The book analyses and evaluates several key community college reform programs that emerged after the Recession of 2008 and as a result of major initiatives in California, New York, Tennessee, Florida, Connecticut and Wisconsin. Because of the economic downturn in the early 21st Century, an already eroding financial base for public higher education…

Makerspaces have become very popular in education because they "provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build, and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering, and tinkering" (Cooper 2013). Not only do makerspaces provide a safe learning environment for students to develop their 21st century…

In January 2016, the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) commenced an 18-month project to study the implementation of California's Adult Education Block Grant (AEBG) initiative. AEBG's purpose is "to improve coordination and better serve the needs of adult learners within each region." CLASP set out to foster greater understanding…

California state law A.B. 2666 requires local educational agencies to provide special education to all children with exceptional needs between the ages of 3 and 5 years. The law aims to reduce the potential impact of handicapping conditions; produce substantial gains in physical development, cognitive development, language and speech development,…

An office-based continuing education program on acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) for dentists is described, including needs assessment, model development, local piloting, national implementation with 119 dentists, and evaluation phases. Program evaluation indicated an improvement in risk perception, knowledge, and practice resulted, but…

This guide establishes statewide networking standards and addresses key issues regarding network implementation. It is designed to be a framework for construction of access to the global electronic highway for all California public schools. An in-depth view of the major areas that must be considered when schools are developing their technology…

Examines the long-time commitment and involvement of a university and a local chapter of Phi Delta Kappa to encourage and recognize character education in local schools. Describes a public awards ceremony and includes the criteria for the values and character recognition award. Provides a list of the winning schools. (MJP)

Relates how character education can be quickly incorporated into the curriculum when teachers, the school, and the community share mutual goals and work as a team. Outlines some of the techniques used such as devoting each month to a specific character attribute and sending home newsletters to keep parents informed. (MJP)

The handbook provides a model for beginning and operating programs for talented/gifted students in rural schools, K-12, based on a program developed in Shasta County, California, in 1976-77 and disseminated nationwide in 1978-79. The model produces individualized programs planned by a committee composed of the student, classroom teacher(s),…

Describes the focus and activities of the schools involved in California's "Partnerships in Character Education" project. In its third year, the pilot project has developed five separate school programs. Team members assess the environment of the school and design a program incorporating adult modeling and curriculum integration. (MJP)

Posits character education as an integral element in transforming the mission and purpose of schooling. Discusses the grass-roots and collaborative efforts of educators in organizing information and support networks implementing character education. Maintains that character education is necessary to correct the antisocial messages and gratuitous…

Reflects on the leadership role of a County Office Superintendent in bringing character education to students countywide. Reiterates the importance of systematic training, collaborative involvement with the community, and student recognition for program success. Includes information about the Character Counts! Program and addresses for receiving…

Describes the planning and implementation of a locally developed program built on superintendent leadership, administrator and teacher participation, and community support. Outlines the work done by steering and curriculum committees and their role in garnering community support. Recent evidence suggests a decrease in school and classroom…

The manual is designed to assist California educators and public in understanding the various aspects of an effective English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program for adults. It provides theory-based and practical guidelines for conceptualizing, planning, designing, managing, and evaluating such programs. Chapters address these topics: the adult ESL…

This document provides a framework for academic and career/technical teachers who want to raise students' achievement through real-life projects reflecting the rigorous academic and technical standards needed for further learning in the workplace and postsecondary education. The document begins with definitions of the six A's of project-based…