The annual budgeting process is a valuable opportunity for districts to systematically examine both resource use and programming. They can then use the findings to optimize resource use and improve program efficacy in ways that will lead to increased student achievement. Bo Yan and Thomas Aberli discuss three root causes for districts' inability…

A proposal for setting up an accountability program for teachers. (RA)

Among nearly 40 States attempting to apply the accountability principle to school operation by legislative fiat, Michigan is clearly a leader. This exhaustive study reveals disturbing defects in Michigan's plan, particularly in the assessment component. (Editor)

The newly appointed director of the National Institute of Education responds to questions about the institute's objectives. (JN)

Uses data from the evaluation of schools using a continuous progress curriculum plan to evaluate both intended and unintended outcomes of the project. Asks if sometimes the benefits of the intended outcome aren't outweighed by the costs of the unintended outcomes. (IRT)

FOCUS, a program aimed at student valuing, self-image, and interpersonal relations, was found by a national Title III validation team to have improved student attitude toward school, increased attendance, and raised academic achievement. (DW)

Describes the Staff Performance Improvement and Appraisal Program at Newport-Mesa, California (Author)

A Newport Beach, California, teacher evaluates that district's Staff Performance Improvement and Appraisal Program. (JF)

The application of an educational planning model designed for involving a representative sample of school patrons in decision making is described with reference to the case of Gilbert, Arizona. The article focuses on the first of the model's three phases: prioritizing goals, curriculum development, and program design and evaluation. (MJL)

Built on 15 years of proven results, IMPACT II-The Teachers Network continues to trust classroom teachers, mobilize them to support school improvement, and refine and extend the teacher leadership agenda. Basically, the network finds good teachers with good ideas, awards them small grants, and connects them with other good teachers. Program…

Criticizes the Holmes Group Report for the incompleteness of its recommendations in the following areas: (1) redesigning the undergraduate liberal arts curriculum, (2) eliminating undergraduate field experience, and (3) endorsing the concept of a differentiated staff composed of instructors, professional teachers, and career professionals.…

Criticizes, for programmatic and political reasons, two main recommendations of the Holmes Group report: (1) to transfer professional studies from the undergraduate level to the graduate level and (2) to deny undergraduate students the opportunity to major in education. Gives reasons why the Holmes proposals would not work in Indiana. (IW)