California currently faces an opportunity to develop an effective data system that can assist in improving the state's future understanding of the educational progress of English learners (ELs). This policy brief outlines the needs for good data on ELs and makes recommendations for creating an effective longitudinal data system for ELs. It…

This handbook is designed to help Utah school districts compile and report pertinent information to their respective publics, in compliance with the provisions of House Bill 170, which requires districts to prepare annual district reports. Following the introduction, suggestions are presented for the content, information sources, and reporting…

Most states are either working on or have adopted statewide standards. A significant number of states plan to link their standards to rigorous new assessments and accountability measures. Districts engaged in standards-based reform must routinely analyze data on student achievement. Sidebars list sources and describe a survey of district programs.…

This document describes Rhode Island's School Accountability for Learning and Teaching (SALT) process. It defines SALT's vision, outlines Article 31 (which requires schools to engage in self-study and goal setting and sets rigorous requirements for schools), and explains how SALT concepts mirror and respond to Article 31 demands. SALT's vision is…

Among many publicly-funded school choice initiatives that have earned Florida the label "school choice central", none has reached as many children and families as charter schools. Charter schools have flourished in Florida largely because of the state's rapid population growth: many of the districts that are experiencing more than a 10…

Drawing on nearly 6 years of findings by the American Council of Education's Center for Adult Learning and Educational Credentials, this book exposes the techniques that diploma mills (shadowy educational institutions with addresses ranging from shopping malls to post office boxes) use to lure prospective students. Explanations of how many of…

This training manual is designed to provide information that will help Missouri educators understand and implement new state requirements regarding the inclusion of students with disabilities in the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP). It addresses the following topics: (1) reasons for including students with disabilities in a state assessment…

This handbook provides information about the philosophy of elementary education in Alberta, the educational needs of the province's elementary school students, the organization of instructional programs, and school administration. Some of the directives presented in the handbook are obligatory, while others are simply suggestions. The first…

This bulletin provides guidelines to Missouri educators concerning inclusion of students with disabilities in state and district-wide assessments of school achievement as required under Missouri's Outstanding Schools Act and the reauthorization of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997. It stresses the greater focus on…

Information about education in Oklahoma beginning with the 1989-90 school year and continuing through December of 1990 is presented in a concise and usable format. This document is an overview of information useful to the public. Sections include: (1) common education recognitions and achievements; (2) 1990 school legislation; (3) educational…

In this report for the Progressive Policy Institute's 21st Century Schools Project, the author takes a close look at charter schooling in Ohio, examining the history, status quo, challenges, and the future of the charter school effort there. He finds terrific examples of success, but points out that there are some very real challenges, including…

This document was designed to inform members of the policy, education, and research communities about existing state and institutional policies and practices associated with four accelerated learning programs: Advanced Placement (AP), dual/concurrent enrollment, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, and Tech-Prep. This effort was…

To assist parents, educators, and law-makers, this guide presents each state's Compulsory Education Law for Home Schooling situations. Compilation of facts and laws derives from materials collected from the chief state school officer or designated authority. Because many states are updating laws and requirements, the manual is intended as a…

This resource guide is intended to assist local Texas school districts in the implementation of site-based decision-making and in the development of district and campus plans that will result in improved student performance. This document includes information on site-based decision-making and suggestions for developing district and campus plans.…

The ways collective bargaining affects the operation of public schools are identified. Teachers covered by bargaining agreements, compared with teachers not covered, receive higher salaries and teach smaller classes. They also spend slightly less time instructing students but more time preparing for classes. The major difference detected in the…