Research Findings: Each year the federal government disburses billions of dollars to support young children, with a particular focus on assisting families facing hardships. Policies for children revolve around several fundamental themes, including the promotion of physical health and high-quality environments, intellectual and language skills,…

This paper provides information about Rhode Island's New England Common Assessments Program (NCAP), a comprehensive test. Its purpose is to measure each student's overall proficiency for graduation in the six core academic areas. In 2008, the Board of Regents in Rhode Island established new regulations for high school diplomas. Beginning with the…

This paper provides information about Mississippi Subject Area Testing Program. The purpose of the exam is to: (1) Determine prospective high school graduates' mastery of the state curriculum; (2) Provide data to state policymakers on student attainment of state education goals to inform education policy decisions; (2) Increase alignment of local…

This paper provides information about Louisiana's Graduation Exit Examination, a comprehensive standards-based exam. The purpose of the exam is to: (1) Provide schools with student academic diagnostic information; (2) Determine prospective high school graduates' mastery of the state curriculum; (3) Encourage districts and schools to identify and…

This paper provides information about Idaho Standards Achievement Test, a comprehensive standards-based test. The purpose of the test is to: (1) Determine prospective high school graduates' mastery of the state curriculum, grade 10; (2) Encourage districts and schools to identify and serve students at risk of academic failure; (3) Provide data to…

This paper provides information about the New York's Regents Examination. The purpose of the exam is to: (1) Provide schools with student academic diagnostic information; (2) Determine prospective high school graduates' knowledge and skill levels relative to those needed for entry-level employment; (3) Determine prospective high school graduates'…

Among risk factors associated with reading difficulties, poverty and underdeveloped oral language skills can be particularly detrimental to reading success. The City Early Reading First (CERF) project implemented a comprehensive curriculum, professional development, intensive mentoring, and home supports to enhance children's language, literacy,…

The curriculum in English as a second language of the Overseas Refugee Training Program, a federally sponsored program designed to prepare Southeast Asian refugees for resettlement in the United States, uses a competency-based model and the format used in the Oregon State Minimal Competencies curriculum. The specialists who developed the refugee…

The horrific events of 11 September 2001, when four hijacked jetliners crashed into and collapsed the twin-towered World Trade Center in New York, slammed into the Pentagon, and nose-dived into a field in rural Pennsylvania (ostensibly on a mission to destroy the U.S. Capitol or the White House), have been indelibly etched into the nation's…

State agencies have been exploring a variety of options for addressing the Office of Special Education Program's (OSEP) requirements for measuring outcomes for children in early intervention (Part C) or preschool (Section 619) programs. OSEP requires the measurement of children's performance in three outcome areas: (a) acquisition and use of…

A federally-funded program of English as a Second Language training and counseling services to encourage assimilation of Haitian immigrants in Florida is described. The unique needs and characteristics of the population served and the varied communities affected are discussed, and the five cooperating institutions (four colleges and one Catholic…

Transcripts of weekly programs broadcast by National Public Radio on bilingual education are presented with Wendy Blair and John Merrow. Contents are as follows: (1) Introduction; (2) "History of Bilingual Education" by Noel Epstein; (3) "Passamaquoddy Language Instruction in Maine" with Wayne Newall, Robert Leavitt, and Anna…

This evaluation provides a project description, principal objectives, a listing of activities and services, and aspects of communication of eight nonpublic school centers providing supplemental instruction in corrective reading, language, and mathematics to students deficient in these areas because of economic, linguistic, or environmental…

A federally funded program in English as a Second Language involving 516 North and Central American immigrants in two Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., is described. The instruction began in 1981 in three public schools, and had good attendance and high student motivation. The following aspects of the program are outlined and discussed: (1)…

The primary goal of the federally funded Chapter 1 program is to improve the educational opportunities of educationally deprived children by helping them to: (1) succeed in the regular program, (2) attain grade-level proficiency, and (3) improve in the basic and more advanced skills that all children are expected to master. This report examines…