Geography at elementary and middle schools in Louisiana, USA., remains a social studies strand along with civics, economics, and history, with no state-required geography course at any level. But because schools may require more geography than the state standard, this research examines the extent to which K-12 students are exposed to geography in…

Since the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), there has been a growing focus on improving the quality of programs for children with disabilities and measuring the results/outcomes of those programs. Across the country, IDEA Part C Programs for Infants and Toddlers and IDEA Part B, Section 619 Preschool…

Various approaches to the professional development school (PDS)--each designed for its respective audience, mission, and purpose for engagement--have shaped the professional development school effort during the past 25 years. Central to these approaches is improving teacher quality in the service of student learning. This provides direction for…

Postsecondary noncredit education has become an increasingly popular option for community college students in recent years. At many two-year institutions, noncredit education enrolls more students than do credit programs. This article presents an excerpt from a recent report published by the Community College Research Center, part of the Teachers…

Among issues uncovered were that some professionals were not convinced of the need for free public school services for early childhood handicapped children, there is a need for leadership, there is a large information gap, and there is a great need for coordinated pre- and inservice training. (CL)

Describes trends in the minimal competency movement in Florida and several other states and speculates about future trends in minimum-competency testing. (DD)

Relates history and present level of environmental concern in Michigan as exemplified by organizations, materials, and projects, indicating that much of the progress in this state is due to the keen interest of citizens for environmental concerns and improvement. A 10-day workshop for teachers is also described. (DH)

The gifted education movement in California is traced, and the efforts of the California Association for Gifted (a parent group) to save the California gifted program are reviewed. It is pointed out that the strongest component of California's successes in developing gifted/talented education legislation has been parent support. (SW)

A trend away from state support of university research with commercial potential is noted, because of state budget restraints, changes in political leadership, and the belief that support of university research is not an efficient way to help businesses and create jobs. Cuts in specific programs in Virginia, Illinois, Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska…

"Schoolyard Bullies" deals with the Sullivan Royal Commission on Education in British Columbia (Canada), the school reform it initiated, usually called "Year 2000," and what has happened in the province's schools since that reform effort was abandoned. New emphases in reform efforts in British Columbia stress vocationalism.…

Reports on the national demand for higher educational standards evident in the state legislation of the past three or four years that has mandated minimum competency testing programs. States that have adopted various kinds of such legislation are listed. (JD)

Presents national data on elementary and secondary schools and degree-granting institutions, including projections to the year 2012. Also includes state-level projections of public school enrollment and public high school graduates. (SLD)

Elementary school second language instruction began in 1840 but has in general been restricted to a limited number of schools and programs. In 1969, Louisiana initiated an effort to become the country's center of French language study, bringing together resources from French-speaking nations and setting an example for other communities. (MSE)

Reports are given on the use of computers in elementary and secondary schools in five states. An analysis of the reports discusses various educational trends and implications evolving from computer use, including misapplied technology and the proper amount of learning and teaching via computers. (CJ)

Reviews the past progress and outcomes of the educational reform movement at the state level and outlines strategies for the second wave of reform. Contends that the future of education reform depends primarily on the growth of the American economy and how this growth is distributed among the states. (TE)