The Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative (MBLC) is a demonstration project taking place in 47 schools across Washington to help decision makers understand what quality mastery-based (or competency-based) learning looks like, how long it takes to implement, and what resources are necessary. The schools receive funding, coaching, and professional…

The term "STEM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education refers to teaching and learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It typically includes educational activities across all grade levels--from pre-school to post-doctorate--in both formal (e.g., classrooms) and informal (e.g.,…

Over the course of six years, a diverse group of school districts and charter management organizations in California ran a substantial experiment in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in elementary and middle grades. WestEd led an extensive evaluation of that effort, the California K-8 NGSS Early Implementers Initiative,…

Increased attention to proposed federal early childhood education (ECE) legislation has sparked a debate on what the future holds for state-funded ECE systems. This brief explores how the goal of universal preschool is being shaped by the federal agenda and examines state programs in various stages of development. President Obama's Preschool for…

This report identifies what are thought to be smart ways to redesign career paths and compensation for California teachers. It is known which changes are most likely to improve both teaching quality and student achievement, because these changes address what really matters in schools and what motivates teachers. These are not the traditional and…

Home visiting is one tool used to prevent child abuse and improve child well-being by providing education and services in families' homes through parent education and connection to community resources. This toolkit provides state policymakers and advocates with strategies for extending and expanding access to state- or federally-funded home…

The audience for this guide is state, local, and program leaders who want to learn more about federal funding sources that can support early literacy programs and systems reform. Funding available through federal programs can help address the underlying causes of children failing to learn to read by the end of third grade, such as limited access…

Describes how one of Kentucky's fastest growing counties handles growth-related problems without zoning ordinances using an innovative Development Guidance System. Discusses the origin and adoption of the system, system procedures, criteria used in granting development permits, and public reaction. (LFL)

This annual report on the comprehensive 5-year program for the enhancement of library services in New York State (1) provides a benchmark for the continuing planning, development, and evaluation of state library services; (2) summarizes the objectives, policies, and programs undertaken for the improvement of those services; (3) serves as a guide…

ED QUEST (Quick Environmental Scanning Techniques) is a strategic planning process designed to identify emerging trends, issues, and events which portend threats or opportunities for colleges and universities, analyze their probable impact on the institution, and facilitate the development of appropriate institutional strategies. A workshop was…

This annual report provides a blueprint for higher education in Missouri and reviews activities undertaken throughout the state to further these goals. It outlines the vision statement for higher education in the state and summarizes the 1996 Governor's Conference on Higher Education. The report goes on to discuss the state's plan for…

Designed to inform the library community about the programs, services, staff, and fiscal status of the Colorado State Library, this annual report includes highlights of the following programs: (1) Public Library Development; (2) School Library Media; (3) Network Development and Automation; (4) Regional Library Service Systems Coordination; (5)…

This report summarizes the results of Harvard University's academic planning process that took place from 1991 to 1993. An introduction outlines the process's basic goals: (1) to maintain and strengthen Harvard's excellence in education and research and to sustain its leadership position; (2) to remain open and accessible to the most outstanding…

A 2-year review and assessment of major interlibrary loan issues and problems was conducted by the Wisconsin Interlibrary Loan Telecommunications Committee, which was charged with studying and making recommendations on the best use of telecommunications equipment for transmission of interlibrary loan and reference requests by libraries within the…

Based on perceptions from interviews and the available literature, this report examines the manner in which Oklahoma's libraries and library-related institutions or agencies deal with continuing professional library education. A discussion of providers and consumers describes the provision of staff and career development opportunities by library…