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 "Family Engagement." Contents include: (1) Solving the Digital Divide Requires…

There have always been tests, but there have never before been so many! It is natural for parents and concerned citizens to wonder what is motivating this increase and to examine the many reasons why. Ever since there have been schools, teachers have used tests of various kinds to find out how well students are learning and if their instruction…

This report is published in accordance with Alaska Statute 14.03.120 for the school year 2003-2004. This publication reports the status of public education. It is a source of information for Alaska's educational policy makers, including legislators, the Governor, the State Board of Education & Early Development, local boards of education,…

This guide, intended for regular educators in Pitt County, North Carolina, attempts to answer questions concerning Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, compares this statute with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and offers practical suggestions for implementing Section 504. An introduction explains the right of a…

This Knowledge Brief argues for the value of creating a district accountability system that complements the state?s federally prescribed effort. It also identifies essential decisions that must be made in developing a local system and includes or points to resources that can help inform and guide the process. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requires…

This guide describes legislation, policy, and funding related to the education of students with special needs in Alberta (Canada) and outlines the province's program delivery requirements and expectations. After an introduction, the first section provides policy guidelines with excerpts from legislation concerning provincial policies and special…

This issue includes the following articles: "New Rule Increases Flexibility for Students with Disabilities," which discusses a new provision of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) that will give local school districts greater flexibility in meeting the Act's requirement for educating students with disabilities; "The Three R's for Success.…

This booklet is designed to provide ideas on how youth competencies in the areas of basic education, pre-employment and work maturity, and job-specific skills can be utilized to help disabled youth meet performance standards in programs funded under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Discussed in the introductory section are the following…

National and state assessments have produced an abundance of data regarding the strengths and weaknesses of student achievement. However, to date, little has been written to guide educators regarding the use of these data to increase student achievement. This practical guide will provide educators with a step-by-step process for gathering and…

This biweekly newsletter contains news and information about school improvement in the United States. It is designed expressly for parents and families. This issue highlights two new policies under the No Child Left Behind Act that will give states and school districts greater flexibility with respect to students with limited English proficiency.…

Intended for child advocates, this book analyzes children's educational rights under two federal statutes, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The nine chapters address the following topics: (1) the statutory framework of the two laws (including eligibility, age ranges,…

In view of the pending reauthorization of Head Start in 2003, this paper presents information on the effectiveness of Head Start, alternatives to Head Start, program funding, performance standards, and other issues germane to its reauthorization. Topics considered in the question-and-answer format of the report are: (1) Head Start benefits for…

This booklet summarizes Part 3 of the 1993 Education Act (Great Britain) which makes major changes to the way local education authorities (LEAs) and schools must identify and provide for children's special educational needs. Following a listing of specific changes between this Act and the 1981 Education Act, the booklet briefly summarizes…

This document introduces community leaders and practitioners to innovative approaches to improving workforce literacy by building accessible lifelong learning systems to prepare adults with the array of skills needed to prosper in the new economy. The introduction defines literacy and workforce literacy and outlines the challenges that education,…

This publication explores the relationship between state systemic reform initiatives and state student assessment programs using a database established by the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory and interviews with state assessment directors in California, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Texas, and Vermont. States throughout the country are…