Focuses on how one Canadian province, Ontario, and one American state, Florida, have responded to the new realities of an increasingly multicultural society in terms of second- and foreign-language education policies and practices. Strengths and weaknesses of each approach are analyzed. (SLD)

Five case studies of implementation of instructional policy changes at the classroom level by elementary-school mathematics teachers are discussed. The case studies focus on California's new Mathematics Framework. The interaction between teacher practice and policy is emphasized. Teachers' inherited beliefs, knowledge, and existing practices are…

Directors of gifted and talented programs in 38 states responded to a Gifted Practices Survey. The survey addressed identification, evaluation methods, definitions, role of the regular classroom teacher, certification programs, and the history of providing services and special funding. Findings suggest that states appear to be engaging in expected…

Describes the adoption of non-textbook-based materials for elementary science instruction in California. The necessary collaboration between educational technology, curriculum, and instructional professionals is discussed; integrated multimedia materials are described that include software, video, kits, and booklets; and the role of teachers and…

Describes the school choice program and its implementation in Minnesota. The Post-Secondary Options program offers public high school students the chance to take courses in other high schools or colleges. The High School Graduation Incentive Program helps students work out their educational problems and graduate from high school. (JB)

Choice plans include private schools (voucher plans, tax credits and deductions, and contract services and charter plans) and public schools (intradistrict choice, interdistrict choice, and statewide choice). Issues spanning both areas are those of curricular choice and residential choice. (SLD)

Explains issues involved in establishing "charter schools," public schools set up by outside educators or others under a contract granted by some responsible public body. Elements of the Minnesota charter law are discussed. The idea of alternate sponsorship is critical to new and better ways of education. (SLD)

Discussion of redesigning the current models of public education focuses on the Schoolyear 2000 Initiative in Florida, which is aimed at large-scale redesign of schooling. Design requirements for the new model are described, the role of technology is discussed, and the use of quality systems and total quality management (TQM) concepts is reviewed.…

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education's Program for Access and Equity improves minority participation and achievement in state colleges and universities by working with institutional leaders and state officials. It addresses statewide needs, emphasizes state and institutional planning, and stresses qualitative and quantitative minority…

Discusses "Always a River," a joint project of six midwestern state humanities councils that focuses on the Ohio River Valley's history, ecology, and development. Highlights exhibitions to be set up on a river barge that will tour Ohio River towns and cities during 1991. Stresses interrelationships between the river and the communities…

Executive and legislative branches of the New York State government have made consistent efforts to address the dropout problem, which is particularly acute in urban schools, through new initiatives and increased funding. State aid programs are summarized, and suggestions for improvement are provided. (SLD)

Analyzes public opinion on school choice using telephone survey data from 1,508 Detroit (Michigan) metropolitan area residents. Examines within-district, cross-district, statewide, and tax credit options. Substantial support for school choice is demonstrated, and residents overall are receptive to choice, in spite of the area's history of extreme…

Considers state and national policies directed toward the homeless. Problems with policies for immunization and vaccination requirements, transportation, parent participation, domestic violence, and home schooling are discussed. Alternative solutions that may be more conducive to the education of the homeless are offered. (SLD)

The test security policies and practices of state departments of education were investigated in a survey responded to by 46 states for 1989-90. The most detailed test security procedures have been implemented when test stakes are highest. Complex procedures are only considered cost effective in large-scale programs. (SLD)

Results from the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program for 5,392 elementary school students and from the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (multiple choice) for a national sample are used to explore local item independence (LID) of test items. Some strategies are suggested for measuring LID in performance assessments. (SLD)