This study examines the validity of a statewide teacher evaluation system in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Three hundred and thirty-eight teachers from 16 at-risk schools located in eight school districts participated in an evaluation system pilot during the 2011-2012 academic year. Teachers received ratings on six teacher effectiveness process…

This article discusses national, state, and local youth service, noting the initiatives of 1984-5, the association of national youth services with the military draft, some keys to deriving maximum value from youth service initiatives, and the outcomes that can be anticipated from a youth service program. (DCS)

Whenever performance assessment has been introduced into statewide testing programs, various potentially paralyzing difficulties have been encountered surrounding test accuracy, reliability, validity, or suitability. Programs in some states have been discontinued or placed in jeopardy. It is uncertain whether educators can overcome these problems…

On the premise that alternatives are needed and that they will have a better service and survival rate if they are public rather than private, Illinois has instituted a network for educational options. (Editor)

The authors review the background of competency-based education (CBE), discuss its merits and drawbacks, and cite recommendations from the National Association of Secondary School Principals. (DS)

Describes the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC), made up of universities, colleges, and the state department of education, which offers assistance in equipment procurement, courseware development, and inservice training in the use of computers in education. (Author/JM)

The success of the South Carolina Assessment Center Project, the first statewide center, is credited to five basic principles that have guided efforts thus far: (1) establish credibility; (2) pay attention to details; (3) apply safeguards; (4) maintain public support; and (5) make the assessment experience humane. (TE)

The author, himself an executive secretary of a state association, suggests areas in the realm of status and welfare for continued discussion and consideration by both state and national associations. (Editor)

Decremental planning is synonymous with the management of decline. (Author/IRT)

The supposed gulf between curriculum development as it is practiced, and curriculum theory, may be an imaginary one, this article suggests. Textbook curriculum axioms are used to analyze Mississippi's Accountability and Instructional Management program, and it is found to be consistent with the theory taught in college classrooms. (DCS)

Briefly describes some programs that identify and help assess the transnational links of local communities. Such programs can help individuals, local groups, and agencies expand their awareness and improve their knowledge and skill for intelligent participation in the world system. (Author/IRT)

A commission established by Ohio to reduce the number of first-year college students requiring remedial courses recommended updating and standardizing the college preparatory curriculum, improving teacher education, and enhancing communication between students, parents, and educators at all levels. These recommendations, responses to them, and…