This study examined how P-12 superintendents understand and respond to political influences on their decision-making regarding matters of student success. Participants included seven recently retired superintendents from two states. Findings revealed that the major influences on superintendents' decisions were school boards, parents, community…

This Bill of Rights for Gifted Students of Color was envisioned with the singular goal of effecting change based on equity and cultural responsiveness. The eight sections focus on fundamental issues representing removing barriers. Gifted students of color must have their gifts and talents recognized, affirmed, and developed as districts endeavor…

While the field of educational data mining (EDM) has generated many innovations for improving educational software and student learning, the mining of student data has recently come under a great deal of scrutiny. Many stakeholder groups, including public officials, media outlets, and parents, have voiced concern over the privacy of student data…

In spite of common public condemnations of domestic violence, survey research suggests that citizens aware of actual abuse often believe they cannot or should not personally respond. Through in-depth interviews with 20 local citizens across the political spectrum, we sought to explore this dynamic more carefully by better understanding community…

What happens when local school leaders sit down to talk with teachers, parents, and other members of the community about the ends and means of local education? Can people bringing different perspectives and experiences to the issue agree on top goals for their communities? Can they settle on needed changes and decide what signifies genuine…

This paper examines the Australian government's Indigenous policy by interrogating the concept of partnership between governments and Indigenous communities through three examples. Increasingly, the Australian federal government is focusing attention on the poor literacy and numeracy outcomes for Indigenous children in remote and very remote…

The history of American early education is one of changing roles and goals. As federal engagement in early childhood has shifted in response to social, political, and economic needs, few policy efforts have focused on long-term planning or coordination. The authors identify the appropriate roles of federal, state, and local governments and make 13…

Between September 2005 and January 2006, Public Education Network (PEN) held a series of public hearings to give students, parents, and community members-audiences very much affected by the law, but usually left out of the policy debate-an opportunity to tell their side of the NCLB story. The hearings serve four purposes: (1) They provide venues…

This speech outlines some criticisms of the voluntary accreditation associations as they now exist, responds to some of the criticisms, and sets forth ways in which the associations are improving their programs. Cited criticisms come from the community, professors, faculty associations, and from minority groups. The author notes that much of the…

A partnership of home and school working toward common educational goals continues to be the unformulated ideal of our society. In an effort to promote serious consideration of this relationship, six home-school relationship models are examined in light of what the author considers the "mindlessness" of present day educational planning.…

President George W. Bush's "No Child Left Behind" plan for educational improvement is based on four principles: accountability for results; local control and flexibility; expanded parental choice; and effective and successful programs. Improving education, however, will require more than just state officials, school boards, and school…

To examine the unique characteristics of rural social workers from five northeastern Iowa counties, interviewers examined the areas of lifestyle, supervision, flexibility, community resources, generalist casework as opposed to specialized casework, and the influence of gender in rural areas. The 3-phase field study (comprised of approximately 15…

The author discusses the criteria on which the functioning of student affairs officers should be evaluated and the difficulties they face due to their dual services to students and administrators. He mentions the values which should guide their work and the criteria for evaluation of their work. (SE)

Conceived as an idea book for educators, parents, concerned citizens, and others interested in special education services for handicapped children living in rural areas, these proceedings constitute the results of a 3 day workshop. Used as a guide, this document may serve as an index to possible resources for use in any typical rural area. The…

This speech outlines the purposes to be served by increased professional and lay participation in decisionmaking at school and systemwide levels. The author suggests (1) a committee structure designed to facilitate increased participation by professional and lay personnel, and (2) some methods for involving professional and lay personnel at both…