Geography at elementary and middle schools in Louisiana, USA., remains a social studies strand along with civics, economics, and history, with no state-required geography course at any level. But because schools may require more geography than the state standard, this research examines the extent to which K-12 students are exposed to geography in…

The recent midterm elections brought New England two new governors. Rhode Island elected its first woman chief executive in Gina Raimondo (D). Massachusetts elected Charlie Baker (R), a former Harvard Pilgrim CEO and official in the Weld and Cellucci administrations. Otherwise, the New England corner offices cautiously welcomed back incumbents:…

One method to develop leaders is through leadership development programs designed specifically for an intended context. The International Leadership Association (ILA) provides questions for designing programs such programs. This article reflects data collected during the process of developing a leadership program serving the broader agricultural…

Prior to 2003, virtual universities were being created at a rate that would question the usual perception that higher education rarely changed, or changed (if at all) at a glacial speed. No comprehensive study of what was actually being created had been done; nor had anyone tapped the experiences of the developers in the states to see what was…

Looks at the history of the outcome-based education (OBE) movement and offers opinions from a variety of federal and state officials and Christian organizations. Discusses the fit between OBE and vocational-technical education. (JOW)

A small state agency used the FLC model to collaborate with campuses on faculty development efforts that resulted in successful implementation of pedagogically robust and technologically enhanced programs. 2003-04 Ohio Learning Network Faculty Learning Communities are appended.

Pennsylvania's education reforms seek to accomplish many aims of outcome-based education--namely less reliance on time as the primary organizational component and greater focus on what students must know and be able to do to graduate from high school. The point is to raise academic achievement by establishing high standards. (Author)

A statewide "Dialogue in Education" in Minnesota--beginning with "town meetings"--has helped policymakers to find strategies and programs to focus on adults' and students' objectives. Citizens' priorities include the basic skills, maintaining the current curriculum, and improved graduation competencies. (CJH)

A survey seeking basic information about elementary school foreign-language instruction in Michigan indicated that the programs generally have goals relevant to current literature, are diverse, are generally meeting their goals, and are well accepted by educators, parents, and the community. (CB)

Reports results of statewide studies in Minnesota to determine curriculum goals and desired outcomes for secondary home economics. The conceptual frameworks of home and family are outlined, and a list of content areas and essential learner outcomes for each is provided. (SK)

Provides the information currently available on the types of programs offered for prekindergartners and the children served by or through local and state education agencies. Examines types of preschool services offered, families being served, and the implications for the field of early childhood. Expresses concern about settings of unknown…

The New Jersey Education Association outlines a 55 point plan for quality education in New Jersey school districts, in relation to the state's 1975 school improvement law for "Thorough and Efficient Education." (SJL)

Describes the DTL (Distance Teaching and Learning) Academy that was developed to help South Dakota's teachers use technology more effectively, including two-way videoconferencing equipment. Topics include goals; influence of the TTL (Teaching and Learning Academy); developing distance education courses; professional development opportunities for…

This issue of the Multi-State Consortium on Performance-Based Teacher Education (PBTE) newsletter presents: (1) the goals of the states of Florida, Vermont, and Washington for public school education; (2) an examination of the most frequently proposed controversial issues concerning PBTE; (3) description of a plan for the development of school…

Describes goal/objectives, course content/materials, context/users/beneficiaries, and transferability of the Maine Studies Curriculum, a state-validated demonstration project taught as part of the regular school curriculum. Also describes project evaluation (pilot testing, interpretability of measures, credibility of evidence, evidence of impact…