It is up to the governor to assume the leadership for providing the citizens with a vision of what a quality education can be. (Author/MLF)

Superintendents can wield influence at the statehouse if they know how. Offers tips from state-level lobbyists on how to reach a legislator's ear. (MLF)

A study of communication between superintendents and legislators in Illinois revealed that superintendents seldom speak to legislators. Survey forms were sent to the 39 legislators on education committees: 29 legislators completed the survey, and 21 of these were interviewed indepth. (MLF)

Serving as a reference for parents and professionals who live and work with disabled children, this resource section lists state directors of special education, national disability-related organizations (United States and Canada), parent coalition groups, government agencies; professional organizations, a calendar of annual meetings, and a…

Summarizes public school finance in New York State, focusing on recent high levels of state aid. Discusses Speaker of Assembly's role as education advocate. This powerful Democrat formed a 1983 task force that studied financing, set priorities, issued a report, and produced a five-year plan to initiate further legislative action. Contains 2…

The National Governors' Association Task Force on Readiness presented policy recommendations to help at-risk children prepare for school and meet new educational standards. Suggested state initiatives include various outreach and preschool programs for low-income families, assistance with basic skills and teacher training, and incentives and…

"Time for Results: the Governors' 1991 Report on Education" provides new perspectives for educators tackling school improvement agendas. The nation's governors divided into seven task forces to examine school readiness, facilities, teaching, leadership, educational technology, college quality, parent involvement and school choice and…

The National Governors' Association Task Force on Parent Involvement and Choice believes that public education's current structure cannot deal effectively with the nation's diversity and demand for compulsory education. Key recommendations include adopting legislation that allows families statewide choice of schools and junior and senior…

Without governors' support, the emerging teaching reform agenda will go nowhere. States should eschew their "deja vu" attitudes and embrace quality of education as a major determinant of state and national economic survival. The governors' action agenda includes 10 recommendations addressing teacher education and standards, work…

The National Governors' Association Task Force on School Facilities termed $250 billion worth of underused and poorly maintained public school facilities a disgrace. The governors believe that no community should be hampered by state laws or regulations governing usage for community education purposes. States should act immediately to restore…

Summarizes the work of seven National Governors' Association task forces (on teaching, leadership, parent involvement and choice, readiness, technology, school facilities, and college quality) and the "action agenda" proposed. The governors' recent report is unique for its authorship, the tough issues tackled, and its follow-up plan.…