This review assembles what is known from studies and analyses of large-scale systemic reform initiatives aimed at mathematics and science education, especially those undertaken by state governments and the National Science Foundation. The review concentrates on qualitative investigations, which reveal whether and how these initiatives converge on…

This paper analyzes the economic costs and benefits of Minnesota's nonresident tuition policies and tuition reciprocity agreements to the state. It also assesses the effects that modifications to these policies and agreements would have on migration patterns and the costs and benefits arising from such modifications. The methods used, such as…

In response to "Closing the Gaps: Participation, Success, Excellence, Research," the new Texas Higher Education Plan, this document contains a proposal that will help achieve the desired level of quality among higher education programs in Texas by ensuring that these programs are relevant to the global content of the 21st century. It is…

In 1995, the Missouri Legislature adopted Senate Bill 301, which directs the Health and Educational Facilities Authority of the State of Missouri to assist school districts in the issuance of general obligation bonds. The law charges the Authority with developing guidelines for and administering two voluntary methods relating to the issuance of…

This document presents questions and answers to some frequently asked questions concerning student fees and financial aid at California's public colleges and universities. The answers provide an overview of costs and aid at public institutions of higher education in California. In the 2003-2004 year, California residents enrolled as full-time…

This paper focuses on the formulation and adoption of content standards in California. The standards-setting process is examined through the theoretical lens of deliberative democracy in order to develop a better understanding of the process and to assess the extent to which the institutions charged with deciding what students should learn can act…

This guidebook assists California school districts in applying for and obtaining "grant" funds for new construction and modernization projects of its public schools under the provisions of the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998. It provides direction on accessing the processes leading to project approvals, insight into the…

This paper is designed to initiate discussion about new educational accountability systems and the implications of these systems for educator preparation. Accountability systems are often developed with little regard to a clear definition of accountability, but once the systems are in place, and states are showing (realistic or political)…

This project provided a year-long skill development Workforce Education Institute for 100 work force literacy providers and instructors in Pennsylvania. The institute included an intensive, 3-day summer workshop, 2 follow-up workshops, and a 2-day spring workshop designed to meet the individual needs of the participants. In evaluations submitted…

Using recent economic data on state spending and information about childhood brain development, this Kids Count mini-report offers a snapshot of where Arkansas stands on early education and spending on such programs. The report examines the next steps, challenging conventional wisdom in order to explore the best path for improving child outcomes…

This book describes the history of the University of Hawaii and higher education in Hawaii in the 20th century. Main topics include educational leaders, faculty, students, program development, educational expansion, and historical context. Part 1 traces the development of the Manoa Campus and the university system throughout the century. Included…

The essays in this collection were commissioned to launch an initiative focusing on state policies to respond to the challenges facing higher education in the new century. The initiative will engage governors and their key advisors in three priorities: increasing student access, learning, and degree attainment; building and sustaining seamless…

States participating in the National Assessment of Educational Progress State Assessment program (state NAEP) are required to sample at least 2,500 students from at least 100 schools per subject assessed. In this ideal situation, 25 students are assessed for a subject in each school selected for that subject. Two problems have arisen: some states…

This Quick Turn Around issue analysis summarizes information gathered by Project FORUM on the disability terms used by state education agencies (SEAs). All 50 states and 6 non-state jurisdictions returned completed surveys between February and April 2001. Of the 56 respondents, 18 SEAs report having aligned their terminology completely with the 12…

This issue of "Changing Schools" focuses on character education. The lead article, "Character Education: Finding Ways To Foster Ethical Behavior in Youth" by Diane McIntyre Wilber discusses the character education programs that have spread to nearly every type of school, whether public, private, charter, or faith-based. Since…