The purpose of this critical study is to generate knowledge about decisions by education authorities that serve an advisory and normative function for Swedish preschool education at the operational level, with a focus on work with children in need of special support. This has been achieved by scrutinising documents generated in conjunction with a…

This paper deals with some of the problems that the Politics of Education has to face both as a subject and as a government action. Based above all on the literature appeared in specialized journals during the last five years, our attention is firstly focused on the concern for using an active methodology in the teaching of this subject which…

Students' abilities to complete and learn from each learning task successfully depend on more than their content knowledge. Success depends on how well they can identify, select, evaluate, adjust, and implement appropriate strategies for applying what they know in tackling the task at hand. Their success is influenced by their perception of…

This article reviews the historical context in which Canadian legislation and policy for children with special needs has evolved. The potential for the rights of students with special needs in light of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is outlined. The role of the Federal and Provincial governments in legislation and policy vis-à-vis…

The executive editor provides documentation on the widely publicized Kentucky school finance case, focusing events stemming from Lower Circuit Court Judge Ray Corns's decision that the state school financing system was unconstitutional. Barwick summarizes dates and events, beginning with a questionable June 1973 finance plan through adoption of a…

This paper presents observations on a nationwide review of recent state education policy initiatives. The intent of the review was to identify initiatives that have been implemented since most of the data in the "Measuring Up 2000" report were collected, roughly academic year 1997-1998. The review emphasized higher education but did…

America's high schools play an integral role in preparing students for college and work in the 21st century. High school success is more important than ever for the health of our economy, for civic life, and to ensure equal opportunity. Unfortunately, the quality of state high school graduation and dropout data is such that most states cannot…

This paper examines the social, political, and economic factors that influenced the adoption and diffusion of early-elementary school class-size-reduction policies at the state level. It applies a neo-institutional framework to explain the rapid spread of class-size reduction policies throughout many state legislatures and boards of education. It…

This paper presents information to be used by school-leadership teams engaged in the development of school-improvement plans. It reviews recent literature on shared leadership and collaborative schools, school-improvement teams, school culture, and effective schools/positive learning environments. The paper also identifies school-level and…

In every state of the United States, efforts are under way to improve the way education is provided; however, no single reform strategy dominates. This document summarizes major statewide reforms under way in each of the 50 states. The impetus for reform, the driving agencies or institutions behind reform, as well as the intended results, vary…

In recent years, many policy makers, including officials in the Federal Government and the National Governors' Association, have advocated public school choice as the answer to the problems of public education. In 1987, Minnesota was the first state to pass legislation implementing a statewide, interdistrict, open enrollment plan for public…

A survey of key educational leaders at the state level revealed strong support for most of the recommendations advocated by national reports such as "A Nation at Risk." Surveys went to school board leadership, executive directors of state associations for administrators, state affiliates of teacher organizations, and state…

Reveals some of the lessons learned from state and local efforts to transform low-performing schools. Summarizes and analyzes the state and local intervention experience based on a review of efforts undertaken in 22 states since 1989. Classifies these interventions in terms of their intrusiveness: mild, moderate, and strong. (Contains 12…

Chronicles the history of federal laws governing use of court interpreters, focusing on the Court Interpreters Act of 1978. The Spanish/English Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination is discussed, and problems in state court interpreter selection, policy formation, and improvement of interpreting quality are presented. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the educational finance problems facing West Virginia since Judge Arthur Recht ruled the state's school funding system unconstitutional because it created disparities and inequities. Unfortunately, Judge Jerry Cook's 1987 funding plan was overturned in November 1988, and the state legislature has failed to address property reappraisal…