This bulletin discusses approaches that reformers are using nationwide to bring about improvement in urban schools. It focuses on (1) embracing more choices (school vouchers, charter schools, private management, public school transfers, home schooling, enrolling high school students in community colleges, and virtual education); (2) holding…

Recognizing the value and need for quality early childhood education programs for children ages four through eight years, the Michigan State Board of Education appointed an ad hoc committee to develop standards of quality. Based on the draft developed by this committee, this standards guide is designed to assist administrators, teachers, and…

This publication focuses on the teaching quality goals and priorities of nine Southeastern U.S. states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee), reviewing each state's Title II proposals. The report highlights seven priority areas of focus for regional alliances: constructing…

The gap between the academic achievement of minority group and white majority group students is at the forefront of educators' and policymakers' agenda in North Carolina and nationwide. The North Carolina Education Cabinet has set the target of eliminating the gap by the year 2010. This report reviews the evidence for each of several steps…

This report covers the activities of the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) from Oct. 1, 2003, to Sept. 30, 2004. From investigating the misidentification of minority students in special education, to ensuring accessibility of college campuses for students with disabilities, to facilitating access of women to equal…

By conducting a large scale survey of elementary schools across California serving similarly challenged low-income student populations, a collaborative research team (EdSource, Stanford University, U.C. Berkeley, and American Institutes for Research) sought to find which current K-5 practices and policies are most strongly correlated with high…

The papers in this book reflect current debates on academic standards and quality assurance, and speak from the perspective of institutional leaders and national quality bodies and higher education researchers. Included are reports on the progress of several international quality initiatives and studies on the impact of external quality assurance…

This issue discusses the many facets of vocational assessment in the development of transition plans and services. "Vocational Assessment: The Kick-Off Point for Successful Transitions" (Pamela J. Leconte, Debra A. Neubert) presents an overview of why assessment is important and how it connects school to work. "Professionals in…

This report describes findings of two half-day focus group meetings that discussed experiences and concerns about the participation of students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in Minnesota's Basic Standards Exams. The focus groups included test coordinators, general classroom teachers, and English as a Second Language teachers. The report…

These hearings were concerned with the authorization of the Higher Education Act 1998 amendments. The hearing focused on affordability of postsecondary education, simplifying the student financial aid system, and academic quality for students. The document reports testimony of representatives of professional associations and Pennsylvania…

This report presents data on high school performance indicators for the 1999-00 school year in Bronx, New York. Data are provided on: background; students (numbers and ethnicity); state accountability indicators in English and language arts (full cohort and seniors in the cohort); state accountability indicators in mathematics (full cohort);…

This report presents data on high school performance indicators for the 1999-00 school year in Brooklyn, New York. Data are provided on: background; students (numbers and ethnicity); state accountability indicators in English and language arts (full cohort and seniors in the cohort); state accountability indicators in mathematics (full cohort);…

This report presents data on high school performance indicators for the 1999-00 school year in Manhattan, New York. Data are provided on: background; students (numbers and ethnicity); state accountability indicators in English and language arts (full cohort and seniors in the cohort); state accountability indicators in mathematics (full cohort);…

This report presents data on high school performance indicators for the 1999-00 school year in Queens, New York. Data are provided on: background; students (numbers and ethnicity); state accountability indicators in English and language arts (full cohort and seniors in the cohort); state accountability indicators in mathematics (full cohort);…

This report presents data on high school performance indicators for the 1999-00 school year regarding the articulated alternative in New York City high schools. Data are provided on: background; students (numbers and ethnicity); state accountability indicators in English language arts (full cohort and seniors in the cohort); state accountability…