Purpose: In the last 5 years, many states have introduced science of reading (SOR) reforms that require increased attention to foundational skills instruction in grades K-3. The fast spread of these policies raises questions about the mechanisms that facilitated their rapid adoption. The purpose of this article is to examine how SOR discourses…

In 2013, the Texas Legislature gave the state commissioner of education the broad statutory authority necessary to close poor performing public charter schools. Since then, the commissioner has vigorously exercised this new authority, preparing the way for the state to shift its resources away from enforcement and toward creation and support of…

The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. The focus of this issue is "Education Policy." Contents include: (1) Legislative Sessions Constrained by…

Two decades of research have documented what now is common knowledge: no in-school factor matters more to students' educational experiences and outcomes than the effectiveness of their teacher. As a result, the national airspace is increasingly crowded with proposed reforms and initiatives designed to boost teacher performance, including new…

Illinois does not currently have a statewide certification program for adult educators, although the Illinois Adult and Continuing Educators Association has adopted a set of professional standards for adult educators. Some local school districts in the state do, however, require that adult educators be certified. The issue of whether to require…

The paper examines policy implications of recent trends toward state mandated assessment of higher education services. Two differing purposes of assessment, that of academic improvement and that of accountability, are distinguished. Current trends in how policy makers and higher educators approach a "new accountability" include seeing…

Policy issues related to the concept of least restrictive environment (LRE) as required in P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act are reviewed and alternatives considered. Relevant legislation and litigation are reviewed in Chapter I, while the evolution of educational practice is illuminated in Chapter II in such special…

Although strongly supported by those aware of the movement, the "Back to Basics" approach in education is not clearly defined. Problems in interpreting the concept, determining basic competencies, and implementing such a program on a statewide basis are explored. (JMD)

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 71 (ACR 71) requests California's three public segments of higher education to review those policies and programs that are aimed at ensuring that all graduates "possess an understanding and awareness of non-white ethnic groups" and to consider adopting necessary policies to ensure that goal. This report…

State boards of education are changing as state policy agendas are dominated by concerns about quality of education. Presents overview of recent trends in state involvement during the period the federal role in education has been shrinking. The impetus for education reform in the 1980s has come largely from outside educational community, resulting…

This article analyzes the process and effects of changing Colorado's special education category of "significant identifiable emotional or behavior disorder" to "significant identifiable emotional disorder." The article reviews environmental forces precipitating definitional change, various opinions, the legislative decision,…

This report addresses how, and to what extent, institutional accreditation might be utilized in lieu of part or all of the State licensing review. During 1989, the State enacted legislation that considerably raised the licensing standards for private postsecondary institutions. These new State standards were used as a basis for examining the…

This monograph examines ways in which state level policies have facilitated the orderly planning and delivery of transition services for youth with serious emotional disorders. It describes the categories of policies (legislative acts and interagency agreements) and analyzes six categories of policy content. Nine components necessary in a…

Colorado's Public School Finance Act of 1988 directed all public school districts to implement state goals for improving achievement, graduation, and attendance rates. Districts and individual schools were required to develop accountability committees involving parents, staff, students, and community members in planning and evaluating school and…

This paper explores educator reactions to Oregon's House Bill 3565, officially the "Oregon Educational Act for the 21st Century," and describes how and why reactions differ among individuals and schools. The act differs from those enacted by other states in that it mandates changes that are not incremental and focuses on the…