This report describes key policy decisions that have shaped the New Jersey system of higher education during the past third of a century. The study was part of a larger study that aimed at understanding the linkages between policy decisions and higher education performance through comparative case studies of two states in the United States and two…

Among the major educational policy shifts in recent years has been the establishment of state-funded prekindergarten programs. This study extends an earlier one of the development of prekindergarten policy in five states by focusing on policy development in two additional states, California and Ohio. Potential informants in each state who were…

This report addresses issues on the use of accommodations, modifications, or alternatives for students with disabilities in large-scale educational assessment programs. First, a set of definitions from current literature and the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are offered. The importance of agreement between instructional and…

This report presents a description of state policies regarding the participation of English language learners (ELLs) in statewide assessment programs during the 1998-1999 school year. The data collected included descriptions of policies: (1) for the inclusion and exemption of ELLs; (2) regarding the allowance or prohibition of accommodations in…

The major issue of educational quality is linked to the potential of national and state assessment programs. It is suggested that changes in assessment design, analysis, and reporting can significantly contribute to improvement in the policy development process. The California Assessment Program illustrates how state assessment information may be…

Provides an overview of Australia's early childhood education and care in the late 1980s. Topics include provision of services; state government responsibilities; caregiver pay, status, and training; and future trends and issues. (RJC)

A student-centered evaluation of the California Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Education (DATE) program shows how a state policy directed toward students at risk influences program directions and affects at-risk and thriving students. Reasons to question the validity of the risk factor model as a prevention tool are discussed. (SLD)

Discusses apparent contradicting conclusions of two studies on the impact of policies aimed at raising the achievement of at-risk students. One study analyzed the impact of state minimum competency testing; the other analyzed students' reactions to the threat of grade retention if certain levels on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills were not achieved.…

This report summarizes the activities and findings of the external evaluation of the "Science: It's Elementary" (SIE) program during the period from July 2008 through June 2009. The SIE program is managed by ASSET Inc. and overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. SIE is an initiative aimed at improving elementary science…

Pay for performance is a popular public education reform, and millions of dollars are currently being targeted for pay for performance programs. These reforms are popular because economic and management theories suggest that well-designed incentive pay programs could improve teacher effectiveness. There is little evidence about the characteristics…

This report reviews the outcomes of a forum convened to examine policy and practice issues surrounding the annual evaluation of effectiveness of programs and services for students with disabilities. At the forum, alternative approaches being used by states to implement program evaluation were discussed, along with issues in gathering…

This state plan for education of students with disabilities in New York provides information on how the state's provision of special education programs and services in the least restrictive environment complies with federal law and regulation (especially the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). The report describes planning and program…

This report reviews legislative and administrative policies surrounding adult basic education, the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills program (JOBS) of the Family Support Act, and the Job Training and Partnership Act (JTPA). Recommendations are made for the development of an effective continuum of literacy services. Section A is a historical…

This study explores an alternative approach to educational program and policy evaluation by using two major educational measurement/analysis methods, and illustrates their integrated applications to evaluating state reform policies. Most evaluations have been done one program at a time, but it is desirable to design evaluation research in a way…

Formal program evaluation activities in special education have focused primarily on process indicators such as compliance while neglecting product indicators such as student outcomes. While efforts are underway to provide technical assistance to state and local educational agencies to expand the focus of evaluation activities, there is a need to…