This issue of R&D Alert focuses on a perennial challenge in education and human development: how to make the most of information, whether test results, research findings, or other data. What happens with all the data generated by testing students? How is it ensured that the information is accurate, relevant, and timely? How do the results…

In many of the 40 states where assessment is required by state law or policy, faculty members and administrators have shaped assessment programs so that colleges have the flexibility to use several kinds of measurements, not just tests. Some of the political controversy brought about by assessment requirements are described. (MLW)

Describes findings and recommendations of the first annual report of the Massachusetts Education Reform Review Commission, which focused on standards and assessments, accountability, district and teacher capacity, and funding. (PKP)

In the District Composite Report, up to six years of data is presented. Each year, this report is updated by adding the most current year?s data and deleting the data that are more than six years old. Incorporating longitudinal data in the District Composite Report enables policy makers to anticipate changes in educational outcomes, not just…

This document concerns performance appraisal as mandated by the North Carolina Legislature for all certified educational professionals. It notes that, in 1985, all newly certified professional education personnel, including school psychologists, came under the Initial Certification Program (ICP) requirements which issued newly certified school…

In the District Composite Report for Madison Parish, up to six years of data is presented. Each year, this report is updated by adding the most current year's data and deleting the data that are more than six years old. Incorporating longitudinal data in the District Composite Report enables policy makers to anticipate changes in educational…

This report contains a synopsis of all public education waivers to improve student achievement granted to Texas school districts during the period from September 1, 1991 through August 31, 1992. The purpose of the waivers is to set aside a requirement or prohibition imposed by state law that inhibits student achievement. The state's educational…

This progress report, as required by Act 359 of the South Carolina General Assembly, describes activities of a consortium of business and academic leaders toward development of a performance-based funding plan based on 37 performance indicators for public institutions of higher education in the state. Briefly summarized are the status of: measures…

Discusses technology-related requirements for teacher licensure and certification, describing the Milken Exchange State-by-State Education Technology Policy Survey and examining the increasing power and influence of state professional standards boards, the move to performance-based program approval and licensing, the move to increased teacher…

This report presents information on what changes might strengthen the Department of Education's role as the "gatekeeper" for approving schools before their students can receive federal student aid. The review focuses on the proprietary (for profit) school sector. The report shows that adequate controls are not in place within the Department of…

A Texas State Job Training Coordinating Council task force developed a series of recommendations regarding improving Texas' current employment and training system to prepare the state's residents for the "smart jobs of the future." A formal literature review was conducted, and regional forums were held and attended by a wide range of…