for parents and educators in making appropriate decisions about participation in the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MACS) tests for students with disabilities, and it describes commonly used test accommodations. State law requires the participation in MCAS of all students who are educated with…

This manual presents information and instructions for test administrators in administering the 1998-99 version of the writing session of the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA). Sections of the manual present a checklist for test administrators; changes and reminders to the MEA for 1998-99; responsibilities of test administrators (scheduling,…

This manual presents information and instructions for principals and test coordinators in administering the 1998-99 version of the writing session of the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA). Sections of the manual present a checklist for principals/test coordinators; changes and reminders to the MEA for 1998-99; instructions for test coordinators…

This guidebook assists California school districts in applying for and obtaining "grant" funds for new construction and modernization projects of its public schools under the provisions of the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998. It provides direction on accessing the processes leading to project approvals, insight into the…

This report provides guidance and information on resources to assist elementary schools, parents, community members, and policymakers in implementing a systemic approach to standards-based education. It makes clear recommendations on how schools can achieve a coordinated system in which standards, assessment, accountability, and curriculum are…

Noting that out-of-school time and community school initiatives are operating in a rapidly changing policy context and that tobacco settlement funds provide a flexible, significant inflow of new state revenue, this strategy brief provides policymakers, community leaders, and program developers with background information on the tobacco settlement…

The New York State School Report Card is an important part of the state's efforts to raise learning standards for all students. This guide provides an overview of the changes for the year 2000, answers to frequently asked questions, and descriptions of the state's testing program and other performance measures. This document focuses on questions…

This document focuses on assessment portfolios and examines the advantages and challenges of using an assessment portfolio system inclusive of English language learners as a district-wide assessment tool. Advantages of including English language learners in the assessment program include increased school accountability for all students, a shared…

The successful establishment of a nationwide system of IGE networks has greatly facilitated the widespread use of the IGE method of teaching. (LH)

This paper is based on guidelines developed in 1989 for training workshops for state and local educators to demonstrate the processes by which performance assessments could be created, validated, and used in statewide assessment programs. These guidelines are based on work with the National Assessment of Educational Progress and several statewide…

This handbook was written as a resource for Early Childhood Services (ECS) operators in Alberta (Canada) who are applying for Program Unit Grants (PUG). An introduction explains the principles of ECS in providing a coordinated system of services to meet the developmental and special needs of young children and their families, including children…

This reports that health care providers, including those based in schools, can be instrumental in efforts to enroll eligible children in Medicaid or low-cost health insurance. There are 10 ways in which health care providers can help: (1) inform families about the availability of free and low-cost health insurance for children; (2) enlist all…

Guidelines for North Carolina public schools that are interested in developing and submitting plans for outcome-based education (OBE) pilot programs for the years 1993-94 and 1996-97 are offered in this document. The OBE program is based on the premise that all students can learn and focuses on the expectations for achievement necessary for…

Guidelines for implementing and operating a school breakfast program in New York are provided in this document. Following an introduction that explains the need for school breakfast programs, sections describe program history, meal pattern requirements, eligible participants, and available state and local financial assistance. Program requirements…