This "Building Capacity for Change" "playbook" highlights practices and strategies that proved to be effective in supporting the rollout and implementation of certain programs under the New York State Department of Health's First 1,000 Days on Medicaid Initiative, a series of evidence-based reforms aimed at improving health and…

This resource provides step-by-step guidance to teams who are developing, strengthening, or expanding a College Promise program. The Guidebook is organized into three sections that cover topics ranging from how to frame your College Promise program to evaluating and implementing it. Each section includes embedded tools and exercises to help you…

This guide is intended for teachers and administrators of programs for gifted students. Following an introductory chapter, six chapters present six survival strategies (sample subtopics in parentheses): (1) set a solid foundation for your program (stating your mission and philosophy, conducting a needs assessment); (2) cast a wide net to identify…

Designed to assist Alberta (Canada) school authorities in preparing applications for special education funding, this handbook describes the types of special education funding available, how to apply for special education funding, and how applications for special education funding are monitored. An introduction explains that school boards and…

Guidelines are offered to serve as a practical, adaptable model for implementation of a search, screening, and identification process for students eligible for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) in California. The guidelines cover: catgories of identification; appropriate grade levels for identification; general procedures for search and…

This guide to developing "Activity Days" for gifted children is a product of a New Jersey consortium of eight school districts in Burlington County, New Jersey. Briefly considered are the consortium's philosophy and program rationale. Goals and objectives of the gifted program are specified. The origins of the Activity Day program…

A survey of 66 chapters of a national autism society found that the availability of extended school year (ESY) services is increasing. Significant variation was found in how states determine eligibility, in the duration of ESY programs, and in the length of ESY days; parental dissatisfaction was also reported. (JDD)

This guide for planners, administrators, staff, and teaching personnel of Ohio's current and pending bilingual education programs is intended to share the expertise of school administrators, bilingual program staff, and teaching personnel in the area of bilingual program entry and exit criteria, review pertinent theories and studies, and address…

A survey of 10 states indicated the presence of hiring procedures that discourage or limit public-sector supported employment for persons having severe disabilities. Survey results, and recommendations for state system change to promote supported employment, are presented in 4 areas: civil service examination requirements, job classification…

The program of voluntary separation at Smith College (Massachusetts), implemented as an alternative to forced staff layoffs, is described. The plan included generous separation benefits and counseling services. Related issues are discussed, including tax considerations, eligibility, cost estimation, the plan's timeline, information dissemination,…

This guide outlines the process of screening preschool-age children in North Dakota to determine their need for special education services. As mass screenings were found to lack cost-effectiveness, selective screening is encouraged. A periodic selective screening process, using a coordinated, interagency approach, is recommended for the earliest…

The purpose of this document is to assist Florida school districts in implementing the General Educational Development (GED) Exit Option Model for students at risk of not completing high school. Students must be at least 16 years of age and currently enrolled in high school to take the GED tests through the GED Exit Option Model. In addition, the…

This document consolidates, clarifies, and updates federal regulations on Head Start services for children with disabilities. The regulations are designed to complement the Head Start Program Performance Standards governing services to all enrolled children. Specifically, these regulations require Head Start programs to: (1) design comprehensive…

The handbook contains documents that the teacher will need to implement the Orange County, Florida, public schools Chapter 1 program. Included are the following: (1) lists of Chapter 1 schools, staff, and staff assignments; (2) job description of teachers; (3) duties clarification; (4) a fact sheet about Chapter 1; (5) letter to parents advising…

Head Start Administrators must be fully knowledgeable of all applicable Federal requirements and skilled in applying these requirements in the daily operation of their program, whether starting a new program or striving to maintain a high quality program. This manual provides Head Start administrators with a compilation of the program requirements…