The purpose of this study was to conduct a nationwide assessment of state-level environmental education (EE) organizations to determine the components that are essential to the establishment and success of these organizations. E-mail surveys were used to collect data from North American Association for Environmental Education state affiliates, and…

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…

Through the "Strengthening Statewide College/Career Readiness Initiative" (SSCRI), Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) has collaborated with states on state policy goals and actions needed to improve high school students' academic readiness for postsecondary study and reduce the need for remedial work. SREB created and implemented…

The report examines services for the gifted in West Virginia and offers recommendations for improving those services. In chapter 1, "Study of Best Practices in Educating Gifted Children," Patricia Bruce Mitchell outlines findings from a literature and interview analysis regarding best practices in gifted education, including exemplary…

This background briefing paper synthesizes current thinking and practice on the issue of latchkey children and school-age child care (SACC). The paper defines the problem of latchkey children; reviews related literature and programmatic responses to the problem; reports responses of four southern states; and points out implications for policy…

In June 1975, a reading-achievement task force was commissioned to produce a plan for improving reading achievement in West Virginia. This report describes the background and method of work adopted by the task force and presents a detailed set of objectives as a framework for action to improve reading achievement in the state. The objectives focus…

Descriptions of 27 state early childhood education programs are presented in this survey conducted to provide information on which to base program development decisions related to early childhood education in West Virginia. The study surveyed the following areas in each state: definition of early childhood education; administrating agency; laws,…

The decline in Federal funding for state-provided social services during the 1980s triggered a transformation in the states' roles in family policymaking. This booklet documents four state initiatives designed to bring about systems change: (1) Healthy Start (California); (2) the Governor's Families and Children Initiative (Colorado); (3) the…

In response to strong political debate concerning the future of federal welfare policy and a push for welfare to work programs, the Bank Street College of Education's Center for Family Support held a conference to address the issue of welfare recipients as child care providers. The purpose of this meeting was threefold: (1) to stimulate thinking…

A needs sensing confirmation study was conducted to identify the Appalachia Educational Laboratory's (AEL) long term research and development program needs and provide guidelines for its seven member states' activities. The AEL Board of Directors, individuals serving in similar positions as the Board members, and a sample of non-public school…

Presented by the West Virginia Board of Regents with assistance from state colleges and universities is a state plan for special education teacher preparation. The project objectives include a needs analysis for special education, the development of innovative plans for teacher training, the determination of alternative training programs, and the…

This report examines the current status of federal and state involvement in educational personnel development. First, it describes the federal legislative process, and offers a list of members of Congressional committees dealing with education legislation. Next, it analyzes involvement of the U.S. Office of Education and of individual states in…

Recommendations of the West Virginia Commission on Mental Retardation are summarized for both legislative action and major supplementary requests, and basic principles of the state plan are given. Descriptions are given of the state plan organization as a whole and programs for community facilities (diagnostic and treatment centers and community…

In 1992, the U.S. Department of Labor and Council of Chief State School Officers awarded grants for the development of statewide systems to enhance school-to-work transition (SWT) through youth apprenticeship in eight states: California, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. In June 1993, the programs were…