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…

This Oklahoma state plan documents the policies and procedures that public and private schools, agencies, and institutions follow when providing special education and related services to handicapped children, consistent with Public Law 94-142. Part I includes submission statements and certifications. Part II contains policies, procedures, and…

This state plan for education of gifted/talented students in Texas offers a rationale and goal, and defines the roles of the Texas Education Agency and the regional education service centers in supporting local district services for gifted students. The plan also contains suggested guidelines for use by local district personnel in the development…

Growing emphasis on improving citizenship education at the local school system level is promoting projects which are smaller in size and cost, broader in objectives, and which motivate learning by focusing on local issues. This gradual shift from national curriculum reform programs is a result of the realization that students lack basic knowledge…

This state plan for the education of gifted/talented students in Texas first offers a rationale and goal and then defines the state and district roles for educating gifted students. The plan provides guidelines for use by local district personnel in the development of gifted programs that meet state requirements. These guidelines include: (1)…

The extent to which classroom instruction and assessment activities in mathematics are aligned to the State of Maryland's Learning Objectives and the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP) was studied by examining the underlying structure of the mathematics teacher questionnaire developed and administered to teachers in the 1996-97…

This discussion paper examines the current state of practice of adult literacy education in Washington State as well as initiatives to improve program effectiveness in a number of areas, including staff quality and curriculum. The paper discusses staff and curriculum development being undertaken by the ABLE (Adult Basic and Literacy Educator's)…

This paper sets forth a definition and operational description of a developmental program that should be of use as a guide, especially to Virginia's teachers and administrators. Also included in the paper are kindergarten curriculum objectives in the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, art, social studies, family life, health, mental…

A prevailing assumption underlying statewide performance-based assessments is that they not only serve as motivators in improving student achievement and learning, they also encourage instructional strategies and techniques in the classroom that are more consistent with reform-oriented educational outcomes. Given these high expectations, more…

This discussion paper provides background information describing the service base of adult literacy education programs in Washington State and highlights local initiatives to coordinate services. Based on "The Washington State Literacy Resource Directory," the report identifies 102 local service providers of literacy services to adults.…

This study examines the underlying structure of the teacher language arts and science questionnaires from a project studying the impact of the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP). The dimensions of the questionnaire concerning practices and attitudes related to the MSPAP were studied, as well as the extent to which the on-grade…

The Michigan Assessment Program was proposed and designed to provide an improved information base for research and planning. Its assumptions were that education is an important investiment in human welfare, both school and non-school inputs influence educational performance, educational services are inequitably distributed, and resources available…

A study examined the condition of vocational education in correctional institutions in Minnesota. A literature review was conducted, and surveys were sent to 57 instructors and 18 supervisors of vocational education in correctional institutions throughout Minnesota. Forty-one of 57 instructors (72%) and all 18 supervisors (100%) completed the…

During a study examining vocational trends and priorities in Missouri, separate survey instruments were sent to 1,471 employers, 843 teachers, and 2,108 students in order to gather data on the following topics: the performance of vocational education, its priorities, collaboration between vocational education and the world of work, and indicators…

A project was undertaken to develop a model for organizing and operating learning centers in secondary and postsecondary vocational schools as well as in community colleges in Kentucky. During the first year of the project models were developed for learning centers at both instructional levels. Stressed in each model was the use of key elements of…