Summaries are presented of the problems and issues of minimum competency testing which were discussed at four regional conferences for political and educational practitioners. The Education Commission of the States sponsored the conferences, but took no official position of support or opposition. Section 1 compares the legislative, practitioner,…

The California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) allows a 16-or-17 year old who passes it to leave school as early as age 16, with parental permission, earning the legal equivalent of a diploma. The exam focuses on basic reading and computing skills. In this study, a variety of findings are reported. School districts have a budgetary…

Reviews precedents, at the state level, to the movement for education reform. Reports, by year and state, on first reactions to reform. Outlines topics touched by state reform efforts, summarizes unifying themes, and predicts the future of reform. Includes a table of states requiring testing for initial certification of teachers. (IW)

This report to the Mississippi Legislature presents the findings of a review of the cash management policies, procedures, and practices of the State Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL). The methodology involved review of: applicable Mississippi statutes; standards promulgated by the National Association of College and…

This publication is a compilation of maternal and child health and related laws enacted since 1912. It is designed as a ready reference for understanding Title V state programs and Title V discretionary project grant programs. The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program has operated as a federal-state partnership for more than 70 years. This…

This report provides information about special education costs in Vermont and the effects of recent policy changes implemented through Vermont's Act 230 and special education reform efforts. The report begins by describing Vermont's funding formula for special education and explains how the formula is flexible, more equitable, and better able to…

Through discussion and extensive research, the Committee Studying Contagious Disease Training attempted to address concerns regarding education and training of public safety personnel with regard to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). The committee's findings were based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration…

This publication updates information from prior surveys of the 50 states and the District of Columbia in the areas of: (1) requirements for regular licensure (standards an individual must meet to be issued an initial or advanced teaching credential); (2) requirements for licensure--emergency or shortage-driven (the process by which a person who…

The research and evaluation agenda for the Austin Independent School District (AISD) (Texas) is determined for each school year, subject to current needs and requests. The evaluations and other major projects for 1993-94 will focus on three major areas. First is providing school support. Testing programs mandated by state law and district policy…

This publication updates information from prior surveys of the 50 states and the District of Columbia in the areas of: (1) requirements for regular licensure (standards an individual must meet to be issued an initial or advanced teaching credential); (2) requirements for licensure--emergency or shortage-driven (the process by which a person who…

States use many high-stakes assessments to make decisions about individuals. These tests may be criticized by those who believe that their purpose or application is discriminatory. Because litigation is time consuming and costly, it is advantageous for states to plan assessments carefully to maximize legal defensibility. This handbook is designed…

A 1990 U.S. Department of Labor strike force found child labor violations in more than 1,760 of 3,776 businesses investigated. Data from the American Youth Work Center, the National Consumers League, and the New York State Department of Labor also indicate increased numbers of child labor violations. Child labor has a long history in the United…

State activities to collect information on program outcomes for students enrolled in postsecondary vocational education were examined in spring 1990. A multistage process, beginning with a review of state reports and legislation, was followed by telephone interviews with state officials. The average number of respondents per state was five.…

This report presents the detailed results of the compilation of an overview of state activities related to measuring the outcomes of postsecondary vocational education. Chapter I provides background to the study. Chapter II describes the methodology used for the development of the overview, including discussions with experts, the information…

The California Office of Child Development's child care and development program is designed to ensure an environment conducive to the development and growth of young children and provide parents the opportunity to work or prepare for employment to support their families. It is also intended to prevent or lessen child abuse or neglect and provide…