The aim of this essay is to advance understandings of current efforts to democratize disciplined approaches to educational innovation and improvement in the US and other countries, with a specific focus on the macro-level policy contexts of improvement research in education. In the US, earlier analyses examined these policy contexts from a…

Legislation leading to the mandating of accountability testing in schools was chronicled between the publication of "A Nation at Risk" (1983) to the conclusion of No Child Left Behind (2016). Involvement in education by the federal government increased throughout the educational legislation during this time period. The Omnibus Trade and…

A history of the achievement levels for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) could be documented in different ways. A chronological history might be the obvious approach, but in the author's view, that could miss the most salient aspects of setting student performance standards on an assessment like NAEP. Further, new initiatives…

The Secretary of Education, in his State of American Education Address, suggests that the nation is no longer at risk, but on the move. He indicates that Goals 2000 is the force behind the effort to raise standards, to get technology into the classroom, and to set high expectations for everyone. (JOW)

A Nation at Risk, Goals 2000, and No Child Left Behind are examples of external factors that compel educational leaders at local schools and districts to explore reform initiatives in order to meet federally required results. Because of political mandates to improve student learning and instruction, educational leaders are searching for…

The National Educational Technology Standards Project, partly funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, aims to develop technology performance standards for preK-12 students, establish specific applications of technology throughout the curriculum, provide standards for supporting technology in schools, and address student…

Claims that rigorous standards in schools will help children in navigating in the changing economy. Explains that Goals 2000 legislation, passed in 1994, can energize and expand local efforts to strengthen schools and reach high standards. Claims that teachers are the heart of educational improvement, while parents and business partners can…

An ever growing body of research indicates that parental involvement is a key factor in the success of children in school. Studies have shown that children whose parents take an active interest in their education benefit in a number of ways. These children generally have higher academic achievement, better attendance, a sense of well-being, a…

This action guide reflects the discussions and recommendations of the Goals 2000 Education Action Planning Process. The booklet includes a summary checklist of critical actions that must be taken by those working at the national, state, and local levels to advance the arts in the Goals 2000 education improvement process. The sections of the…

The Goals 2000 is a national effort to improve education in American schools so students can compete with other students throughout the world. This report is the District of Columbia's translation of the national initiative reflecting its efforts to improve student education that addresses the Goals 2000 objectives. It incorporates input from the…

Reviews national policy initiatives that have supported local efforts for school improvement. These include the reauthorized Title I program (Improving America's Schools Act of 1994) and the enactment of the Goals 2000 Act. Discusses the five themes identified by the U.S. Department of Education as essential for comprehensive educational…

Education reforms such as "A Nation at Risk" and "Goals 2000" have come and gone. However, educators can be confident that the goal of student improvement shall not pass if the core mission is student learning. The true mission of learning has prompted educators to ponder the following questions: (1) How should each student to…

The Goals 2000: Educate America Act, which became law in 1994 and was amended in 1996, emphasizes student learning through a long-term, broad-based effort to promote coherent and coordinated improvements in education. A report of this act's influence on education is presented here. The text provides a history of Goals 2000, including the…

School leaders are increasingly coming under the gun of accountability, and this monograph is designed to help leaders think about, understand, and respond thoughtfully and effectively to the increasing demands for accountability in education. It provides a comprehensive and rather sophisticated set of concepts and insights into accountability…

Explains application procedures for state first-year funding under Title III of the Goals 2000 Act and the requirements of a state's second-year application. Cites two resources for building successful community partnerships to improve schools, and lists federal requirements that may be waived if they impede the implementation of state or local…