The purpose of this study is to investigate policy coalitions of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) at U.S. congressional hearings. This study is grounded in the advocacy coalition framework, which argues that advocacy coalitions are forged by policy actors who have similar policy preferences. To identify the coalitions, according to the policy…

School site leadership has commanded the attention of researchers and policymakers in Anglo-American jurisdictions for at least two decades, but little is known about how many other parts of the globe have addressed this topic. This paper reviews published research and policy documents related to school leadership in Latin America between…

This report focuses on systems thinking and its place in education transformation. It reflects on key published literature and on specific outputs from the Education Development Trust's own programme of research. The report offers an overview of the evolution of systems thinking and the relevance for policymakers and practitioners as they tackle…

This article synthesises findings from two systematic reviews that examined evidence of the link between large-scale assessments (LSAs) and education policy in economically developing countries and in countries of the Asia-Pacific. Analyses summarise evidence of assessment characteristics and policy goals of LSAs that influence education policy,…

This paper addresses efforts to monitor and control the applications of behavioral technology in human services. A brief review of accountability from a behavioral perspective is followed by viewpoints on the rights of clients subject to behavioral interventions. Three state/provincial efforts at creating policy and guidelines are examined.…

Provides an update on the current status of high stakes testing and accountability programs in the United States, conducts a review of important litigation related to high stakes accountability, and highlights best practices for policy makers based on the development of the Arkansas accountability program. (SLD)

School based management appears to offer a desirable alternative to the traditional centralized control of most school systems, particularly if individual school accountability is to be emphasized. However, questions about students, staff, curriculum, facilities, and finance must be answered before shifting responsibility from the central district…

It has been suggested that policy formation may be influenced by multiple models, institutional theories, rations models of policy, as well as policy perceived as an interpretive problem. This paper examines the history of accountability reporting and educational goals policy in New Mexico and recent evidence from school-level personnel in light…

This article explores the ways in which policy-makers in Arizona, Michigan and Georgia understood the charter concept when adopting charter legislation. Drawing on literature on policy formation, the paper traces both the creation of the charter law in each state, and the underlying rationales that led policy-makers to support the legislation. The…

This paper attempts to conceptualize, sort, and analyze national and state policies that have affected teacher education programs during the last 30 years. If teacher recruitment, preparation, licensing, and professional development are situated at the ropes center, then who is winning the tug-of-war over teacher education policy making. The paper…

School accountability options are briefly discussed in this exectuve summary of the document, "Accountability: Implications for State and Local Policymakers," by Michael W. Kirst. Six accountability policies are examined, which include performance reporting, monitoring and compliance, incentive systems, reliance on the market, changing the locus…

The trend toward increased institutional evaluation in Swedish higher education is examined from several viewpoints: as part of a broad system of policy formation, as a phase in an active process of change, and as an interactive process within a complex institution. (MSE)

A study covering an 18-year historical analysis of a school district dealing with intentional leadership and the decentralization of decision making is presented. (Author/CB)

Provides a detailed introduction to the variety of purposes for which evaluation research may be used and to the range of methods currently employed in the practice of that field. Uses specific examples, where appropriate, to provide concrete illustrations of both the goals of evaluation researchers and the methods used. (Author)

This article highlights the three sets of policy issues that particularly affect students with emotional and behavioral disorders: issues related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; continued concerns with school discipline and safety; and the focus on accountability in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. (Contains references.)…