A national focus group with 25 participants explored the current state of services for persons with disabilities in adult basic education (ABE) and how the ABE and disability communities could work together to create better service models. It found many states are doing little in this area. Six key findings were as follows: state ABE programs are…

With the passage of federal welfare reform in 1996, accountability for the well-being of low-income families has shifted substantially from the federal government to the states, making it increasingly important to assess the economic well-being of children at the state level. This research brief examines the differences in poverty rates for…

This paper provides a rationale for the importance of new teacher induction. Data come from an examination of relevant studies and of local, national, and international induction practices. Successful induction practices (1) help new employees settle into their environment, (2) help them understand their responsibilities, and (3) ensure that the…

This annual report combines the November, January, April, June, and August provincial results in diploma examination courses in the Alberta (Canada) schools. The graphs, tables, and text describe student performance for the entire school year. The report is designed to assist school personnel in identifying patterns of students' achievement in the…

The Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) is a state-mandated, criterion-referenced or mastery test that has been administered since the 1990-91 school year. The TAAS measures student mastery of the statewide curriculum in reading and mathematics at grades 3 through 8 and at the exit level, and in writing at grades 4 and 8 and at the exit…

Teachers' reactions to the administration and scoring of the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program tests (MSPAP) were studied, focusing on their direct and indirect exposure to tasks and evaluative criteria through the experience of scoring the MSPAP. Since its inception in 1991, the MSPAP has been scored in-state by certified teachers…

State, federal, and local spending on low-income children are examined for 13 states to help policymakers see the priorities that are actually reflected in their spending. The 13 states were chosen to ensure geographic, political, and economic diversity as part of the "Assessing the New Federalism" project, and together they include about half of…

This collection of papers presented at a 1996 conference on children's mental health focuses on program evaluation efforts within states and systems of care. Individual papers have the following titles and authors: (1) "An Overview of State Public Mental Health Programs for Children with a Serious Emotional Disturbance" (Pamela C. Roddy); (2) "A…

For assessments that present problems that require extended responses and substantial amounts of time, there is often a desire to allow students to choose which problem they will respond to among two or more options. Student choice of problem may allow students a better opportunity to demonstrate what they know and are able to do. On the other…

During 1997-1998, the Florida Education and Employment Council for Women and Girls has continued an analysis of strategies to assist all Florida women in achieving self-sufficiency. As part of that effort, the council examined registered apprenticeship programs as an avenue of on-the-job training offering women, as well as men, high-skilled,…

This report evaluates the "counselor plus case aide" outreach model used to deliver vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to American Indians on northern Minnesota reservations. The report also documents other existing VR outreach efforts to American Indians, based on a survey of state VR agency directors. Evaluation of the Minnesota…

Support for primary-age, at-risk children is examined in the context of renewed national interest in intervention programs for this population. This report describes alternative approaches to identifying characteristics of at-risk students and then presents a summary of states' definitions of "handicapped" or "disadvantaged."…

This report describes training programs for paraprofessionals to accommodate the rapid growth of special education services in rural Kansas. Developed and implemented by state and local education agencies, the programs are based on the performance competencies established for paraprofessionals, and certification is enforced through the State…

The New York State Governor's Advisory Committee for Black Affairs has published eight policy reports that evaluate State initiatives impacting the lives of black New Yorkers. Special emphasis was placed on the following areas: (1) development of increased opportunities in all aspects of State government; (2) coordination of resources to create…

A task force on private-public sector education in Virginia concluded that transfer and award of credit between public and private sector education providers should be facilitated. Based on the task force recommendations, the Virginia Council on Vocational Education made three recommendations to the State Board for Community Colleges and…