Two methods to establish a common scale across grades within a content area using a common item design (separate and concurrent) have previously been studied under simulated conditions. Separate estimation is accomplished through separate calibration and grade-by-grade chained linking. Concurrent calibration established the vertical scale in a…

Among the provisions of Maryland Senate Bill 682 was that mission statements would be developed by the presidents of public institutions of higher education in Maryland, submitted, and then reviewed by the Higher Education Commission no later than June 30, 1999 as required by the law in effect before July 1, 1999. Mission statements were to be…

The Massachusetts Board of Education is required to establish standards for prekindergarten programs serving 3- and 4-year-olds in whole- or half-day programs. This document presents the standards to be used by programs receiving Chapter 188 Early Childhood funds. The program standards are intended to guide ongoing development, evaluation, and…

The inclusion of students with disabilities in state and district assessments rests on a fundamental belief: all children can learn. This belief centers on all children who receive educational services, even those whose teachers and therapists work with them at home or in the hospital. The purpose of this chapter is to clarify the rationale for…

The Family to Family initiative has encouraged states to reconceptualize, redesign, and reconstruct their foster care systems. By 1996, the initiative was being implemented in five states, five Georgia counties, and Los Angeles County, California. This paper describes an approach for nontraditional partnerships that work to rebuild the foster care…

An English educator comments on general aspects of American education and specific efforts to educate gifted students. (MC)

Describes New Jersey's environmental education program, operated under the auspices of a unique Council for Environmental Education financed by Title III funds.

Describes citizens' action or youth environment councils which coordinate information and resources for dealing with drug problems. (KJ)

Summarizes recent developments with reference to gifted education in the nation, outlines some of the current concerns in the field, and concludes with some implications for career education for the gifted and talented. (Author)

The article describes the Intermountain Center for Gifted Education in Utah which provides educational programs statewide for gifted and talented students. It is explained that the programs are also designed to expand community awareness of the needs of gifted students and encourage active community involvement. (PHR)

Describes the scope of evaluation efforts of the Even Start family literacy program to date, summarizing the evaluation strategies, rationale, intended audience, and findings. Discusses the different lenses offered by evaluation at state and local levels. (SLD)

A cost-benefit analysis is presented for Illinois's statewide supported employment initiative for individuals with developmental disabilities. The analysis concludes that society realized a $0.75 return for every $1.00 invested in supported employment, while supported employees realized a 37 percent increase in their earnings. (Author/JDD)