On the surface, it appears that it should be quite simple to identify the characteristics of a child who is ready for school and then to assess whether or not any given child has these characteristics. But readiness is a difficult construct and one that has been the topic of great debate. Assessment of readiness is even more challenging. Policies…

Maine and Vermont have been national leaders in state-level coordination of high school reform. Both recently developed almost interchangeable, new, voluntary, statewide frameworks that describe multiple ways high schools should change. Both frameworks--Promising Futures (Maine Commission on Secondary Education 1998) and High Schools on the Move…

This guide, which is intended for middle aged and older women who are interested in starting, resuming, or completing education and training, explains how and where to find financial aid. Chapter 1 discusses the importance of developing an overall financial aid search strategy and suggests procedures for identifying and pursuing possible financial…

Oregon is raising its expectations for students. The current academic standard, which allows students to graduate with only a D-minus average in 22 credit hours of classes, is being replaced by the requirement that students prove that they are proficient in English, mathematics, science, history, and other academic subjects. Students will…

This report contains project synopses and evaluations supporting recommendations for funding 25 continuing and 7 new projects in public and nonpublic colleges and universities included in the $1.5 million appropriated for fiscal year 1997 for the Illinois Cooperative Work Study Program. Selection criteria included: strengthening cooperation among…

Highlights of a state survey of educational programs to assist limited-English-proficient (LEP) students in Idaho's elementary and secondary schools are reported. An introductory section describes the legislative background and history of the survey and the methods used to gather data on programs and students. These methods include questionnaires,…

Under the Idaho state system for curriculum development in vocational education, Technical Committees made up solely of industry personnel are responsible for drawing up task lists for each program. A Technical Committee Report is prepared on completion of the committees assignment. This Technical Committee Report presents a task list that…

This document provides models to guide counselors and secondary students in tailoring programs of study that will allow students to pursue both employment and postsecondary education after graduation. Information on how to use the document to produce a program of study is accompanied by a chart that presents an overview of the entire process. The…

A Texas State Job Training Coordinating Council task force developed a series of recommendations regarding improving Texas' current employment and training system to prepare the state's residents for the "smart jobs of the future." A formal literature review was conducted, and regional forums were held and attended by a wide range of…

This paper reviews and critiques empirical evidence concerning knowledge gaps and misconceptions among secondary school students, parents/guardians, and educators about postsecondary education and student financial assistance opportunities and prerequisites, in particular, how Michigan's middle school based Project Awareness may affect student…

Minimim standards and basic skills assessment activities at the federal, state, and local school district level, as of September 1977, are summarized, indicating the broad range and variety that exists nationwide. Minimal competency testing is mandated by law in eleven states: California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New…

A statewide career education needs assessment was conducted to evaluate career education in Rhode Island. Items in ten areas (self-awareness, career awareness, attitude development, educational awareness, daily living skills, stereotype elimination, career planning and decision-making skills, information, career exploration, and career…

State policies regarding funding programs to serve at-risk students and dropouts through school-to-work activities in alternative learning environments were examined in a national survey. Data were collected through the following: surveys sent to finance directors in state departments of education and education committee chairs in both legislative…

This Kids Count report is the third in a series examining statewide trends in the well-being of Indiana's children. The report combines statistics of special concern in Indiana with 10 national Kids Count well-being indicators: (1) percent low birthweight; (2) infant mortality rate; (3) child death rate; (4) birth rate to unmarried teens ages 15…

This report provides a comprehensive review of the status of Louisiana's youth and is designed to be used in planning efforts and in developing priorities for improving the health and welfare of the youth of the state. Chapter 1 of the report examines the concept of expanding the definition of health to include social and emotional development,…