Describes the procedures by which Kentucky's state assessment program synthesized results from three standard setting procedures (Contrasting Groups, Bookmark, and Jaeger-Mills) for the 2000 state assessment. Shows the value of using multiple standard-setting approaches to gather information from each. (SLD)

Describes the concept of "adequate yearly progress" as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act and discusses some of the psychometric issues it raises. Examines scaling as a means to equate tests when assessing educational gains and recommends vertically moderated standards over vertical equating of state assessments. (SLD)

How state educational authorities in Kentucky use statewide test data to rank the state's 178 school districts was studied, using data from the "Kentucky Essential Skills Test: Statewide Testing Results" (1987). The methods used, means of refining those methods, the fairness/accuracy/validity of resulting interpretations, and problems…

Describes a cooperative program between individual state governments and the Australian government whereby unemployed people who want to start a small business are given a comprehensive package consisting of loan capital, one year's living allowance, training, and business advice. (JOW)

Evaluation of Washington's Family Independence Program (1988-1993), designed to increase self-sufficiency of welfare recipients, shows that employment was lower and welfare participation higher than under Aid to Families with Dependent Children and there was little increase in education and training participation. The program apparently made…

The work of the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is guided by a 5-year strategic plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide focus for the activity of this small agency and its eight staff members in order to increase productivity and impact in the areas of its statutory authority. The mission and goals were accepted by…

"Moving the Needle on Poverty" is designed to provide Colorado leaders with an up-to-date picture of the diverse strategies that states across the nation are pursuing to lift individuals, families, and communities out of poverty. As the report indicates, many states are choosing to set specific and measurable goals for poverty reduction,…

Florida's Bright Futures program is one of the nation's largest merit-based scholarship initiatives. This study used high school transcript and college enrollment data to examine the program's impact on high school course-taking patterns, school grades, college entrance exam scores, and rates of college attendance over time. The study indicates…

This report to the Minnesota legislature examines children and their families who participated in the Head Start program during 1993-1994, and summarizes information on the following program areas: (1) Head Start program overview; (2) funding facts; (3) program year 1993-1994 activities; and (4) agency specific information. The Head Start program…

This policy paper is part of the plan for achieving universal literacy in New York State. It acknowledges accomplishments in creating a statewide network of public and private providers, in public financing, and in the public recognition of literacy's importance; it then examines what must be done to further meet literacy needs. The proposed…

The Comprehensive School Improvement Program (CSIP), which was mandated by New York State to address issues of school reform, was a disappointment both in the way the State conceived the program and in the way it was implemented. CSIP was designed to encourage cooperative planning among teachers, principals, parents, and other school staff to…

A 310 Special Demonstration Project was conducted in Florida to create a model of competency-based adult education (CBAE) based on the programs currently in existence. This manual, which was produced through the project, presents an overview of CBAE and explains in detail how to operate a CBAE program. The manual is organized in 11 sections. The…

The lack of systematic, national data on the priority problems being experienced in the field operation of vocational education programs has been a barrier to the design of effective strategies for program improvement. The major purpose of this study was to provide a preliminary assessment of the field operation needs of vocational education. From…

A partnership between the federal government and state and local education agencies is required to solve existing problems in vocational education. The federal government's strategy involves directing money to underserved populations; encouraging planning at all levels to produce more employable graduates; promoting research and demonstration of…

This report offers an examination of the impact of Nebraska Reading First on comprehension across the first three years of implementation in the state. Grade level performance is defined as performance at or above the 40th percentile using grade level standards. Within each grade level section reading comprehension achievement is shown for all…