In 1998 it became apparent that support for state assessments in Spanish at the elementary level was waning in Colorado, and it was likely that only an English-language version would be available for the grade 5 mathematics assessment in 1999. A study was conducted to provide empirical results to inform decisions regarding language accommodations…

The Institute for Education and Social Policy assessed the relationship between standards-based reform and the charter school movement in four states: Texas, Massachusetts, California, and Louisiana. These states were selected because they are the focus of other projects sponsored by the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation and because, as a group,…

This report discusses the results of a survey of 32 states and the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDS) regarding the reevaluation of students who are classified as having a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It summarizes provisions governing reevaluation in IDEA, describes the methodology of the…

This guide to the "Documents on Documents Collection" describes 223 documents gathered during 1984-95. The collection consists of materials used in the administration of state documents depository programs, including: (1) bibliographies; (2) commentaries and letters; (3) depository contracts; (4) forms and form letters; (5) labels; (6)…

This document presents the consensus statement of a 2-day conference which addressed issues concerned with the early identification of hearing impairment. The conference resulted in the following consensus conclusions: (1) all infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit should be screened for hearing loss prior to discharge; (2) universal…

This Massachusetts Long-Range Plan was developed to set broad strategic direction for the use of Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds, to inform Massachusetts libraries of these directions, and to meet the statutory requirement. This plan details specific goals and objectives that support the stated mission: to provide every resident…

In 1993, Project FORUM issued a report (Ahearn, 1993) that provided information on resources available to states and districts in accessing Medicaid reimbursements for services for students with disabilities, a relatively new source of funding at that time. It is now over 10 years since Medicaid funds were approved for use for special education…

This paper outlines concerns relating to the inclusion of students with disabilities in state and district educational assessments and the provision of non-standard accommodations (NSAs). The major concerns are that: (1) the term "non-standard accommodation" is an oxymoron and muddies the issue; (2) NSAs change the plain meaning of words…

The selections in this volume explore the debates surrounding issues of affordability, access, and accountability in higher education. The contributors identify these issues as the three key policy issues facing public higher education in the opening years of the new century. Following an introduction, "The Changing Dynamics of Affordability,…

Over the past two years, a statewide initiative has been led to create a virtual university in Minnesota. With one million dollars in state funding, the two public higher education systems--the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the University of Minnesota--have collaborated with private colleges, state departments, industry…

There is significant inequality in funding public libraries in Michigan, and there is every likelihood that there will be increased instability in that funding if action is not taken immediately. The objectives of this study included the following: provide an analysis of how public libraries in Michigan are currently funded; identify current…

The Student Health Initiative is a joint initiative of the Canadian provincial government partners of Education, Health, Family, and Social Services; the Alberta Mental Health Board; the Child and Family Services Secretariat; and Community Development. The initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity to deliver health and related support…

This report traces the movement for school funding reform in Colorado. The study analyzes how court-mandated remedies were implemented and seeks to determine what role public engagement played in these reforms. Some have suggested that a general skepticism and lack of confidence in reform in Colorado have delayed funding reform, coupled with such…

In recent years, several states have offered financial incentives to encourage child care centers and homes to become accredited by a reputable national organization to improve child care quality. This report examines whether it is good policy to offer higher reimbursement rates to accredited child care facilities and assesses the relative merits…

Success for All is the most extensively researched of all comprehensive reform models for Title I elementary schools. It incorporates scientifically based principles of reading, cooperative learning, professional development, tutoring, and family support. Michigan elementary schools implementing the Success for All reading program made outstanding…